Best of Times, Worst of Times

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way — in short, the period was so far like the present period...”
— Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

So begins Dickens’ novel set during the French Revolution. And make no mistake — we are living in revolutionary times once again, with the astrology to match. At the end of March, the visionary planet Neptune moved into the initiatory sign of Aries for the first time in 150 years, and was joined by Saturn — the planet of systems and structures — in Aries at the end of May for the first time in 30 years. Against a backdrop of world news that suggests we're in a season of Darkness, we're in a position to dream a new world of Light into being.

Adding to this sense of promise: Jupiter, the planet of abundance and expansion, entered Cancer on June 9, where it will remain for the next year. “We had everything before us,” Dickens wrote — and today, that sentiment might resonate. Jupiter positioned within one degree of the Sun yesterday in what astrologers call a cazimi (from the Arabic for “in the heart”). Some call this a “day of miracles,” but perhaps it’s more apt to call it a day of faith—faith that we are moving toward something better, together.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we’ve just passed the Summer Solstice, and today, June 25, we welcome a New Moon in Cancer — a time for emotional renewal and setting intentions around home, family, and whatever makes us feel safe and nourished.

Let’s begin with appreciation for what we already have. For each Sun and Rising sign, here are affirmations and reflective prompts to guide you through the weeks ahead:

♈ Aries

I’m stronger than I know.
What does my body enable me to do that I might be taking for granted?

♉ Taurus

My friendships endure across time and distance.
Who might it be healing to reconnect with?

♊ Gemini

I have everything I need.
Can I meet fear with trust and inner calm?

♋ Cancer

There's never been a better time to be ME!
How do I want to celebrate?

♌ Leo

I deserve time and space to rest.
What form of rest is calling to me?

♍ Virgo

I’m inspired by the people in my life.
Who lifts me up and inspires me?

♎ Libra

I’m comfortable in my own skin.
Am I ready to be fully seen?

♏ Scorpio

I’m clear on what I want.
What’s my next move?

♐ Sagittarius

My openness is a strength.
Where can I be a little more real or vulnerable?

♑ Capricorn

I don’t have to do it all.
What can I let go of or delegate to someone else?

♒ Aquarius

I’m guided by the signs (animals, songs, images, snippets of conversation) around me.
What’s trying to get my attention?

♓ Pisces

Nature restores my sense of well being.
Where on land or water do I feel most at home?

This New Moon marks a turning point. May it bring you peace and quiet strength as we navigate this time of contrasts.