The Aesthete

Roll the Dice

The outer planets are in pivotal game changing mode as Saturn and Venus turn direct and Mercury enters Leo

by Shelley L. Ackerman

Ready to take some chances? Is the Age of Miracles upon us? Could be.

As was the case in the mid to late 1960’s, when the (outer) planets Uranus and Pluto conjoined and turned the world on its ear culturally, artistically, sexually, and politically, it is equally so today as those same two “agents of change” are at challenging angles in the heavens. And while it’s of little comfort to feel off kilter as society experiences its collective growing pains over the next few years, there is an upside: People are taking risks. Ideas and facts which up until now would have never been uttered in mainstream venues are now being served up on afternoon network talk shows!

Aptly named (and sadly, recently canceled), The Revolution was hosted by Leo fashion guru Tim Gunn (b. July 29, 1953) on ABC. Perhaps it was a little ahead of its time, but in its short life it did do a lot of good. On the show on Monday, June 18th, Libra Suzanne Somers (of Three’s Company fame, b. October 16, 1946) was pitching her new book, Bombshell. Somers has successfully battled cancer and is vocal about her passion for integrating both traditional and alternative approaches to healing. Now with transiting Saturn (planet of karma, responsibility, and authority) on her sun, Somers is poised to assume a more respected position in our culture. On the panel on the 18th, (and in the company of Gunn and his co-host Dr. Jennifer Ashton) Sommers dropped a bombshell alright when she told of the Rockefeller and Carnegie families early 20th century investments in big pharma and their pledge to fund specific medical institutions into perpetuity who taught and promoted only allopathic medicine (at the exclusion of everything else). This daytime revelation was almost as shocking as the Stonewall riot was 43 years ago (on June 28, 1969) and it took nearly as much courage on the part of all concerned.

As Saturn and Venus turn direct this week, we are encouraged to begin moving our most important agendas forward. The backdrop of the aforementioned outer-planet activity suggests that none of this is small potatoes. No one is suggesting throwing caution to the wind as it is always advisable to weigh the pros and cons before risking too much. But the other side of the coin is nothing ventured, nothing gained.

On Monday June 25th, at 10:24 pm, Mercury, planet of communication, enters brazen and creative Leo where he/she will travel back and forth through August. Measure twice and cut once before uttering any fiery thoughts and words that could inadvertently blow your house down.

 

HOROSCOPES FOR JUNE 25TH TO JULY 1ST

ARIES: Though you’re operating beautifully in independent contractor/rogue mode, it’s vital to be mindful of the physical, mental and psychic challenges that everyone else is experiencing, especially on the road. And as you accomplish one goal after another in the weeks ahead, know that success is enhanced and amplified by creative thought and communication. As Mercury enters royal Leo and your 5th house of speculation and entertainment, know that success through August (both professional and romantic) is connected to your talent and joyful self-expression. No holds barred.

ARIES Dos and Don'ts: Your warrior self will enjoy the visuals and stories at the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at Discovery Times Square (on display through June 30th). The exhibition features ancient sculptures that were buried with Qin Shin Huang, the first emperor of China in 210- 209 BC. If you bring a superior along, refrain from any jokes about how this could have been his/her past life — they're in no laughing mood.

TAURUS: The retrograde motion of both Saturn and Venus (your ruling planet) have made these past few weeks a rather long haul, but all of that is about to shift: both cash flow and work issues will begin easing this week. The caveat, however, is that through much of the summer, income and work/scheduling obligations are intertwined with family and home. The extent to which you are able to skillfully articulate both your needs and those of the other parties involved is directly linked to how successfully you will be able to serve the good of all concerned.

TAURUS Dos and Don'ts: Celebrate (or cultivate) your green thumb and nourish your stomach on June 27th at Taste of the Green Market: Honoring Women in Agriculture (located at 82 Mercer Street). If an investment offered up by a friend sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

GEMINI: There is absolutely no downside to the forward motion and glow of Venus in your sign (how lovely)! Saturn is becoming unblocked in the romance/speculation department, save for this: over-confidence and over-extension could throw the whole thing off. Be especially mindful with a boss or authority figure who may not be on the same wavelength. You don’t need to work so hard to impress. Less is more.

GEMINI Dos and Don'ts: Okay mental giants, here’s one you can sink your acrobatic brain cells into: The Ultimate ‘90s Pop Culture Trivia Night on June 26th at The Bell House in Brooklyn. This thing is usually a sell-out, so move fast! Avoid doing six things at once this week — information overload and/or excessive distraction could end up blowing your circuits this time.

CANCER: Stay out of arguments you can’t win and away from people who have nothing better to do than pick a fight. Instead, focus on all of the potential financial growth that you could achieve this summer through your wonderful and creative mind. You’re so adept at spotting income opportunities, and now through August, Mercury (the planet ruling your mind) will be back and forth in your 2nd house of earning. Be innovative as you contemplate which risks are worth taking and investing in.

CANCER Dos and Don'ts: On June 26th Housing Works on Crosby Street presents Dave Hill’s new book Tasteful Nudes. Rachel Dratch (formerly of SNL) will join Dave and others for a discussion about “misguided attempts at personal growth and validation.” Sounds like a fun night... as long as it’s not with a first date!

LEO: Whatever’s going on for the rest of the zodiac, consider yourself the official mouthpiece for Summer 2012! Mercury (the ultimate talker) enters your sign for more than two months just as Saturn (the ultimate restrictor) stops holding things up in your house of communication. It’s really a great picture for getting your point across in July and August. And though there will be backward motion (mid-July through the first week of August), you are still in orator mode for the duration. Get your thoughts organized — this is a unique opportunity to be heard, published, or even celebrated as the new darling of the twittersphere.

LEO Dos and Don'ts: Get your groove on and be inspired by the stellar cast of  Pump Up the Volume at Joe’s Pub on Monday, June 25th. Broadway’s best will sing their hearts out in this theatrical adaptation of the ‘90s flick. The only word of warning this week is to watch overspending and delay commitment to any new financial situation.

VIRGO: Career and financial mojo get a boost this week with Saturn and Venus’ forward movement, ushering in a better flow that will carry you to your next assignments. The most interesting component of your July/August “forecast,” as it were, is that your ruler, Mercury, will spend so much time in Leo (your hidden and subconscious 12th house) suggesting that success comes via your ability to tune in, enjoy, and be inspired by impressions and thoughts from unseen sources and other realms so keep a pen and paper on your nightstand!

VIRGO Dos and Don'ts: Virgins (or Virgoans) who live on the UES are in luck: a brand spanking new 24/7 Drop Box Laundry Service has opened on 2nd Avenue between 81st/82nd Street. And while this development might elicit a yawn from the rest of the zodiac, DASHLOCKER, which “lets users in any time of the day or night with a swipe of a credit card” and boasts a “dry cleaning, wash-and-fold laundry and shoe shine service” could be a boon to your existence — not to mention the potential entertainment and “social” value. Don’t invite significant other(s) along on social/professional affairs this week… it’s not the right mix for now.

LIBRA: This week “look before you leap” and “he who hesitates is lost” are desperately vying for the title of “which truth shall prevail”? Clearly, your exceptional skill of reconciling opposites is needed now more than ever. For the past couple of years, the weight of Saturn has weighed heavily on you, and at times the responsibility and karmic implications have been overwhelming. The good news is that as Saturn moves ahead, completing his visit to you in October, you will have a clear sense of accomplishment. You may be tested further on what you’ve learned since 2009, so a little cramming for finals may be in order.

LIBRA Dos and Don'ts: An excursion to The Westport Country Playhouse for Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking may be just the ticket and perfect antidote for processing what Saturn hath wrath. It’s not light fare but it’s damn good. Demanding resolution between a partner and family member is unrealistic. Let it go for now.

SCORPIO: Co-workers and siblings could clash or vie for your attention this week as work-related scheduling issues compete with goings on in the hood. The important thing is to allow for additional time to keep both factions in balance and to allow neither situation to get the better of you. The good news is that Venus (what and who we love) will move forward in your sexy 8th house of shared resources. Can a new acquisition (or plaything) be far behind?

SCORPIO Dos and Don'ts: Pluto ruled Scorpios will relish the taboos comically put forth in LaMaMa’s production, The Etiquette of Death, through July 1st. Think twice before inviting anyone over the age of 90.

SAGITTARIUS: Rise, shine and soak up the positive movement of Venus and Saturn in your 7th and 11th houses guaranteeing progress with friends, communities, and/or with a significant relationship in your life. What makes these celestial developments especially fabulous, is the entrance of Mercury in Leo to your high-minded 9th house of big ideas and romantic long journeys. A partner (business or romantic) may provide the impetus and the opportunity to expand and travel this summer. Take them up on this grand tour, for after this journey, you will (in a good way) be a completely different person.

SAGITTARIUS Dos and Don'ts: If you’re city-bound this week, check out The Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel, one of the best kept secrets of midtown! FYI: the Library Hotel has theme-based books in every room, there’s no place quite like it. If you’re up for a flick, fellow Sagittarian Woody Allen’s new offering, To Rome With Love, will transport you to the eternal city without dealing with the TSA.

CAPRICORN: Hallelujahs may be in order after the 25th, when your ruling planet (and OIC-Ogre in Chief) Saturn, stops holding up the works and begins forging ahead in your all-important career house (also the part of your horoscope dealing with how society sees and respects you whether you’re employed or not) although in the end, these delays will make sense, it’s been too much frustration in a short period of time. A word of caution: Don’t be the very ogre you despise. Allow others their process and freedom, lest yours gets taken away when you need it most.

CAPRICORN Dos and Don'ts: You goats really appreciate the classics and this one’s a beaut and free: Puccini’s TOSCA is at the Central Park Bandshell in Central Park on June 27th. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.

AQUARIUS: Your inner judge is about to take a well-earned vacation, and not a moment too soon. Thankfully, that “Why does it always have to rain on my parade?” feeling should be lifting any time now, with an infusion of fun taking its place. A good part of your fulfillment this summer (through August) is contingent upon your gift of listening and your unique ability to delight in the words, successes, and goings on of others. If they need to boast, let ‘em. This is a very very social time for you, so enjoy every last morsel and please give less to those who foolishly take you for granted.

AQUARIUS Dos and Don'ts: Always looking ahead for ways in which humanity’s lot (specifically those of New Yorkers) might be improved upon, you may want to take in Reimagining the Waterfront at the Museum of the City of New York, now through October 28. Prefer something less demanding? Marilyn Monroe and her Aquarian moon are on display (marking 50 years since her untimely death) at Lawrence Schiller's "Marilyn & Me" exhibit at the Steven Kasher Gallery on W 23rd St. through June 30.  

PISCES: Balancing your craving for a secluded penthouse in Shangri-La and the relentless sobering quality of life on the third rock from the sun is never a snap, but those weighty reality bites don’t have to sink your ship entirely. Know that as Venus and Saturn move forward, so will stalled projects at home and those involving banks and investments. Your success and satisfaction during summer 2012 is hinged upon your willingness to think creatively and courageously and to take the lead amongst teammates whenever deemed appropriate.

PISCES Dos and Don'ts: Take a walk on the wild side and head “north” to The Harlem Arts Festival on June 29-30 featuring dance, music, theater, and visual arts in what will surely be a feast for all the senses. A partner or significant other may flex his/her wings in a clutzy or unappealing manner. Don’t voice disapproval in public as it could be crushing.