by Alexandra Karacostas

I was recently visiting with some friends about the Spring Equinox which occurred on March 20th. I quickly found that some of us didn’t really know what it was. So I thought I’d take this opportunity to write a brief explanation of the Equinoxes and their close
relatives, the Solstices. On June 21st we will celebrate the Summer Solstice!

The word Equinox comes from the Latin words aequus, meaning equal, and nox,
meaning night. Literally it means equal night and day. There are two days a year when
the length of the night is the same as the length of the day. They happen around March
20th and September 23rd.. In astronomy the Equinox occurs when the Sun is positioned
directly over the Earth’s equator. The two Equinoxes are called the Vernal, or Spring,
Equinox, and the Autumn Equinox. “Vernal” comes from the Latin word ver, meaning
Spring. “Autumnus” is the Latin word for the fall season. This is the simple
explanation, but should help point to the significance of the events, as markers of the
change in seasons.

The Solstices also happen twice each year. One is in June and one is in December. Both
happen around the 21st of the month. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word
“solstitium”. Sol means sun and stitium means standing still. In June the sun reaches
its highest point in the sky. In December the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. At
these moments the sun seems to stand still, ever so briefly. These are what we refer to as
the summer and winter solstice points. Historically these events are celebrated world
wide as holy-days, or holidays, as they mark the darkest and lightest days of the year.

As this is the May-June issue I offer a little more attention to the signs of Gemini and
Cancer. This year Gemini begins May 21st. It ends when Cancer starts, June 21st.
Cancer ends July 21st. Enjoy! P.S. This type of astrology works for your sun-sign or
your rising sign, if you know it.

Aries - Loosen up your thinking and express yourself. Allow your ideas and imagination
to flourish and prosper. Give voice to your fears. Your safe harbor is to act from the
heart with compassion and tenderness, toward yourself and others. Pay attention to your
wallet as you make summer plans!

Taurus - You are moving toward greener pastures! Try to keep your life as simple as
possible during this stretch. Don’t allow the uncertainty of the future to intimidate you.
Learn to go with the flow in following your dreams. Including others in your plans can
prove rich and rewarding!

Gemini - True to your Gemini nature there are, oh, soooo many choices! Ease the
challenge of choosing and prioritizing your goals - remain true to yourself and your heart.
Its time to create space in your life for your philosophy. Let it take root, nourish it, and
watch it sprout new growth. Don’t get discouraged by temporary setbacks early this
summer. Reach new heights of intimacy: be pro-active and take risks with relationships.
Humility and kindness are your best allies. New ways to generate income are worth
further investigation.

Cancer - Consider revising your long term plans. This is a year of re-evaluation. Beef up
your support structure where needed. New perspectives come your way and hold
promise early this summer. Accept gifts from the universe with joy and grace!
Relationships grow and reflect your kindness. Know that wishful thinking is not a
worthy replacement for your own inner truths. Learn to trust yourself and believe in your
experience! Take action to restore peace and harmony.

Leo - Social activity and group interaction are in full swing. Party on! Limit
misunderstandings and conflict by communicating clearly, openly, and honestly. Be
tolerant and patient toward others. Its in your best interest to act with moderation. It will
increase your satisfaction and joy!

Virgo - Start clearing the decks. Simplify! Free yourself from those extra duties and
obligations. Stay focused on your current projects. Cultivate an open mind and heart and
create a new vision. Practice patience....the future is waiting for you with open arms and
plenty of support.

Libra - Follow the light and lead the way. For now, at least, you have direction and know
where you are going. Allow your intuition and insight to guide you. Maintain a sensible
attitude towards your long term goals. Cooperation in relationships is key to fun as well
as to success, especially in June.

Scorpio - As old dreams drift away make room for new possibilities. This is especially
true for your career. Create space for grace in your life! Remember, all things are
connected. Your current efforts are not in vain despite how you may feel. Increase your
faith in the universe!

Sagittarius - You, your colleagues and partners are on center stage this season.
Frequently ask yourself if you would rather be happy, or right. The choice is yours!
Curb your fiery enthusiasm so you can better appreciate, digest and participate in all the
action. There is much to be grateful for.

Capricorn - Seek a greater sense of fulfillment in all ways, particularly in your work.
Fine tune the balance between recreation and responsibilities. Remember that words are
powerful tools - be mindful how you use them. It’s a fertile time to plant seeds for a new
cycle of personal growth. Have fun!

Aquarius - Your life’s dreams, hopes and goals are being tested for their validity. Don’t
be afraid to try new things in new ways. Intention is almost everything! Keep your mind
clear, your heart honest and let your spirit guide you. Act with confidence, even if you
have to fake it just for now.

Pisces - If you want to make professional progress gather up your courage and put
yourself out on a limb. The rewards will be equal to the risks! If you are content with
your present position you’ll still need to make some adjustments. This is not a time to be
cautious. The possibilities are only as limited as your mind.

Reprinted with permission from Lotus Guide.