Fleeting moments
These poems are inspired by my partner and the ins and outs of our queer relationship. I write with the hope of capturing fleeting moments of our lives together
the pleasure is all ours
the pleasure is all ours
Illustration by Khanya (he/him)
by Sun Ray J (they/them)
Key Themes
Solstice Of Sagacity – Death-Rebirth Paradigm – The Cosmos Make A Plan Subconscious Reprogramming – Boss Up – Inner Child Guidance System – Emotions lead our way Home – Obey Intuition – Childlike Imagination
Transit Dates
We’ve officially wrapped the first half of the year! And we are finally at the mid-point, our seasonal Solstice shift, it’s a symbolic or climatic moment of rebirthing ourselves and each other into the next chapter. If your year has been anything but smooth sailing, rest assured the lessons learnt at sea will come in handy as we navigate the terrain of this last half of our universal 7-year. Imagine the chrysalis which protects the precious new life emerging, now is the moment before the breakthrough which reveals a beautiful transformation. Our internal transitions permeate into the external world. So intuition is our bestie if we’re hoping to bring home our highest manifestations over the next season. Especially as the last half of the month begins Retrograde Season starting with Pluto, then Saturn and closing the month with Neptune going retrograde in Pisces. Marking a time for repetition, review and getting clear about our needs.
Eccentric Aries, this month calls on your mental reserves, inner sense of belonging and your ability to build on the etheric planes. Energy work is just as important as everyday work, making this a moment to check in with your manifestations. This month the Sun treks through airy Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This could tug at your heartstrings or call you to connect with your home base. Pull up your favourite recipes, and indulge in comfort. As the retrograde season kicks off, get deep into the rewiring you need. Your subconscious is primed for reprogramming so start now by defining exactly what you want and submit these desires to the fertile ground of your subconscious mind. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces may spark your imaginings of spiritual pursuits. Keep one foot on the ground as you astral travel and don’t forget to write down your findings. Mercury entering Cancer makes the inner messages around your belonging rise to the surface through your emotions. Take heed by resting your bones and setting the mood for relaxation. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is surrendering to your rest regime. Get your nighttime game face on, eye masks included. Naptime is fully recommended.
Tactful Taurus, this month calls on your money-mindedness, communing with your higher self and shedding your old self. Revealing fresh new ideas and mental energy for your creations. This month the Sun treks through airy Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This may have you reconsidering your connection to self-worth, what you deserve and the resources you need to feel your best. Let this inspire your next great idea and set a plan in motion for its manifestation. Your Higher Self is on loudspeaker right now so let them be your guiding muse as you witness the power of your imagination. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces could make the money message really clear. Plant the seeds of future financial success by facing your money fears through this Neptunian fog. Mercury entering Cancer brings inner insights so let intuition lead you and trust the messages you are receiving. Tend to yourself by journalling your findings, taking a short walk or trip and revitalising your senses. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is in reevaluating your networks and connections. Stay rooted in your individuality, especially in group settings. When you feel overwhelmed by collective frequencies, call your energy back to yourself.
Genial Gemini, this month calls forth your glow-up season! And if all the celebrating were not exciting enough, some awesome opportunities to make more bank are on the horizon. This month the Sun treks through your airy sign, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season asks you to be who you came here to be! And to be paid well for that too. Examine where in your life you notice resourcefulness from claiming your inherent worthiness. Your desires burn hot as you encounter a rebirthing of your deepest intrigues. They may have many gifts to bestow on you if you honour them. Do what your heart is yearning to. Let this energy ooze into the public spaces you take up and watch your career take off. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces grants you the magic wand of self-transformation. Seeing yourself with rose-coloured glasses could help you marvel at your glimmer, but keep the same energy when the glasses come off. Mercury entering Cancer brings you in tune with your money and emotions. Balance both by saving first and being honest about splurging habits. Who are you when you feel your worthiest? The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit sits in taking an honest look at your public image, preferably rose-hue-free.
Creative Cancer, this month takes you from dreamy space warrior to self-assured badass. Get plenty of rest before your season rolls in. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into your Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season asks you to come into the light of your magnificent power. See your best self emerging from the ether. Your bigheartedness in relating often gets mistaken for over-sensitivity, but there is always room for new love to grow. Even if we must till the land and submit the lessons of the past into the compost heap. Let any relationship events flow with faith they are bringing you closer to your highest self. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces prompts some messengers in your dream world, so take your sleep seriously and get ready for the downloads to flow. Surrender your wishes to your subconscious as you drift off. Mercury entering Cancer makes the inner messages about yourself louder and clearer. Use affirmations to overcome any lingering insecurities you’re carrying. Release these with love. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is allowing yourself to visualize the places you wish to see, and use your powerful imagination to call in everything your heart desires.
Lavish Leo, this month starts by illuminating your connections and ends with you taking some much-needed time to relax. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season is about balancing what fuels your social battery.And taking the space you need to recharge solo. Get your nighttime routine on point to prepare for your season next month. Your daytime routines could receive a major overhaul too. If you find your drive during the day unrelenting, double up on the R&R. Work in new and innovative approaches to your work-rest balance. Even if it’s a 10-minute pilates class on YouTube or a 5-minute meditation, invite the spirit into your daily flow. Make diving into your depths your new muse, let the hidden parts of yourself out to play. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces asks you to reevaluate your groups. How might you imagine anew with your community? Mercury entering Cancer brings incoming messages from your subconscious and dreamscapes. Write down what you recall and monitor how you feel in your dreams. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is getting fearless about reimagining yourself no matter who you have been in the past. The time for total reclamation of your power is now. Accept all of you with ferocity.
Virtuous Virgo, this month begins by highlighting any career wins you’ve been cultivating. Towards the end, focus on the collective wins you’re equally a part of. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season is about claiming the wins we all unlock when the community is centred. Let your inner child wild and free as a rebirthing of your pleasures and enjoyment arises. Bring some structure to your relationships, especially if you desire commitments. Schedule a talk or check-in with your beloveds. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces says to clarify your career intentions and asks you to use discernment as you navigate your public life. Set the intention you wish to actualize and remain grounded as it comes into the world. Mercury entering Cancer brings the group chat to life and encourages you to follow your emotive flow when relating to your collectives. Connect to your community through the shared feelings you embody. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives, and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is in taking off rose-tinted glasses when it comes to relationships. See things as they are, and invite imagination into the chat if you need an out-the-box solution. Imagine the way forward by visualizing your shared goals together.
Luscious Libra, this month begins with a call from your highest self, so be aware of your intuitive senses. Towards the end, your career and public image come into the light, it’s time for you to shine. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season is for you to see and experience the adoration of your peers. Your sense of belonging and your roots are being rebirthed, what are you releasing here? Get in tune with your consistency by finding a daily flow that works for you. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces brings some of the messages from your higher self back into focus. Use the power of your intentions to imagine a plan using their insights. Mercury entering Cancer adds an emotional element to your public appearances. Connect to the influential people you’re attracting and make it about caring and collaboration. There are important messages you have to share, be courageous as you focus your shine. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is tapping into flexibility within your daily routines. Even the most well-planned schedule needs a little flexibility, give yourself a gap in your day-to-day to reconnect with your imaginative ability to bring creativity to your work tasks and transform boring to-do’s into magical get-to-do’s!
Scorching Scorpio, this month begins with a deep dive into the unexplored parts of your soul. Whatever you excavate will be helpful to implement. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season could find you travelling or wanting to see the sights of the world. Open up to insights from your higher self. A rebirthing of your mind is taking place, your subconscious could be a great ally in sending you the ideas you need to bring into the world next. Trust what comes. You can tap into structured creative time and watch your mood lift. It’s time to take your pleasure seriously! The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces says to get curious about the shadow work that exposes your soft side. Go within and rest there for a moment, when you return from your inmost cave, take time to process your discoveries. Mercury entering Cancer brings the downloads you need, stay open to signs and synchronicities that abound. Entertain your desire for world expansion. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is to play with your inner little one—check in with your inner child and schedule time to connect with your joy. An impromptu painting session, link-up or a new crush could get your heart pumping again. Let the revival of your fun unfurl.
Saucy Sag, this month begins with introspection in your relationships and ends with a call to bring your intimate parts back to life. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season is especially highlighting the quality of the connections you want long-term. You’re giving new life to your sense of wealth, now is the most potent time to tap into your money mastermind. Start redefining belonging and where you belong by noticing when you feel most at home. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces says to renavigate how you relate and take any lessons from your partnerships and connections with a grain of salt. You are the master at finding a silver lining, which may be needed to relieve any residual relational pressure. Mercury entering Cancer amps up the volume on the desires your soul craves, feel into your most naked truth and honour your urges. Allow yourself to give and receive the tenderness that soothes your soul. The Neptunian mist hardly settles as Solstice arrives, and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is reimagining your stories about family, ancestry, the roots and traditions that keep you most grounded. What are the smells, tastes, sounds and feels of home to you?Let the waves of nostalgia remind you that you’re more loved and connected than you can imagine.
Credible Cap, this month begins with a focus on your daily tasks and ends in the arms of your beloved. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season is especially highlighting your relationships and lovers. You’re undergoing a major self rebirth, let your old self go with grace and welcome the new you. There’s a rebuild happening in your mind, use this momentum to structure your ideas into concrete plans. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces invites the imaginal into your daily routines. Get curious about the ebb and flow of your everyday. There’s magic under the mundane when we look beyond the surface. Mercury entering Cancer brings the message of love and connection to your partnerships. Let your emotions lead you but don’t get carried away with the current, learn to float when you need a break. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives, and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is envisaging your mental rumblings as more than just fleeting fancy. Your mind is a doorway through the cosmos, sending and receiving energy, utilize this by making a request to the universe and getting ready for the answers that come. Find that balance between dreaming and seeing your visions come to life.
Abundant Aqua, this month begins with fun and adventure and ends on a productive note. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season balance having fun with getting your to-do’s done. Your subconscious world is undergoing a rebirth which may be extra palpable through your dreams and sleep. Your finances are asking for structuring. Are your current investments on track with your goals? The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces piques your curiosity in leisure and pleasure. Enjoy yourself but don’t get too swept up by the feelings as they are more malleable. Mercury entering Cancer brings messages about your daily life, find your flow by diverting force into freeform. Vocalise the services you most wish to offer, you never know who could use your skills. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives, and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is in your ability to see yourself as worthy and resourceful, regardless of the money you do or do not have. But if there are clear financial ambitions you crave, allow yourself the pleasure of indulging your fantasies. Visualization is vital in manifesting these riches. Believe it, and you will see it.
Peaceful Pisces, this month begins reminding you that home is where the heart is, and it ends with a big dose of fun. This month the Sun treks through airy, Gemini, and into Cancerian waters at the Solstice. This season balances home life with your social life. You are sensing the collective rebirth that we are under. Your networks renew. There’s a major restructuring on yourself which began earlier this year. Celebrate the victories along the way. The New Moon in Gemini, squaring Neptune in Pisces brings family matters to a head. Soothe sensitivities by giving yourself all the comforts you crave. Mercury entering Cancer brings an attractive essence to your aura. You’re feeling playful and ready to delight in what feels fantastic. Take it a step at a time and let your inner child’s messages guide your way to the softest life. The Neptunian mist hardly settles, as Solstice arrives, and you get to catch some of your wind right before Neptune goes retrograde at the very end of the month. The key to this transit is in the work you’ve been doing on yourself. Check in and see how you have remodelled yourself since the year began: there’s a transformation happening in your life, and you can feel it. Use your incredible imagination to envision a whole new world where you exist and live your most aligned reality. It’s not about what you want, but who you are being. Just be your magical self and watch as the world mirrors your glimmers.
I’m Jordan, also known as Sun Ray J or @galacticbaddies_ (they/them).
I’m a queer, non-binary Astro Healer (Astrologer), Moon Whisperer (Moonologist) and Sonic Motion artist. I grew up in East London, Eastern Cape. I’m creative at heart, and I studied Motion Picture, specialising in television head writing and sound engineering.
I currently have a 2023 Astro calendar for sale, illustrated by Khanya Kemami.
I’m in love with the stars and how they live through us, and I have been a student and practitioner of astrological arts for about eight years. I’m a Pisces Sun, Gemini Moon (Mx Chatz) and Pisces Rising! A textbook Pisces – I emote, am always dreaming, and must find the silver lining! Oh, the ESP, the transmutation, the alchemy of it all. It’s giving Paulo Coelho storytelling to the sounds of South African house music, Badu, and old-school grooves.
I live in Johannesburg, where I am a founder and co-director of Queermunity TV (@queermunitytv), a queer-owned production company where we co-create magic with and for the Queers of the world. We also offer social media management and content creation services.
These poems are inspired by my partner and the ins and outs of our queer relationship. I write with the hope of capturing fleeting moments of our lives together
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