TWO PLANETS AT A STANDSTILL:

These next two weeks ~ the final week of June and the first week of July 2024 ~ are dominated by the influences of two planets with very different agendas: realistic, goal-oriented Saturn and idealistic, go-with-the-flow Neptune. Both planets are virtually at a standstill as they prepare to go retrograde; Saturn reaches its station this Saturday, June 29, and Neptune follows suit on Tuesday, July 2.

When a planet slows to change direction, we feel its energy more profoundly than at other times. The analogy I like to use is that of a train coming into the railway station, where we are standing on the platform. As the train appears in the station yard, we begin to feel the vibration and hear the sound of its engine. The intensity of that sensory input increases as the train draws closer and closer, slowing its speed. Finally, the locomotive comes to a full stop directly in front of us, and the vibration and roar of the engine are at their peak. This represents the point at which the transiting planet is at a standstill.

The train then reverses direction, pulling out of the station. As it picks up speed and moves out of the railway yard, we gradually become less aware of the noise and the vibration. Similarly, once a planet has stationed and begins to move in its new direction, we are less immediately aware of its energies.

THE SATURN EFFECT: When Saturn's influence is strong, we usually experience some form of a reality check. We can more clearly see what is and isn't working for us, and often discover that some practical decisions or actions need to be taken. 

One of the analogies I like to use for Saturn's effect is that of realizing that we need to prune a tree. There may be suckers around the base of the trunk that are drawing energy away from healthy growth. There may be dead branches that could be hazardous and need to be removed. Or there may be too many branches, or too much fruit on the branches, or limbs that are blocking a clear view out our window.

With Saturn in full force, we tend to be more objective about the branches on our "tree." We may make concrete decisions about what to retain and what to delete. These decisions are likely to be in the area of life ruled by the house in our natal chart where transiting Saturn is located or related to the themes of one of our natal planets, if Saturn is aspecting that planet at the time of its station. 

And while we may feel a certain level of detachment about the process of pruning, the shadow side of Saturn can manifest as fear or depression. These emotions can occur if we feel attached to the branches that we now realize need to be removed, or if we feel overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. And, since Saturn is stationing in esoteric Pisces, its energies could manifest as a spiritual challenge, or a test of faith.

Saturn will station at 19°25' Pisces at 12:05 p.m. PDT on June 29. Its influence will likely be felt most directly by those who have planets or points in their natal charts between 16 and 23 degrees of the mutable signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces.

THE NEPTUNE EFFECT: In great contrast to the sensible assessment of reality and practical action required by Saturn, mystical Neptune's task is to teach us about intuition, faith, trust, and surrender. As we work with its influence, we benefit from focusing on our spiritual practice, in whatever form that takes.

The creative imagination is enhanced when Neptune is strong, as are the intuition and all of our clairsenses. We are more sensitive, idealistic, and impressionable, experiencing more of the attributes associated with the High Heart chakra: compassion, understanding, and altruism. We may feel more comfortable floating through the day, rather than trying to direct our actions or intentions.

The shadow side of Neptune manifests when we take these high vibrational qualities to an unhealthy extreme. Compassion and altruism can become self-denial or lead us to take on the role of rescuer or victim. Sensitivity can be so strong that there is a need to withdraw or escape reality in some way. And the idealism can turn to disappointment or disillusionment if we do not use discernment, keeping at least one foot in this physical reality.

Neptune will station at 29°55' Pisces at 3:40 a.m. PDT on July 2. Its influence will likely be most apparent to those who have planets or points in their natal charts between 27 degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) and two degrees of the cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn).

WHICH PATH TO WALK? With Saturn and Neptune both at full strength over the next couple of weeks, and with the two planets being almost opposite in their effects, we may seesaw between the extremes they represent. We will need to be very self-aware, observant of when we fall into the shadow of either planet, or willing to course-correct as needed.

Our path of greatest benefit will likely include both realism and idealism, both objectivity and subjectivity, along with the ability to know when to be practical and take charge, and when to surrender to and trust in a higher plan.

THIS WEEK'S ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day: 

Monday

No major aspects are exact today.

Tuesday

Mercury opposite Ceres: Conversations, especially with family members or authority figures, could be challenging today. People may feel misunderstood, make assumptions about others' motives, or find it hard to clearly communicate their needs.

Venus semisquare Uranus: Restlessness occurs if someone is feeling too confined in a relationship. This can result in impulsive actions designed to allow for more space and freedom.

Wednesday

Venus squares the nodal axis: The need for security in a relationship could increase codependent tendencies. This can interfere with following one's true course in life.

Mercury trine Saturn: Our thinking is practical today and we are able to focus on work that needs to be done. Communications are serious or goal oriented. 

Thursday

No major aspects are exact today.

Friday

Mercury semisquare Jupiter, Mercury square Chiron: We may feel insecure about our ideas or in our ability to communicate our thoughts. This could result in trying too hard to explain ourselves, leaving us feeling vulnerable and defensive.

Venus sextile Mars: Creative solutions are more possible with this aspect. We may also feel open to new relationships.

Saturday

Mars semisquare Neptune: There is uncertainty about our best course of action, or we may not know what we really want. Motivation could be low.

Saturn stations retrograde: Saturn will be retrograde in Pisces from June 29 to November 15. 

Mercury square Eris, Mercury sextile Uranus: People are feisty and restless, perhaps unwilling to listen to input from others. However, original thinking is supported, and insights are possible.

Venus opposite Ceres: Feelings of rejection or betrayal may occur if someone does not feel their emotional needs are being met. Self-esteem could be based on whether a loved one is being attentive.

Sunday

Mars trine Ceres: The desire to nurture others in tangible ways is a strong motivator today.

Jupiter semisquare Chiron: We may question our beliefs or our ideals with this aspect. Healing is possible when we take the time to embrace our inner child with love and acceptance, feeling honest compassion for the part of us that is afraid to trust. 

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You are emerging from a time in which you likely experienced a dissolving of your old identity, along with your sense of personal purpose. This year, your values, creative outlets, and relationships are highlighted. You are in the process of discovering who and what are an energetic match for the new you that is unfolding. Your emotional and intuitive sensitivity are heightened, which means you very easily pick up on the needs and moods of the people around you. It will be essential to have alone time for yourself, so that you can recentre and know what is "yours" versus what you have taken on from others. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Venus, square Neptune)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• Monday: No major aspects are exact today
• Tuesday: Mercury opposite Ceres, Venus semisquare Uranus
• Wednesday: Venus square the nodal axis, Mercury trine Saturn
• Thursday: No major aspects are exact today
• Friday: Mercury semisquare Jupiter, Mercury square Chiron, Venus sextile Mars
• Saturday: Mars semisquare Neptune, Saturn stations retrograde, Mercury square Eris, Venus opposite Ceres, Mercury sextile Uranus
• Sunday: Mars trine Ceres, Jupiter semisquare Chiron

INSTAGRAM POSTS: Please check out my daily astrological updates on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/  

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.
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To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

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