Summer Solstice Greetings!
 

I hope this finds you healthy, happy & well!

The 2020 Summer Solstice arrives on Sunday, June 21 (Saturday, June 20 on the West Coast), and marks the longest day of the year. Please use the increased light and energy of the summer sun to focus your thoughts,  prayers, meditations, and affirmations on positive outcomes.

This year's Summer Solstice coincides with a strong New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer. The convergence of the New Moon Solar Eclipse with the first day of summer is a rare occurrence that portends profound worldwide transformation. This last happened in 2001, but it does not mean there will be a repeat of a catastrophic event such as 9/11. Eclipses cause something unusual and unanticipated to happen, but the events are not necessarily good or bad. They simply occur to raise our consciousness level. The outcome will ultimately be for the best. If we lose anything, we will gain something much richer in return.

Yet, surprising changes could come at lightening-speed due to the confluence of a series of powerful planetary alignments that begin at the Summer Solstice eclipse:

* Summer Solstice/Sun enters Cancer--June 21
*New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer--June 21
* Venus Retrograde in Gemini--until June 25
*Jupiter-Pluto Conjunction in Capricorn--June 30
* Saturn enters Capricorn--July 1
* Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Cancer & Capricorn--July4/5
Mercury Retrograde in Cancer--until July 12
 

Notice that these alignments occur within a 3-week period and are concentrated in the opposing summer and winter solstice signs of Cancer and Capricorn. This powerful polarity of constellations portends increased tensions between the old and the new-and the accelerating disassembly of what has been established to make way for a higher state of consciousness and a more enlightened way of living. 

Astrologically, the planetary patterns active in 2020 are linked to astrological line-ups from the mid-1960s, when the civil rights movement began (tragically, lessons about equality and brotherhood have not been fully learned), and to astrological alignments in 1982, when the AIDS epidemic was first identified. 

As a society, we are moving along an upwardly spiraling path in our evolution. It is certain that you will be in a more conscious, loving, and egalitarian place once today's turmoil subsides. You will be able to more reliably find  answers within yourself and will look less to outer authorities, corporations, or governments for support.

Even if the manifestations of worldly energies seem sometimes unenlightened, old ideas are simply arising in a final effort to survive. Ultimately, new and better ideas will gain strength and supplant the old patterns. In general, the current atmosphere of chaos is masking greater forces of positive change at work under the surface. These forces of consciousness are bringing us to a higher level of awareness, compassion, and spiritual connection. The old reliance on systems, structures, governments, and corporations is giving way to an era where individuals and smaller groups of citizens will be empowered to advance society in more conscious and compassionate ways. 

During the summer season, expect more revelations and upheavals in governments around the world. Financial markets will continue to gyrate between highs and lows. Weather patterns will be erratic, with an uptick in unanticipated floods and fires due to the eclipses (June 5, June 21, July 4). Seismic shifts in consciousness also could (hopefully will not) mean seismic shifts in the earth-in the form of earthquakes. We will continue to see extremes in human behavior as we test limits to find a new point of equilibrium. 

In my 2020 Yearly Forecast, written in late December 2019, before I knew about the coronavirus, I wrote about this summer: "You may be sacrificing your own freedom to attain security. Try to find a new balance. You are safer when you are free." In the context of the corona virus, you may find more solutions by relying on your own inner wisdom  and guidance rather than on less stable governmental structures that will trade your freedom for perceived "security." Synchronistically, the upcoming solar eclipse on June 21, 2020, is an annular eclipse, meaning that there will be a band of solar light around the moon as it blocks the light of the sun. This light is called a "corona."

The most important quality to cultivate now is the ability to live with "not knowing." Even though you know we are moving on an upward spiral, you may not be able to see it, or you may only see glimmers of a brighter future. Cultivating inner peace, calm, and faith, and an outer sense of compassion and tolerance, will help ease any sense of apprehension about the "not-knowingness." The experiences you are having now are sure to make you a more integrated, well-rounded person as you process the wisdom of adjustments you are currently making. The trials and tribulations you may now be experiencing will eventually lead to greater emphasis on non-material qualities such as love, spirituality, peace, harmony, and God. Greater harmony between humans and nature-and humans and humans-will ensue. 

More important than "what" you are doing during this period is "how" you you are doing it. Consciously? Optimistically? Realistically? Balanced? Compassionately? With faith? Prayerfully? 

Also know that the upcoming Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction in Aquarius on the Winter Solstice 2020 (December 21, 2020) will reverse any negative trends developing now and will introduce many new concepts that will sculpt the higher society that will emerge from this precarious time.

And to quote Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see!"

I send you all of my heartfelt wishes for good health and inner peace for  the summer season,
Laurie
 

P.S. I also am very touched that many of you have asked about my friends in Italy in the wake of the pandemic. As always, I am impressed by the resiliency of the Italian spirit.

One of my Italian friends, Luigi, who is a classical guitarist and yoga teacher, had all of his "gigs" canceled throughout Europe until the end of the year, thus erasing 9 months of income. In addition, due to Italian government restrictions on travel, his guitar students were not allowed to come to him for lessons and the two yoga studios where he gave classes were closed. For the first 48 hours after the health news hit, he was despondent. Then, with the reassurance of family and friends, Luigi learned to use Zoom and began giving remote guitar lessons. And he gave a beautiful guitar concert online to benefit a food pantry. Luigi also worked with some friends to create a website for guitar students, www.guitarprof.it. The website is very evolved and will enable students to access their music lessons from anywhere on the planet-clearly an evolutionary step forward compared to pre-pandemic times. 

Another Italian friend took this pause from normal activity to plant a vegetable garden-and to bake for neighbors. (see one creation below). 

The infinite creativity of each human being will inevitably bring more creative solutions as each person re-invents themselves to fit the changing times we are privileged to witness.

In response to the question some of you have asked about whether I am doing astrological readings at this time-YES!

With so much going on in the world-and in the heavens-I am committed to helping in as many ways as I can. Feel free to get in touch if you would like an astrological update! 
 

Many Blessings for Love & Light in the Summer Season!
Laurie

***

Please Read on for Your Personal Astrological Predictions for Every Sign:
For further information on planetary predictions for 2020, please visit: https://www.lauriebaum.com/predictions.php

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
A New Moon Solar Eclipse on the Summer Solstice of June 21, 2020 will encourage you to make an important change to your home life. This could involve moving to a new location or moving a piece of furniture to make it easier for you to navigate around your home. You are in a period of transition from the old to the new. To suit your Aries temperament, the new is always better than the old. Continual change makes it easier for you to grow. Stagnation causes you to feel as if you are moving backward-in your own personal assessment. The conjunction of Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn on June 30, 2020 will show you where you need to heal and grow. Repetition of the same old patterns will not get you where you want to go. Mars in Aries from June 27 to January 6, 2021 will give you extra energy to accomplish your goals. Planetary energies support your radical change! A New Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will shine the spotlight on your professional contributions. Put your best foot forward!

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
Venus, your loving planetary ruler, is retrograde until June 24, 2020. This celestial phenomenon will bring you financial abundance from unexpected sources. Expect the unexpected just after the Summer Solstice on Saturday, June 21, 2020. Pray and meditate to be most receptive. Mercury retrograde in Cancer from June 17 to July 12, 2020 will enable you to re-trace your steps to make course corrections. Don't be afraid to experiment at this time. It is not a time to adhere to rigid principles or routines. Disciplined Saturn is in the compatible earth sign of Capricorn from July 1 to December 16, 2020. Use this energy to set up new structures and routines for your life. With innovative Uranus in Taurus until 2026, you have the opportunity to make innovative changes that will have a positive impact on your life for many years to come. The alignment of lucky Jupiter with profound Pluto in the compatible earth sign of Capricorn on June 30, 2020 will give you further support to meet any challenges head-on.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Venus retrograde in Gemini until June 24, 2020 will magnetize people from your past to you. With loving Venus in Gemini until August 7, 2020, this is your time to shine. Many people will be attracted to you. And don't be surprised if a few of these people shower heaps of adoration upon you. The axis of the Moon pointing toward the constellation of Gemini also will draw you into the spotlight more than usual. Your rhythmic patterns are flexible, but they will become increasingly unpredictable during the summer season. Mercury retrograde from June 17 to July 12, 2020 could make situations appear to be a little more complex than normal. So, make a schedule to try to maintain some semblance of rhythm and balance in your daily routine. Unexpected meetings could derail your established schedule. By writing down your goals every day-or every week-you will be able to maintain a center around which to revolve.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
A New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer on the Summer Solstice on June 21, 2020 will give you a chance for a new beginning. Combined with the retrograde of Mercury, planet of communications, in Cancer from June 17 to July 12, 2020, you may well be vacillating between the past and the future in your mind through the early summer season. Use the fresh energy imparted by the Sun on your birthday to mobilize your energies and thoughts for a new beginning. New inspiration will catalyze a new direction. Sit in meditation and silence to re-imagine your future. You can't easily go back to the past. It's important to let go of what you no longer need so you may be receptive to new opportunities coming your way. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will upset an old plan and show you a new and better direction. Have faith!

LEO (July 23 - August 22)
The arrival of the Summer Solstice on June 21, 2020 will reinvigorate you with the power of the summer Sun. This is your time to shine! A New Moon Solar Eclipse, also on June 21, 2020, will awaken a memory from the past. You may find yourself implementing wisdom gained from past experiences in new and innovative ways. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will introduce you to a new concept that will help you streamline your daily routines. This change will help your life run more smoothly and efficiently. Combined with the conjunction of lucky Jupiter and profound Pluto on June 30, 2020, you will get to the bottom of a long-standing mystery. Communicative Mercury in Leo from August 4 to August 19, 2020 will sharpen your mind and support your laser-like focus. Think clearly about the positive goals you would like to accomplish. Then, go for it!

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
Venus retrograde in Gemini until June 24, 2020 will bring a loved one from your past into your sphere of influence. Making this connection will be important for your future happiness and peace of mind.  Communicative Mercury, your planetary ruler, retrograde in Cancer from June 17 to July 12, 2020, will facilitate your connection with an old friend who will impart pivotal information. You are at a crossroads in the months leading up to your birthday. Opportunities to embark on a completely different course will be available during the fall season. Consider carefully insights that will come to you at the Summer Solstice Solar Eclipse on June 21, 2020 and on the Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020. New and different people will be coming into your life. Their influence will empower you to live in a new and better way. A planetary alignment of expansive Jupiter and profound Pluto on June 30, 2020 will help deepen your awareness of subtle influences on your life.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 23)
Your life will be elevated to a higher level when Venus, your planetary ruler, emerges from its retrograde period on June 24, 2020. This will be the beginning of great progress on implementing a concept you have been cultivating since November 2018, when Venus was last retrograde in Libra. Mercury retrograde in Cancer from June 17 to July 12, 2020 will further help you refine the details. Your mind is focused on your overall life direction at this time. A New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer on June 21, 2020, the Summer Solstice, will give you a new idea to contemplate. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will give you further insights to help fuel your forward motion. Once Mercury retrograde is complete on July 12, 2020, you will be ready to move forward in new and innovative ways. This new approach will feel very gratifying to your soul. An alignment of lucky Jupiter in Capricorn with profound Pluto on June 30, 2020 will enable you to connect-if you wish-with a family member who has fallen away from the fold.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 21)
Your planetary ruler, Pluto, conjoins expansive Jupiter in Capricorn on June 30, 2020. This celestial alignment will give you an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your own thoughts and feelings. This inner connection will inevitably lead you closer to your soul! A New Moon Solar Eclipse on the Summer Solstice, Saturday, June 21, 2020, will further awaken the spiritual side of your nature. It is your time to seek deeper meaning in your life-and answers to existential questions you have been asking yourself for many years. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will cause a temporary misunderstanding. Clarity will return quickly once Mercury retrograde completes on July 12, 2020. The retrograde of loving Venus until June 24, 2020 will help you connect with someone from your past. You will see a facet of this person you had not perceived in the past. This new information will free you to pursue your own reality.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Lucky Jupiter, your planetary ruler, aligns with profound Pluto on June 30, 2020, giving you a chance to see the shadow side of a situation you previously had not perceived. This is an opportunity to bring a more realistic view to a situation that had been shrouded in mystery. You have an inquisitive mind and a sensitive heart. This planetary alignment will help you align these two aspects of your Self. A New Moon Solar Eclipse on June 21, 2020-the Summer Solstice, will enable you to see ever more deeply into matters that have been hidden from view. Trust your intuition! A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will shift your financial situation. Be strategic in your decision-making. After Venus retrograde completes on June 24, 2020, you will see a past financial situation with greater clarity. It will be time to move forward clearly into the future. Mercury retrograde from June 17 to July 12, 2020 will give you an opportunity to rectify an outstanding financial situation-either by paying back money you owe or collecting what is owed to you. If no financial debts are involved, the rectification could involve an energetic imbalance in a relationship that will come back to an appropriate balance.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
A New Moon Solar Eclipse at the Summer Solstice on June 21, 2020 will awaken your desire to connect with the people you love. These connections will give you a sense of security and stability. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will help you focus on the people who are most important to you. Emotions that blurred your clarity will be put aside during the summer season. Venus retrograde until June 24, 2020 will further help you get your house in order. You will be able to streamline situations that have appeared to be a bit chaotic. Mercury Retrograde from June 17 to July 12, 2020 will further assist your efforts to organize your home and bring greater orderliness to your life. When you feel as if you have control over your personal environment, you feel a sense of mastery. This clarity is very empowering to you! An alignment of lucky Jupiter and profound Pluto on June 30, 2020 will also help you discover the root of a problem-and enable you to solve it. Karmic Saturn in Capricorn from July 1 to December 16, 2020 will give you the self-discipline to meet your goals!

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
Karmic Saturn retrograde exits Aquarius on July 1, 2020 and does not return to the Sign of the Water-bearer until December 16, 2020. You will have an opportunity during this time to experiment with new ideas. Your planetary ruler, innovative Uranus in Taurus, will further inspire you to try new things. Try to implement new ideas that resolve challenges you have faced while Saturn was in Capricorn-from late 2017 to March 21, 2020. Karmic Saturn will return to Capricorn from July 1 to December 16, 2020, which will give you a chance to finish unfinished business. This is the time to put these challenges to rest forever. A New Moon Solar Eclipse at the Summer Solstice on June 21, 2020 will help you balance your daily routines. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will reveal the source of a persistent challenge and show you the way to transmute this challenge to a higher level.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
A New Moon Solar Eclipse at the Summer Solstice on June 21, 2020 will awaken your creativity. You will best be able to express latent creative talents under the influence of energetic Mars in Pisces until June 28, 2020. This celestial transit will strengthen your energy and your will power in the face of any creative blocks or challenges you have faced since Mars last traveled through the Sign of the Fish in late 2018. A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 4, 2020 will help you take action on a situation where you have postponed further action. It will be important to complete this outstanding project before your half-birthday in late-August or September. Lucky Jupiter aligns with profound Pluto on June 30, 2020, giving you an opportunity to connect on a deep level with a special friend. Spiritual Neptune in Pisces is enhancing your intuition and helping you to sort fact from fiction in the narratives that dominate your daily life.

-OM-