June Forecast

The practice of Yoga and Astrology (Jyotish) has been linked together for hundreds of years. In this column we will look at the month ahead astrologically and see what we can learn about our yoga practices, life choices, and how to align and connect ourselves to the cosmic cycles.

This monthly column uses the science of Vedic Astrology (which differs from Western astrology in reckoning the sign position of the planets) as it gives the best results for people on a yogic or spiritual journey. The highlights below reflect the Vedic Astrology sign positions for this month.
    

Planetary Highlights

MOON
June 1, 4:03 pm NEW MOON - Solar Eclipse
June 15, 3:14 pm FULL MOON - Lunar Eclipse

This month:

The Gemini Sun Person
If you were born between June 14 and July 14, you are a Gemini Sun according to Vedic Astrology. According to modern Vedic astrology texts, those born under a Gemini Sun are very intelligent people with capable abilities in many different areas, especially the sciences of life, and are usually well-educated. These are successful people who are skillful with money and do well in their careers. They are polite, kind to others and are extremely good communicators. Talented in many things, they tend to try to do too much at once and can become tired from the endeavor. These are social people who require variety in life and dislike being bored.

The Gemini Yogi
The Gemini Sun Yogi likes a variety of yoga practices and can learn fast, but he or she may try to do too many things at once and needs to stay focused! If there is someone talking in yoga class, the odds are that it is the Gemini Yogi. They love partner work and can eventually excel at arm balances. Their attention wanders a lot and they like a class with lots of movement and often music or mantra. They need to learn to sit still so they can focus their mind, but even in relaxation their thoughts still race. They can become excellent practitioners of pranayama as well as students of the yogic texts.

Summer Solstice, June 21st
At 12:17 pm, Summer Solstice officially arrives in Austin!

Since the most ancient of times, in all cultures, and before all religions, the day of Summer Solstice was considered the turning point of the year, the time when the Sun "stood still" and the longest day of the year ensued.

Many communities centered their sacred buildings such as tombs and temples upon the direct alignment with the solstices. And there is speculation that the first science, astrology (which later transmuted into simple astronomy) was developed to observe these powerful days of the years.

On Summer Solstice, we celebrate the time when this solar energy is the highest, the soul's light the brightest, and our ability to connect to this light during the longest day of the year the most opportune.

The Sun in both yoga and astrology represents the energy of the Soul. Many practices in yoga are based on working with the body's internal solar energies, from sun salutations, to surya bheda (right nostril breathing), and to some of the oldest mantras, such as RAM or RAMA, or the ancient Sun mantra, OM SURAYA NAMAH.

This is the most powerful day of the year to connect to your soul's inner sun and meditate, meditate, meditate.

Lunar Eclipse, June 15th
At 3:14 pm we experience a lunar eclipse. You can begin to observe this on the night of the 14th and prepare for the energies this full moon will bring us. The lunar eclipses take away the light from the night. They intentionally create a darkness of what the Yogis call "Manas," or the emotionally sensory mind.

From this darkness, we are able to discern a new light as the eclipse passes. We have the opportunity to re-illuminate the mind and gain a fresh perspective on our emotional state. The energies this day are powerful, pregnant, and full of psychic impressions. You have to be centered to take full advantage of this time and not become emotionally unstuck.

Breathing through the left nostril is a good pranayama for this day as it as it balances lunar and emotional energy. A more feminine or "yin" yoga practice is advised and one would do well to meditate near water (or get in water) and increase the liquid intake this day.

It is not a good day to make big decisions or indulge in excessive emotionality. Heal, rest, and you will gain a new emotional perspective on yourself as the eclipse occurs.

It's A Threesome!
The last half of June finds Mars and Venus hooking up in the sensual sign of Taurus with kinky Ketu joining the party. This will be a time of unconventional expression of passion with spiritual overtones. Some may enjoy an unusual relationship during this time but don't expect it to last – Ketu will take it away. Depending on where Taurus is in your birth chart, this stellum of three planets will definitely bring an element of weird intensity into your life.

Happy Solstice!