The Sun transits Gemini from May 21 – June 21 (Summer Solstice)

Click here to learn about the Sun. Click here to learn about Gemini.

Disclaimer: when talking about Sun signs, it’s really more accurate to say “the Earth’s relation to the Sun” since the Earth is the one moving. An appropriate name for this much-celebrated, often oversimplified astrological element would therefore be “Earth Sign.” Remember – you embody a whole soup of planets!

If you are a Gemini, now comes your Solar Return. With the Sun in Taurus for the last month, the energy around us was rather forceful. Yes, the bull can be graceful and supple like a tender young branch, but she’s a fighter deep down. It’s hard for Taurus to be loose and flexible. Internally, the bull is a geometric assemblage of hard edges and rough emotions. Life appears to her as short, uncomplicated and rather harsh. Taurus energy is slow, sweet and meandering, but perhaps the last month felt too slow. Prepare for life to pick up considerably over the next few weeks. Gemini epitomizes mutable energy.

Mercurial cycle

The Sun in mutable air sign Gemini marks the kickoff for the coming month and the official end of the Venusian cycle. Once again, I am personally exhausted. This last month was draining. I look forward to the return of mercurial energy in our skies. Gemini: the intellect, social butterfly and insatiable soul. In classic astrology Gemini is associated with communication, writing, speech and duality. This sign has an incredible amount of mental energy which usually spills over and manifests as fidgeting or nervous tics. Many Geminis are writers, poets and artists. When imbalanced, this sign is overly talkative, flighty or indecisive. Gemini is the first of the air signs in the zodiac realm, and generally speaking, signs that come early in the line-up struggle with the fundamentals. Out of all the signs, Gemini is undoubtedly the least calm. Let’s cultivate stillness in this upcoming cycle.

Gemini requires massive stimulation. You may find yourself juggling many interests, relationships and endeavors at once. What’s ironic is that Geminis themselves are often poor jugglers. You’d think otherwise, as the Gemini essence is pure quicksilver, but it seems that control and stability are hard to come by in the twin realm. This is why Geminis have a reputation for inconsistency. But this is how the twins operate - constantly in motion, always changing. We have moved thus far from the lava flow of Aries to the cooling, hardening stage of Taurus, and now we take a hammer and break it all apart. Watch the ashes lift with the wind, mingling and swirling like tiny birds, only to land once more in the ocean of Cancer: a cosmic tale of death and rebirth in the first stage of the zodiac realm.

The axis of knowledge

Studying the polarities of the zodiac wheel is an effective method to learn more about the signs. You may recall that mutable fire Sagittarius is Gemini’s opposite sign, 180 degrees across on the wheel. Gemini is Sagittarius’ crude yet vibrant predecessor; together they create the axis of knowledge. Whereas the centaur finds it difficult to focus intently on one thing, the twins tend to obsess. Gemini likes to linger, to hone in, to chase a thought and pin it down until nothing more can be extracted. Sagittarius wanders freely, dashing here and there, excitedly exploring, but the imbalanced Gemini stops and stutters, spins backwards, gets caught in hundreds of turbines, then does it all again. Our greatest challenge now is to emulate the centaur by taking an interest in that which is far away, physically or otherwise – anything that draws us out, away from home base. Speak your mind freely, spontaneously, fully, truthfully. Resist the fear of appearing unintellectual.

Geminis have a knowing, especially in the eyes. The twins are cunning, extremely intelligent, embodying a sort of sharp, swift energy. When balanced, Geminis are extraordinarily charming. Unlike any other sign in the realm, the twins have a way of communicating that instantly puts others at ease. This is where Gemini shines, in his ability to make others feel valued, supported and respected. The twins are endlessly curious, chatty and analytical. You may notice that even the pace with which you speak increases now. I hope that you will enjoy all the new friendships and excitable conversations that are about to enter your life. Outgoing though we may be, trust can be hard to earn now. The twins are certainly expert at meeting and chatting up strangers, but imbalanced Geminis are picky and struggle to form close, long-term relationships.

Winds of change

We’re still practically at the beginning of the the zodiac wheel, the first spring winds blowing seedlings around the soul’s forest floor. Earth to air…feel that transition viscerally, in your imagination and in your senses. For example: when I say “lemon,” you might instantly visualize bright yellow, a waxy rind, and your tongue may even constrict with imagined sourness. Now when I say EARTH, feel how it is damp, heavy, bursting with nutrients. Lay down in the mud. Now visualize this earth drying as a strong wind blows in from all directions: cool, gentle, tantalizingly refreshing. Lift your face to this breeze. Close your eyes, take a deep inhale. Feel your heart beating, breath drawing in. Smell the faraway scent of flowers embedded in these winds of change.

Indeed, I used to think of the Gemini soul as adventurous and adaptable, but I see now that this is often not the case. The twins have a comfort zone that they don’t particularly like to leave, simply because it is difficult for them to do so. These types easily become trapped in the mind. The Gemini vibration resembles a gyroscopic electrical storm. To alleviate interminably circling thoughts, the twins never sit still and feel cagey when they must. Ideal socioscapes now are those such as airports, train/bus stations, huge cities, clubs, packed bars, malls, public squares, etc - anywhere you can get lost in a crowd and perhaps become someone else. Gemini thrives on anonymity, fantasies, stranger danger, chameleon acts and endless traveling. Many with strong Gemini energy make odd first impressions – often they will not say anything or appear to ignore everyone! This is because they are feeling everything out with a quiet intensity. The ultimate Gemini dream is that someone will magically understand and appreciate this silence.

You may now frequently change appearances or take on new personas, even on a daily basis. A common fantasy is to travel the world and become a new person at each destination. Gemini also loves puzzles, word games, anything that honors proficiency in writing, reading or speaking. When playing games, expect to be unusually fast and witty. If imbalanced, it will be very difficult to calm down and be in the present moment. The mind wants to wander. All of this mental energy comes in very handy in academic or professional settings! If you can focus for long enough, you will absorb information quickly and systematically. Gemini is expert at processing new data and finding out where it fits. Be firm in your sense of Self. Step with confidence. You are propelled now by an unseen force. Let’s continue building for the year ahead. We still have wiggle room and countless new opportunities knocking. Namaste.

If you are a Gemini or would like to know more about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me.

Mantra: stillness