Waning Dark Moon, June 7-10th, 2021

• Waning Dark Moon: June 7th-10th
• Signs: Taurus – Gemini
• Element: Earth – Water
• Modality: Fixed – Mutable
• Planetary Ruler: Venus – Mercury

ABOUT THE DARK/ BALSAMIC PHASE

The Waning Dark Moon is the phase when it’s still displaying a thin silver line, at the verge of becoming invisible in the night sky as it approaches the Sun. Symbolically, it represents the declining phase of the cycle of life, beginning two nights before the New Moon, which is when it has lost all of its illumination. Thus, this phase prepares us for the rebirth and new beginning that comes after the exact conjunction of the two luminaries.

RETURNING TO THE CAVE

The Waning Dark Moon represents the time when we’re heading back to the cave, when we return from our journey through the outside and head towards our inner/underworld. As the energies decay, we are invited to rest, recharge, put an end to negative cycles and habits, break old patterns, release from energetic or body toxins, banish what we want out or cut the cords that attach us to the past. It’s when we enter the Crone phase, commune with the Dark Goddess and meet with our shadow side. 

THE WANING PHASE OF ECLIPSE SEASON

Another month, another Waning Dark Moon, but this one is extra special because it’s the one that leads us to the powerful Solar Eclipse that will take place on June 10th. When we’re at the death phase of the lunar cycle, the energies are introspective, inviting us to rest and retreat from the noise of the outside world in order to turn within, especially when we have Mercury going retrograde in an air sign. However, two nights before and during the eclipse of the Sun, this dark lunar energy is three times stronger and more intense because not only will the Moon be obscured, but also the Sun when it’s eclipsed by her during daytime and Mercury, who’s approaching a conjunction with the Sun on the day of this lunar event.

Therefore, we have the planet of the mind and communication (Mercury), the luminary that represents our life force and conscience (the Sun) and the one that represents our subconscious mind, inner world and our emotions (the Moon) all going through a death phase. This is full confirmation that this Waning Dark Moon is the most profound of this year. This time, its effects may be even more physically evident and so it’s important to take care of our mind, body and spirit as we prepare for the cosmic reset and the rebirth of these three spheres after the day of the eclipse. 

MOON IN TAURUS, MERCURY RETROGRADE AND MARS OPPOSITE PLUTO

Fortunately, this lunar phase will begin in the sign of Taurus, the sign of the last astrological season and where the Moon is exalted, so its energy may help us ground our thoughts despite the turbulent air of the current astrological transits. Mars, who’s in Cancer will be in a separating opposition with Pluto, an energy that’s supremely emotional, raging and volatile, making violence its shadow and so reinforcing that during these nights, it’s best to avoid confrontation and to retreat from the outside world if possible. Furthermore, we have Mercury going retrograde making this time deeply introspective, especially as it’s “waning” with the Moon as both will conjunct the Sun the same day. Thus, during this time we may receive the most profound insights, helping us find the keys for the doors in our psyche that have been locked for ages. 

WANING DARK MOON IN GEMINI

Interestingly, this eclipse season and Mercury Retrograde is characterized for being highly confusing and nebulous as if a fog is covering our horizon no matter where we turn due to their strong squares to Neptune, the planet of illusion. However, the clue behind them is that the answers and true clarity lie within, not outside. It’s through reaching the internal illumination that will dissipate the fog ahead after these astrological transits. So, we have this Waning Dark Moon that may finally make us begin to turn within and thus making it the first step towards reaching the clarity we will gradually have.

On June 8th, the Moon will be entering Gemini, the sign of the proximate eclipse and where Mercury currently is retrograding. This sign is ruled by the planet of communication and it’s an air sign, making it most perfect time to ask the right questions to ourselves that will lead to the greatest answers. If clarity is achieved, it will be excellent to take the following two weeks to prepare and plan for anything you may be starting or for an idea/desire you will be taking action on as represented by the new path that the Solar Eclipse will eventually open for us.

ACTIVITIES AND RITUAL SUGGESTIONS

This makes this Waning Dark Moon most ideal for journaling. Think about what path is ending in your life, which paths are opening for you as a result and look for where this Solar Eclipse in Gemini will be transiting in your chart as this is where you will eventually meet a new beginning after the current haze and the many changes it may be experiencing. The energies are powerful, especially because of the Mars and Pluto opposition for connecting with the energy of the dark goddess for banishing and for spiritual protection rituals. 

We’re preparing for a new fated cycle so it’s a time also ideal for closing cycles of the past, as reinforced with this Mercury retrograde that may be making us revisit the unresolved. Lastly, these times are crucial to cleanse and purify from the old and the negative, making it perfect for cleansing your ambience, your surroundings energetically so that they reflect that they’re prepared to receive the new.