(Please note that this and all my other forecasts are based on the sidereal zodiac used in Vedic and western sidereal astrology, not the tropical system used by most western astrologers.)
The lunation cycle extends from one New Moon to the next, reaching an apex or turning point at the Full Moon. It is the cycle of the constantly changing relationship between the solar and lunar forces which affect the earth and the “earthly” nature of every human being. This relationship is the foundation and the very substance of what we generally call “life.” Dane Rudhyar, A New Type of Lunation Guidance
We’re now in the waxing gibbous Moon phase, the “Phase of Endings,” when we are perfecting, integrating, analyzing, contemplating, and tying up loose ends in preparation for the fullness and completion of this cycle which will climax at the Full Moon on June 14. Light is increasing, and during this period now and through the Full Moon, we may feel more courage and power for healing, manifestation, love, and creation.
Evening Landscape with Rising Moon, Vincent Van Gogh, 1889 (His birth chart has a 29-degree Scorpio Moon, which this month’s Full Moon also occupies. He believed in the healing power of art.)
We may experience heightened mental activity or physical vitality and a push to get things done during the next several days. This can also feel quite exhausting. The same is also true because we are headed into the solstice on June 21 — the beginning of summer in northern hemisphere, and winter in the southern, but I will write more about this another day.
The lunar effect is strongest on the day before the Full Moon culminates. This is the most opportune and auspicious period for full Moon rituals and practices known as the 15th Purnima Tithi in Vedic astrology. It will occur during the day and night of Monday June 13 in most places (see further). For Australia and NZ times zones, Purnima Tithi begins very late June 13 Monday night and very early Tuesday morning, and lasts through the day of Tuesday, and during this period it will be best for full Moon practices and rituals, as detailed below:
Pacific Time: Purnima Tithi begins Monday June 13 at 8:34 AM and ends at the Full Moon (Pratipada Tithi) on Tuesday June 14 at 4:52 AM
Eastern Time: Purnima Tithi begins Monday June 13 at 11:34 AM and ends at the Full Moon (Pratipada Tithi) on Tuesday June 14 at 7:52 AM (see charts below)
UTC: Purnima Tithi begins Monday June 13 at 3:34 PM and ends at the Full Moon (Pratipada Tithi) on Tuesday June 14 at 11:52 AM
India Time: Purnima Tithi begins Monday June 13 at 9:04 PM and ends at the Full Moon (Pratipada Tithi) Tuesday June 14 at 5:22 PM
AEST (Australia): Purnima Tithi begins Tuesday June 14 at 1:34 AM (UTC+10) and it ends at the Full Moon (Pratipada Tithi) on Tuesday night, June 14, at 9:52 PM
Use World Time Buddy to convert for your time zone if it is not listed above. Or look up the Purnima Tithi for your location here on the Drik Panchang website.
Native Americans call June’s Full Moon the “Hot Moon" and the "Summer Moon.” It sure is “hot” this year as the Full Moon occupies its sign of debilitation, Scorpio. It also occurs in the last degree of sidereal Scorpio, in the metamorphic “gandanta” edge between Scorpio and Sagittarius in the powerful Galactic Center.
Other names for the June Full Moon are the Flower Moon, Rose Moon, and the Strawberry Moon because they are bursting forth around this time in many temperate locations. Another name for it is the Honey Moon because June is an important time for honey harvesting. Mead Moon is yet another name, as mead was traditionally made this time of year by fermenting honey mixed with water or fruits, spices, grains, or hops.
In one classification system, this Full Moon is the second of four back-to-back “Super Moons.” (The next ones after this will be July 13 and August 11.) Super Moons are closer to the Earth than is typical. Therefore, they create a greater than usual “lunar effect.” This suggests potential for high tides, inflamed emotional energy, communication problems, relationship conflicts, and both literal and metaphoric stormy and/or seismic events.
The Moon will move into Scorpio on Sunday, June 12 in the morning at 9:03 AM ET (you can use World Time Buddy to see when this is for your locale). It will remain in Scorpio until it moves into Sagittarius about 70 minutes after the culmination of the Full Moon on June 14.
This month’s Full Moon occurs in the venomous tail of the Scorpion, which can sting but can also lead to healing. It’s at the 29th degree which is called “anaretic,” meaning “that which destroys form.” This is also known as the degree of mastery, expiation, or fate. It can carry with it a sense of being at the end of one’s rope somehow, on the edge of a big change.
Jyestha nakshatra is an asterism of stars that occupy 16 degrees 40 minutes to 30 degrees in the Scorpio constellation. So June’s Full Moon occurs right at the end of not only Scorpio but also the end of Jyestha. This is Lord Indra’s abode, where the dark forces of life sometimes have to be confronted, and where we may have to overcome an obstacle or release an attachment.
Transiting planets like the Full Moon can affect us through two ways: collectively, where it occurs in the mundane charts for countries, leaders, and organizations; and individually, where it occurs in our own natal horoscope and makes aspects to important natal chart points.
As to the former, Scorpio occupies the twelfth house of the United States Kelleher birth chart. This area of the chart highlights matters related to whatever it is that is currently rising out of the dark shadow of our collective unconscious. The 29th degree of Scorpio is also associated with floods or drowning events, so caution is advised around waterways or in stormy flood conditions. Additionally, the fear index in the mass mind is through the roof now (Scorpionic energy). This of course is reflected in crashing financial markets.
The higher expression of Scorpio reflects great depth, passion, and originality. It can be deeply sensitive, caring, and devotional. However, in its lower manifestation, the Moon expresses its debilitation (weakness) in off-balance emotions, such as anger, obsession, worry, paranoia, or loneliness. Thus, these next several days leading into the Full Moon may be an extra-important time to “mind the mind.”
Full Moons generally can trigger the need to heal or balance certain relationship dynamics, and they often reveal some important truth to us. It’s interesting as the Sun (which opposes the Moon during a Full Moon) will be conjoined the fixed star Phact, also known as Alpha Columba. It is a star in the body of the Dove, which is symbol of peacemaking.
Full Moons are also some of the best times of the month for spiritual and healing practices. In the 29th degree of Scorpio, the Full Moon points to a desire to heal the sorrows of the world. The navamsa of this Full Moon is Pisces where we may have some greater capacity to channel our aspirations and emotions into creative and spiritual energy.
Supreme Lord, let there be peace in the sky and in the atmosphere. Let there be peace in the plant world and in the forests. Let the cosmic powers be peaceful. Let the Brahman, the true essence and source of life, be peaceful. Let there be undiluted and fulfilling peace everywhere. (The Atharva Veda)