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Venus in Cancer Aug. 7th - Aug. 31st Venus moves into the Moon's sign on August 7th and emphasizes the different impulses in love. Venus represents the immature feminine impulse i.e. where one needs to be loved and appreciated in return for one's affections. The Moon represents the mature feminine impulse i.e. one simply is love. The example that is often used is the difference between a romantic relationship (Venus) and a mother's love for her child (Moon). However, we all have Venus and the Moon in our being. Therefore we all have a need to be loved in return for love given, as well as an unconditional capacity in love. I say 'capacity' because this is dependent on a number of factors in the horoscope - taking into account the strength of the Moon and the position of Venus. The Moon can be seen to be heart-centered and Venus can be seen to be 'hip-centered'. Issues relating to sexuality are represented by Venus and acts of compassion are represented by the Moon. So, how does Venus like it in the Moon's sign? Not very much as it happens. These two impulses get mixed up. Venus is ideally based on mutual appreciation and respect. The Venus impulse represents a negotiation. The Moon has no sense of a boundary in love. Challenges arise in romantic relationships if clear boundaries and balance are not achieved. One may love anyone unconditionally of course, however, if one loves another without respecting their boundaries we can see issues such as co-dependency arise. This is something those with the sign Cancer prominent may experience in their romantic relationships. Can you love your lover from a higher place while expressing your sexual and sensual desires in a way which includes what you both need from the relationship? This can be observed during Venus' transit to Cancer in August. Certainly taking a step back and being able to look more objectively at a love relationship is possible with Saturn's exaltation in Libra influencing Venus in Cancer. However, Venus also transits alongside Jupiter while in the sign and we may confuse what we wish to achieve through our desires with more meaningful pursuits and connections beyond sensuality and sexuality. Full Moon in Capricorn Aug. 10th The Moon reaches its fullest at 18.10 UT (19.10 GMT) on August 10th. This full Moon is placed in Saturn's sign Capricorn and within Mars' lunar sign Dhanistha, which is currently running alongside Saturn. This may bring more of awareness of the frustrating conjunction between Saturn and Mars for some, while others may be able to use this time more productively in planning and strategy. Saturn influences all of the planets lining up opposite this full Moon and focuses our attention on issues of security. The full Moon in Capricorn is a time to pay attention to the work which needs to be done on ourselves in order to achieve any sense of inner security in a turbulent world. Mercury in Leo Aug. 12th - Aug. 29th From its combustion in the watery realms of Cancer in early August, Mercury steps into Leo on the 12th to remain in the sign for the rest of the month. Mercury is better placed in Leo, not having any restrictive influences in the sign, as well as being able to express itself more clearly in this fire-dominant sign. The mind may be under quite a lot of stress in the first week of August and our confidence may be tested as the Moon travels through some challenging transits and Mercury moves into combustion while being influenced by Saturn. Once the Moon reaches Sagittarius by the 7th and Mercury leaves Cancer by the 12th and the Sun reaches strength after the 16th, we can step out of this period of uncertainty and move forward more confidently. Mercury's relationship to the Sun is one which continually grants us insights by taking pauses once we have gained experience. Our minds need to digest all that has been ingested otherwise we experience mental indigestion and mental ill-health. Mercury's combustion in August allows us to burn up any of the impurities in the mind which in turn gives us the head space to move forward with new ideas and insights. While Mercury moves into Leo it moves past the Sun and further into new territory, continuing to do so until it must be brought back to take stock. It continues to move ahead of the Sun during August and September, reaching the point it must travel back to in Virgo during October's retrograde cycle. For now our minds venture forth into new and exciting areas as we plan and prepare, prepare and implement, implement and then review. Sun in Leo Aug. 16th - Sept. 15th The Sun moves into its own sign Leo by the middle of August and we are able to tune into the strength of a Higher Self; a power beyond the world and yet one which is rooted in your being - in your body. Leo represents a central power, a sense you have of your own true power beyond power games. Though the sign Leo is not known for its quietness - at times expressing a dramatic flair and showing off - there is also a strength of being which moves silently through us as we move silently through our lives. A quiet confidence is experienced when we can tap into our true power. During the Sun's transit to Leo we can tap into a sense of strength for the beginning of autumn. The Sun is no longer influenced by Saturn and as September begins Mars also moves into its own sign, lending itself to a more productive period overall. Mars and Saturn Conjunct in Libra Aug. 25th The conjunction between Mars and Saturn began to take hold once Mars moved into the sign Libra on July 13th. We immediately saw an escalation in aggression once Mars moved across the north node of the Moon (Rahu) which can be seen to be Saturn's alter ego - challenging the status quo and wreaking havoc. This has been a stressful mix and one which ignited a striving for equality but also has seen aggression towards those who are already down trodden. One thing which the north node represents is aviation and the aggression of Mars has been obvious to see with several planes having been shot down. In August Mars catches up with Saturn and we can expect continued aggression visited upon those less fortunate. Thankfully Saturn builds up more strength as Mars crosses it by the end of August, However, Saturn's position at 22 degrees of Libra in July and the first two weeks of August leads to a devastating period for those in positions of weakness. Mars in Libra tips the precarious balance the sign likes to maintain, but which is no longer held because of the violence visited upon it. Mars is the part of us that reacts against oppression, leading to rash decisions which may or may not be in everyone's best interest. Saturn's is the part of us that can take a more objective view on any given situation - be it an argument or a course of action. Let us hope that Saturn's strong position in its exaltation sign leads to a strength for the oppressed, beyond reacting violently which will only add to an already volatile situation in August. The conjunction of both of these malefic planets reaches a climax by August 25th, but the whole month of August is a precarious time for world events. Those who embody Mars or Saturn i.e. those with the rising signs Aries, Scorpio, Capricorn or Aquarius, would do better by taking it easy during this conjunction. Mars' signs (Aries and Scorpio) in particular would be advised to slow down and take a break at this juncture. Aries may feel like they are reaching a critical point in their relationships. Scorpio may feel like they need one final push to break through the soil for new sprouts to emerge into new life forms. Though this year has seen many set backs and delays in life for 'Mars-type' individual's, all that is about to change as Mars moves into strength for the first time this year in September. Until such a time it would be best to slow down and plan diligently for the autumn months. New Moon in Leo Aug. 25th The Moon joins the Sun at 14.13 UT (15.13 GMT) on August 25th in the lunar sign Magha. This lunar sign is ruled by the south node of the Moon (Ketu) which represents our spiritual concerns. We may access these through a sense of connection to our ancestors at this time of the new Moon in Magha. Mars and Saturn come together for this new Moon, with Saturn's restrictive influence on the benevolent planets in Cancer. This period marks an intense period of power games which are playing out on the world stage and in our personal lives. The new Moon requires a pause for reflection as we negotiate our way out of a period of weakness. Mercury in Virgo Aug. 29th - Sept. 20th Mercury moves into its sign of exaltation by August 29th. The strength of Mercury is the ability to see a clear option and to follow through with appropriate action. Virgo is Mercury's earth-dominant sign and one which is conducive to practical day-to-day concerns. This begins the autumn on a very practical and pragmatic note, allowing us to make the most of our diary and schedule books and take on board the need to implement new strategies for the change in seasons. This may mean planning new exercise routines and eating habits, as well as daily routines and schedules to make sure we can carry out our plans effectively. The subsequent strength of Mars and weakness of Venus will make sure we are more focused on what we what to achieve for ourselves, instead of always trying to please others. Be aware that the north node of the Moon (Rahu) is currently setting up home in Mercury's sign Virgo. This brings an added emphasis to our practical health concerns but may make us too obsessive about getting it just right. By overdoing it you make actually become counter-productive. It's alright to be a bit messy sometimes when making improvements as long as you are making the effort. This can be seen in relation to your exercise regime or your eating habits in general if you do not know the particular area of your life you experience the sign Virgo. Venus in Leo Aug. 31st - Sept. 25th
Venus moves into the dramatic sign Leo by the end of August, joining the Sun in its own sign. Venus' impulse of love and harmony is not conducive to the solar expression of a Self beyond the confines of a romantic relationship. The intensity of the Sun does not lead to an easy relating style, as the power of our Higher Self does not like to squeeze itself into the responsibilities of a relationship. For those who like the pomp and show Venus in Leo will supply plenty of drama. However, with Mars and the Sun strong in their transits, Venus is a little lost in the glare. In other words, refinement may be hard to come by as we find ourselves needing to aggrandize ourselves in the eyes of another. OM TAT SAT Mercury Stations Direct July 1st Mercury halts its backwards motion on July 1st at the very beginning of the sign Gemini, and in Mars' lunar sign Mrigasira. This starts the month of July off with a sense of restless anticipation. Mercury's retrograde period in June has seemed to be a challenging one according to the feedback I have received, but all too often Mercury can be blamed for experiences which are down to other, more intense, transits at the same time. However, Mercury's influence on our day-to-day lives has a powerful say on how we think our lives are going. Little annoyances and experiences can be blown out of proportion when our backs are against the wall. Mercury's slow transit at the beginning of the month allows us to do just that - slow down. Carefully plan travel arrangements or business negotiations as Mercury turns around. As Mercury continues to build in strength and speed in the coming days, it is a great time to communicate, write and interact with others, which may be a better use of Mercury's talents as we go through some major changes this month. You don't have to remain silent about these as we all experience these changes together. Full Moon in Sagittarius July 12th The Moon reaches its fullest at 11.25 UT at 26 degrees of Sagittarius and in the lunar sign known as Purva Ashadha. This lunar sign is ruled by the Sun which sits in the opposite sign Gemini and Jupiter's lunar sign, Punarvasu. This brings an awareness of the balance we seek to achieve between our own skill set and a more meaningful experience of life. This full Moon day is known as Guru Purnima in the Hindu calendar. Guru means 'darkness destroyer' and Purnima is the full Moon phase. Today would be a good time to celebrate any guidance you have received and continue to benefit from, as you give thanks to those who have already laid a path before you. This full Moon is particularly auspicious because of Jupiter's (Guru) position in exaltation. However, because of other more intense transit running concurrently, the fullness of feeling may be too much for some to handle. It is always advisable to hold back a bit during the full Moon phase and this is no less the case for this full Moon period. Mars and the North Node in Chitra Mars entered its own lunar sign June 28th, joining forces with the north node which has been transiting in the sign. The symbol for Chitra is a bright jewel which can be used to show off. This is a volatile mix and one which dominates the landscape in July. The north node of the Moon exaggerates whatever it influences. Mars represents action, aggression and destruction. Mars represents an immature masculine orientation which may be expressed through force. Anyone who forces themselves into a situation - be it a physical feat or a point of view - would benefit from this awareness. July is set to be an explosive month, leading to many outbreaks of violence and destruction worldwide. We must also view this as a necessary clearing out of debris or of clearing the air so that we can move on without obstruction. You may, however, need to reign in a tendency to overdo things and try not to be as scattered as this conjunction suggests, especially by mid-July. 'Mars-type' individual's may benefit from a time-out at this juncture. Venus in Gemini July 13th - Aug. 6th Venus slips into Gemini while we deal with other, more pressing, transits. Venus is temporarily weakened by its change of sign, as Mars is also temporarily weakened by changing signs and crossing the north node of the Moon by the middle of July. We cannot rely on Venus to rescue the situation in July, but must instead rely on our innate wisdom to take us through such an exaggerated environment. Venus represents tact and diplomacy, both of which are needed during July's transits. However, these are in short supply when we need them most. Once it clears the beginning of the sign it is well suited to the flirtatious sign Gemini and the needs of stimulation via outings and gatherings of any kind. Venus is placed in both Mars and the north node's lunar signs in Gemini for the month of July, linking its transit in Gemini to the powerful conjunction of Mars and the north node in its own sign Libra. This is a very stimulating period but thankfully we are spared some of the harshness due to Venus' strength. Mars re-enters Libra July 13th Mars re-enters Venus' air sign on July 13th, just as it crosses the north node of the Moon. This mix of fire and air, along with the south node's transition between fire and water, is a volatile mix of energies. This may be expressed in natural disasters of various kinds due to the mix of elemental forces. It may also promote violence and upheavals in the world in general. The final of the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro takes place on this day. This will, at the very least, ensure an exciting game, but let us hope that is all is produces. The possibility of violence is never far from the scene when Mars crosses the nodes. It is particularly precarious due to Mars leaving one sign for another, just as the nodes leave their signs. Whether an extreme event takes place on this day or not, there is a sense of instability all around our lives which can lead to an extreme environment. This has been building more recently and continues for the first two weeks of July, perhaps producing something unsavory within this timeframe. The period of July 4th - 5th is one such example as the Moon joins Mars in Virgo, but the whole month is primed for explosive events to take place. Mars leaves its shadow phase - the point at which it began to move backwards on March 1st 2014 - on July 21st and ventures forth into new territory. Mars continues to transit through Libra until September 4th. 'Mars-type' individual's will feel the excitement of treading new ground and venturing forth into new territory and new possibilities, as this year has been a frustrating experience in many ways. However, Saturn's presence alongside Mars until ensure a slow and deliberate step forward until September. Mars crosses the October 2014 solar eclipse degree by July 26th which is another critical time in the month on the new Moon. The explosive month of July is a necessary destruction of old ways of being in order to move on into a new life which awaits us. This period may go down in history as a turning point. How this will turn out eventually remains to be seen. However, I get a sense of this time as being a tipping point in equality issues which may lead to extremes. This may be a time which marks an upward trend on the bar graph highlighting the division between the rich and the poor. The hope is that the situation will improve of course. However, it may be that inequality must become so extreme for these changes to occur. This period may be a turning point which leads to such an extremity. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, until there is no way forward except to collapse the entire systems of inequality. Rest assured that in the more immediate time period these upheavals lead way to a great strength by September - once the aftermath of this period has been dealt with in August. Be courageous in your explorations. However, also try to be as kind as possible as you destroy all that stands in your own personal development. Allow others to venture forth by stepping aside when needs be, but do not be doormat to anyone else and their personal agenda. The Lunar Nodes move to Virgo and Pisces July 13/14 This transit is the second major change in 2014 and one which is not without initial feelings of uncertainty and upheaval. Overall the nodes moving to Virgo and Pisces is a positive transition from Mars and Venus themes of domination and diplomacy, to themes of spiritual and material interests. Our spiritual pursuits are bolstered by Jupiter's placement in exaltation for most of this transit. Even simply having the north node separate from Saturn in Libra can release what has been an intense transit for us all in the last 18 months. The initial move is very precarious as the south node moves across a sensitive juncture between the fire sign Aries and the water sign Pisces. The combination of these two elements is a volatile one, adding to an already uneasy mix of influences. The north node comes head-to-head with Mars on the other end of the spectrum and this alone is enough to set light to a volatile situation by mid-July. The South Node in Pisces Looking forward once this period of volatility has passed we can see great benefit from the nodes in these signs. Pisces is the natural 12th house of the zodiac, dealing with the hidden mysteries of life and of liberation. The south node does well here and is bolstered in its objectives of freeing us of our illusions by having its ruling planet, Jupiter, placed in exaltation. Let go. Move on. Go deeper. Life is changing rapidly these days and though these changes may initially feel very uncertain, they ultimately lead to your freedom. Those with Pisces prominent may feel the need to cut away all illusions they have of themselves, in order to meet with others more fully. This should not be a hard task for this mystical and inclusive sign. However, forgoing your own legitimate needs for others concerns is not very balanced. Ultimately we all need to find the balance of Virgo and Pisces in the following 18 months. This may mean balancing our detailed-orientated nature with the more profound; the material aspects of life with the spiritual. How you go about this depends on the position of these signs in your horoscope. For example, someone with the rising sign Leo has Virgo in the second house of personal resources and the sign Pisces in the eight house of joint resources. This may play out as a need to get personal finances in order so that you can negotiate a way out of being supported by others' assistance financially. Another possibility is that you may find yourself developing your core values on your own, without the input of others values and beliefs. I have included a few possibilities for each of the signs below according to the position of both the north and south nodes. The North Node in Virgo The north node's position in Virgo is also a strong position, but one which focuses us on the details of our life experience as we delve deeper into the mysteries of life. This may mean our day-to-day routines and health regimes become an intense area of focus. One drawback with this transit may be that we get so bogged down with the details, that we miss the profundity of life. This would also depend on time-periods and patterns in your own life, according to your own horoscope. Look to the area you experience the sign Virgo and notice if you become more focused and possibly very critical over the next 18 months. Those with Virgo prominent in their horoscope e.g. those with Virgo rising, may feel the need to fly during this transit. This may mean moving things around in your personal life so that you experience the thrills of the north node, but it may be that you experience this need unconsciously and feel like life is getting very unpredictable. Go with it but stay grounded in your daily routines. Here are some examples of the possible effects of the nodes in Virgo and Pisces for each rising sign as per the sidereal zodiac: Aries: Dealing with your debts effectively allows you to ponder the mysteries of the Universe. Taurus: Developing your creative pursuits allows you take on a more spiritual worldview. Gemini: Acknowledging the presence of happiness in your life allows you let go of worldly pursuits. Cancer: Communicating more effectively allows you to delve deeply into your core beliefs. Leo: Discovering your core values allows you to let go of a need to control the uncontrollable. Virgo: Enjoying the thrills of life allows you to let go of a set structure in relationships. Libra: Changing the way you spend your energy allows you let the flow of life handle the details. Scorpio: Working within a larger group allows you to expand your worldview and opens your heart. Sagittarius: Increasing your public profile allows you to spend some quality time at home. Capricorn: Traveling and/or studying broadens your horizons, allowing you to be in the moment. Aquarius: Embracing change and intimacy allows you let go of outworn beliefs. Pisces: Searching out others' company allows a deeper awareness of one's self. Sun in Cancer July 16th - August 15th The Sun joins Jupiter in Cancer, highlighting a need to connect with one another beyond trivial pursuits. Our sense of confidence finds strength in faith during this period, but is tested by life grinding to a halt due to Saturn's station and influence. The Sun's transit alongside Jupiter emphasizes a deeper connection to our heart-felt longings. Issues around security, both national and personal, become more important during the Sun's transit to Cancer, as do issues relating to family and home life. The areas of your life, emphasized by Jupiter's transit, are now highlighted for the coming weeks, bringing sunlight to the fertile ground in which you hope to grow something meaningful in the coming year. Jupiter is in combustion during the Sun's transit to Cancer and will not leave anything unseen by our more profound experience of self. If you were born between July 16th and August 15th you can look forward to changes in how much pressure you have been feeling for the past two years, as Saturn moves out of aspect to your Sun by November 2nd. Saturn's influence on Cancer, and the Sun in Cancer this month, is of a dimming of our light and vitality. This combination of the Sun and Jupiter with an influence from Saturn can be seen as an attentive optimism. This will be felt by everyone between July 16th and August 15th, especially as Saturn stations by the end of July and influences the Sun more strongly by August 8th. Keep the faith. Saturn Stations Direct July 20th Saturn ceases its backwards motion in Libra by July 20th, coming to a complete stop at 22 degrees of the sign. This is a weak degree in the zodiac for Saturn, despite Jupiter's strong position and influence on Saturn's transit to Vishakha; Jupiter's lunar sign. This may destabilize an already floundering establishment, as a belief in what is possible overrides more practical concerns. If you have any planets or ascendant degree here or opposite in Aries, or at 22 degrees of Sagittarius or Cancer, then the month of July is one which may feel like things grind to a halt in that particular area of your life. If it is your ascendant degree, or if you are currently experiencing a Saturn time-period in your life, then you may feel the need to take some time out in July. In general when Saturn comes to a complete stop, and begins to slowly move forward once again, we feel this as frustrating. This frustration is heightened by the inclusion of Mars transiting alongside Saturn and is felt for most of the month. The balance of one's own interests with others concerns is challenging but can be very rewarding if mastered. This period in July may feel like its slowly hammering the point home. This is the end of Saturn's retrograde period in Libra and it marks it's last sojourn through the sign, before reaching Scorpio by November 2nd. It has familiar ground to cover in relation to this area of our life in the coming weeks and months. Anything that was not dealt with responsibly during the beginning of the year will have to be dealt with now. New Moon in Cancer July 26th The Moon reaches the same degree as the Sun at 22.42 UT. This occurs at 9 degrees of Cancer and in the lunar sign Pushya, alongside Jupiter which is at 8 degrees. This is a very auspicious new Moon with Saturn exalted and Jupiter settling comfortably into the sign Cancer and the auspicious lunar sign Pushya. A new way of sensing what is possible takes root with this new Moon, and we can begin to grow our hopes into very real and tangible results for our lives and for each other. Mercury in Cancer July 29th - August 12th
Mercury leaves its place of strength in Gemini and delves into Cancer, a water-dominant sign, on July 29th. Cancer is not an easy transit for Mercury, as it represents our emotional concerns and our analytical nature does not function as well. Our emotions only serve to muddle our thinking. It becomes more of a challenge to say what you think you should say when your feelings may be something entirely different - perhaps even inappropriate. This may be an opportune time to say how you feel with so many changes leading to uncertainty at this time. By doing so, you realize you are not alone in your uncertainty. Travel arrangements, communications, business concerns and practical day-to-day considerations may be less then efficient, as we all work out how we are feeling about the changes July has brought about. OM TAT SAT |
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