Astrology: Summer Solstice June 20, 2020

Back to Work

This pivotal year has so far has lived up to it’s promise in quite a striking manner, with the culmination of three major planetary cycles: Saturn-Pluto (38 years), Jupiter-Pluto (13 years) and Jupiter-Saturn (20 years), which are quite interconnected as multiples of the cycles make for a closely coinciding period of 38, 39 (13 x 3) and 40 (20  x 2) years. One can see a remarkable symmetry in the alignments around the summer solstice. The solar eclipse coinciding with the solstice  (just 8 hours later) is the middle eclipse in a series of three (June 5, June 21, July 5). There are seven eclipses this year, with two at the beginning, close to the Saturn-Pluto conjunction, and two more near the end, close to the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction, again, very symmetrical. The exact Jupiter-Pluto conjunction on June 30 is the middle of a series of three this year and can be considered to mark a midway point between the two other major conjunctions (April 4, June 30, November 12), the Saturn-Pluto conjunction of January 12 and the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction on December 21, at the Winter Solstice.

Moreover, Mercury goes retrograde (June 18 to July 12) and Neptune (June 22- November 28) soon after. As of June 22,  Mercury, Venus (May 13 to June 25), Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto are retrograde. The summer retrograde season provides a time to pause and process the social upheavals caused by the pandemic and the racial injustice protests. Although I don’t think this year’s dramatic moments are all behind us, as the fall has some powerful Mars squares with the conjunct Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn. The first half of the year can be scene as a kind of setting of the stage which served to highlight certain social tensions and imbalances, which were marked by Saturnian constriction and repression, whereas the second half of the year leading up to the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction should be marked by a more pro-active, constructive process of implementing positive change and re-building outdated structures, based on the long-standing imbalances that the first part of the year brought to light.

This year can be seen as a kind of power play between the Saturn and Jupiter forces, with Pluto providing support to Saturn in the first quarter, to Jupiter in the second quarter and third quarters, with the fourth quarter being a more direct experience of the Jupiter-Saturn pairing. The first half set the stage to dramatically bring the issues of government control, oppression (elderly, poor, minorities). In the second we should witness the ramifications of these realities as the protesting forces of social justice try to gain practical change, concrete implementation of new, healthy, fair-minded modes of living. In a way, the current protests can be seen as a culmination of ten years of protest marked by the Uranus-Pluto square aspect (2009-2015), corresponding to the second half of the Jupiter-Saturn cycle, which is generally more Saturnian than the more Jupiterian first half.

Saturn-Pluto conjunction (January 12)

A basic description of this aspect:

1- Pluto transforms, Saturn narrows focus. Fewer resources for more restricted objectives. Structures change, come to an end. A time to get rid of old structures to bring about evolution and growth

2- Financial problems, shortages. Government impositions, restrictions. Health incidents that restrict our movement.

3- Confines energies, to better focus them on more serious issues, because a later crisis may force you to start from square one if you are spread too thin.

4- Pluto can signify tremendous evolutionary energies, energies that Saturn can restrict, causing dangerous, violent explosion. Use energy to bring about necessary evolution in your life. As well as repress, Saturn can give form to Pluto’s transformative energies, then it is much more fruitful.

Some of the more intense themes that tend to emerge with this aspect are: ‘’Harsh oppression and constraint, crime and punishment, sin and judgment, trauma and retribution, rigid control and dark consequences, intensely challenging contradictions and tensions, the depths of shadow and moral discernment’’ (Tarnas, 270).

For most of the year Capricorn is the dominant sign and Saturn is the ruler of Capricorn: ‘’Capricorn and Saturn are very similar. Both strive for material achievement, and both are strongly concerned with social recognition. Both are symbols of self-denial and the deferral of immediate gratification in favor of long-range necessity. Both are strongly connected to the father and to all symbols of authority and guidance, and in both discipline is strong’’ (Hand, Symbols, 235).

Jupiter conjunct Pluto (April 4, June 30, November 12)

A basic description of this aspect:

1-Urge to achieve, great effort to succeed, major project bears fruit.

2- Great drive for power, powers come without trying, relatively great or small.

3- If power drive has no outlet, then conflict with authorities, overly large, against society, resulting in loss. Good to find an area where you can achieve respect and recognition.

4- Dominant drive for self-betterment, with a danger to focus on money and power. Danger of fanaticism or self-righteousness.

5- Possibility to create something great, or distort your life

Close to this conjunction on April 4, Ethiopian Airlines released preliminary report on the major plane crash of March, 10, 2019. Australia has passed a sweeping law to stop the spread of violent content online, following a mass shooting in a Church on May 12, 2018. The FBI has warned of a new potential privacy and security concern called "Zoombombing." President Trump fired Michael Atkinson, who informed Congress about the whistleblower complaint regarding Trump's communications with Ukraine that eventually led to his impeachment.

Jupiter can be cooperative in the socio-political oriented Capricorn, and is ‘’often quite happy to turn its attention to the achievement of social status and importance’’ (Hand, Symbols, 235).

Jupiter conjunct Saturn (December 21)

A basic description of this aspect:

1-Confronting inhibitions, self-restrictions and outer restrictions. Breaking out and trying new things or changing within existing limits.

2- Restlessness, the need to break away and seek freedom from restrictive structures. Change of job, residence, and end of a relationship.

3- Building new structures, expanding existing orders, carefully and cautiously.

4- If there are tensions, then changes will be more abrupt. If things were stable, the changes will be more gradual.

The Saturn-Pluto conjunction seemed to catalyse the health problems of the Covid-19 pandemic (although the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction and Neptune in Pisces were most likely also involved) and the ensuing governmental restrictions with the necessary social compliance. Whereas the Jupiter-Pluto conjunction seemed to have catalysed a more dynamic reaction to the more abusive aspects of the repressive social restrictions and the pent-up restlessness caused by the enforced isolation, resulting in mass protests against racism, police brutality and social inequalities.

The ambitious Jupiter-driven protest force was able to gain certain government support possibly due to the Saturn transit into Aquarius (from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023), Aquarius being more humanitarian, and progressive than the more conformist, conservative, strict Capricorn.

Power and Passion

Moon square Mars One of the two tightest aspects of this chart. Passionate emotions and a need for action, activity, and challenges. Impulsive and temperamental.

Mars sextile Jupiter. The other of the two tightest aspects. Decisive action comes naturally. Willpower, verve, and energy that we can direct toward achieving goals. Success in contracts, negotiations.

Sun square Mars Driven by a restless desire to do something; impulsive actions and needless arguments. Channel this excess energy constructively, you can accomplish much. Prone to bursts of anger and frustration.

Family Affairs

(Mercury in Cancer, Pluto, Neptune  triangle of opportunity)

Neptune sextile Pluto A pioneering spirit, making one unafraid to challenge the accepted way of thinking and doing things. One can remove political, religious, cultural and gender bias and reconstruct it in a more advanced and unadulterated state. One can be inspired by truth and human potential.

Mercury square Pluto. Suspiciousness, making mountains out of molehills, telling others only what we want them to know are possible themes. Mental anxiety or troubles could manifest now. Compulsive thinking is possible. Also the ability to engage in deep, penetrating communication.

Mercury trine Neptune. Imagination and intuition run high. Can easily sense the thoughts and feelings of others. We express ourselves with subtle flair. Favors the art and spirituality.

Here the triangle of potential (a loose one, but influence might still be felt) means to solve the Mercury-Pluto conflict with Neptune trine and sextile. The challenges of the health restrictions and political upheavals have quite possibly placed stress on family relations causing divisions, power conflicts and disagreements. Here the solution would be to listen to one’s intuition, look to a higher power and holistic ideals that rise above petty differences.

Productive Meetings

Venus trine Saturn. Maturity with others allows us to see our relationships realistically. Advances can be made in business and in partnerships through strengthening and bonding. Support from older people or authority figures may come.

Mercury sextile Uranus. This is an opportune time to attend meetings and other organized group activities, to communicate online, and to take part in activities involving computers, scientific projects, and metaphysics. We can take advantage of our ability to see things in a new light by breathing life into old projects or solving problems in new, creative ways.

Conclusion

This year’s summer solstice coincides with the mid-point of a series of three eclipses (the last one on July 5, being in the potent Cancer-Capricorn axis). One has to appreciate how these planetary configurations (7 eclipses, 5 exact conjunctions with 3 planets, close to the Solstices) are symmetrically spaced out marking the beginning, mid-point and ending of the calendar year, making this solstice a potent middle point, were a striking number of planetary events over the first half of the year will be met with an equivalent number of strong configurations over the second half.

As the final aspect, a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, shifts from the conservative, authority-conscious Capricorn to the more progressive, humanitarian Aquarius, there is the possibility that the harsh realities that the difficulties of the pandemic and racial oppressions have brought to light could result in productive social change (and have already done so to a certain extent, at least provisionally). However, authoritarian backlashes are to be expected, as the first week of July sees the second Jupiter-Pluto conjunction (June 30), a return of Saturn into Capricorn (July 1^st) and  an eclipse with the Moon in Capricorn (July 5^th). Beginning mid-September, due to retrogradation, Mars will go through an extra-long two-month period squaring the Jupiter, Saturn, Pluto conjunction, which could be at least as volatile as a similar period in 2019.

From a theosophical perspective, Kamadeva, because of the sign of Makara (Capricornus) on his banner is connected to Makara-Ketu and can be said to represent the ‘’all embracing desire for universal good, love, and for all that lives and feels, needs help and kindness, the first feeling of infinite tender compassion and mercy’’ (Blavatsky, Kamadeva. Theosophical Glossary).  Morevoer, the sign of Makara is connected with ‘’the birth of the spiritual “microcosm,” and the death or dissolution of the physical Universe (its passage into the realm of the Spiritual); so the Dhyan Chohans, called in India Kumara, are connected with both’’ (Blavatsky, Secret Doctrine I, 579). Hence the intense activity in Capricorn this year is a particular interest. It may be worth nothing that Deneb Algedi, known as the ‘’tail of the goat’’ in the constellation of Capricorn is in trine with the Moon on the summer solstice.

References

H.P. Blavatsky. The Secret Doctrine, Vol. 1. London, Theosophical Publishing Company. 1888,

H. P. Blavatsky. The Theosophical Glossary. London, Theosophical Publishing Society, 1892.

Robert Hand. Horoscope Symbols. Atgen, PA,, Whitford Press. 1981.

Robert Hand, Planets in Transit. Atgen, PA,, Whitford Press. 2001.

Richard Tarnas, Cosmos and Psyche. London, Plume. 2007.

https://cafeastrology.com/astrology-of-2020.html

Theosophy and Family Life

In the absence of any well-defined theosophic creed or dogma, theosophic principles in the form of generalisations only having been given out, there has been no end of misapprehension and. misapplication of these principles. The resulting errors have been charged to theosophy and odium has not infrequently attached to the very name. It would be very easy to show that such must necessarily have been the result from the very nature of the case and that all these misapprehensions are the fault of individuals alone. Individuals differ widely both intrinsically and extrinsically, and a specific statement that would apply exactly to one individual case might not fit another in a million.  

It has been repeatedly stated that the only theosophic schoolmaster is man’s own higher nature, that his intelligence and consciousness, illumined by conscience, must enable him to feel his way, what a recent writer in The Theosophist says about the desirability of a teacher or Master, is doubtless true, and the desire for this has been the one cry which has come up from thousands of seekers all over the land, but, alas ! the cry has been in Vain, and we have witnessed the result in the flocking to other societies which promised just these teachers or teachings. The Theosophical Society has beaten the cover, while others have bagged the game. This would be of no consequence whatever if the best results for these seeking souls were thereby attained, but when delusion and ceremonial magic are the inevitable results, we may not altogether shirk the responsibility of thus arousing the spirit of enquiry. The last state of such seekers is worse than the first.

The time is at hand when our would-be leaders must come down from the clouds, for every professed theosophist will be held to strict account. True, an all-sufficient body of the doctrine has been set forth, and if one but catches the spirit of the movement, he may easily gain a clue to the labyrinth that will in no case lead him astray into pitfalls and dangers. The real ethics of theosophy apply to man, not man in India or Europe, or America alone, but to man everywhere, and at all times, and under every condition, and here is just the reason why more specific instructions cannot be given. The doctrine per se, is set forth, the application, must be made by the individual, and if the doctrine be not capable of such varied application, it cannot be universally true.

A large part of what has been written applies to those favoured individuals who have means for leisure, and opportunity to devote to work either personal or otherwise, who “untrammelled” by wife or children or worldly obligations, feel free to make theosophy the business of their lives. It has thus happened that others not thus free to choose, and feeling the sting of injustice, born it is true of selfishness, and fortified by the aforesaid more fortunate examples, have made the fatal mistake of seeking to ignore or get rid of their obligations rather than to discharge them, imagining that thereafter they would find an “open sesame” to the temple of the gods. I said, a large part of what has been written, but this refers less to the text than the commentary, less to the doctrines originally given out, than to the applications and annotations.

Let it be clearly shown that theosophy has a practical application to the family, to the home circle, to husband and wife, to every and every-day relation in life and its following will be increased tenfold. Let it be clearly shown that no husband can progress in, or even enter the Path by ignoring or deserting his wife and children, but on the contrary, that they may and ought to be his companions at every step, and that nothing so unifies a household, as one genuine theosophic life therein, and theosophy will begin to be understood, and as it is understood it will be espoused and exemplified. It was undoubtedly necessary in the present low spiritual condition of the world, to point out the transcendent heights attainable by the soul who wills and dares. Nothing else would arouse the sleeping God within us, but when it was added, that not one in a million could reach this height, it was human nature to try, or else to deny its possibility. This explains the growing tendency to deny the existence of the Masters, and as this denial is supposed to take all authority from the Theosophical Society’s movement, progress in many places is in abeyance. The idea of Truth is the only authority, and the coherence of truths as evidence thereof, unfortunately has not yet taken possession of the body theosophic, though this one principle was nailed to the mast at the publication of the first number of The Theosophist and floats there still.

It is possible that one may starve his body into submission, and become clairvoyant by gazing at a spot on the wall, and by fleeing to the desert avoid temptation, and if he can avoid insanity and imbecility, gather vibrations by the out-breathed word, but place within his reach a half-clothed voluptuous woman, and he will doubtless learn more of ‘’magic” in an hour than the wilderness has taught him in forty years, and his role will be that of slave, rather than master, for in the hour of triumph he "shall surely die.” “ Elephants and cows eat grass,” and hundreds of men and women are continent from apathy, or lack of opportunity. A real adept is one, it is said, whom every woman desires, yet none possess, and on the higher plane men are as women, and women as men. Our ancient brothers called the process by which this higher plane is reached, “ Alchemy,” or the “ Great Work,” converting the baser metals into gold. He who is incapable of lust, is incapable of power, yet he who mistakes lust for love is a beast. He who converts lust into love, is thus far an adept, for he knows the elixir of life.

The man or the woman who is the centre of home and children, need not envy the recluse, for any real progress of which he or she is intrinsically capable is open now and here, as well, nay often better than there. These are the natural and necessary conditions, else they had not been. Imagine an “ adept” sighing for other conditions with which he might exercise his power!  

He is an adept, who seizes on the commonest things nearest at hand, and transforms them into beauty and blessing. The world is his, and he is helped infinitely if he can make the centre of that world a happy home. Here let him will, and do, and dare, let him learn patience, self-control, unselfishness, and above all the power of love. As he conquers himself, he shall learn to know himself.

 The voices of wife and child when he goes out into the world, shall make his own voice seem a symphony, and sorrow and pain shall flee at his approach. 

There is true magic in happiness, when based on intelligent knowledge, and unselfish endeavour. He who despises this magic, is capable of no other. He who triumphs here, is capable of all. One by one the veils are lifted, and the faithful disciple reads in the hall of truth the lessons of wisdom. He walks with no uncertain step. That which he needs comes at the appointed time, though he pauses not for its coming. He may hear no voice of Master till he utters no plaint of slave, yet he knows in whom he has trusted and he cannot be put to shame. He is the true clairaudient who listens to and obeys the voice of God in his own soul. He is the true seer who walks by the light of an enlightened consciousness—the highest intuition. (Harij (J. D. Buck). The Theosophist, Vol. 8, No. 93, June, 1887, pp. 533-35)

Martin Luther King Jr. on Universal Brotherhood

In the writings and speeches of the eloquent and courageous Martin Luther King Jr., one can find a good number of ideas of a theosophical nature (for a general introduction to the theosophical and eastern aspects of King’s thought, see:

https://medium.com/@cwnaughton33/you-say-you-want-a-revolution-in-consciousness-b83958b88dff ), not the least being the concept of universal brotherhood, a notion that he eloquently developed throughout his all too brief career (for  a good introduction to King’s concept of Universal Brotherhood, see http://libertymagazine.org/article/human-dignity ). Moreover, he was evidently inspired by his connections with Masonry:

''By 1900, Prince Hall masonry had become a forum for politicised African-Americans, with Booker T Washington (1856-1915) and W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) serving as active members. Throughout the 20th century, many key figures in the civil rights movement were attracted to freemasonry. The father of Martin Luther King Jr – Martin Luther King Sr (1900-84) – was a member of the 23rd lodge in Atlanta, Georgia.'' ( https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/02/secret-jazz-freemason-history-duke-ellington-sun-ra )

Below are  a few brief selections, which also discuss the related notions of altruism,  equality, and the inter-connectedness of humanity.

I want to be the white man’s brother, not his brother-in-law. (New York Journal-American, 10 September 1962)

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood. (Transformed Nonconformist, Strength to Love, 1963)

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. (Tree Dimensions of a Complete Life, Strength to Love, 1963)

This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

“I Have a Dream,” (Address Delivered at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 1963)

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. (Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, 1964)

The plant of freedom has grown only a bud and not yet a flower. And there is no area of our country that can boast of clean hands in the area of brotherhood.

Oh my friends, it’s good for us to fight for integrated lunch counters, and for integrated schools. And I’m going to continue to do that. But wouldn’t it be absurd to be talking about integrated schools without being concerned about the survival of a world in which to be integrated …( America’s Chief Moral Dilemma, 1967)

This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one’s tribe, race, class and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all men. . . . This is the calling of the sons of God, and our brothers wait eagerly for our response. 

As if the weight of such a commitment to the life and health of America were not enough, another burden of responsibility was placed upon me in 1964.* And I cannot forget that the Nobel Peace Prize was also a commission, a commission to work harder than I had ever worked before for the brotherhood of man. This is a calling that takes me beyond national allegiances.

Finally, as I try to explain for you and for myself the road that leads from Montgomery to this place, I would have offered all that was most valid if I simply said that I must be true to my conviction that I share with all men the calling to be a son of the living God. Beyond the calling of race or nation or creed is this vocation of sonship and brotherhood. Because I believe that the Father is deeply concerned, especially for His suffering and helpless and outcast children, I come tonight to speak for them. This I believe to be the privilege and the burden of all of us who deem ourselves bound by allegiances and loyalties which are broader and deeper than nationalism and which go beyond our nation’s self-defined goals and positions. We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the victims of our nation, for those it calls “enemy,” for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers.

America, the richest and most powerful nation in the world, can well lead the way in this revolution of values. There is nothing except a tragic death wish to prevent us from reordering our priorities so that the pursuit of peace will take precedence over the pursuit of war. There is nothing to keep us from molding a recalcitrant status quo with bruised hands until we have fashioned it into a brotherhood.

And if we will only make the right choice, we will be able to transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of peace. If we will make the right choice, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our world into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. If we will but make the right choice, we will be able to speed up the day, all over America and all over the world, when justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream. (“Beyond Vietnam,” 4 April 1967, NNRC)

It really boils down to this: all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny… Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly… This is the way our universe is structured. We aren’t going to have peace on earth until we recognize this basic fact of the interrelated structure of all reality. (“A Christmas Sermon for Peace”, 1967)

With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair the stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.

Thank God for John, who centuries ago out on a lonely, obscure island called Patmos caught vision of a new Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, who heard a voice saying, "Behold, I make all things new; former things are passed away."

God grant that we will be participants in this newness and this magnificent development. If we will but do it, we will bring about a new day of justice and brotherhood and peace. And that day the morning stars will sing together and the sons of God will shout for joy. God bless you. (Delivered at the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C., on 31 March 1968. Congressional Record, 9 April 1968)