#venus transit june 2021

[growwithmeastrology]

Saturday, June 8th 2024

Sun in Gemini ♊️💨 Moon in Cancer ♋️🌊

I hope you’ve enjoyed the nicer energies of the last few days because today, the vibes take a drastic turn. While the moon is in Cancer which is typically a softer energy, it is highly emotional. It is a time for concentrating on home and personal matters.

That energy is reinforced by this aspect. Venus in Gemini is squaring Saturn in Pisces. It is highly recommended that you take a break from your social calendar and assess your friendships and closest relationships at this time. Loyalties may be questioned and love matters feel more stressful. If you can pull off a me day today, I highly recommend it. It is difficult to maintain harmony or avoid drama so try to stay more focused on personal responsibilities.

We also have a shift in energy today as Mars, the planet of aggression sits at the stressful, anoretic or last degree of its home sign of Aries all day and then right around midnight, transitions into Taurus. An example of how aggressive this energy can be is from 2021 where we had a guy wearing bull horns storming the capital of the US causing chaos along with his buddies. Once Mars spends more time in Taurus it calms down but the transition can be quite chaotic.

In short, keep it as chill as you can today. Tend to your own gardens and avoid crowded places as much as you can. Mars in Taurus will eventually bring a more steady and possibly luxurious time where we can plant some seeds and watch them grow.

If you enjoy my daily forecasts please like, comment, share and consider a gratitude tip in support. 🅿️ PayPal, Venmo or CashApp - @NaliniFlor

Learn more about your personal energies and how the daily forecast affects you! Comment below⬇️ or DM me for a consultation.

[fixedfour]

Hi! What transit was it you were talking about? Assuming it’s the day he hurt his wrist? Was the moon in cancer omg

hi!

omg yes, November 16, 2023! this was the day I was most anxious for 😭

the moon was in Sagittarius (in Mula), but this day was significant on my radar because Mars JUST entered Scorpio that day as well.

Mars has been a very important planet to watch during football season in regards to injuries, especially when it enters Aries/Scorpio. (Mars actually entered Aries this month, on June 1st! I urge everyone to take a look at their car even if nothing is wrong-- please be mindful of accidents, cuts, burns, etc!)

anyway, any planet entering a water sign affects Joe a bit differently since it’s a trinal aspect, but Mars in Scorpio would be directly affecting his moon + sun

and this transit reminded me a lot of December 5, 2021. that day Mars had also just entered Scorpio (and the moon was also in Mula!) and on this day, he dislocated a finger on his throwing hand. i believe it was his pinky ?

so i was afraid he would get injured during that Mars shift and well...

i know two instances hardly makes a pattern, but Mars takes about a year/year and a half to travel through the entire zodiac. hurting the same hand on the same transit twice is still a great 'coincidence'.

and no one asked for this but

i pulled the chart for his wrist injury on August 14, 2017:

and it confirms Mars was transiting another water sign, Cancer! but holy shit

joe was actually going through his sade sati during this time???? in fact, it was peaking!? Saturn was transiting Scorpio, so it was moving over his natal sun and moon... holy shit

this totally changes my perspective on his college days. i know he's spoken about his struggles during this time, but everything seems so understated now when i'm finally seeing these circumstances.

wow.

achieving a perfect season + national championship by the end of your SADE SATI?? joe burrow is actually the boogeyman. it is actually SO appropriate that he played at Tiger Stadium, aka Death Valley... wow.

this chart is actually so insightful. it really colors that day in August. moon in Bharani. sun was transiting Cancer during this time as well, also in Ashlesha. i have always felt that Cancer was significant in his horoscope, and this is kind of confirming it?

for example, Venus was transiting Cancer/Ashlesha when he signed his contract last year in September as well. Signing a contract of any kind definitely activates your 7H... the math is mathing

[elminx]

I posted 1,014 times in 2022

That's 306 more posts than 2021!

412 posts created (41%)

602 posts reblogged (59%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@elminx

@a-witch-named-crow

@windvexer

@serpentandthreads

@hexfeathers

I tagged 903 of my posts in 2022

Only 11% of my posts had no tags

#witchblr - 660 posts

#mine - 499 posts

#words - 495 posts

#personal - 221 posts

#astrology - 207 posts

#transits - 106 posts

#energy update - 70 posts

#photography - 66 posts

#plant allies - 56 posts

#kitchen witch - 55 posts

Longest Tag: 135 characters

#also if you have any good trigger warning about a particular astrology book feel free to send me a message about it and i'll include it

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

There are no "laws" in witchcraft - everything that I say, and everything that every other witch/magician/sorcerer says (even if they claim you HAVE TO DO IT!!!!1111!!!!) is merely a suggestion.

Your magic should fit you - your belief system. Your strengths. Your lifestyle.

Nobody knows what that can mean except for you. You have to make all of the difficult decisions.

I personally find this to be incredibly terrifying (at first) but also freeing.

This isn't grade school anymore - there isn't only one way to think or act. You can choose to work with deities, or not. You can choose to be a mostly ascetic witch. You can cast a spell once a year or every day (though every day is probs exhausting). You can primarily use affirmations or only work with herbs. You can create long-drawn-out ceremonies or yell emphatically at your cup of coffee in the morning.

You can tell the gods "No". (I promise - I've done it)

If it works, it works.

Magic is a completely personal thing.

If you are the kind of person who tends to believe everything that you read, stay aware. Don't absorb other people's thoughts/beliefs if they don't work for you. Don't let somebody else talk you out of the magic that works for you.

There's no boogeyman coming to get you if you do it wrong. That also doesn't mean that there aren't consequences, but that's a different discussion for another day.

177 notes - Posted March 10, 2022

#4

I've gotta tell you something (and this may be an unpopular opinion but oh well...)

I've been doing spirit work since ~2000 and I never needed to have any significant protection on myself or my house until I met an unhinged witch.

People are, generally, more dangerous than spirits.

196 notes - Posted June 19, 2022

#3

Here's the thing: it takes absolutely NOTHING to assume that somebody else on Tumblr has done the work, knows what they are talking about, and is sharing what works for them.

Sometimes I read people's posts and I'm all "Whut?!?" about it, but I assume that means that it's not meant for me and that's fine. I hope that it reaches somebody else who it resonates with.

On the other hand, sometimes I read people's posts and it breaks my mind that I haven't thought of that before now.

Both are great, in their own way.

I absolutely love reading about people using magic in a way that I will never - maybe ever could never - do. That's fascinating AF.

I also love being affirmed by finding people's stuff and feeling a bit of kindred spirit or inspiration.

Maybe it's my Gemini Venus shining through but I'm legit curious about it allllllllll.

336 notes - Posted June 7, 2022

#2

I'm not saying that I do spirit work right (because, IMHO, there is no right), but I treat the spirits that I meet like I would a random cat on the street.

Something like this: oh my gods! you precious thing! thank you so much for showing yourself to me! you are the prettiest (insert type of spirit - often rock, flower, tree, sometimes wind, etc.) I've seen all day.

I'll be real here. It's worked out really well so far. I don't get attacked. I don't get followed home (well, I do, but not in a malicious way). Occasionally I get a "meh" in the same way as I get at "no human, no way can you pet me" like I would get from a random cat.

And it's totally fine. Spirits have as much right to choose to interact with me as I have to choose to interact with them.

380 notes - Posted November 2, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Re: digital taglocks

They work. Quite well.

This is why if you have valid reasons to suspect that a person in your life has the means and intent to do you magical harm, your first step in protecting yourself should be the make sure that they do not have access to your digital footprint. Block them from seeing all of your social media, if possible. Make sure your photos are not public.

If you suspect that they may have photos of you from the past, change how you look. (Cutting and/or dyeing your hair is the easiest way to do this)

This is not meant to be scare tacticy. Most people will not get magically attacked by other people. This is meant for somebody who has a REASON to assume magical harm.

420 notes - Posted October 29, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[yesterdaysnewstodayandtomorrow]

Sport Venue & Event Management Entry 2

Sustainability practice of a sports venue

The sustainability practices of sports venues such as those at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, have an increased level of importance with everyone becoming more aware of the effects of climate change. Climate Pledge Arena was named in 2021 by naming rights sponsor Amazon, though it was originally known as the Seattle Coliseum when it was first built in 1962. The venue mainly hosts music and sports events. It has been home to many sporting teams based in Seattle however it is currently home to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, the University of Seattle’s men’s basketball team and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken (Warner, 2023). The stadium has undergone several renovations, with its most impactful occurring between 2018 and 2021, which was overseen by construction company Mortenson. Francis et al. (2023) suggest there has been a recent focus on environmental performance concerning stadium design and construction with countries and mega events committed to reducing carbon emissions. Sustainability was maintained when renovating through the use of existing materials. This included maintaining the original roof, and rescuing the curtain wall and windows systems of the stadium (Obando, 2021). To be the most responsible, progressive and sustainable arena in the world is the goal of Climate Pledge Arena. The arena was the first in the world to be awarded the International Living Future Zero Carbon Certification (Climate Pledge Arena, 2024).

Many of the key attributes of sustainability are met by Climate Pledge Arena such as waste management, efficient lighting systems, public transportation, and water conservation. Their waste management has received TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum certification with over 90% of arena waste avoiding landfill executed with a focus on fan engagement and having the right sized bins and colour-coded bin bags. Debrah et al. (2021) explains the last decade has seen more youth have a greater awareness and positive environmental attitude, without the practical experience in how to best put waste management into practice. These simple colour codes are an easy way to engage the younger fans to practice sustainability. The lighting at Climate Pledge Arena is 100% powered by renewable energy with on-site solar panels on the roof and off-site locally purchased wind farms. Public transportation is the preferred method to reduce the carbon footprint of attendees so transportation is free to publicly ticketed events and games in the hope 25% of patrons use this. Climate Pledge Arena also has leading water conservation practices with ultra-efficient showers, waterless urinals and a rain-to-rink system where a 15,000-gallon cistern captures water from the high levels of rainfall in Seattle, which is used to create ice for the rink. Xu (2020) states the importance of rainwater utilisation systems in sports venues with the obvious scarcity of water resources. The arena has accomplished Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification (Climate Pledge Arena, 2024).

References

Climate Pledge Arena. (2024). Sustainability. https://www.climatepledgearena.com/sustainability/

Climate Pledge Arena. (2023, June 22). How to Access your FREE Public Transit Pass with your Climate Pledge Arena Ticket [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RKUu9G6f4w

Debrah, J. K., Vidal, D. G., & Dinis, M. A. P. (2021). Raising awareness on solid waste management through formal education for sustainability: A developing countries evidence review. Recycling, 6(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling6010006

Francis, A. E., Webb, M., Desha, C., Rundle-Thiele, S., & Caldera, S. (2023). Environmental sustainability in stadium design and construction: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 15(8), 6896. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086896

Obando, S. (2021, October 20). On site: An inside look at the construction of Seattle’s $1.15B Climate Pledge Arena. Construction Dive. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/climate-pledge-arena-seattle-mortenson-construction/607484/

Warner, A. (2024, April 17). World’s Most Sustainable Sports Venues. Rotowire. https://www.rotowire.com/article/worlds-most-sustainable-sports-venues-71405

Xu, H. Z. (2020). Environmental Optimization Design of Rainwater Utilization System in Large Sports Venues under the Influence of Ocean Climate. Journal of Coastal Research, 104(sp1), 887–890. https://doi.org/10.2112/JCR-SI104-152.1

[sun-in-retrograde]

Nodal Return

14 May 2003

Super unsurprisingly, my north node is in the ninth house of philosophy. This was a time when I was really worried about faith - I was in the process of leaving Christianity. Lilith conjunct midheaven in Taurus is fun - I was creating really weird obscure fiction and things.

23 November 2004

Moon conjunct the sun in the 2nd house - I generally take my second house to be about moral values, so this seems strong

Pluto is still conjunct Uranus - which is an appropriate conjuncton for a time when I was getting deeply into the occult. By this stage I was working in a Buddhist shop, out of school, out of Christianity.

19 June 2006

The North Node leaves nodal return in the fifth house of pleasure, at a time when I'm drinking more than I should. A little while after this I kind of stop taking magic so seriously, I also start smoking.

The north node is conjunct natal Uranus in the 11th house - I feel like I've found my tribe.

The Pluto-Uranus conjunction will remain a factor in my fact until 2010, by which time I've cut my hair, I'm taking a Library MA and I'm trying hard not to think about the occult or act unusual in any way.

6 September 2012

I got my first professional job in a university 2011 and by 2012 I was coming up to my first Fresher's period. I was doing well and getting the hang of the pace of professional life. My nodal reverse begins with my north node in the 10th house and a lot of activity in the 4th house - Natal Venus conjunct IC, south node conjunct Lilith, Venus in the 7th house conjunct my natal descendant. It was an intense time in my home life - the era when I cried every weekend

1 November 2013

A key date for me - I did NaNoWriMo. It was the first time in years that I had done something for me. I made friends and started to feel like myself again. Mercury, the Sun, and North Node conjunct in the 3rd house is pretty telling of a key writing experience

21 March 2014

North node exact over the south node. I was starting to write a lot more - Neptune in the 3rd house trine Pluto and sextile natal Neptune. North Node in the 11th House - I was finding my people again.

10 October 2015

The South Node time was a time of having friends for the first time in a while, and a kind of sense of self. I wasn't just writing, I was creating something other people could enjoy. I was making friends based on writing and roleplaying. At this stage, I'm planning to move away. Mercury is conjunct my north node moving into virgo in the 5th house as I start to write a ridiculously mathematical story that's the first thing I wrote to go down really well.

22 December 2021

Start of my second nodal return - I had a new job and a chaotic time in my life was finally over. Pluto squares the nodes for the first half of my nodal transit - Pluto was a big part of my last transit and this is a time to struggle with lessons not completely learned in the last nodal return.

My second nodal return started with Pluto and Venus conjunct my ascendant. A time for a bit of beauty and cam. And the North Node in the 6th house conjunct my IC. After a difficult year, this was the start of a quiet, enjoyable, Christmas holiday.

6 July 2023

My North node return in a few months off and will happen in the 1st house with Jupiter and Uranus also in the first house.

My ascendent will be conjunct my natal sun in the 2nd house and there's a nice triangle between the ascendent, my natal Uranus (at the 9th house), and Venus in the 5th house. It could be an interesting time to reconnect with the more emotional and subconscious elements of my life.

29 January 2025

End of the nodal return. The North Node leaves Aries in the 5th House, near to Neptune and Venus. Pluto, the Moon and Mercury conjunct in the 3rd house in Aquarius close by the ascendant makes me think this could be a good time to communicate about dreams, the occult and the subconscious. I guess we'll have to see.

I am not good at astrology yet. There's a lot I could focus on that I haven't. I think what this gives me is a mission to reconnect with the good things about my life in my last nodal return - art, caring about my surroundings, having a very strong spiritual side

[sunbeams-and-honey]

June 2021 Transits: Part 8

In this series I will be going over what I recommend doing and not doing during each transit of the month. As always, let me know if you have any questions!

Remember that this is general advice. To find out how a day will affect you personally, you need to pull up a transit chart for that day using your birth time. I don’t mind doing this for you if you’re interested! Just be sure to give me your birth date and time, and the date (and maybe even time if you have one in mind) of the day you want a chart of.

As always, please take this advice with a grain of salt, especially considering we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Please use your common sense and follow your country’s restrictions regardless of what I say about the transit.

I will be reblogging each transit post closer to the time of the transit and I will also be making a compilation post of all the transits of the month once each individual post is up.

Venus sextile Uranus in 1st House Cancer and 11th House Taurus: 12th-13th June 2021

Transit in 3 words: fun, excitement and creativity

This is a good time for:

Anything related to your finances.

Romantic endeavours.

Socialising.

Anything creative.

Experimenting with your style.

Meeting someone new, whether that’s in a romantic or platonic sense.

Working on your relationships.

Advice:

Allow people to approach you first.

Don’t be surprised if any relationships started now don’t amount to much more than just an affair.

However, true love is possible.

Prepare to meet new, intense people.

Watch your impulses.

If you are taken and need space, communicate this with your partner rather than pushing them away.

Allow yourself to broaden your horizons.

[tezlivenews]

शुक्र राशि परिवर्तन 2021: सिंह, तुला और कुंभ समेत इन राशि वालों को होगा धन लाभ, मिलेगा शुभ समाचार

शुक्र राशि परिवर्तन 2021: सिंह, तुला और कुंभ समेत इन राशि वालों को होगा धन लाभ, मिलेगा शुभ समाचार

शुक्र 11 अगस्त को कन्या राशि में प्रवेश करने जा रहे हैं। इसके पहले शुक्र सूर्य की राशि सिंह में थे। अब शुक्र राशि परिवर्तन करते हुए बुध की राशि कन्या में गोचर करेंगे। कन्या राशि में शुक्र 6 सितंबर तक… Source link

[iliyad]

everything that has happened in 2020, in case you forgot

because it’s been a long year. counts up to december 20. i tried to get in as much as i could, but there will still be some things missing, because it's been a long year.

january (timeframes will be rough)

australian bush fires

persian gulf crisis

taal volcano eruption

impeachment trial of donald trump

covid-19 pandemic what else is there to say?

the united kingdom’s withdrawal from the european union

february

delhi riots

collapse of malaysia’s coalition government

stock market crash

luxembourg made public transport free

conditional peace agreement between the united states and the taliban

march

afghanistan war crimes inquiry authorised to proceed

tokyo summer olympics postponed to 2021

north macedonia joins nato

russia-saudi arabia oil price war

april

united states designates a white supremacist group as a terrorist group for the first time

opec and allies agree to cut oil production by 9.7 million barrels a day

united states suspends funding to the world health organisation

nova scotia attacks

israeli politicians agree to form a unity government

iran deploys first military satellite

king salman declares people will not be executed for crimes committed as minors

the pentagon officially releases three ufo videos

colombia formalises its membership of the oecd

may

venezuelan dissidents and american private military attempt to infiltrate venezuela and remove president maduro from office

scientists discover parasitic microbe blocking mosquitos from carrying malaria

first black hole discovered in a star system visible to the naked eye

styrene gas leak in india

cross-border clash at the nantha lu crossing between chinese and indian soldiers

konarak vessel incident

fossil analysis indicates modern humans may have arrived in europe thousands of years earlier than thought

maternity hospital stormed by gunmen in afghanistan

discovery of millipede fossil as the world's oldest-known land animal dating c.425 million years

east africa floods

palestine terminates all agreements with israel and the united states after israel plans to annex the jordan valley

cyclone amphan

united states announces withdrawal from open skies treaty

mining company rio tinto destroys sacred aboriginal caves at juukan gorge in australia

george floyd is killed, beginning mass global protests against police racism and brutality

costa rica becomes first central american country to legalise same-sex marriage

chinese government votes for legislation granting powers to suppress democracy movement in hong kong

rwandan court sentences former mayor to life imprisonment for role in rwandan genocide

first crewed spacex flight is launched

june

state of emergency declared by russia after 20 thousand tons of oil leaks into ambarnaya river

libya’s government claims control of tripoli

turkish and iranian forces begin air and artillery strikes against kurdish forces in iraqi kurdistan

north korea demolishes kaesong’s inter-korean liaison office

solar eclipse

7.5 magnitude earthquake in oaxaca, mexico

historic three-party coalition government formed in ireland

china passes hong kong national security law

july

russian voters support constitutional amendment allowing vladimir putin to seek two further six-year terms

landslide at jade mine in myanmar

bulgarian protests against boyko borisov’s government

mass graves uncovered in burkina faso believed to be the result of extrajudicial executions by government forces

turkish president orders the hagia sophia in istanbul to be reverted from a museum to a mosque

china floods

twitter accounts of prominent politicians, ceos and celebrities hacked in bitcoin scam

flooding of the brahmaputra river

nasa launches mars 2020 rover mission

august

barakah nuclear power plant in the uae becomes first commercial nuclear power station in the arab states

beirut explosions

belarusian protests sparked by controversial presidential election

vladimir putin announces russia’s approval of world’s first covid-19 vaccine

israel and uae agree to normalise relations

stranded japanese ship breaks in mauritius and spills one thousand tonnes of oil into the ocean

coup d'état takes place in mali

africa is declared free of wild polio

amazon ceo jeff bezos becomes first person ever with a net worth exceeding us$200 billion

hurricane laura

japanese prime minister shinzo abe resigns after seven years

september

an agreement is signed to transition sudan into a secular state

largest find of mammoth skeletons at construction site for airport in mexico city

pope benedict xvi becomes longest-living pope

kosovo and serbia announce normalisation of economic relations

bahrain and israel agree to normalise relations

typhoon haishen

announcement of detection of phosphine in venus’ atmosphere

first discovery of perfectly preserved cave bear remains in siberia, believed to be 22 thousand - 39 thousand years old

venezuelan government is accused of crimes against humanity by human rights council

france, germany, and the united kingdom reject china’s claims to the south china sea

oldest known copy of any work by william shakespeare, a 1634 edition of the two noble kinsman, is found in spain

documents of the financial crimes enforcement network are released, detailing suspicious transations valued at over us$2 trillion

microsoft buys zenimax media in the biggest and most expensive takover in the video game industry

deadly clashes erupt between armenian and azerbaijani forces in nagorno-karabakh

october

the european union launches legal action against the united kingdom for overriding sections of the brexit withdrawal agreement

new caledonia votes against independence from france

mass protests break out in kyrgyzstan against controversial parliamentary election

thai protests

new zealand prime minister jacinda ardern's labour party wins second term in office by a landslide, gaining the first parliamentary majority since introduction of new voting system in the early 90s

nasa's osiris-rex spacecraft becomes their first probe to retrieve samples from an asteroid

geneva consensus declaration on women's health and strengthening families is signed by 34 countries

falkland islands declared free of land mines

israel and sudan agree to normalise relations

nasa confirms existence of molecular water on the moon

7.0 aegean sea earthquake

typhoon goni

november

amhara women, children and elderly killed in ethiopia

tumblr melts down over supernatural ship “destiel” (dean winchester and castiel), causing this site to crash several times

united states election concludes joe biden as president of the united states, STATES FLIP DATA

hurricane eta

united states exits the paris climate change accord

armenia and azerbaijan sign ceasefire agreement

hong kong pro-democracy lawmakers resign en masse

nasa and spacex launch to the international space station

hurricane iota

brereton report into australian war crimes during the war in afghanistan released

indian farmers’ protest

iranian nuclear scientist mohsen fakhrizadeh is assassinated

koshobe massacre

lunar eclipse

protein folding is solved

december

arecibo telescope collapses

the united kingdom approves covid-19 vaccine

three activists jailed in hong kong for part in democracy protests

united nations commission on narcotic drugs votes to remove cannabis from dangerous drugs list

united states announces withdrawal from somali civil war

russia begins mass vaccination against covid-19

venezuelan parliamentary election

the united kingdom begins mass vaccination against covid-19

report into the christchurch mosque shootings released

nepal and china officially agree on height of mount everest

israel and morocco normalise relations

end of nicolas sarkozy corruption trial in france

the european union agrees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% over the next decade

bhutan and israel normalise relations

the international criminal court accuses the philippines of crimes against humanity in its war on drugs

the united states accuses switzerland and vietnam of currency manipulation

a new, highly-infectious strain of covid-19 begins to spread through the united kingdom and europe

[ms-m-astrologer]

Cosmic Events: July 2022

Lunar Phases

Sunday, July 2, 05:11 UT - Crescent Moon, 26:17 Leo

Thursday, July 7, 02:14 UT - First Quarter Moon, 14:59 Libra

Sunday, July 10, 14:02 UT - Gibbous Moon, 3:18 Sagittarius

Wednesday, July 13, 18:38 UT - Full Moon, 21:21 Capricorn

Saturday, July 16, 23:55 UT - Disseminating Moon, 9:25 Pisces

Wednesday, July 20, 14:19 UT - Last Quarter Moon, 27:52 Aries

Sunday, July 24, 14:52 UT - Balsamic Moon, 16:42 Gemini

Thursday, July 28, 17:55 UT - New Moon, 5:39 Leo

This is a medium-sized doozy of a chart: the lunation is applying a trine to Jupiter, which is less than three hours away from its retrograde station. It’s also conjunct the Lady Asteroid Ceres. The trine makes us want to do things in a big way - we’re fiery and fierce, maybe a little overconfident and loud and bossy - but it also gives us generosity, nobility, and luck. Ceres gives us interests in/with our families (biological or found), children and children’s concerns, and food and nutrition. I have the image of a great big happy family reunion, that sort of celebratory vibe.

Void of Course Moon

Thursday, June 30, 20:14 UT (Cancer) - Friday, July 1, 00:40 UT (Leo)

Sunday, July 3, 09:59 UT (Leo) - 12:31 UT (Virgo)

Tuesday, July 5, 18:04 UT (Virgo) - 22:25 UT (Libra)

Friday, July 8, 01:04 UT (Libra) - 05:15 UT (Scorpio)

Sunday, July 10, 04:34 UT (Scorpio) - 08:34 UT (Sagittarius)

Tuesday, July 12, 01:42 UT (Sagittarius) - 09:01 UT (Capricorn)

Thursday, July 14, 04:17 UT (Capricorn) - 08:13 UT (Aquarius)

Saturday, July 16, 04:36 UT (Aquarius) - 08:18 UT (Pisces)

Monday, July 18, 07:01 UT (Pisces) - 11:17 UT (Aries)

Wednesday, July 20, 14:19 UT (Aries) - 18:23 UT (Taurus)

Friday, July 22, 23:45 UT (Taurus) - Saturday, July 23, 05:11 UT (Gemini)

Monday, July 25, 08:14 UT (Gemini) - 17:54 UT (Cancer)

Thursday, July 28, 00:54 UT (Cancer) - 06:36 UT (Leo)

Saturday, July 30, 04:29 UT (Leo) - 18:11 UT (Virgo)

Notice that they get longer and longer as the month goes on?

Retrograde/Direct/Etc.

Juno/Pisces begins the month in her pre-retrograde shadow, and stations retrograde on Monday, July 25.

Vesta/Pisces begins the month in her pre-retrograde shadow, and stations retrograde on Thursday, July 7.

Jupiter/Aries begins the month in its pre-retrograde shadow, and stations retrograde on Thursday, July 28.

Saturn/Aquarius is retrograde all month.

Chiron/Aries stations retrograde on Tuesday, July 19.

Neptune/Pisces is retrograde all month.

Pluto/Capricorn is retrograde all month.

That may seem like a lot of retrograde, and there’s still more to come….

Ingresses

Tuesday, July 5, 06:04 UT - transiting Mars enters Taurus

Tuesday, July 5, 06:25 UT - transiting Mercury enters Cancer

Monday, July 18, 01:32 UT - transiting Venus enters Cancer

Tuesday, July 19, 12:35 UT - transiting Mercury enters Leo

Friday, July 22, 20:07 UT - transiting Sun enters Leo

Saturday, July 23, 17:25 UT - transiting Ceres enters Leo

Opportunity Periods

Sunday, July 3, 01:55 UT - 09:59 UT. “Excellent opportunity to initiate projects that involve communcation, social activities, leadership, etc.”

Sunday, July 10, 00:56 UT - 04:34 UT. “Use this OP for serious and constructive work.”

Friday, July 15, 23:27 UT - Saturday, July 16, 04:36 UT. “Good time for communications, establishing connections, or consolidating existing networks.”

Monday, July 18, 03:07 UT - 11:17 UT. “Great to use for the arts, fun, mind expansion, or anything you choose.”

Friday, July 22, 19:45 UT - Saturday, July 23, 05:11 UT. “Use this time to revamp your space and clear away any unnecessary clutter during the Last Quarter Moon.”

Thursday, July 28, 17:25 UT - 18:25 UT. “This Cazimi Moon is usable 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the Sun-Moon conjunction. If you have something important to start around now, this is a great time to do it.”

Et Cetera

Since December 13, 2021, we haven’t had any planets in the “interpersonal” signs - Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio - just the Moon, sweeping through once a month. And I can argue that in all this time we’ve all been feeling the weight of the world on our shoulders (via so many planets in “transpersonal” signs, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces) - which has been overwhelming, to say the least.

We also have been more focused on ourselves and our individual problems, as planets move through the “personal” signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer).

That’s all going to change during the five days which see Mercury, the Sun, and Ceres enter Leo (in that order). All of a sudden: “Wow! Other people exist! Oh brave new world that hath such people in it!”

This is great news - being balanced is (almost) always a good thing, and we’ve been missing the whole “interpersonal” piece for several months, except sporadically when the Moon is there. I think we’re going to be very excited and eager about it, too - at least to start with.

[peppermint-chocolate-cherries]

Back to my astrology research, because sometimes I need to check in on it and see where the next year is headed.

In March 2023, Pluto makes its first dip into Aquarius in a couple hundred years. It does go retrograde at the very beginning of May, at 0°22 AQ, before returning to Capricorn in mid-June.

My natal Mars is at 1°02 Aries, a rather impulsive placement for this very earth-bound Gemini's chart. I just googled having a transit Pluto sextiling Mars, and this is the first result:

I've been planning my first ever Europe trip since 2019. The first booking for June 2020 got cancelled by COVID, 2021 wasn't any better yet. 2022 has been dominated by airport chaos and Russia being naughty.

I've been planning a May 2023 booking for a few months now. Just recently I decided it's definitely happening, world chaos be damned. Only this morning did I check the ephemerides for 2023, and it appears that Pluto agrees with me!!!!!

Also on a positive note, Jupiter's tragectory for May is from 27° Aries to 3° Taurus. My midheaven is 28° Aries, Vesta is 29° Aries, and Venus is 2° Taurus. They're all encouraging too:

All other placements are rather benign, so overall a good omen. Jupiter and Pluto want me to finally go to Europe next year!!!

[michipeachiii]

May 2021 Happenings

May 1: Retrograde in Pluto continues throughout the month of May May 1: Beltane / May Day May 3: Last quarter moon in Aquarius May 5-6: Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks. Visible in both hemispheres. (Check your local listings for up to date information.)  May 6-7: Earthshine nights. A time when you're able to see the unlit portion of the moon.  May 7: Waning crescent moon in Aries May 11: New moon in Taurus May 14-15: Earthshine nights. A time when you're able to see the unlit portion of the moon.  May 15: Waxing crescent moon in Cancer May 19: First quarter moon in Leo May 19: Taurus season ends May 20: Gemini season begins May 23: Waxing gibbous moon in Libra May 23: Retrograde in Saturn begins May 26: Full moon in Sagittarius & Super moon. (A time when the moon is closest in its orbit to Earth.) May's full moon is also known as a flower moon.  May 26: Total lunar eclipse. Visible in Australia, Western US, South America & East Asia. (Check your local listings for more information.)  May 29: Waning gibbous moon in Capricorn May 29: Retrograde in Mercury begins May 31: Retrogrades in Pluto, Saturn, and Mercury continue into the month of June

Please check your local and daily listings for up to date information in your time zone.

Feel free to save or print this calendar for personal use! However, please don’t repost this image elsewhere. If you found this calendar helpful, please consider buying me a coffee or check out my wishlist! 💕

This is part of an ongoing cosmic calendar series. For a list of upcoming transits, more info is under the cut.

May 2021 Transits

May 2: Mercury trine Pluto; Venus conjunct Lilith; Venus sextile Neptune May 3: Sun square Saturn; Mercury square Jupiter May 4: Mercury enters Gemini May 6: Venus trine Pluto May 8: Venus square Jupiter May 9: Venus enters Gemini May 11: Mercury sextile Chiron; Mercury conjunct North Node; Mars square Chiron May 12: Mercury trine Saturn; Mars sextile Uranus May 13: Sun conjunct Lilith; Sun sextile Neptune; Jupiter enters Pisces; Neptune sextile Lilith May 17: Sun trine Pluto May 18: Venus sextile Chiron; Venus conjunct North Node May 20: Sun enters Gemini; Venus trine Saturn May 21: Sun square Jupiter May 23: Mercury square Neptune May 27: Venus square Neptune May 29: Mercury conjunct Venus May 31: Mars trine Neptune

[houseofbrat]

I find some of your anons to be quite naive. Like many, my loved passed in their sleep. We thought they were on the mend. It came as such a shock. Rather than taunting, perhaps anons would seek to understand a little of Vedic astrology.

This is what people don't understand. I'm dealing with time periods that go on for years. 

It’s pretty obvious to me that Charles will become King during his Jupiter-Venus dasa (time period). The only problem is that is a long span of time. It goes from November 2020 to July 2023. How do you cut that span of time down into something more specific. There are other subdivisions of that time period, but I usually tend to have problems when we get down to the third level, such as Jupiter-Venus-Moon. 

It looks pretty obvious to me that William will become Duke of Cornwall in his Saturn-Moon period. It just runs from January 2021 to August 2022. Again, another long period of time. 

I initially tried to cut these down by using the Jamini Chara dasa system, without studying it. I went for a section of Charles’ Virgo-Sagittarius Chara dasa, which obviously didn’t work. When I started reading up on Jaimini Chara dasa, I realized I should have gone for his Virgo-Capricorn dasa. Oh well. Although that is another long period of time since it goes from August 2021 to July 2022. 

The transit of Mars through (sidereal) Libra recently seemed like a good choice to narrow things down since two major malefic planets--Saturn & Mars--would be aspecting & transiting three out of four of HMTQ’s children’s 4th houses. Well, fourth house from the ascendant. Didn’t work obviously. 

And then I realized that regarding Anne’s chart, I should be looking at things from the Moon. Because Anne’s natal Moon is in (sidereal) Leo. 

Anne’s 4th house from the Moon is Scorpio, which is where the 04 December solar eclipse happened. That’s an indicator of a sudden change to the 4th house, aka the mother. Mars is transiting Scorpio until mid-January 2022. 

Additionally, I started thinking about the UK’s chart. The UK is running its Rahu-Mercury dasa, which is the same period Queen Victoria passed away in more than 120 years ago. But, again, it’s a really long time period since it goes from December 2020 to June 2023. Which is partially why I haven’t considered the UK chart much in this.

And then I started thinking about the current transit of Mars to the UK chart. 

The UK chart has a Virgo lagna/ascendant, and Mars is the worst planet for Virgo lagnas since it rules both the 3rd and 8th houses. Mercury--the 1st and 10th ruler--is placed in Scorpio, the 3rd house at 26:29 Jyeshtha nakshatra. 10th house is the government. The Queen is part of the UK government since she is head of state. When Mars is transiting over the UK’s natal Mercury, it’ll also be aspecting the UK’s Moon in Gemini via Mars’ 8th aspect. That looks terribly significant. Mars being the ruler of the 8th house, the house of sudden changes, transiting over Mercury, ruler of the 10th house/government, placed in the sign (Scorpio) of sudden changes. What ever is going to happen, it looks quite anger-inducing since Mars is a planet of passion. 

I checked The Queen’s Varshaphala for January, and sure enough, she’s running a danger zone period from 09 to 18 January 2022. (Although all of January is suspect anyway.) 

But, who would be dumb enough to do something so anger-inducing during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year? And within weeks of her making the 70-year mark?

https://twitter.com/StrongWrite/status/1471857553768435713

Oh, that was in response to the bullying allegations because she likes to pretend that they’re false. 

And that everyone was out to get her. 

Yeah, that’s right. 

This chick has major plans, and it doesn’t look like she’s concerned about attending Jubilee events either.

https://twitter.com/StrongWrite/status/1450858924899438597

https://twitter.com/StrongWrite/status/1469858914686668808

Well, that looks like someone who is planning on making 2022 all about themselves. Probably going to start early in January. Where are those podcasts Spotify was promised? 

Although, let’s be honest, Boris would be glad for another idiot to take the heat off him if he can make it a few more weeks. 

I’m telling you, crazy shit is ahead. 

Rest up now. 

The Year of the Water Tiger is going to be wild, and it’s going to start before the official start of Chinese/Asian New Year (01 February 2022).  

[snarkywrites]

June Horoscopes: Deep Dive

June Horoscopes: Things kick off with Venus in the sign of Cancer on the 2nd, where we evaluate our devotion to the concept of love. We can feel more connected to friends and family during this transit which lasts for several weeks. On the 10th, the New Moon, Solar Eclipse in the sign of Gemini will amp up the way we communicate and might even have us multitasking. Since it is retrograde season, a reminder to be careful before hitting send and to think before you speak. The next day, on the 11th, Mars enters the sign of Leo. This can be an exciting and stimulating transit for Fixed and Fire signs, however, when Mars begins to square off with Uranus and Oppose Saturn, it can make us all wondering whether to take baby steps or giant leaps in our lives. On the 14th, Saturn will square off with Uranus, making us want to break free from what is holding us back but adding a lot of worry while we do it. Take things slow during the next few weeks so you do not stumble and fall. The magic of Jupiter in Pisces will come to a close soon as Jupiter begins retrograde motion on the 20th, as it heads back into Aquarius. Don’t fret, Jupiter will return later this year to repeat some themes during its brief 2021 transit. On the same day, the Sun enters the sign of Cancer, bringing us more emotional depth from an exciting Gemini season. Things get dramatic on the 24th with the Full Moon in Capricorn; taking us down memory lane as we plan the steps to our next evolution. Finally, the month closes with Venus entering the sign of Leo, making us more in command and loving ourselves. This energy will have us connecting with others and building our own esteems.

Aries – Viewpoints shift this month as you settle for peace and not war. The month begins with Venus entering the sign of Cancer on the 2nd allowing you to settle tensions at home and with those at work. A New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Gemini is going to spark up your communication. When Mars enters Leo on the 11th, this will be a very exciting time for you. Motivation will increase with the positive trine this energy will make with your sign is going to make things memorable. A great time to get things done. Mercury will finally go direct on the 22nd, this will allow you to have a better experience with traveling and communication. Mercury Retrograde might have made short distance traveling frustrating during this transit. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th brings back some topics you had to deal with six months ago regarding your career and independence. You might have started some major career goals that might have brought some powerful shifts and transformations. Results will appear now. When Venus joins Mars in Leo on the 27th, expect to see the world with different eyes. If you had shunned the prospect of love, you might be open to diving in now.

Taurus – This month will have most of your energy focused on the home and career front. You might even expect a powerful change in your philosophy. Venus enters Cancer on the 2nd, adding a lovely water flow that brings some calm especially when Venus makes a trine to Jupiter for the first couple days. Mars will be in the sign of Leo on the 11th, and this is your time to keep the peace at home. If you are feeling frustrated, this transit is perfect to channel your energy to making changes around the house and redecorating. On the 14th, Saturn is going to square off with Uranus, adding more to the level of frustration and stress you might be feeling. A reminder to relax, go slow and be patient. You might want to break free and be spontaneous, but Saturn might remind you of your limits. Stay grounded during this time. Mercury will be direct on the 22nd, providing awareness to make any changes to your spending habits. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th will make you plan if you have felt afraid of your next career moves. Abandon those fears and use that planner.

Gemini – A New Moon, Solar Eclipse in your sign on the 10th is going to have us more communicative and a little anxious. This is your period to embark on a new set of goals and intentions for the next six months. This is your transitional phase into major success if you keep going with planning and focus. Venus brings you love and abundance on the 2nd when it enters the sign of Cancer. A Reminder to be patient when you are trying to build an empire. Mercury will finally be direct on the 22nd and this will allow you to move forward with your plans and goals. Keep your head up and do not let any limits stop you because you have the power to create success. On the 11th, Mars enters Leo, giving you a nice verbal punch to go with your sass. This transit will make you feel confident and when Venus joins Mars on the 27th, things get spicy with your words having the power to make anyone feel more enamored. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th will bring you insights and serves as a reminder of your own sense of power and strength.

Cancer – Lots of flow of energy that will be blessings for you beginning when Venus enters your sign on the 2nd, a good and relaxing period for you. It is also a great opportunity to dive into a relationship or to find yourself. If you have been thinking of ways to find and build more stability, the Mars in Leo transit on the 11th and the Venus in Leo transit on the 27th are guiding transits that will allow you to set reachable and powerful goals that can be transformative. However, make sure not to overindulge with Venus in Leo. On the 20th, Jupiter begins retrograde motion headed back into the sign of Aquarius. As a water sign, it now means you have just a few more weeks to enjoy and indulge with this beautiful transit. On the same day, the Sun enters your sign, adding more of the element of joy and awareness. As Jupiter trines with the Sun, it can feel like an awakening and an expansive/optimistic time. Mercury will finally be direct on the 22nd, a time for you to let go of the past and get ready to move forward. Finally, the month has a Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th that is going to impact your relationship house. Remember those power dynamics because this Moon can have you transform the way you engage in partnerships for the next several months.

Leo – Things lighten up with Venus in Cancer on the 2nd, bringing calm and enlightening moments to you through dreams. If you needed a moment to cool off and meditate, this transit will serve wonders. It will also rekindle that love of self you might have needed. A heavy month with Leo transits as Mars enters your sign on the 11th and Venus follows suit on the 27th.  You are going to feel driven and more confident during this time. It will be an awakening for you, even if it is not your season yet. Saturn will Square Uranus on the 14th, a reminder of your limits and how to be patient to get what you want. Relationships might feel harder to conserve right now but forgiving and communicating can be the medicine needed. Jupiter will go retrograde on the 20th, adding an element of karmic lessons as you once again rediscover yourself and what makes you happy. Mercury goes direct on the 22nd, your friendships will be tested now, so another reminder to be patient. The Full Moon on the 24th is going to evaluate your work and routines, so this is a great time to focus on planning ahead and taking care of yourself. Listen to your body if you need to rest.

Virgo – Jupiter will be going retrograde on the 20th and this means that the opposition this transit is having on your sign is coming to an end until 2022. Evaluate just how much this transit has changed a part of you as well as your relationships. Did you discover what you are seeking in a partner? Venus enters Cancer on the 2nd, a lovely time to feel enchanted by those around you and meeting new people. On June 11th, Mars enters Leo and on the 27th, Venus enters Leo, two transits that are going to keep you more secluded as you opt to recharge before interacting with many people. Focus on completing projects and getting yourself prepared for school/work. Mercury, your ruler goes direct on the 22nd, so these retrograde mishaps will conclude (for now) as you begin to rebuild and patch up the effects of the transit. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th is a time you receive more insights on your love life and relationship goals. If you are partnered, you will experience an eye opening and fulfilling time, if you are single, this transit can provide the motivation needed to consider falling in love once again.

Libra – Venus, your ruler will be in the sign of Cancer on the 2nd, adding a powerful moment in your life as you evaluate where you are headed in the future regarding career. You are confident, charming, and capturing everyone’s attention in a positive way. If you want to aim for the top leadership goal, you can do it. The Sun’s entry in Cancer on the 20th can provide some tough moments but you will be motivated to show others what you are made of. On the 10th, the New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Gemini is going to help you build, plan, and focus on getting to the top. Mars enters Leo the following way, adding some more fuel since this transit will add a nice sextile to your sign, allowing you to be supported by friends and family during this time of success and achievement. Venus will be in Leo later this month on the 27th, once again giving you the motivation if you are burnt out. Mercury will be direct on the 22nd, making this a good time for rescheduling some missed plans. An important transit for you will be the Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th, a time of evaluating and flowing with the potential changes happening around you.

Scorpio – Magic will infuse your life when Venus enters the sign of Cancer on the 2nd. You can visualize where you are headed and have the optimism needed to get there thanks to Jupiter’s impact. The New Moon/Solar eclipse on the 10th will be a powerful transit for you, as it activates your subconscious. An analysis of power and control dynamics in your life might overwhelm you. Be patient with yourself and you will see how this can be a learning experience that will make you feel more powerful in the next 6 months. On the 11th, Mars enters Leo, and this will have some challenges, but you are still going to be victorious either in school and/or work. If you have a game plan and motivation, you are undefeated. Saturn and Uranus square off on the 14th. This can add some challenges at home, but you will have the blessing of Jupiter in Pisces to keep the tension down. On the 20th, Jupiter begins retrograde motion, so remember the lessons you learned during this transit since you will experience it again in 2022. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th will allow you to connect with family, travel and experience some fun. Enjoy.

Sagittarius – The New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Gemini on the 10th is going to transform you once more, a reminder of that Venus retrograde transit of 2020. This period will have you churning through your past romantic successes and failures as you figure out whether you want a relationship or not. Fire signs will be excited with Mars entering the sign of Leo on the 11th. If you have felt unmotivated, this transit will keep you active and engaged. If you wanted to join a course or a workshop, do it. Jupiter, your ruler will go retrograde on the 20th and this will have an impact in your career and home. Learn more about achieving balance and learn how to perfect it since you will repeat this energy in 2022. Mercury will be direct on the 22nd, you see yourself forgiving and letting go of the past with ease. A reminder to keep your finances in check will appear on the 24th with the Full Moon in Capricorn. Confidence boosters galore with the Venus in Leo transit on the 27th, making this a great period to learn about things you have been curious about or just read up on something that makes you happy.

Capricorn – Relationship matters become center stage on June 2nd when Venus enters Cancer, lighting up your house of partnerships. If you are single now, you can attract someone with ease and if you are in a relationship, this can bring some harmony at home. The New Moon/Solar eclipse on the 10th, is a great time to begin a new era when it comes to your approach at work or home. This eclipse is a powerful one, so make sure to appreciate the lessons that it will bring since it will allow you to be more successful for career endeavors. Mars enters the sign of Leo on the 11th, a great time to focus on diplomacy since it can spark up some challenges with intimate partners. Take things slowly now and if people annoy you, try and think before acting. On the 20th, Jupiter will be retrograde and once again, you will need to evaluate your financial goals before it moves back to Aquarius. A major transit for you is the Full Moon in your sign on the 24th, a time where you evaluate your motives, your goals, and your dreams. 2020 was your period of transformation and right now, you are going to think back to all you have accomplished and where you are now compared to six months ago.

Aquarius – Saturn and Uranus will square off on the 14th. This could make you feel blocked but be patient. Mercury is having us repeat some processes and Saturn wants us to shape up. The New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Gemini on the 10th is going to rock your romantic world. If you are single, this can be the beginning of something fun and exciting for the next six months. Mars will enter Leo the following day, adding more of that excitement to your house of partnerships. However, you must remember to be diplomatic when it is required. Jupiter will start its journey back into your sign starting on the 20th. This is going to be a time where you are going to challenge your philosophies and anything relating to your motivations as well as image. While Saturn gives you more challenges to make you evolve, Jupiter is reminding you of what it is that you are seeking since this cycle happens once every 12 years. Mercury goes direct on the 22nd, perhaps an ex might make their way back in your life or you both have forgiven one another and moved on. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th, is a peaceful and reflective transit. Find yourself during this time and make sure to relax.

Pisces – Jupiter will begin retrograde motion on the 20th, an enlightening, optimistic and emotionally fulfilling. Now Jupiter heads back into Aquarius until its return later this year. As a water sign, you will rejoice with Venus’ entry in Cancer on the 2nd. A time of romance and inspiration begins for you and it will last until the end of the month. The New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Gemini on the 10th is going to impact your home and career. With this Moon, you will find what motivates and inspires you for the next six months. When Mars is in Leo beginning on the 11th, you are going to be impressive at work and when Venus enters Leo on the 27th, you are going to charm everyone with ease but be cautions when Venus squares off with Uranus and opposes Saturn in July. The energy will allow you to tackle any challenge and succeed in the process. But watch out for drama with colleagues or classmates. The Sun enters the sign of Cancer on the 20th, another good aspect for water signs. This season is going to make you more intuitive, and it will bring creative inspiration. Mercury will go direct on the 22nd, as a mutable sign this will bring you joy and relief. Mercury will ease things at home since you will be able to collaborate and communicate more efficiently. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th is a lovely transit for you, making the theme of connecting more prominent as you enjoy the time spent with friends and family.

[mariacallous]

Last month, soldiers from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan exchanged gunfire along several points of the countries’ undemarcated border. After a brief cease-fire, fierce fighting resumed and escalated from border areas into the territory of Kyrgyzstan, hitting remote areas of Osh province. Tajikistan’s military destroyed a bridge crossing the Ak-Suu River, residential areas, and businesses. The Tajik military then occupied and erected a flag on a public school in Dostuk village in Batken province. Kyrgyzstan shelled Tajikistan’s border areas well.

The conflict was among the most serious interstate military escalations in Central Asia’s history since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. On the Kyrgyz side, at least 62 civilians and military officers died, 198 were wounded, and roughly 136,000 were internally displaced. The Tajik authorities officially confirmed 41 dead among civilians and military personnel. The Kyrgyz Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Tajikistan for committing an act of war and claimed that the aggression was premeditated and prepared. The Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs blamed Kyrgyzstan for aggression and violation of norms of international humanitarian law.

The conflict also reveals the limitations of both China- and Russia-led regional security organizations in Central Asia. Both states clashed when China, Russia, and Central Asian countries were gathering at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan—just 200 miles away from the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. Both Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and his Kyrgyz counterpart, Sadyr Japarov, were present at the summit and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin while the skirmishes occurred. The conflict was discussed by the Tajik and Kyrgyz presidents at a side event but not at the main venue.

The SCO’s reluctance to resolve conflicts among its members reveals how it is limited to promoting only China’s security interests in the region. Beijing is interested primarily in strong regimes in Central Asia that will suppress the Uyghur minority and support China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the region. It has made clear that its Central Asian members must find other venues for solving intraregional territorial disputes.

Likewise, both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are members of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which historically chose not to intervene in interstate conflicts among its members. The only time it acted in unity and deployed troops to a member state’s territory was to suppress demonstrations in Kazakhstan this January. When Kyrgyz and Tajik militaries clashed in April 2021, the CSTO was holding a summit in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. The organization made no note of it.

In response to the recent clashes, the CSTO offered diplomatic mediation between Bishkek and Dushanbe. But the statement likely represented the Kremlin’s, and not the CSTO’s, approach to the conflict and its interest in stopping further destabilization. Russia is not interested in a Central Asia united without its patronage, but it also doesn’t want to see the region turn into a source of instability along its southern borders.

Unlike the renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which has been widely attributed to Russia’s weakening, the aggression in Central Asia is driven mostly by domestic factors. If the Russian president still plays a role in the conflict, it is from a position of strength, not weakness. The sense in Kyrgyzstan is that the CSTO could not avert Rahmon’s aggression because he enjoys close relations with the Kremlin. Throughout Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rahmon has remained loyal to Putin. He hosted him in June in Dushanbe.

As a sign of Moscow’s support for the impending dynastic transition, Russian Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko met with Rahmon’s 34-year old son, Rustam Emomali, in Dushanbe the day Russia invaded Ukraine. Some in Kyrgyzstan fear that their country’s neutral position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the root of Putin’s stronger support of Tajikistan.

The escalation along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border is not new. Small clashes flare up along the border on a regular basis, with the deadliest fight to date unraveling in April 2021, when dozens of civilians were killed and hundreds wounded. Many factors are at play. The Soviet delimitation of national borders in the Ferghana Valley produced a complex geography. Of the roughly 600-mile border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, only half is demarcated. Two Tajik exclaves, Vorukh and Kayragach (also known as Lolazor), are in Kyrgyzstan, contributing to tensions between the two states.

But the real problem has roots in modern politics: In both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, leaders use border tensions for their domestic political benefit. Even though both are drastically different regimes—Tajikistan’s is deeply autocratic and Kyrgyzstan’s populist—both have adopted populist approaches to the border area instead of trying to negotiate a peaceful coexistence for the local population. Japarov promised to resolve border issues to consolidate support ahead of the presidential election in 2021, while Rahmon employs expansionist rhetoric to consolidate the nation around his regime.

On the Tajik side, the regime has been acquiring ammunition and receiving military training from Russia, China, and Iran. China’s Ministry of Public Security financed the launch of a new military base in Tajikistan to counter threats emanating from Afghanistan, and Iran opened a production facility to produce Ababil-2 tactical drones. Sharing a long border with Afghanistan, Tajikistan has also been receiving extensive security aid from the United States and the European Union. The U.S. government supports Tajikistan with tactical weapons and military-to-military trainings. Kyrgyzstan also receives security assistance from the United States, but most programs focus on democracy-building.

Rahmon has ruled Tajikistan for nearly three decades, since the civil war in the 1990s. He imprisoned, forced out of the country, or killed all members of the opposition. Rahmon is also reportedly planning to transfer power to his son. Escalating a conflict with Kyrgyzstan under the pretense of protecting borders and ethnic Tajiks helps consolidate control over the military and state officials for the impending dynastic succession.

In Kyrgyzstan, the leadership is newly established and less autocratic. Japarov and his close ally Kamchybek Tashiev, the head of the State Committee for National Security, were able to win controversial elections in early 2021 on a populist platform. Territorial sovereignty and border security featured high on their agenda. They purchased Turkish Bayraktar drones and Russian armored personnel carriers to prop up their otherwise dilapidated armed forces.

Perhaps emboldened by their earlier successful delimitation of borders with Uzbekistan after a long history of frequent armed border disputes, they then held a ceremony to demonstrate the newly acquired military equipment in Bishkek. Tajikistan and less so Kyrgyzstan fortified their borders with military and civilian personnel, especially around densely populated disputed areas.

Japarov’s relations with Moscow are less secure than Rahmon’s primarily because he came to power as a result of mass protests and by replacing his predecessor. Japarov has also struggled to bring trade with China back to its pre-pandemic level, even after China eased domestic lockdowns.

By escalating fighting with Kyrgyzstan, Rahmon has been able to divert domestic attention from his recent violent clampdown on political activism among Pamiris, a minority population in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan autonomous region that identifies with the Ismaili branch of Shiite Islam. Gorno-Badakhshan—with its distinct local identity—remains the last place of civic resistance to Rahmon’s authoritarianism. Dozens of people have died in clashes with the government since late 2021. Rahmon recently shut down two important Ismaili institutions—a school and a bookshop.

Japarov’s populist policies, corruption, and repression of opponents have been severely criticized and challenged at home. The government’s unpreparedness in the face of Tajik aggression last month became fully exposed to the domestic audience. Where Japarov’s government is lacking, Kyrgyzstan’s robust civil society and independent media fill the gaps. Grassroots campaigns to support internally displaced people and provide open information sprang up across the country. People offered shelter, food, and clothing to the victims of the conflict.

But the effect of a weak civil society in Tajikistan and strong grassroots mobilization in Kyrgyzstan will likely have an inverse effect. Rahmon will be able to consolidate the security apparatus for a successful transfer of power to his son. He relies on the nationalist sentiment of protecting ethnic Tajiks along the unstable border with Kyrgyzstan.

By contrast, in Kyrgyzstan, Japarov and Tashiev come across as incapable of stopping the external aggressor and allowing high numbers of casualties. Kyrgyzstan in some ways resembles Armenia, where Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been unable to hold territory while his authoritarian neighbor makes gains and consolidates power. In both Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, protesters are calling for their governments to withdraw from the CSTO. With every security or social crisis in Kyrgyzstan, civil society networks mobilize and can fuel protest potential against the unpopular government. The latest clashes with Tajikistan may further destabilize Kyrgyz politics.

Neither China nor Russia wants growing instability in Central Asia, even if it involves smaller countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are heavily indebted to China. Both also have hundreds of thousands of migrant laborers working in Russia. Yet, even with strong economic influence, neither country can deliver on security guarantees for conflicts in Central Asia. Instead, the clashes exposed both the SCO’s and the CSTO’s inadequacy in preventing the escalation of tensions among their member states.

Future conflict prevention and resolution in Central Asia will depend on whether Western partners, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the U.S. government, and the EU, are willing to mediate regional tensions. Like the high-level visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Armenia to demonstrate U.S. support for interstate peace in the South Caucasus, now is the time for Western partners to support regional peace and prevent future loss of lives. Both Russia and China will likely oppose any expanded Western presence in the region, but they will continue to fall short when it comes to offering alternatives that bring about a more peaceful Central Asia.

[sunbeams-and-honey]

June 2021 Transits: Part 10

In this series I will be going over what I recommend doing and not doing during each transit of the month. As always, let me know if you have any questions!

Remember that this is general advice. To find out how a day will affect you personally, you need to pull up a transit chart for that day using your birth time. I don’t mind doing this for you if you’re interested! Just be sure to give me your birth date and time, and the date (and maybe even time if you have one in mind) of the day you want a chart of.

As always, please take this advice with a grain of salt, especially considering we’re in the middle of a pandemic. Please use your common sense and follow your country’s restrictions regardless of what I say about the transit.

I will be reblogging each transit post closer to the time of the transit and I will also be making a compilation post of all the transits of the month once each individual post is up.

Venus trine Neptune in 9th House Cancer and 5th House Pisces: 21st June 2021

Transit in 3 words: relationships, dreams and support

This is a good time for:

Romantic endeavours.

Daydreaming and fantasising.

Any creative projects.

Joining or helping out with a charity.

Activism.

Working on your relationships.

Decorating your surroundings.

Advice:

Let yourself relax.

Help out others where you can.

Check up on your loved ones.

Reconnect with those you've lost touch with.

Don't stress if you're not very productive during this time.

You're deserving of a break.

Take advantage of your current laidback attitude.

[seafoamreadings]

week of june 20th, 2021

aries: there are a lot of transits this week. you will likely handle all of them quite nicely. venus moves into leo as the last major transit of the week, and this is going to be generally favorable to you, but especially as far as romance is concerned, and if you are involved in creative pursuits they will be extra bountiful.

taurus: if you've had any financial or otherwise mercury-retrograde-related issues you should notice an immediate improvement, if not an actual resolution, when mercury goes direct this week. there's a lot of other things going on but this may be the one you feel the most.

gemini: mercury at last goes direct. the actual day of stationing will likely feel momentous to gemini people of all ilk. but there is plenty else also going on, so don't be surprised if you can't pick out your individual transits.

cancerians: this week is kicked off by the solstice, and the beginning of cancerian season. celebrate yourself, even if you are in tumult and even if the people around you can't find the time to get out of their own heads.

leo: you may feel like a million things happen at once and continuously this week. but the reward at the end is the ingress of venus into your sign, blessing you with more beauty than ever, and bringing some new kind of love into your life.

virgo: there are a lot of things going on this week, but nearly all of them turn out to be favorable for virgoans. don't let that energy go to waste. you may feel frazzled simply due to the overwhelm, but remember as you go about your business that this is all *for* you and not against you.

libra: don't be fooled by intimidating pluto being in an opposition with your ruler venus. some will hype this as a negative aspect. it can be, but it's really just about power balances, and all the other aspects are favorable for you. plus, mercury is turning direct again this week!

scorpio: in case you weren't aware, be now advised: you have a strange subtle magnetic power over others. it is extra strong this week. i hope that you will use this to do only good in the world.

sagittarius: jove takes a retrograde this week, which will last for a good while. don't be disheartened as a jovial creature yourself. the stationing period will be odd, and planets changing directions in what seems like every tense aspect to you possible *will not* be a breeze for you, but all this turns out to be productive and you might answer some old questions, or at least find good clues.

capricorn: other signs may find themselves, as the saying goes, between a rock and a hard place. you are, probably, the rock, or at least affiliated with it. embody the ways a nice rock can be a good thing from time to time. if the metaphor seems too silly, at least accept that you are strong, and that can be good, if you make it good.

aquarius: mercury at last turning direct might spur you to do something impulsive. but neptune is also going retrograde in pisces. if you must do something impulsively, at least be sure it has nothing to do with your finances or with sacrificing your personal values.

pisces: you may be sick to death of gemini people and their mercury woes. you're about to join them twice as hard, with your modern and ancient rulers both(!) turning retrograde this week in your(!) sign. yes, they both spend a lot of time going backwards. but not in quite this configuration. it is significant. but it isn't like mercury. you're in for spiritual introspection.