AstroUpdate – June 2021
Hi and welcome to the Stella Starwoman June AstroUpdate and a special welcome to
all new subscribers! This month we celebrate the winter solstice or shortest day of the
year. This year’s winter solstice in Australia is on the 21st June.
Knowth Calendar Stone – 3320 BC
Dept of Environment, Heritage & Local Government, Ireland
Inhabitants of the Extreme North
When ancient Greek historians wrote about the Hyperboreans (inhabitants of the
extreme north) they talked of skilled astronomers who had visited Greece and taught
philosophy to Pythagoras and his followers. We often consider the Greeks as pioneers
of modern-day mathematics, but the Stone Age builders of Britain, Ireland,
Scandinavia, France, Portugal and Spain were using Pythagorean geometry and
astronomy to design their stone circles and position their standing stones more than
3000 years before Pythagoras was even born!
And it was not just the pre-historical architects of North Western Europe who
possessed such a sophisticated knowledge of geometry and astronomy. Recent
discoveries, like the 12,000-year-old Göbekli Tepe complex in Turkey, have forced
archaeologists to push back the origins of human civilisation by thousands of years.
We are just beginning to scratch the surface.
Stone Circles – Clocks and Calendars
Alexander Thom, former professor of engineering at Oxford University, surveyor and
statistician, was fascinated by the mathematical complexity of stone age monuments
and spent decades surveying and meticulously analysing the alignments and positions
of over 250 stone circles and standing stones in Britain and Carnac in France. His
stated aim was to crack the Stone Age Code and find out what those megalith builders
were up to. He concluded that Stonehenge and other megalithic sites were clocks and
calendars designed to record time; predict solar and lunar eclipses and track the 18.6-
year moon cycle. And these solar calendars were already in existence well before
3000 BC, as can be seen from the photo above of the great calendar stone from the
cosmic observatory of Knowth in Ireland.
Thom’s book, 'Megalithic Sites in Britain', published in 1967, caused huge
controversy in archaeology circles, with his theory that 5-6000 years ago, so-called
primitive stone age cultures were using complex mathematics and astronomy to
construct their monuments and accurately record the cycles of the sun, moon and
major stars. During his research, Thom discovered a unit of measure, common to all
ancient monuments, that he labelled the megalithic yard. The megalithic yard coupled
with a knowledge of Pythagorean triangles, enabled stone age architects to build stone
circles with remarkable sophistication and accuracy.
Adventures in Kilmartin Glen
After eight months of lockdown, I decided to follow in Thom’s footsteps and head
north to Kilmartin Glen on the west coast of Scotland for a megalithic and
astronomical adventure. People have lived in this fertile coastal valley for 6000 years
or more, and although not as famous as Stonehenge and Avebury, Kilmartin is the
largest prehistoric site in Britain.
Within a 10 km radius there are over 150 prehistoric monuments dating from the
Neolithic or Bronze Age (4000-500 BC). These include stone circles, standing stones,
rock carvings, burial cairns and chambered tombs. Many of these monuments and
natural rock formations are decorated with mysterious cup and ring marks.
Kintraw- Winter Solstice Observatory
As I rounded the corner on the deserted road by Loch Craignish at Kintraw, I spotted
a magnificent standing stone overlooking the loch, surrounded by a series of small
cairns. I whipped out my camera and took photos of the mighty megalith.
Far away in the distance I could see three large mountains - the Paps of Jura. Seated
on a small, manmade platform on the steep hill behind the Kintraw stone and looking
west down the loch, past the stone, I had a clear view of the notch between two of
these peaks - Beinn Shiantaidh (holy mountain in Gaelic) and Beinn a’Chaolais
(mountain of the sound or strait).
Kintraw standing stone and cairn looking towards the Jura notch on the horizon
(Euan W MacKie)
According to Professor Thom, if you had stood on this platform thousands of years
ago and taken a sight-line from the Kintraw standing stone to the notch between the
Jura peaks in the distance you would have seen the last rays of the winter solstice
setting sun flickering in the gap. Kintraw was set up as a winter solstice observatory.
The winter solstice is one of the most important days of the seasonal calendar,
symbolising the darkest day of the year, followed by the return of the light. A symbol
of death and rebirth. Ancient monuments, sacred sites and temples all over the world
are aligned to the winter solstice sunrise or sunset.
During my trip, I discovered that other stone alignments at Kintraw referenced
another Jura mountain (Dubh Bheinn or Black Mountain) where every 18.6 years, the
moon could be observed setting behind the mountain at its minor standstill. Clearly
the people who designed these observatories had a comprehensive knowledge of
cosmic cycles.
But the adventure was just beginning and next month my journey through Kilmartin
Glen continues with a visit to Nether Largie, one of the most important lunar
observatories in Britain.
Kintraw standing stone, Kilmartin, Scotland
Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Winter solstice sunrise in the Tamar Valley, Tasmania
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and in Australia falls on the 21st
June. The zodiac wheel traces the yearly passage of the sun as it moves through each
of the 12 constellations marking the four seasons, the spring and autumn equinoxes
and the summer and winter solstices. As the days grow shorter in the period leading
up to the winter solstice, the sun appears to stop moving south or north (depending on
which hemisphere you are in) and stays still for three days – 20th, 21st and 22nd of
June. This is the meaning of the word ‘sol-stice’ – sun standing still.
For thousands of years, carvings on temples, cave walls, monuments and artefacts
have honoured the sun, bringer of warmth, security, life and light. Our ancestors
personified the sun, worshipping it as the light of the world and saviour of mankind. It
is no coincidence that our principal day of worship is called Sun Day. The winter
solstice marked the death and subsequent rebirth of the sun god.
Seven Top Tips for a Warming Winter Solstice
Each season has its innate beauty and magic and winter is no different. For people all
over the world, from the ancient Egyptians and Celts to the Hopi—midwinter has
always been a time of ritual, reflection, and renewal. A time to feed the spirit and
nurture the soul. A time to pause and rest before moving forward again with renewed
faith and hope for the future.
Instead of retreating from the cold and complaining about the weather, consider how a
meaningful celebration of midwinter and its place in the eternal cycle of life could
help you reconnect with nature, family, friends and the things that matter most.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo after an overnight snowfall at Namadgi National Park ACT
1) Prepare a simple meal from organic winter produce and invite family and friends to share.
2) Watch the winter solstice sunset while meditating and taking deep breaths. Light a candle
and give thanks for both darkness and light.
3) Visit a place in nature that has special meaning for you. Lie down, close your eyes and
listen to the sounds all around you. Feel the strength of the earth supporting your body
and tune into the slower, quiet rhythms of the season.
4) Write down ten words that for you embody the best parts of winter, then write a poem or
song celebrating winter.
5) Silence is another beautiful way to mark the solstice. Consider an hour of meditative
silence on the day of the solstice (21st June) or build a circle of candlelight and meditate
with others.
6) Take a walk through the bush or local neighbourhood and collect winter evergreens,
feathers, pebbles or other found objects. Make a wreath for your front door or create an
altar in your back yard.
7) Pick a tarot card or rune and write down your dreams for coming months.
We conclude this celebration of the winter solstice with a quote from Percy Bysshe
Shelley’s Ode to the West Wind. O wind… if winter comes, can spring be far
behind? Happy winter solstice!
Happy Birthday Cancer!
This year, from the 22nd June to the 24th July, the sun will travel through cardinal
water sign Cancer. Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac with keywords “I feel” and
“I fluctuate” and whose symbol is the crab, an instinctive creature dwelling in the
watery depths in the safety of its shell.
Cancers are extremely sensitive and nurturing with a strong attachment to home,
family and community. At best they are in touch with their feelings and display
kindness, love and compassion. Cancerians are highly emotional, usually love food
and have a reputation for taking care of friends, family and workmates.
Negatively, the Cancer individual can be moody, dependent, illogical, manipulative
and insecure. Cancer rules the stomach, breasts and solar plexus. When Cancers are
out of balance they can suffer from digestive upsets, water retention and breast
problems. The Cancer colours are silver and pastel shades and those born under this
sign often love antique jewellery and lingerie.
Cancer’s greatest lesson is to live in the present and to deal with feelings of fear and
insecurity. Happy birthday to all Cancerians!
Solar Eclipse in Gemini
Last month, a gorgeous blood moon eclipse rose majestically against the evening sky,
witnessed by millions in Australia. On the 10th June, we have another eclipse – a
solar eclipse at the Gemini new moon. Unfortunately, it's not visible in Australia, but
that doesn’t mean we won’t feel its effects!
Eclipses happen in pairs (lunar and solar) and always bring growth and change, which
can be painful, enlightening or both. With communication planet Mercury also in
Gemini this month, June is a good time to let go of preconceived ideas and remain
open to new directions. Curiosity, fresh ideas and perspective coupled with a
willingness to listen and communicate openly are all important. Mercury will be
retrograde (moving backwards) from 30th May to 23rd June offering an opportunity
to pause, reflect and regroup.
Events that occur around the time of a solar eclipse usually arise as a result of past
actions, even though this can be difficult to acknowledge or even understand at the
time. Humility, coupled with open and honest reflection are essential in order to learn
and grow. To deal with the darkness of a solar eclipse, we need to stay grounded and
stand firm to discern the truth.
Solar eclipses can also bring unexpected strokes of good luck and changes in fortune.
If you know your birth chart, check to see where the eclipse falls in your chart for
clues on which area of life might be affected.
Capricorn Full Moon -Take Stock
This month’s full moon falls on the 25th in solid and reliable earth sign Capricorn
opposing the sun in Cancer.
After last month's spectacular full blood moon eclipse, this full moon takes the energy
down a notch, bringing the message of responsibility to self and others. The
importance of being accountable, acting like an adult and paying your dues.
Both sun and moon form flowing angles to Jupiter in Pisces promoting feelings of
comfort and stability. And with the mid-year eclipses now behind us and Mercury
completing his retrograde journey just three days before this full moon, we can pause
and take stock after the highs and lows of the past month.
Now is the perfect time to look back on the year to date and tie up any loose ends. If
find yourself feeling emotional, tackle some tedious or unpleasant job you’ve been
putting off for ages. It will be worth it!
June-July Moon Calendar
Launch projects a couple of days after the New Moon, bring them to completion in the period
from just before the Full Moon to the Third Quarter phase and wind them down and reflect on
developments in the week before the next New Moon. The period between the New Moon and
the Full Moon is the waxing moon (moon getting bigger and fuller). The period between the
Full Moon and the New Moon is the waning moon (moon getting smaller and thinner).
Use this moon table to select the BEST DAYS to slow or increase hair regrowth. Full
instructions can be found in my Lunar Hair Care guidelines but to get you started I’ve marked
the best dates for waxing/shaving to slow regrowth in yellow and the best dates to cut hair for
thicker, lusher growth in green. If you’re serious about Lunar Hair Care – why not purchase a
moon calendar or diary, available at most esoteric book stores, then you’ll know exactly what
time of day the moon changes from one zodiac sign to the next, meaning you can fine-tune your
activities with confidence.
JUNE
Date Sign Element Moon phase
1st Aquarius Air
1st-4th Pisces Water Third Quarter
4th-6th Aries Fire
6th-9thth Taurus Earth
1-4
9th-11th Gemini Air New Moon 10th
Solar Eclipse
11th-14th Cancer Water
14th-16th Leo Fire
16th-18th Virgo Earth First Quarter
t
th
18-24
th
-20th Libra Air
20th-22nd Scorpio Water
-25th
22nd-24th Sagittarius Fire
24th-27th Capricorn Earth Full Moon 25th
27th-29th Aquarius Air
29th June – 1st July Pisces Water
JULY
Date Sign Element Moon phase
1st Pisces Water
1st-3rd Aries Fire Third Quarter
3rd-6th Taurus Earth
6th-8thth Gemini Air
1-4
8th-11th Cancer Water New Moon 10th
11th-13th Leo Fire
13th-16th Virgo Earth
16th-18th Libra Air First Quarter
t
th
18-24
th
-20th Scorpio Water
20th-22nd Sagittarius Fire
-25th
22nd-24th Capricorn Earth
24th-26th Aquarius Air Full Moon 24th
26th-28th Pisces Water
28th-31st Aries Fire
31st July – 2nd August Taurus Earth Third Quarter
Thanks for being part of AstroUpdate. If there’s something you’d like to see featured,
or have something you think would interest others, please contact me at
stella@stellastarwoman.com
Happy Stargazing
Stella Woods
www.stellastarwoman.com
