Gemini New Moon– 2023

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon, we get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about?  Our brains are processing a lot, even when the data is corrupt it is still informing us.   Fact-check for sure but also note the coincidences.    

Gemini New Moon 

26 Gemini 43

June 17, 2023 

9:37pm PDT  

Welcome to Gemini New Moon.    

The 29-day Gemini lunar cycle is when we get our mentality activated.   Gemini is the first air sign of the zodiac.    Aries and Taurus are the first fire and earth signs which emphasize self-motivation (Aries) and security (Taurus).   Now with Gemini, we focus on something that is more abstract, our thinking.   If Aries is the birth of a baby and in Taurus, the baby is swaddled and fed (thus safe and secure).  In Gemini, the baby is observing siblings and the community while being strolled down the street.  Or toddler-ing around the house exploring this thing and that thing and of course, beginning to talk-- all of this is Gemini.   Our thinking is on in Gemini.   

Gemini is versatile; it can switch from one thought to another in a millisecond.   Gemini is literally and figuratively the breath of fresh air we welcome after 29 days of earth-bound Taurus.    In the Gemini lunar month, we enjoy change and mixing it up.    Gemini’s greatest gift is its adaptability which is an offshoot of its natural curiosity.   What’s that thing?  Who is that person?   Why is that going on over there?   The questions are always flowing with Gemini.   Adaptability speaks to survival, but you can’t adapt unless you oberve.    There are plenty of stories of those who observed something unusual and knew something was off and made a change that later turned out to be lifesaving.    Or maybe they saw something and knew it would be beneficial and it later was very fortuitous.   The desire to know is Gemini’s superpower.   However, the downside of Gemini is collecting too much data which can overwhelm the system.   When Gemini takes in too much the mental computer locks and the beach ball starts bouncing.   This is when Gemini can’t decide or will second guess everything so much that it lands nowhere.  This lack of commitment also speaks to missing the gift of adapting.   Sigh.  The key for Gemini is unplugging and rebooting.  Shaking off the mass information means settling the brain.   Finding the quiet mental space is challenging for Gemini but necessary and especially true for all of us during 29 day cycle given the aspect on the new moon.   

In the chart, the Sun and Moon square Neptune.    Neptune is mysterious, illusionary, and dreamy.    Neptune is not what anyone would describe as long on facts.  It is fuzzy.    This is a hurdle for Gemini who only wants to collect facts and data.    The data may be fuzzy all 29 days.  Also, Gemini with its desire to find info, can veer into gossip, even on a good day.  Given the strong square with Neptune, this cycle can feel like tabloid gossip headlines everywhere we turn both in our personal worlds and the mundane world.   The accuracy of the information should be questioned.    

If you are being asked to act on anything that you are told, then slow down and verify the information.    If you can delay and keep researching, the better.   While this is far from a transparent lunar cycle.    There may still be a gift of ‘knowing’ that can be gleaned.  Look for coincidences and synchronistic moments.  Gemini is the sign of the twins and while one twin is slicing and dicing data trying to figure out fact from fiction, the other twin is noting things that look random but feel connected to something bigger.    Maybe we don’t have the whole picture, but we can feel something is going on out of our view and we wonder if spirit is speaking to us or trying to get our attention.   

Given Neptune’s strong influence, we may all benefit by tapping a routine during this 29-day cycle that clears our mind.  Some people use yoga which stretches the body and forces the brain to work as it focuses on a pose.  That is a great way to shake off any logic loops that have frozen your brain. Going for a hike, preferably up a hill to get a different view can help clear the brain fog.   Or doing breathwork like in these videos https://www.healthline.com/health/breathwork#exercises where slowing down breathing frees up the mental chaos.  We will all be well served clearing our brains a lot this 29-day cycle.   

June 18

While the aspect in the chart will be felt all 29 days in some manner, the aspect is actually exact on June 18^th .   Watch for confusion and subterfuge on that day and the following day as well.   Just to be clear two times a year the Sun squares Neptune.   So, this is not a unique aspect but given its closeness to the new moon it has extra punch.  

Neptune Station Retrograde 

Mar 9, ‘23 :        Neptune enters shadow period

Jun 30, ‘23        Neptune retrograde (7:14am PDT) 27 Pisces 41

Dec 6, 23 :          Neptune station direct (12 :27am) 24 Pisces 53

March 25, 24     Neptune exits shadow period

In addition to the square, Neptune stations retrograde about ten days after the new moon.   Five months a year Neptune retrogrades backwards.   On June 30, the gassy foggy planet will recycle and revisit the degrees it traveled from March 9.  Then on December 6 when it turns direct it will go again over those points for a final time until March 24 when it exits the shadow.  With these outer planets, the themes are not as pronounced as the inner planet retrograde like Mercury, Mars or Venus (coming in August) but still we may see a topic repeat or we may feel Déjà vu on some issue.  For those people who have planets between 24 and 27 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces you could feel extra free floating which may be uncomfortable.  Finding a way to get your grounding could be challenging but at the same time, you may find yourself with new gentle perspectives which you can integrate into your life that are rewarding.   On a mundane level, news stories about humanitarian issues may be pronounced during the retrograde and certainly around the station dates.   We are experiencing Neptune in Pisces until 2025 when it finally dips into boisterous Aries.   That will be the launch of a very different era so we should make the most of our time in Pisces where we can learn to appreciate beauty, creativity, and the power of caring about humanity. 

It is important to mention that while this chart for the new moon suggests a lot of fuzzy and perhaps things are not as real as they appear, and yes, I should also recommend being very careful about drugs and alcohol use.  Having said that, this is an extraordinary 29 days to do something creative.   Gemini rules writing and those who have a writing project that needs some love, THIS is the lunar cycle to get into it.   Let yourself go.   Let the creativity flow.   For those who paint, sing, dance, Neptune is in Pisces which connects with all those disciplines.   For those people who are also starting to open their psychic awareness the wall is thin and a good time to practice and find your best divination tool.   Also fabulous time to get a routine that taps faith however zealots on any matter should be avoided.  

Just before the New Moon 

It is interesting that just prior to the Taurus New Moon, Jupiter ingressed into Taurus.   Then ten hours before this Gemini new moon, Saturn turned retrograde and then at the end of the cycle on July 17, just before the Cancer new moon, the north node officially moves into Aries securing the next two-year eclipse cycles in fall and spring.  

The darkest part of the sky is the waning moon before the new launches.   It almost feels like these astro players wanted to make their moves when we aren’t paying attention.   But of course, we can feel it.   Saturn retrograde in Pisces is a square by sign (not degree) so there may be a patina of sadness to the 29-day cycle.  However, Gemini is buoyant and not inclined to sit on the couch and wrap up in morose blanket.  Our curiosity gets us up each day.   When North Node moves into Aries the whole world will be looking for leaders in either big or small landscapes. Watch to see the person who sees an issue and is johnny-on-the-spot with a fix.   Between north node in Aries and the Venus retrograde in Leo coming soon, those people who seem to tap their inner fire will catch our attention.   It may even inspire us to go for our inner fierceness. 

Solstice – June 21, 2023 7:57am PDT 

June 21, 2023 the Sun moves into Cancer and for those of us in the northern hemisphere launches the official first day of summer.  For those in southern hemisphere your winter begins.   A day celebrating extremes, with the longest and shortest days of the year and we slowly unwind for the next solstice in December.     

Astro on your radar 

On June 25, Mercury squares Neptune continuing the theme of confusion around thinking and communication.   Not everything is clear and those who are sharing information may not be accurate.   Again, perhaps a good time to get lost in creative pursuits.    On June 26, Mars squares Uranus.  Big drama and ego, squashes innovations.  Anger unrest versus important actions for practical breakthroughs.   Answers are found in tapping self esteem while moving methodically and slowly towards a new approach.   

In conclusion, 17^th century philosopher Rene Descartes claimed, “I think therefore I am” and is responsible for why we have The Era of Reason.   This is where Gemini likes to hang.  It wants to reason everything out.   However, not everything can be reasoned.  Perhaps this is the gift of this new moon cycle.  Maybe we all benefit by fog and confusion where we can’t reason an answer but by the time, we finish this cycle we realize we still had an inner knowing.   Something internal that can’t be explain but down the road we tap as we adapt and evolve on some level.    

The 8 phases

Gemini New Moon 

26 Gemini 43

June 17, 2023 

9:37pm PDT  

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map, but you should put out your Intent.

This focus:     What actions are we taking that connect with gathering knowledge?  How are we getting information?  Is it coming to us in an obvious manner?  Or are we using intuition?   How are we clearing our heads when we are overwhelmed?   What are our communication abilities?  How are we fact checking information?   

Special note:

6/18:  Sun square Neptune.  Fuzzy facts. Fuzzy thoughts.  Fuzzy narratives.   Who is getting played? 

6/19: Jupiter sextile Saturn big ideas meets big structure.  Responsibilities are big but accomplishments can be made.

6/20 : Mercury sextile Mars.  Smart thinking brings smart actions. 

6/21 : Sun enters Cancer – Solstice 7 :57am

Crescent Moon Phase

June 21, 2023

10:22 pm PDT  

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything.  Who called you?  Even the silliest things when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket.  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

Focus on: What are you learning about your strength?  What are you learning about your creativity?   What are you learning about self-esteem?  What are you learning about what brings you joy and fun?   How is love informing your thinking?    

Special Focus

6/23 :  Sun sextile North Node.  Spirit and energy support novelty and independence.   

6/25 : Mercury square Neptune.  Mental confusion.  Fuzzy facts, communication that is muted and unclear. 

First Quarter Moon 

June 26, 2023

12:49am PDT 

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received. Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call, or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals, we planted on new need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects.  Some independence may need to be exerted. 

Focus on:  How are you taking action that support your relationships?   What actions are you taking that shift your thinking about partnerships?   What lines of communication are you opening or closing that impact your partnerships and relationships?  

Special Note

6/26: Mars square Uranus.  Anger, unrest energy versus stick in the mud approach.   Where is the balance? 

6/26: Mercury enter Cancer

6/27: Mercury sextile North node.  Inspired thinking.  Independence and starting new projects comes from novel ideas.  

6/28: Sun trine Saturn.   Sensitivity, family support.   Finding the cozy is easy to tap. 

6/29: Mercury trine Saturn.  Great for clarity in communication and thinking.  

Gibbous Moon

June 29, 2023  

7:55pm PDT  

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and we organize to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions.  

Focus on:  How are you refining your joint assets?  How are you refining your power?  How are you refining the power of letting something go?  

Special focus

6/30: Neptune retrograde 2:06pm 27 Pisces 41 (see above) 

6/30: Mercury conjunct Sun.   Superior conjunction.  Emotions, family, home all in focus.   Clarity can be found.  

7/1: Mercury sextile Jupiter.  Big ideas meeting cozy execution.  Philosophies are good but how do they help the family?  

7/1: Sun sextile Jupiter.  Money and practicality get a boost of spirit and energy.    

7/2: Venus square Uranus.  Values that feel off may be called out for being weird.  Love, money and values feel odd. 

July 3, 2023

4:38am PDT

Full Moon

11 Cap 19

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually, emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us.  There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you?  

Focus on:     How are you balancing responsibility versus family?  How is your identity out in the world shaped by your family?  How are you defining your place in the world from your childhood experiences?  

Special focus 

Disseminating

July 6, 2023

9:30am PDT       

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.   And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information.  

Focus on:   What advice are you offering that speaks to friendship?  How are you showing abilities to tie people together for a likeminded cause?   How are you able to find those who seek similar goals?   

Special focus:

7/6: Mercury sextile Uranus.  Creative ideas and thinking bring new results and breakthroughs.  

7/9: Mercury trine Neptune.  Inspired thinking.  Creativity is high.  How are new ideas are forged in something unworldly and perhaps mystical?  

Last Quarter Moon Phase

July 9, 2023 

6:47pm PDT    

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense.  And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living “The serenity prayer” 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on:

How are you taking actions that speak to your independence?  How are you taking actions carve a new path for you?  How are you tapping your self-determination?   

Special focus 

7/10: Mars enters Virgo 

7/10: Mercury opposite Pluto.  Thinking that needs to shift and change for better evolution may pop up today. 

7/10: Mercury enters Leo 

7/11: Mercury square both nodes.  Where is independence growing?  How is our childlike thinking holding us back? 

7/11: Mars trine both nodes.  Actions are supportive of independence.  

Balsamic Moon Phase

July 13, 2023 

12:06pm PDT 

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on:  How are you releasing you’re your mental traps?  How are you releasing mental cul-de-sacs that go nowhere?  How are releasing anxiety?  

Special focus:

7/14: Sun sextile Uranus.  Creative and fun that create innovative results.  Break throughs that are emotionally satisfying.  

7/17: Mercury square Jupiter.  Thinking that is too big, too great. Too much ego.   

7/17: North node enters Aries (see above)  

July 17, 2023 11:31am PDT  24 Cancer 56