The Moon is our constantly changing companion. She lifts our tides and lights our nights. She reflects our needs, moods and daily deeds.

StarIQ cofounder Jeff Jawer looks at astrological events for this lunar cycle to describe energy patterns for the month ahead. This is a big picture view of the general cosmic weather that affects us all.

For a detailed personal forecast based on your unique birth chart check out Your Big Picture Forecast and the 30-Day Forecast created by Jeff Jawer and Rick Levine. Click on Celebrity Sample see the detailed transit information these reports provide.

New Moon in Gemini
Saturday, June 8, 8:56 am PDT, 11:56 am EDT

The New Moon in Gemini is buzzing with ideas and information. This cerebral Mercury-ruled sign stimulates connections with new concepts and individuals, increasing the amount of data in our lives. Conversations flow freely as curiosity grows and interests multiply. The challenge is learning to cut through an overabundance of input to focus on those people and activities that help you to achieve your goals. While it's great to be intellectually adventurous, distractions abound, making it easy to get lost if we're not selective about where we direct our attention.

Saturn trine Neptune
Tuesday, June 11

This harmonious alignment of pragmatic Saturn and compassionate Neptune first occurred on October 10, 2012. It returns for the third and final time next month on July 19, when it will be supercharged as Jupiter and Mars in Cancer join the party to form an emotionally powerful Grand Water Trine. But this month we have a chance to recognize the concrete steps required to make our dreams come true. The positive connection of the planets that represent the real and the ideal helps us to be strong and tender at the same time. This capacity to work hard and stick to our commitments (Saturn) in the service of spirituality and imagination (Neptune) can produce wondrous results.

Sun in Cancer
Thursday, June 20, 10:04 pm PDT, Friday, June 21, 1:04 am EDT

The Sun's entry into cardinal water sign Cancer marks the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the Winter Solstice south of the equator. This solar shift represents a turning point when we tend to sink roots and seek security. It's tempting to retreat to old habits and belief systems, yet living in the past is not an effective way to create a more fulfilling future. Cancer is like the crab that has to shed its shell in order to grow. We pass through a stage of vulnerability when our defenses are down. Yet carefully advancing in spite of our fears provides the emotional nourishment we need to take our lives in a desirable new direction.

Full Moon in Capricorn
Sunday, June 23, 4:32 am PDT, 7:32 am EDT

The toughness of the Capricorn Moon encounters the sensitivity of the Cancer Sun, challenging us to integrate these seemingly opposite conditions. Capricorn is about advancing material interests while Cancer is about protecting personal ones. Planetary assistance comes from Saturn, Capricorn's ruling planet, which is forming favorable aspects to both the Sun and the Moon. The ringed planet is in Scorpio where we meet our fears and desires, yet also find the resourcefulness to overcome the former and satisfy the latter. The key is finding and applying passion that corresponds to both Capricorn's external ambitions and Cancer's inner needs.

Jupiter in Cancer
Tuesday, June 25, 6:40 pm PDT, 9:40 pm EDT

Expansive Jupiter starts its yearlong stay in caring Cancer, its traditional sign of exaltation, indicating that this giant planet is likely to be more effective during the next twelve months. Jupiter is about truth and optimism while Cancer is a sign of instincts and emotions. Therefore, we have a great deal to learn from our feelings. Yet while this transit also emphasizes tribal wisdom, if we limit our beliefs to traditional ideas of religion, community and nation, progress may be difficult. However, when we are fully present and aware of our current feelings and blend them with valuable lessons we've learned in the past, material and psychological growth are inevitable.

Mercury Retrograde
Wednesday, June 26

Brainy Mercury has been soaking in emotional waters since swimming into contemplative Cancer on May 31. Its reversal of direction on June 26 continues to drive thinking inward where it increases intuition that comes with a loss of objectivity. This retrograde cycle, lasting until July 20, is a time to review recent thinking and to reconnect with potential allies and friends. Family matters may resurface as well, which might cause complications but can also provide another chance to understand their dynamics well enough to change old patterns. The usual Mercury retrograde concerns about lost data, muddled messages and difficulties with travel and technology apply, so double-check details and think twice before speaking to reduce complications.

Venus in Leo
Thursday, June 27, 10:04 am PDT, 1:04 pm EDT

The love planet turns up the volume on romance in dramatic Leo. This is the sign of the heart where there's no holding back when it comes to appreciation and affection. A little extravagance can go a long way to pleasing others and boosting your own self-esteem. Opening hearts with generosity and a willingness to take risks in matters of the heart is a wonderful thing. It is possible, though, that appearances can be deceiving as the need to act with apparent confidence may hide deeper issues within relationships.

Sun opposite Pluto and square Uranus
July 1-4

The tender Cancer Sun goes through some tense neighborhoods as its opposition to potent Pluto may spur mistrust and power struggles while the square with electrifying Uranus is likely to spring surprises. Yet these powerful transits can also awaken creativity and consciousness that taps into the transformational power of these two outer planets.

Saturn Direct
Sunday, July 7

Karma and consequences may come to the surface as responsible Saturn begins moving forward. Fortunately, this planetary shift is also useful for making long-term commitments, acting with maturity and patience, earning respect and finding the discipline to achieve our goals.

The diverse Gemini New Moon increases options and spurs curiosity. Intellectual flexibility provides different perspectives that help to overcome fixed emotional patterns, habits and beliefs that inhibit growth. Explore, experiment and allow yourself to taste, test and try activities knowing that you have the freedom to drop them if they don't serve your needs.

Have a great month!

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