As the Sun and the Moon move into the Air sign of Gemini, this year’s solar cycle is finally gaining momentum. At the beginning of the calendar year, there was a brief window during which all the planets were moving in direct motion. This initial thrust of celestial action quickly decelerated, however, with the oncoming retrogrades of inner planets Mercury and Venus, in addition to the outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto. Now, with Mercury and Venus having emerged from their post-retrograde shadows, the celestial mirror is showing a more favorable time for moving ahead with personal projects.
Gemini is the most mercurial of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Meaning “unpredictable” or “changeable,” this fitting adjective is in fact derived from the name of Gemini’s planetary ruler, Mercury. Mercury is the Roman name for the Greek god Hermes, the youthful and mischievous messenger god who governs the communication and commerce that underpin our daily interactions. Hermes was depicted as youthful in appearance, but also in temperament. He was known to play pranks on the other gods and goddesses of the archetypal pantheon. The astrological image of Gemini aligns closely with this mythical god. Those with strong Gemini energy are known for their sociability and curiosity, but not always their reliability!
This inconsistency inherent in the nature of Gemini is revealed by its element. Movement is the expression of the Air element. Air symbolizes the mental realm, in which thoughts flow through the mind like a breeze through the trees--invisible yet influential. Air can penetrate places that other elements cannot, as the mind can envision that which is not yet manifest. Unlike the fire that consumes, the earth that consolidates, or the water that dissolves, air distributes itself in all directions. This accounts for the affable nature of Gemini, which seeks the camaraderie of the peer group, using language to bridge the space between different minds. Gemini revels in childlike curiosity, eager to understand things from all angles. Like air, the energy of Gemini suffuses “the commons”--where communities gather in conversation and trade. This sign delights in the pure enjoyment of these communal activities, and in learning the lessons of interpersonal interactions.
Gemini is symbolized by the Twins. As the first Air sign of the solar cycle, this symbol demonstrates that the mind is primarily dualistic. In the physical body, the Twins signifies the basic symmetry within the human form, including our organs of air--the lungs. Yet despite this emphasis on twos, Gemini is not the second sign, but the third. The duality of Gemini always contains an implied third. Gemini is not only the existence of duality, but also the realization that unity encompasses any duality. Two poles define one axis, as one coin has two faces. While Aries and Taurus represent the primary masculine and feminine energies within each of us, Gemini--ruled by gender-neutral Mercury--is the awareness that identifies the source, recognizes its divergence, and promotes the creativity of re-union.
This new moon, as the one which preceded it, is unburdened by external aspects. While Mercury and Venus in retrograde asked us to reevaluate our methods and motives, we were given time to integrate these lessons as each traversed its post-retrograde shadow. Although there are no aspects to this Moon, we can glean deeper insight by looking to the planets which rules the sign. In the sign of Gemini, this moon is ruled by Mercury. The general flurry of Mercury is currently grounded through the Earth sign of Taurus, itself ruled by gentle Venus. Venus is currently emboldened in Aries, the Fire sign ruled by headstrong Mars. Mars, in turn, is also in Gemini, completing the energetic circle. We see that both luminaries (Sun and Moon) as well as all three personal planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars) are all unified through the first three signs of Spring by a connective chain of rulership, strengthening one another’s expression. Looking to the outer planets, Uranus has broken free of its T-square with Pluto and Jupiter, to form a more harmonious aspect, a Grand Fire Trine with Saturn and the Moon’s North Node. Uranus, sextile to Mars in Gemini, provokes an added dash of unpredictability, yet it is precisely these aberrations to the mental pattern that create insights of genius.
Utilizing the Gemini energy, inquire deeper, but broader too. Look to your peers to reflect where you are in terms of where you are going. Cultivate a childlike humility, examining both sides of any situation, and asking plenty of questions to keep your thoughts on the right track. Mercury/Hermes as the Trickster reveals how our minds can deceive us, so be honest with yourself about the answers you receive. The image of Mercury/Hermes with winged sandals lends another message. Stay light on your feet this moon to keep up with new information and insights that may serve to stabilize your endeavors in the long term.
