Mercury in Cancer Aug. 4th - Aug. 20th

Mercury enters the Moon's sign Cancer on the 4th after a long spell in its own sign Gemini.  Though we experienced a review in our lives due to its retrograde period, we were able to access the strength Mercury while it remained in its own sign.  While Mercury is strong the practicalities of our lives can run smoothly.  Life is deemed successful if we can speak about it in such terms.    Our egos are experienced through our interactions with one another, and depending on how well this operates, will dictate how well we think we are getting on. 

When Mercury is in Cancer our emotions get involved, and the thinking process, which is ideally left to the intellect alone, becomes tangled up with issues concerning the heart.  Mercury deals with the head.  In fact, it is the least emotional aspect of our being, ruling the earth element and our capacity to sink below our emotional entanglements.   We may do this through distracting ourselves with an emphasis on information.  TV, radio and social media play a major role for most people in this regard. 

When our emotions become involved we are challenged in decision-making and communicating effectively.  Watch for this tendency in August and make room for others to do the same.  Patience is required as Saturn has an eye on the playful planet, making sure we are more responsible in what we communicate, as well as a little reserved.  Mars joins Mercury for the last days of its transit in Cancer, making the 18th, 19th and 20th; days to be mindful of what we say to ourselves and each other. 

New Moon in Cancer Aug. 6th

The waning Moon comes to its last phase before the new Moon in the sign Pushya on August 5th.  The new Moon occurs at 20 degrees of Cancer and in the lunar sign Ashlesha on August 6th at 22.51 GMT.  The lunar sign Ashlesha is represented by snakes.  A snake's nature is the hide, just as the coiled serpentine energy at the base of the spine is hidden.  However, there is also much power to be gained by tapping into this energy.  Ashlesha is ruled by Mercury which is also positioned in the sign Cancer for this new Moon, having just entered the sign.  The Sun, Moon and Mercury are all receiving the aspect of Saturn from its position of strength in Libra.  This makes for a more sombre new Moon and we would do well to steady the mind and emotions in a more detached manner on this day.  This will guide our intellects (Mercury) as we find a communion between our temporary nature and our true spirit.  This can be accessed through the agency of the coiled serpent power (= Kundalini). 

Venus in Virgo Aug. 11th - Sept. 6th

Venus slips into debilitation on August 11th.  Any important agreements which you hope to arrive at would be best negotiated before this date.  When Venus is weakly placed we have less sensitivity to others' needs.  We can be more blunt in our own demands and less mannerly about how we go about getting what we want.  Even if you do not identify with this type of behavior during this transit, others will be displaying it for you to see.  For those who bend over backwards to suit others needs this may be an opportune time to let others know what you want.  This is best done before the 18th when Mars moves into its place of debilitation, making it unclear as to what we all actually want or how we can move forward with a clear vision. 

At its best Venus represents a contentment with our lot (Taurus) and with others (Libra), as we express an unconditional love for life.  When Venus is weak we lack this sense and need the conditions to be perfect in order to achieve any happiness.  Of course, conditions are never perfect so we are never really happy if Venus is weak.  Watch for a tendency to be more insensitive to others as you go about satisfying the Venusian desire for comfort and happiness. 

Keep your extravagances to a minimum during this transit, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is beneficial to be mindful of why you might want to indulge.  What hole are you trying to fill?  The Venus hole is one where we do not feel connected to another or to our own sense of well-being.  So we try to compensate by other means.  Food, sex and money may be ways of tapping into the more base instincts of Venus when we do not have as much access to its strength. 

While Venus is weak it also weakens the signs Taurus and Libra to some degree and these areas of your life.  Those with Libra as their rising sign would benefit from this awareness more so, as their ruler enters the 12th house of loss and expenditure.  Though Venus is better placed to be more giving, your energy and well-being might be under par so there is not as much to give.  This is also because of Saturn and Rahu's presence  which  is creating some stress.  Now with Venus weakly placed, it will further aggravate the Saturn/Rahu conjunction, making things more unstable.  Added to that Mars will influence from its position of debilitation by the end of August and into October, creating a lot of frustration.  Those with Libra rising may need to use August to let go of something as opposed to taking too much on.  Conserving energy for the high drama of September in Libra may be a better use of your time and for whatever area of life you experience this sign. 

August 11th through August 16th are a few days which need our added care and attention.  This is because of the Moon's transit through Libra and then into Scorpio.  The Moon is debilitated in the sign Scorpio on August 14th and 15th, which places the two energies representing comfort in life (Moon and Venus), in a place of weakness.  We will feel the vulnerability as a result of their weakness and may seek out ways and means to comfort ourselves which may not be in everyone's best interest. 

Sun in Leo Aug. 16th - Sept. 15th

The Sun enters its place of strength on August 16th, allowing us all to access a greater sense of power at this time of year.  The Moon will have just moved out of debilitation at this time, bringing us a much needed feeling of hope.   The Sun's transit will be a relief for those with Leo as their rising sign, as they have been experiencing the Sun in their 12th house of loss, together with Saturn's restrictive eye upon their ruler.

The sign Leo is an embodiment of the Sun; our central power which is generous and warm-hearted at best.  Its negative side is an over-bearing nature which can be unruly and pompous.  These negative traits are more likely expressed when there is a feeling of weakness from the Sun.  When the Sun is strong we feel strong, but it is a higher sense of Self which makes us feel stronger.  This sense of Self feeds everything else, just as the Sun is generously giving us life and holding everything in place. 

When this sense of Self is strong in us we can let those around us feel the warmth of our light.  However, we all know what can happen if we get too much exposure to the Sun.  A little Sun is good for us and helps us to detoxify.  Too much Sun will simple burn us. When we are near a powerful individual with a strong sense of self and we agree with them there is no problem.  Unfortunately due to the simultaneous transit of Mars and Venus in debilitation, we are unlikely to want to agree with anyone during this transit.  We may burn others and get burnt in the process.  If we can tune into our true power, a Higher Self, we may be able to overlook the more immature expression and filtration of this power expressed through a weakened Mars. 

Mars in Cancer Aug. 18th - Oct. 5th

Mars enters its sign of debilitation a week after Venus has entered its sign of debilitation.  First of all we must note that debilitation does not always simply mean it is a 'bad' thing.  However, the planet in question is in a weakened position and is not so able to deliver on results as easily.  This may be a 'good' thing if the planet in question was to deliver some unwanted results and is less able to do so.  For example, the position of Mars in the natal 3rd house is generally not good for relations with siblings and may even indicate there are no siblings.  This is especially true when placed in exaltation in Capricorn.  However, if Mars were in the 3rd but in debilitation in Cancer, then the story changes dramatically, and the native's sibling has great strength. 

First you must ascertain whether this area of your chart i.e. the house position of Cancer, is a beneficial place to have a weakened Mars present or not.  In other words, is this  area of your life going to benefit from having a lot of passion and frustration fueling your drives?  This is usually not a favourable transit and having a weakened Mars present is usually aggravating to this area of your life.  If, for example, Cancer is your 10th house of career (as it is for someone with Libra as the rising sign), then you would expect to have some frustrations, arguments and a certain amount of irritability around your career goals and standing in the world.  Whatever area of your life you experience the sign Cancer will feel frustrating by the end of the month, and until October, as it becomes unclear how you are able to move forward.  The energy is not there at this time, so you might be better off preparing the ground work at this time. 

Cancer has already been experiencing the  pressure of Saturn since last year, making us pay attention to how we need to clear the path for the ground work which needs to be done.  Now with Mars jumping in we may get annoyed things are not moving forward more quickly in this area of our lives.   Air and fire is a volatile combination and one which the water-dominant Cancer has less experience of handling.  Things may get completely out of hand in this area.  This is also true of the global situation and water-based disasters may be added to the list of air and travel-related disasters already increasing. 

Mars represents action, force and courage.  If it is weak we behave more childishly because we do not feel strong.  We start acting out if we feel we do not have the power.  Someone proficient in martial arts, for example, would not need a vulgar display of strength.  The weaker we are, the louder we shout and the harder we have to try.  We try to access the strength of Mars by expressing its more base instincts.  Mars represents strength and courage which we may try and access through violence.  It may seem a strong word to use, however, violence can be expressed in many subtle ways on a day-to-day basis; usually through trying to control a person or situation, as we try to force our influence on something. 

If you were born with a weak limb, i.e. a weak planet, chances are you will work on that limb until it appears stronger than the others.  However, it is coming from a place of weakness;  not strength.  The dictator Gaddafi had Mars positioned in Cancer from birth, as would someone who has never developed any feeling of strength and lacks any drive or will-power.  It all depends on the intricacies of an individual's chart.

Those with Aries or Scorpio as their rising sign should watch this Mars transit carefully.  You do not have access to great strength during its transit and may feel under confident as a result.  This is partly due to your rulers debilitation, but also because of Saturn's restrictive influence on your ruler.  You may compensate for the lack, but this will only lead to more problems. Take some rest and take it easy on yourself by the end of August and into October.  Aries individual's may find it expressed more in the home environment, while Scorpio individual's may find they try and bully others into believing what they believe to be true.  When Mars gets involved we feel like we have something to prove.   

There will be a general sense of frustration felt with this transit which may spark many more world-wide calamities.  Man-made and natural disasters are very probable, when we take Mars' aspect to the Saturn/Rahu conjunction taking place in Libra into account, as well as Saturn's mutual aspect to Mars.  Saturn's 10th house aspect being the most challenging influence from Saturn will ensure there is a tense environment for the rest of the summer and into autumn.  Uprisings will meet with a lot of frustrated energy and the results may be explosive.  When we add the fact that Mars and Venus are both debilitated at the same time, then there is little or no possibility for patience or agreements being reached. 

This does not just apply to the global situation.  Your life will feel this on a day-to-day basis, though certain individual's will feel it more than others.  We all feel it in different areas of our life.  In general relationships will suffer in August and September.  Be prepared.  Count to ten and take deep breaths.  Take more exercise if you can and do not be surprised if you cannot get anyone to agree with your point of view.  Mars represents our selfish needs which become more childish when it is in Cancer.  This is likened to a warrior returning home to his mother after battle, and acting like a spoiled teenager once again.  Venus' transit to Libra in early September will bring a much needed injection of sensitivity in our interactions with one another.  However, we cannot ignore the aspect of Mars, which continues until early October.  Venus' position will not compensate enough for the debilitation of Mars in August and September, as it feels the restriction of a powerful Saturn, together with the aspect from Mars. 

The exact mutual aspect between Mars and Saturn occurs in September, as Saturn and Rahu come head-to-head.  More on this powerful configuration next month. 

Full Moon in Aquarius Aug. 21st

The full Moon phase begins on August 20th in the lunar sign Shravana.  It reaches its fullest at 02.45 GMT on August 21st at 4 degrees of the sign Aquarius.  This new Moon has some beneficial and some challenging indications.  It is positioned in Mars' lunar sign Dhanishta, which is itself in debilitation in the Moon's sign Cancer.  Full Moon energy can release some pent up frustrations in a more dramatic fashion.  Fortunately this full Moon has the aspect of Jupiter guiding our minds to a higher perspective and the Moon's position in an exalted Saturn's sign Aquarius will at least give us some higher ground to view events as they unfold. 

Dhanishta's symbol is of a drum.  This, together with its ruler Mars, indicate bravery, such as a warrior announcing his intention to battle by beating a drum.  Though this can lead to acts of bravery, it is not conducive to a happy relationship environment.  This is compounded by Venus and Mars in debilitation for the full Moon.  We may find we try to control others, with little regard for their needs, and yet not be sure of our own.

Mercury in Leo Aug. 21st - Sept. 5th

Mercury joins the Sun in Leo and we have a 'new Mercury' on August 24th.  Mercury steps into Leo a few days after the Sun, to lighten the mood a little and, more importantly, to communicate something from the a deeper place of connection.  Mercury is completely burnt up and invisible to us on earth as it joins the Sun.  The Sun is strong and able to do its job of burning up the imperfections of our speech.  This is a good time to watch what we say to one another and, more importantly, the conversations we have with ourselves. 

Mercury is the messenger sending back and forth messages from our earthly experience to spirit.  When we can communicate from such a place, there is a powerful connection to our truth and is the most practical way to convey our true purpose.  Ideally we can speak our truth without causing harm to others.  If we can make sure we are communicating from such a place of truth, any childish reactions to others may be overlooked during the debilitation of Mars and Venus. 

Rahu and Saturn in Libra

Rahu and Saturn are getting closer to a conjunction which has seen a steady increase in social unrest world-wide.  The word 'steady' is perhaps a poor choice of words, as Rahu is anything but.  The strength of Saturn, on the other hand, is consistency.  With Saturn in Libra and with Rahu exaggerating it, we have seen an increase in commitment to uprisings in certain countries.  Turkey is a very good example of the strength of Saturn, as its people rose up against their oppressors in such a responsible fashion.  This is perfect example of the combination of Saturn and Rahu, as a revolution is needed but in a more sober fashion.  The masses are wanting justice and with Rahu's involvement there may need to be some underhanded tactics needed. 

Rahu's involvement always makes sure there are new ways of approaching something as it stirs things up.  On the one hand we have an increase of Saturn's qualities of consistency and commitment to a cause.  This has been born out in people's determination to take make their voices heard around the world.  On the other hand, Rahu has been breaking down structures which has been put in place for years and which is unpredictable and inconsistent; with the possibility of tyrannical leaders stepping forward to take up the reigns.  Rahu is the tyrant and is prone to make rash decisions which are not based on any real facts, or necessarily in everyone's best interest. 

This unstable environment is going to increase as they join each other by exact degree in September.  This climactic conjunction will be felt for some time to come and will also be influenced by a debilitated Mars, leading to all kinds of explosive events.  While this crescendo increases in the month of August, we will see many more uprisings in countries which are experiencing the hard hand of fate.  Egypt is currently experiencing a period of great unrest due to the 8th house in the country's chart being activated by Mars.  Syria is another country which has been experiencing this Rahu and Saturn conjunction strongly.  This is due to the country's chart having the sign Libra rising, which is where the conjunction takes place.   

The uncertainty we feel about the future is also partly due to the configuration in the line up of planets on one side of the nodal axis, with Rahu leading the way.  Though this planetary yoga is hard to decipher, this confusion is exactly the result we get, as we are unsure of our footing and on how to move forward.  Mars and Venus' debilitation will further increase this uncertainty.  The first two weeks and last week of August, as well as the first week of September, are experiencing this combination in the planetary line-up.  We can count on the whole month to be one of great upheavals in our own lives and in the world around us. Evolution is inevitable, though the stress we experience as a result of change differs from individual-to-individual, depending on each unique horoscope. 

The conjunction of Rahu and Saturn is exact from September 11th until September 20th (true nodes), but we can leave a large margin on either side of this exact conjunction for events to unfold.  In fact, this combination will be felt for many years to come, and is what future astrologers will point out when deciphering events in this time in history. 

Ketu in Bharani

Bharani spans Mars' sign Aries; from 13 degrees and 20 minutes to 26 degrees and 40 minutes of the sign.  Ketu is currently transiting this lunar sign on the opposite side of the zodiac to Rahu and Saturn, as it makes its way unflinchingly through a birthing process.  Bharani is ruled by Venus and is a destructive, yet ultimately, creative sign represented by the Yoni, or the female reproduction.  The powerful sign of Bharani is representative of the birthing process, where there is something born within us after a period of struggle.  It represent change occurring due to idealistic goals which may need to experience some conflict before they are given birth to.  We are certainly witnessing such struggles throughout the globe.  Ketu is a force to be dealt with in the horoscope, cutting off heads as it makes us aware of something deeper and of more significance than this mere mortal existence.  Anything except a tangible connection to spirit is severed as it moves around the zodiac.  This is why Ketu represents those who would not think twice about dying in the name of a cause. 

Ketu it is a part of our being which is idealistic and any planets you may have in this sign, as well as this area of our life (house position of Aries), experiences a sense of disillusionment as a result.  If you have your first house ruler here, then it may feel like there is no desire to continue in the ways in which you have - or at all.   This is especially true of those who are currently in a Ketu period of life which is asking them to look for something deeper within themselves. 

OM TAT SAT

Mercury retrograde in Gemini

With Mercury still retrograde in Gemini, we are having to stay put and simply hang around until the insights arrive; and the time is ripe to move on.  The possibility of working effectively with Mercury's retrograde period is enhanced by the strength of its sign position.  It is very much at home in Gemini and a more playful nature can be expressed, as we work things out by looking back over this area of our lives. 

Hang on because it is not a long period, and by July 9th (the day after the new Moon in Gemini) we will experience a 'new Mercury' as it joins the Sun, giving us an inkling as to what the next steps will be.  Use this time to be clear about the details of what you believe and how these thoughts (Mercury) and beliefs (Jupiter) serve you.  The thoughts that you continually entertain become your structured belief patterns, which ultimately show how you find meaning in your life.  With Jupiter coming to an exact aspect to Saturn, as it moves alongside this Mercury retrograde in Gemini, we are able to pause and think long and hard about the structures which we are building up around us; the structures which we call a life. 

Rahu enters Swati
July 1st (Mean Nodes) July 19th (True Nodes)

Rahu joins Saturn in the lunar constellation of Swati from July.  Once Saturn is moves in direct motion by July 8th we are then running headlong into a conjunction between the two most malefic energies.  Saturn represents structure and Rahu represents change.  This change comes to a dramatic climax by September of this year.  Both natural and man-made 'disasters' (='dark star') are set to increase throughout this time frame. 

Rahu and Saturn cause the most stress in our lives. They both represent the air element which gives us our sense of time, which in itself is stressful.  We become aware of time running out, of not enough time etc.  Air is the element which dries life up and brings us a sense of separation.  The area of your life you experience the sign Libra is one which is experiencing the winds of change this year and this drying effect, which can make this area of our life seem exaggerated and unreal. 

Libra represents our ability to put another person's needs before our own.  Though we may revolt and relapse into more childish and selfish needs, as expressed in Aries, the lesson at this time is to integrate another’s needs with our selfish desires.  Unity must find its place within our personal freedom.  The unified forces of Rahu and Saturn in the air-dominant sign Libra, and in the lunar sign Swati, which is itself ruled by the God of air, Vayu; are asking us to do so in a more exaggerated fashion this year.  This will be particularly apparent by the autumn, as the air picks up, both on a physical and on an energetic level. 

Swati is the lunar sign which is ruled by Rahu itself, so the possibility of working effectively with the element of air is pronounced.  Hanuman is the monkey God in Hinduism which represents the power of the monkey mind to become more directed.  The possibility of using this transit to gain a greater discipline in directing our minds more positively, is one which may outweigh the darker side of such an exaggeration of air i.e. fears in the mind.  Jupiter's influence from Rahu's other lunar sign, Ardra, is lending itself to this also.  A Jupiter influence in the form of a yoga teacher once told me, whilst teaching me the posture known as Hanumanasana, that it is about stepping courageously into your future, while being at peace with your past.  Upon hearing that instruction the posture itself opened up.  This is what we are being asked to do during the powerful transit of both Saturn and Rahu.  Notice what you are creating for the future, whilst letting go of what needs to be let go of in the past. 

To use one example of this transit in history, and the last time Rahu and Saturn came together in the sign Libra, we have to look back nearly 150 years ago and the time of the American civil war.  This was also the time of the assassination of President Lincoln, which took place as Saturn and Rahu came closely together in the sign that year.  The issue at the time, just as it is now, was freedom for those who were enslaved.  Though the enslavement is more subtle for many in our modern world, it is slavery nonetheless.  The expression of this need for freedom comes through the sign Libra, representing ideals and democracy.  Saturn, the common man, is exalted in this sign once again in 2013, and with Rahu intensifying the experience, the public are in need of a revolution.  This has been playing out on a global scale and is increasing with Rahu and Saturn coming together by exact degree by mid-September.    By the time they come to an exact conjunction, Mars will be influencing them strongly, by looking on from Cancer, its sign of debilitation.  This adds fuel to the fires, making both natural and man-made disasters more likely. 

Rahu and Saturn are both parts of our being which are detached and cold, showing us our ability to become masters of control.   Saturn represents our ability to be humble and look after another before we take care of ourselves.  Lincoln’s quest nearly 150 years ago was to consider others freedom to his  detriment.  Your ability to balance your own needs with the needs of those in your life, will show how well we deal with this transit, as well as our ability to show up for work and take responsibility for our lives. 

Needless to say those with the sign Libra rising will have the greatest access to this power of detachment and control, but they must also make sure they are not getting carried away by the winds that are picking up.  They are not so used to stepping up to the mark in such a selfish way and are usually more concerned with others in their lives.  Those with the Moon placed in Libra would also benefit from a more grounded approach and not let the air turn to an emotional storm, leading to all kinds of fears, both real (Saturn) and imagined (Rahu).  Those with the Sun in Libra are used to bowing to others demands, so the transit of Saturn is asking them to be responsible, while Rahu’s transit over the Sun in Libra will intensify a need for power.  Those with their Sun placed in Libra are not so comfortable with this, but need to find the strength of detachment to achieve what needs to be done. 

The exact conjunction of Saturn and Rahu occurs at 14 degrees of Libra in September.  Look to see if you have any planets, the Sun or Moon, or your ascendant degree, close to this degree in the sidereal zodiac.  Though the power and control of air is at your fingertips, take care in how you direct it.   

Mars in Gemini July 4th - Aug. 18th

Some reflection is good, allowing us all to take stock and make better decisions for the future.  However, all of this sitting around and thinking is a bit much for Mars as it gets involved in July.  Talk is cheap for the fiery planet and it will make us more eager to move on.  Attempting to move on will only waste energy at this point and will only result in arguments.  It would be better to apply this energy to working effectively with previous data and reviewing the past.  With Venus in Cancer for this transit our relationships will need extra care and attention, as long as the heat of Mars has been diffused before getting together. 

Mars wants fast results and does not tolerate sitting around arguing about what needs to be done.  Arguing is, however, exactly what is on the cards for some of us once Mars joins a retrograde Mercury in Gemini from July 4th.  Mars does not like Mercury's environment.  All of that debate and rhetoric is a tad tedious for our will to achieve something; and complete it by yesterday! Add a Mercury retrograde period into the mix and we are in for a heated debate at the very least.  Mars is black or white about things.  It represents that part of us which sees red if a clear cut path is not taken once it is seen.  Mercury deals with grey areas and whilst retrograde it can be seen to be even more wishy-washy.

So what is to be done?  Whatever area of life Gemini represents for you personally needs your patience.  If you are strongly influenced by Mars, then take deep breaths and work with the delays.  Get out and exercise more than just your vocal chords for this transit of Mars in Gemini.  Otherwise you will end up in an argument with others or with yourself.  Often we do not know we are angry if we are masters of control.  Anger may be uncomfortable for some to express.  This is especially true if Mars is retrograde in the birth chart, or if it is in debilitation.  It is now moving towards debilitation in Cancer.  We are about to experience the weakness of Mars once again come August, so use this time while Mars is in frisky form in Gemini to get out there and let it out - even if it has to be verbal. 

Saturn Stations Direct July 8th

After a period of nearly 5 months in retrograde motion Saturn prepares to move forward once again in the sign Libra, and slows down as it does so at 10 degrees of the sign.  The days before and after July 8th will be days to be patient with this  Saturn turn-around, making July a month of a standstill to some degree.  How our lives move forward after a period of re-working is yet to be seen.  As Mercury is retrograde also it may seem like living life in slow motion, as our minds our turned inward while things grind to a halt.    We also have the new Moon alongside a 'new Mercury' around the day Saturn stations direct, so our lives will need some pause for reflection. 

Those who are currently experiencing a Saturn period will need to remain patient with themselves and with the pace of life for the month of July.  Things are about to turn around for us all in some way, but those who are more strongly influenced by the planet of structure and limitation will do well to give themselves a break during this time.  Take your time with it, as Saturn does not bear fruit immediately.  A newborn child does not express its full potential when it is born.  This is played out over the whole of life.  The whole process of Saturn’s retrograde phase, including the shadow phases, which occur before and after it has changed direction, takes approximately 9 months. 

This is reflected continually in our lives creating forms within forms, as we build up and rebuild a life around us.  By the time Saturn clears the 9 month period and this section of the zodiac in October 2013, we will have seen this area of our life become more concrete, though it can never be said to be complete.  We will re-visit this again in the future and we must constantly let go of what we are building, be it a job, a relationship, or any desired situation. 

Be aware of the sometimes limiting beliefs which can occur after a period of hard work and actualization.  Something which takes a definite form, whether it is a job or a relationship, can then be looked at more objectively.  However, most of us simply complain about a feeling of limitation it has created, even though without any actualization it could not have come into form in the first place.  If, for example, you work on an ideal relationship situation and achieve your goal, the end result may be somewhat pleasing.  However, it is now no longer given as much freedom to be something else.  It is what it is.  Though we may be able to modify it continuously, we can often get too attached to the form which has been built, and pain results when we loose it or boredom ensues if we feel we cannot escape it. 

Look to the sign Libra and this area of your life to see what structures you are building for your future and pay attention to your reaction to such structures.  In a general sense Libra represents our interpersonal skills but our personal experience of Libra will differ.  These areas of life may be a source of tension as Saturn prepares to change course once again by the beginning of July; like a bow and arrow being drawn back which is now held tightly before its release. 

New Moon in Gemini July 8th

The new Moon occurs at 22 degrees of the air-dominant sign Gemini at 08.15 GMT on July 8th.  This places a huge emphasis on Gemini, with Jupiter, Mars and Mercury also transiting the sign along with the Sun and Moon.  Saturn stations direct on the same day in Libra and with Mercury retrograde, this new Moon day will be one to slow down and reflect on the changes taking place more than ever. 

The lunar sign in which this new Moon occurs is called Punarvasu.  Its symbol is of a quiver of arrows and its deity is Aditi, a feminine goddess of virtue, representing a search for self-understanding.  Most of this lunar constellation falls within the sign Gemini which is an embodiment of Mercury.  Mercury, at its best, represents discrimination.  This is reflected in the signs symbol of an arrow and the ability of a rightly tuned intellect to penetrate deeply.  Punarvasu bridges the sign Gemini and the sign Cancer.  This ability to truly know something brings us a sense of contentment.  Mercury's retrograde period in Punarvasu is certainly making sure we know this area of our lives, as it penetrates deeply into the sign Gemini and the subject at hand. 

Sun in Cancer July 15th - Aug. 15th

The Sun leaves Mercury's domain of the intellect, speech, communication and playfulness, and enters the Moon's sign on July 15th.  This highlights the area of home and of security.  After the word associations, game-playing and strategic planning of Gemini, it is now time to bring a new sense of life into our hearts and nourish something deeper than just our intellects.

Something is always missing from a life which is solely based on the collection of information and an acknowledgement of the intellect alone.  It is not just the information which we are constantly being asked to assimilate that is important.  It is whether or not this information nourishes our hearts, regardless of whether it is true or not.  

The Sun in Cancer will bring new life to those with Cancer as their rising sign and to the area you experience this sign.  A much needed injection of vitality is needed by the sign, as Saturn has been drying it up of late.  The Sun is a welcome relief and an antidote to the pressure that has been felt during the darker days of Saturn's influence.  It is like bringing a candle into a darkened room.  It may not be like flipping a switch, as Saturn continues to influence, but at least the darkness is no longer over-powering. 

Venus in Leo July 17th - Aug. 11th

While the winds of change stir things up in Gemini and Libra, Venus is slipping out of the drama unfolding and creating a drama of its own in Leo.  This will be done with more style of course, as the planet puts something more comfortable on, in preparation for a hot seduction.  After the misunderstandings of the Mercury retrograde period and the arguments which followed Mars' transit, it is high time for some making-up. so there is no room for doubt. 

Venus wears its heart on its sleeve in Leo and prefers grand gestures as expressions of love and affection.  Use this transit to do something special for your beloved, especially if they appreciate such gestures i.e. they have Venus in a fire or air-dominant sign.  While in Leo Venus is generous in its expression of love, though it may at times seem inappropriate or rather brash.  Look beyond the pomp and show, seeing the possibility of great warmth and affection within. 

Mercury Stations Direct July 20th

Once Mercury stations direct and prepares to move forward by the end of July, we have all of the planets moving in direct motion for the first time since the month of February.  They will do so until the 21st of October, when Mercury will begin its next retrograde cycle in Libra and is joined in retrograde motion soon after by Jupiter in Gemini.  With so much emphasis on the air signs this year, there is a sense of things changing rapidly and not necessarily settling into a steady order as yet.  This is also compounded by the Kal Sarpa Yoga I wrote about in last month's report, and which is in effect until October.  This makes for an uncertain time in our lives, while events seem more fated and unfathomable. 

For now though we can work with a forward momentum at least, which will be a relief for those who do not like all of the introspection.  Those with Mercury retrograde at birth will have had no difficulty with the reflection required of us in the past few weeks.  If you have had a project to rework, then you are one of the lucky ones.  We have all had to rework our lives and rethink our approach in the last number of weeks. 

Now that Mercury is moving forward again, we can move more swiftly forward with the insights we have gained.  Without these insights we would not be able to move ahead with a clear vision of what needs to occur.  With Saturn now also moving direct, the disorientation of its retrograde period becomes a distant memory, but it has left its mark, as the landscapes begin to change and our minds are remoulded. 

OM TAT SAT