Author: firemoonalchemy

There is a lot of energy surrounding the new moon on June 21, 2020. The moon is in it’s element here, as it is in the sign of Cancer for which it is the ruling planet. There is a solar eclipse to go along with it, and to top it off, it coincides with the summer solstice!

The sign of Cancer in the tarot is represented by The Chariot. This card has been coming out a lot lately! The deacon associated with this moon is represented by the two of cups. I also decided to pull the two numbers that make up the Chariot. These cards are number five, The Hierophant, and number 2 The High Priestess.

Take a look at these cards for a moment.

One of the aspects about this new moon on June 21st is it occurs on the Gemini and Cancer cusp. That means, this is right on the transition between the two signs. So to me, there is an influence of Gemini energies on this New Moon. This is indicated by the image on the two of cups card. This is a matter of my own intuitive perception, let me explain.

Now, the two of cups, is not “officially” associated with Gemini. But to me, the image is so similar to The Lovers card, which IS the card that represents Gemini in the major arcana. Both The Lovers and Two of Cups images portray the message of balance, healing, pure intentions, and the union of two energies or people. This card can apply to any situation, business, relationships, etc. The Lovers, since it is a major arcana card, is the higher, more amplified representation of this interpretation.

So in this reading, I intuitively see the two of cups as the “less intense” energy of Gemini which is present, but not predominant, as an influence as the energies shift, into Cancer.

The two of cups can also indicate two energies or people who are a mirror image of each other (i.e., twins – there’s that Gemini energy popping up again). Each balancing out the other as a mirror image imprint. They are literally seeing their soul’s reflection looking back at them when they are in front of each other. We see this energy in soul contract relationships for example, when two people are together to help each other grow and learn lessons. This is where the coined phrase “opposites attract” comes from. These two people, or energies complement one another, by balancing out each other. Yin and Yang.

Now let’s look at the second row. We are looking at exactly the same imagery. We have the number 5 from The Major Arcana, The Hierophant. He is the outward, masculine expression of spirituality, tradition, social order. The “socially accepted” form of spirituality. He is in the public eye. A teacher, a counselor, a mentor. He conveys the teachings. See the keys at his feet? He gives the “keys” of knowledge to his followers through his teachings. Through his interpretations, he tells you the teachings which shapes your conscious mind.

And next to him, we see The High Priestess. She is the feminine aspect of spirituality. She is the hidden, occult version. Most people are afraid of what she knows. She hides the teachings. She keeps secrets. One must be worthy of the “true knowledge” that she holds. She sits in between two pillars, which represent the two pillars in front of Solomon’s temple. Her teachings are not for the layperson. These are the advanced teachings of the ancient mystery schools. This knowledge is only for the truly dedicated. One must do the work before they are ready to comprehend what lies beyond the veil that she sits in front of. The High Priestess is the “mirror image” of The Hierophant. You will notice she has no followers at her feet. She is your subconscious, your intuition. She does not give you the information, she encourages you to look within. She asks you “what do YOU think?”

So I see these energies subtly reflected in the Zodiac Oracle cards as well. Look at Cancer on the left. He is deep down in the ocean of his emotions, pondering, thinking about how he “feels”. Cancer’s motto is “I feel”. Notice the character in this card is looking towards the left. The subconscious, feminine side.

The Moon card on the right is a feminine energy, but the image is that of balance. This is reflected not only in her stance, but also the “fire” that she holds in each hand. There is just enough masculine energy here to keep things in a balanced perspective. The image to me, has the same energetic feeling to it as The High Priestess card. It’s just the way she is projecting herself. Confident, centered, there is a sparkle in her eye. She definitely is privy to hidden knowledge that she is not willing to share with us yet.

So although the New Moon is in the sign of Cancer, which as a water energy, is of the emotions, this new moon is not a pushover! Let’s not forget the crab has a strong shell and powerful pincers to protect it’s vulnerabilities. We need to put on our armor as well. To not allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the intangible influence of outside sources. To be balanced, one must situate themselves BETWEEN the pillars.

The Charioteer must be centered in all aspects. Heart, head, mind, spirit, emotions. Focus, will and determination are what steers the sphinxes, for there are no reins. I jokingly refer to this card as the “get your stuff together” card. As the seventh card in The Major Arcana, The Chariot is a significant signpost in the soul’s journey. The Charioteer must internalize what he has learned thus far, and discern what is HIS truth. And through this perspective, he makes his own way in the world. The Charioteer, if you look closely is ONE with the Chariot. To maintain his momentum, The Charioteer, focuses on what is REAL to him, what is within his control. Everything else is just a distraction.

So getting back to the New Moon, I am seeing the message here as one of learning lessons, discernment, balance, focus and perceptions. Pay attention to your emotional energy. Gemini’s influence (the mind), is still here, reminding us to think before we act. Be careful of what you take in from media and embrace as your personal truth. Sensationalism is everywhere, as they are all competing for your attention (aka ratings). Extreme views are polarizing which triggers emotions. When we are emotional, we are out of balance. When we are out of balance, we act in irrational ways. We do things in the spur of the moment that we regret later. We waste our time being frustrated about things that are beyond our control, all the while ignoring the reality of own lives, which is where we DO have control!

I think many of us are waking up to the realization that what we see on our screens is not necessarily, what it appears to be. On a social consciousness level, it is so important for all of us to treat others kindly right now. Be polite. Wear your armor, don’t let the “small stuff” get to you. Tensions are high, and if we are to steer The Chariot in the direction where we want it to go, it is imperative that we remained balanced. Look at The High Priestess and The Hierophant. See how calm and balanced they are in between the pillars?

To bring things down to earth a bit, here are some insights on a more personal note for this New Moon for relationships, career & personal:

For relationships, Perhaps you are not seeing things as they truly are. Many of us have been very restricted as of late. This has resulted in pent up energy. Be careful, your emotions may get the better of you. If you are feeling a little crazy, it’s best to work out that extra emotional energy at the gym, or concentrate on a work project, etc. I see that people are hypersensitive right now. Be aware of triggers. A simple offhanded comment or sideways look, can ignite an argument.

You may find that you could end up in an emotionally charged situation, from which it will be difficult to recover from, if your energies are not balanced. You don’t want to be the character in the Cancer card, at the bottom of the ocean by yourself. Wondering what happened! A sincere apology may be all it takes to get your relationship back on track. Cancer loves relationships and home. Think about your significant other while meditating on the image on the two of cups card.

For new relationships, if you are a water sign and they are an earth sign (or vice versa), this may be a potential match. This person may be one who can bring some balance into the relationship. A word of advice. Don’t be intimate too soon. You need some time to find out more about the other person to be sure, your perceptions about them are on point. Get to know them.

If you are an earth, air or fire sign, understand that water signs must have time alone to recharge. Water signs can become energetically overloaded easily. Give them space. Understanding this is the key to a harmonious relationship. Many people do not understand this, and as such, water signs can be reluctant to get too close as this may have been a source of conflict in other relationships in the past. If you are able to give them the space they need without getting your feelings hurt about it, you will unlock the key to their heart.

For work and career: You may be excited to accept that new job or enter into a partnership. The Hierophant and The High Priestess are saying proceed with caution. It may or may not be a good fit. First impressions are favorable for sure, but do you really know who this person is? Research the company or potential business partner carefully. You may believe that you are ready to move forward, but there may be something here that you do not know about, or that you are not acknowledging. Pay attention to your intuition. If you have a suspicion that something is not right, there’s a reason. Trust yourself.

Personal: You may be experiencing some mood swings lately. I am hearing this a lot from people right now. Work on stabilizing your energies. Meditating on the image of The High Priestess may help quiet your mind. Exercise is beneficial to release stored up energy that may be contributing to disruptive sleep patterns. Take notice of what you react negatively to on social media. Clean up your social media news feed so that it is more positive for you. If you have friends that are posting negative content, you can “snooze” them for 30 days to give yourself a break. Remember, you are responsible for your well being!

The Phoenix represents transformation from our past. We embrace the energy of the Phoenix when we “do the great work” to understand who we really are, and as such, begin to live consciously. In effect, our old self “dies” a metaphoric death. Then as we “wake up” we stop repeating the old, auto pilot patterns and programs that are running in the background within our subconscious. When we stop repeating the same mistakes and poor life choices over and over again, sometimes across multiple lifetimes even, this unchains us from the cycle of the wheel of Karma. We take a stand and make the changes that need to be made. This does not always have to be drastic (but many times it is), but it does need to change the circumstances so that one is better aligned with their soul/true self. You will know that you are on the right path, when you no longer feel “stuck” or feel exhausted from carrying around “dead weight”. You are excited when you wake up in the morning!

Something else you will notice, is that people that used to drain your energy, or push your boundaries will fade from your life. Or at least, you will see a reduction in their manipulation tactics. You will simply not be relatable to them anymore. Because you are a completely different person.

We each have unique gifts and talents that enable to us to contribute to the light of this world. When we embrace our gifts and share them, we raise our vibration, because we are loving what we are doing and taking an active role in our lives. This inspires others to do the same. This puts positive energy out into the world, which then re-aligns itself and returns in the form of “good luck” and “synchronicity”. And more importantly, because we are living consciously, we notice when it occurs. For example, opportunities pop up, we meet helpful people, we’re in the right place at the right time. When we take action on these events, we see our life improve.

This is not Law of Attraction. This is Universal Law. There is a big difference between the two.

The world is filled with anger, hate, negativity, etc. But it is also filled with love, laughter, art, fun, music, dancing, personal triumph, and more. We live on the planet of duality. Now of course we are all human with emotions, and we do get mad, depressed, etc. Tragedies occur. The things we strive for don’t come to us easily. On an individual level, there always seems to be some circumstance or person that shows up as a challenge or obstacle between us and our goal. Sometimes we win, sometimes not. But when we live consciously, we understand adversity for what it is. We find another way. We don’t give it power over us.

The plot of the first Rocky movie comes to mind here. I use this example because most people are familiar with it. It’s interesting how many people remember the ending incorrectly. Rocky actually lost the fight in the first movie. But, the filmmaker showed us a different perspective. In Rocky’s mind, he won. Because he triumphed over adversity. After the first few rounds in the ring with Apollo Creed, Rocky knew that he was over-matched, but refused to quit. He worked so hard to get there, he was not going to give up. Towards the end of the fight, after taking a beating that would have most likely killed any other fighter, he summoned every ounce of spirit and strength that he had, and showed Apollo and the rest of the world exactly what he was made of. He proved to HIMSELF that he could do it. This is a good example of the Phoenix rising from the ashes. The triumph of the human spirit is an archetype that is ingrained in all of us. That is why this movie became a classic.

As spiritually sovereign beings, we have the choice to either A) take the wheel and steer the ship in the direction we want it to go, or B) to turn over that responsibility to someone, or something outside of ourselves. When we choose option B, we will almost invariably not be happy with the results. Because the consequence of this option, is we on a subconscious level, accept the role of victim or martyr, because we abdicated our personal responsibility for ourselves. Things happen “to” us. We fall into the destructive habit of blaming others for our misery. It’s always someone else’s fault.

You probably know people like this!

When we give our power away, we enter into the karmic cycle, because our mental perspective is limited. We feel we are not in control of our own destiny. We look outside ourselves for someone to save us. This also makes us susceptible to polarized thinking, as we accept ideas that are presented or told to us from a skewed perspective, as fact. We believe “we are right”. When in fact, in reality, this is untrue. How can one fully comprehend an issue, from only one perspective? This is rampant in our current society. Media is all too willing to broadcast content that supports the polarized view of their audience to keep them watching their channel. It’s a manipulation of consciousness, as a means to control the masses. It’s also a great way to sell products.

Your mind is the most valuable thing you own. This is why so many attempt to control it. Guard the gates of your mind carefully. Don’t just accept what you see in the mainstream. Read books, watch independent media, check out websites, study symbolism, entertain other viewpoints and theories, take time to think about what you see, hear and read. Listen when people speak. Train yourself to hear and see the “codes” in our language that are hidden in plain sight in all communication. Learn, study, be a perpetual student. Yes, it takes work. That is why most people remain asleep. The Phoenix process of transformation, is not an easy one. But the reward is great! It is the key to your freedom.

When one is transformed into the Phoenix, one is no longer a victim of circumstance. The wheel of karma is burned to ash in the purification process, along with all the other dead and putrid things from the past. And then in its fiery glory, The Phoenix flies to its next destination. One of its choosing. For although it will continue the cycle of transformation (that is the nature of the Phoenix after all), it will do so from the plane of a higher consciousness. It has learned the lessons, and will not return again and again, to the repeating karmic cycle of reincarnation. It will “transform” itself evolving higher and higher each time, always advancing, in the cycle of transformation.

“I’ve died a thousand deaths, each time reinventing myself brighter, stronger, and purer than before. From the midst of destruction, I became the creator of myself. From the midst of darkness, I became my own source of light.” — Cristen Rodgers

These are the cards associated with the New Moon in Gemini.

So, right away my eye is pulled towards the Eight of Swords. This is a card of self-imposed limitations. “Stuck in our heads” so to speak. Illusionary thoughts that hold us back. The New Moon in Gemini is reminding us to go within and evaluate where these limiting beliefs and thoughts about ourselves are coming from.

The zodiac sign of Gemini is represented by The Lovers in the tarot. This is a card regarding decisions, balance and choices. The energy of Gemini (the twins) is all about the mind and balance. Gemini is “air” mental energy, it is associated with the swords suit. When I think of Gemini energy, an image comes to mind of the Gemini twins as attorneys in a courtroom. Each presenting their side in an intellectual, analytical format. This is how Gemini operates. There are always two sides to every situation to consider.

Gemini is a “get down to the facts”energy. It is not interested in all the minor details. Too many details just muddle things up. They are a distraction from the situation/decision at hand.

As we examine some of the beliefs about ourselves, the Gemini Moon encourages us to ask some questions and look at the facts. Is this true? What are the facts supporting these statements that I am telling myself? Is this information relevant at this present time? Could these limitations I place on myself be an illusion based on fear instead of facts?

Sometimes it is a good idea for us to step outside of ourselves and examine things impartially. Be your own attorney. Argue both sides from an outside perspective. This is where a lot of people find making a “pros and cons” list is helpful. Because it breaks things down in a written format. Pen to paper. It gets the emotions out of the way. To quote Joe Friday “Just the facts ma’am”.

As we move on, we see the Knight of Swords rushing in towards the Eight of Swords. This is a reminder, to slow down and think. If the Knight of Swords does not pull his horse back, both the knight and his horse will be sliced up by the eight swords that are surrounding the woman. In his haste to “rescue” the woman, The Knight of Swords can potentially severely harm himself, his horse, and the woman that he is rushing in to “save”. Are you making decisions based on facts, or are your emotions causing you to act erratically? You could end up making a situation worse, instead of better. The horse looks a little worried here, don’t you think?

Look at these three cards again, and ask the question. Am I self-sabotaging myself with my own mental limitations? And look at the Eight of Swords as it is positioned over The Magician. Perhaps these thoughts are not real. Are my emotions (see the water at her feet), keeping me stuck in this “trap” that in reality is simply a mental “illusion” of my own making?

The Magician on the bottom of the deck holds a few key messages in this reading as well. The Magician represents Mercury, which is the ruling planet of Gemini. Mercury is a dual natured energy as it represents both Gemini and Virgo. It corresponds to communication, thoughts, information, logic, reasoning, intellect, awareness. It can represent the communication of truth and lies. Mercury is the messenger of the gods. Interesting don’t you think? Media, television, the internet, radio, would all fall under Mercury’s jurisdiction. This is something to keep in mind.

A small detail that I noticed as I glanced at the Eight of Swords and The Magician is the blindfold. Notice in the Eight of Swords the blindfold covers her eyes. The Magician is wearing a headband. In this reading, I interpret it as his blindfold pulled up over the eyes. The Magician sees clearly.

The Magician stands alone. This is a reminder for us not to rely on others to “save us”, nor to take information at face value. Remember, Mercury communicates both truth and lies. This goes for the lies we tell ourselves, as well as the lies that we are told by others. Gemini as I mentioned above, looks at both sides. Checks out the facts from multiple sources and/or viewpoints then makes an informed decision based on what Gemini knows for itself to be true. This is what we see in The Lovers card. One must look at the facts, and then make our own choices based on what is true for ourselves.

New Moon in Gemini encourages us to take off the blindfold! All is not what it appears to be. Taking action before understanding the truth of an issue is self-sabotage. This goes for us individually as well as collectively.

Slowing down, utilizing critical thinking (is this true? does this make sense?) and using your inner truth as a compass are the keys that will allow the woman in the Eight of Swords, to walk out of her prison to meet the Knight of Swords. Both unscathed, they will then ride on the white horse (truth) and thus transform into the balanced energy of The Lovers.

“A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep.” ― Saul Bellow,