The Moon has spent the past two weeks dimming in light, and the energetic charge of the full Moon two weeks ago has all but faded; the energetic crescendo we felt as the Moon became full of the Sun’s light has now tapered off into relative quietude in the aethers. Now we prepare for renewal, and the beginning of a new lunar cycle. This new lunar cycle will begin in Gemini, the chipper, logorrheic sign of Mercury, God of language, reason, and the market on Thursday, June 6th, at 8:37am eastern time.

New moons indicate new beginnings in astrology. As the Moon courses through the twelve signs of the zodiac, she becomes full of energies and spirits which pass through her and down to the earth to effect change on the world. Now, filled with their light, the Moon is ready for rebirth in the fires of the Sun.

Just as the Moon is reborn in the fires of the Sun and the celestial cycle is reset, so too do we all have an opportunity for rebirth and renewal at this point in the monthly lunar cycle. As the Moon purges and cleanses herself of the energies and tendencies of the previous lunar cycle, we can all be reborn as well.

For this reason, wise people throughout all ages have used new moons as a time for purifying the psyche of unwanted old habits, setting new, uplifting intentions for the next cycle, and reinvigorating ourselves with enthusiasm for life. The optimism and excitement of new beginnings can permeate our entire being so long as we let it.

This New Moon occurs in Gemini. Gemini season is associated with sociability, charm, and intellectual dexterity, as well as deftness with the use of craft, tools, and language. Coinciding with the final zodiacal portion of spring and the brightest portion of the year, Gemimi privileges inquisitive curiosity, open-ended play, and other activities that are best suited to this fecund, carefree time of year that deeply supports learning, integrating new skillsets and practicing new trades. In keeping with its brightness and caree free qualities, Gemini is often optimistic agreeable, and sociable.

Gemini denotes a strong mind, and like all strong minds it carries a duplicitous, trickster-esque quality: sometimes it is your best friend, playful and curious, and sometimes it can trap you in a web of thought and judgment. Like any tool, it can turn on its user. In keeping with its duplicity, Gemini is associated with the deception and unseen shadow that accompanies any bright exterior. Just like inquisitive, playful children, sometimes they’re completely innocent, and sometimes they’re up to no good.

In keeping with these cerebal, ambagious tropes, Gemini is ruled by the divine trickster Mercury. Gemini is Mercury’s yang, externalized, masculine expression - Gemini employs tools, technology, language, and all other products of the linear mind. Gemini verbalizes, communicates, and solves problems. In Gemini, we see Mercury as the clever, fast-talking, tool-using trickster god: as the gifted, clever child prodigy who stole Apollo’s lyre and killer of the hundred-eyed Argos; as the many-masked magician who creates worlds through the use of the word.

The Moon’s rebirth in this sign is the best possible time to cultivate skill and craft. It supports experimentation, trying new things, learning new skills, and letting the mind roam unhibited as it tests possibilities through trial and error, without attachment to any results. Play and curious exploration for its own sake is the ideal. You’ll be surprised at just how much can be accomplished when you aren’t working in response to deadlines or feelings of responsibility.

Try new approaches to your work. Experiment with new techniques and styles. Have conversations with coworkers about different, out-of-the-box things you can try. Pick up new crafts and skills that you have been wanting to learn. Try your hand at new things. Hold all that you do lightly - don’t take things so seriously that you become overwhelmed and obsessive.

This new Moon happens in square with Saturn, the planet of darkness, death, and time. You may find yourself becoming overwhelmed and stressed more easily during this lunation. Obstructions will arise to sour the work that you are doing during this period. It is easier for the mind to backfire. Remember to settle back into relaxation, and don’t let your mind get carried away.

The Moon also forms a conjunction with Venus, within a degree . This is a very positive alignment, and it ensures that Venus can steward and support the moon during this lunation. Despite challenges from Saturn, you will find friends and allies to support you. This is a very good lunation to begin going on dates and cultivating new relationships.

Labradorite is a good stone for strengthening the use of the mind and cultivating an atmosphere in your life that promotes learning. Malachite is a good stone for finding external, concrete success from actions, in particular financial success.

As always, examine the house in which the Moon conjoins the Sun. If you’re Taurus rising, it will be your 2nd house of resources 1st house of self. If Libra rising, then your 9th house of study and travel. This will tell you where to expect the most developments in your life to occur during this upcoming lunar cycle.

In sum, give your mind free reign to experiment, explore, and revel in its inquisitive, curious nature. Try new ventures, and allow yourself to play, just like the divine child of the heavens that stewards over this sign. Though our work may be serious, it can still remain serious play. Don’t let anything rob you of your peace, or steal the hope and childlike joy of your original mind.