There's light at the end of the Venus retrograde tunnel, and it's this month's New Moon in Gemini.  This New Moon falls at 26 degrees Gemini, the degree at which Venus went retrograde on May 17, suggesting a final phase of the retrograde period in which new information and fresh insights begin to become available.  We're not ready to implement actions based on these new insights or make solid decisions just yet, but we're getting closer.  Think of it as being on a boat that's been going deep into in an underground waterway, that now starts to turn back toward the ocean and encounters fresh breezes the closer the boat gets to the cave opening.  Venus is still retrograde, so don't rush the slow boat trip back to a consciousness that has fully integrated new insights.  Much like an ocean diver must evenly pace the rise to the water's surface or risk difficulties at the top, the foundation for our decisions is made stronger the more gradually we take the reentry to Venus' direct motion. This slow pace is especially important between June 17 and June 29, but we may wish to adopt this general attitude of "let's see how it unfolds" toward all life situations between June 17 and August 3.  Good questions to ask on the journey back:  What have I learned during the months of April-May-June?  What new information do I have about myself and my approach to relationships?  What have I discovered that I value most?  

Watch for increased forward progress in recent opportunities and plans near both June 23 and July 17, when ever-energetic Mars squares the April 19, 2004 and May 4, 2004 eclipse point degrees.   July 15-17 should be an especially dynamic, romantic and artistic few days -- a good time to create something original or express devotion to a sweetheart through words and actions.

A Venus retrograde recap (influence lasts through June 29):

On an interpersonal level, Venus retrograde signfies thoughtful review of romance, values and money.  Some possibilities for action during this period:  review insurance coverage, itemize reasons you deserve a raise (but wait until Venus is direct to ask for it), collect money owed to you or pay money you owe, reconnect with love relationships from the past (usually not for the long term but to reassess the relationship and what was learned), reconsider priorities and values in any current involvement.  Avoid putting substantial new effort into Venus-ruled activities during this time, including weddings or marriage proposals (not a good year for June weddings), the arts, fashion, stock trading, joining a dating service, investments, or purchase of high-ticket retail items.  Such actions initiated at this time will tend to get off on the wrong foot and reveal their basic lack of integrity or alignment with your values at some future point.  It’s not a good time to buy new clothing or get a new beauty treatment, though you might consider clearing closets of items no longer needed, repairing clothing and jewelry, or having some type of beauty or health treatment done that was done before.  Doing any of these Venus-related activities if you've done them before in some way may be acceptable, as that fits the symbolism of the retrograde.  

Venus retrogrades this time around in Gemini, which could involve making a choice between two alternatives, or making decisions based on a coherent sense of meaning and what matters most rather than on cleverness or expediency.  It's a good time to make sure commitments really mean something, and are not mere playing with wind.  Paradoxically, it's a good time to apply the light touch of Gemini, not take things too seriously, keep some space in relationships, and play with possibilities, where appropriate. This period might also reveal where flexibility, variety of experience and conversation are useful in relationships and where these may be overdone.  Useful questions to ask oneself during Venus retrograde in Gemini might include:  How can I see the dualities in my life as two sides of the same coin?  How might they come together as one?  What are the different strands of thought from which my beliefs are woven? Do I want to change any of these strands?  On the Sagittarius-Gemini continuum of one-pointed focus versus duality, that unity is strongest which encompasses all opposites.

EXTRA!  EXTRA!
The new anthology The Astrology of Film: The Interface of Movies, Myth and Archetype is now available for purchase at iuniverse.com:
  
The Astrology of Film is an in-depth and engrossing exploration of movies from the vantage point of several leading astrologers: Glenn Perry, Ray Grasse, Natori Moore, John Whalen, Deb McBride, and co-editors Bill Streett and Jeffrey Kishner.  Learn how film directors Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and films such as Double Indemnity, Chariots of Fire, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars reflect the astrological Zeitgeist of their eras.  Available in both book and e-book formats.
 
Click on "Browse Before You Buy" at this link to read the first three chapters and the Table of Contents.
 
DATES TO NOTE:

 ARIES (Mar 20-Apr 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Third House of local travel, transportation, communications, neighbors and siblings.  Opportunities for changes or new starts may emerge in these areas. You might have been feeling more sullen or stymied in regard to verbal communication lately.  You'll be back to your usually conversant self shortly, but first become clear about how you rank the following in the scales of importance:  love, leisure time, health, money.  Look for movement in:  joint finances, sexuality, emotional expression, joint action toward your long-range hopes and dreams.
Best days for Aries:  Jul 8

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Second House of earned money, possessions and values.  New work or income opportunities, especially from people or places you've worked in the past, may come your way this month.  Are you happy with your level of earning?  Do you like your work?  Questions such as these may be worthy of contemplation.  Enhancing your personal appearance helps your income by increasing confidence.  Look for forward movement in: marriage, partnerships, home renovations or improvements.  
Best days for Taurus:  May 18, Jun 13-14

GEMINI (May 20-Jun 20):  The New Moon occurs in your First House of action, identity and personal presence.  The spotlight shines on you this month, so use it to your advantage.  You may not feel completely awakened from the dreamy state you've been in recently, but your chance to shine and voice your perspective in clear daylight is fast approaching.  Look to your dreams to find messages to help you become ready.  Look for activation of:  work and health matters, application of effort to practical goals, practical service to others, transportation and communication.
Best days for Gemini:  Jun 17, Jul 12-13

CANCER (Jun 20-Jul 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Twelfth House of spirituality, retreat and behind-the-scenes activities.  You may want to keep a low profile this month and see what your nighttime dreams have to tell you.  Friendships, group involvements and long-range hopes and wishes are also on your mind.  Seek out ways that friends might help activate your long-range goals.  Look for action in:  creative activities or work with children that can earn you money.
Best days for Cancer:  Jun 18-19, Jul 15-16

LEO (Jul 20-Aug 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Eleventh House of friends, groups, business income, humanitarian causes, and long-range hopes and wishes.  Beginnings or changes in these areas may occur for you this month.  You're also concerned with career image and the impression you make on those in positions of authority.  You're not the biggest lion in the jungle, but you're not the smallest either.  When you act from your natural warm confidence and bring sunshine to others, people respond in a way that brings you what you need.  Look for action in:  home and family relationships, balancing needs of self and others.
Best days for Leo:  Jun 20-21

VIRGO (Aug 20-Sep 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Tenth House of authorities, reputation and career.  You may be more professionally active than usual this month, especially with those in positions of leadership.  You may be more visible in some way this month as well, getting an award or some kind of VIP attention that puts you in the public eye.  You're still thinking about vacations and getaways, however, so plan or take these as you can.  Look for action in: behind the scenes preparations by you or others that pay off for you next month.
Best days for Virgo:  Jun 23

LIBRA (Sep 20-Oct 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Ninth House of religion, philosophy, higher education, long-range plans and long distance travel.  New doors may open in one or more of these areas.  This may be a good time to travel overseas or take a class, especially if revisiting a place or studying a subject from the past.  Money matters are on your mind, especially rearranging joint finances or refinancing something.  Look for action in:  friends or organizational contacts that bring you links to new sources of income.
Best days for Libra:  Jun 25-26

SCORPIO (Oct 20-Nov 20):   The New Moon occurs in your Eighth House of joint finances, sexuality and secrets.  Reviewing investments, evaluating partnerships, and considering counseling or therapy may be on the agenda.  Don't push for commitments from people you may have only recently met or those on the fence about a decision; there's more surface wooing, cosmetic reconstruction or general charm that needs to be applied before you move in for the overhaul.  Look for action in: career, relations with supervisors or VIP clients, personal appearance.
Best days for Scorpio:  Jun 27-28

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 20-Dec 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Seventh House of partnership and marriage.  New partnerships or phases of an existing partnership may emerge at this time.  Getting health checkups and putting work routines in order helps create harmony in your partnerships.  You may begin teaching something to others that's long been buried in your psyche, and generally feeling that your philosophies of life become more cohesive.  Avoid lording it over others, but do revel in this wonderful birth after a long gestation.  Look for action in:  travel, teaching, outdoor adventures.
Best days for Sagittarius:  Jun 29-30

CAPRICORN (Dec 20-Jan 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Sixth House of work, health and service.  You may want to review your health and fitness regimes or organize your work environment for greater productivity.  Changes in your work routines and health check ups could enhance your well-being.  Creativity and color play a role in your work satisfaction now more than they usually do.  A re-do of your office environment or a creative work incentive to increase morale may be just the thing you need.  Look for action in: friendships, group invovements, investment of joint money, savings, gifts or investments to fund long term dreams.
Best days for Capricorn:  Jul 1-2

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fifth House of romance, creativity, children and play.  Breakthroughs, changes or new beginnings may occur for you in these areas.  Launch a creative venture, or better yet, find one you started in the past and bring it back to life.  Setting up a room or area in your home for whatever creative venture lights your fire is a very solid idea this month.  A mate or partner helps catalyze your career ambitions.  Look for surprises in: cooperative ventures, relationships with supervisors or VIP clients, career visibility or advancement opportunities.
Best days for Aquarius:  Jul 3-4

PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20):  The New Moon occurs in your Fourth House of home, family and property.  You may want to move, reorganize or redecorate your living space.  Having a neighborhood garage sale or generally streamlining the stuff in your local environment does you a world of good this month.  Getting cars checked up and reviewing transportation needs helps, too.  Look for action in:  co-worker relationships, long distance travel, organizing events based on philosophical or spiritual ideals.
Best days for Pisces:  Jul 5-6

For a more in-depth look at your unique horoscope or a compatibility comparison, contact Natori at (760) 753-4319 or by email.  Have a great month!