The month begins with Mars in exact opposition to Saturn, on Jul 1. This may be felt as debilitating, requiring more restraint. It may lead to strong reactions to any sense of limitation which then requires further restraint. In other words, overdoing it at this point may prove to be exhausting! Mercury re-enters Gemini on Jul 7, away from the uncertainty of the eclipse and Rahu. This should bring more clarity around some facts. Mercury is moving past the point it began to backtrack as soon as it enters the sign, allowing us to move forward with plans recently reviewed. Mars continues to transit Cancer, however, until Jul 20, which may mean not feeling as proactive about any or all plans just yet. The new Moon occurs on Jul 10 in Punarvasu lunar mansion which is ruled by Aditi, the goddess of the infinite, in a sign meaning the 'return of light'. This brings more coherence and order to chaotic events of late. There is a certain idealism connected to this lunar mansion and lunar month, a pursuit of truth and a need for protection. The Sun enters Cancer on Jul 16 as it transits Punarvasu, instilling a need for more care, at home and in our communities. Venus enters Leo on Jul 17, crossing the sensitive juncture between Cancer and Leo as it does so. We may be hitting a little wobble at this point. An adjustment may be required, possibly in the financial sector, and in hospitality, as well as how we relate to one another. Mars moves through this juncture by Jul 20, which will likely be a volatile period, but also a more passionate and directed one, especially once Mars settles into Leo, joining Venus. Leo is a much better expression of Mars' energy, a more determined approach, but the passions may spill out all over the place. This adds heat to our lives, whether literally or figuratively. The full Moon on Jul 24 is placed in Uttarāṣāḍhā, the 'latter victorious' lunar mansion, reflected in our need to stick with something and see it through. This full Moon is known as Guru Purnima, a day to honour our teachers, and those who guide us onward and upward. Mercury enters Cancer on Jul 25, and communications may take on a more reactive tone during an intensely hot and passionate summer. Mars & Venus oppose Saturn Jul 1 & Jul 7 Mars opposes Saturn on Jul 1, or Saturn opposes Mars, if you prefer. Saturn is stronger and slower, while retrograde in its own sign, Capricorn, while Mars is weaker and getting nowhere fast in Cancer. This conjunction is frustrating, at the very least. If you do not have something to focus on for the coming weeks, until Mars has moved by Jul 20, you are likely to feel the effects of this in more negative ways. You may feel like you have to push harder to get anywhere, for example, or that you have no more push left in you. Either of these expressions are because of Mars' debilitation. The best situation would be if you have something to focus on. Saturn mitigates Mars' weakness, which means that if you can restrain yourself, and focus your energy on a particular task, a very precise task, you will help yourself enormously in the coming days and weeks. Mars reaches its exact degree of debilitation on Jul 17. It takes the month to dip down into this point. As soon as it does, it pretty quickly goes through the sensitive degrees between Cancer and Leo, a volatile transition between water and fire. No prizes for guessing the possible expression of this! Add heat to water and you get … storms! This may be literally the case, but they may also likely be emotional ones. Mars has now made it to the end of Cancer, a lunar mansion which is all about manipulations. This can be expressed by manipulating our energy in more helpful ways. If not, we may find things spiraling out of control. Anger and frustration may play a big part in our energy expenditure, unless we are mindful of overreacting, and overcompensating for this feeling of lack. It won't be long before the energy picks up, so don't be a rush - you'll only exhaust yourself further. This is especially the case as Mars enters the Capricorn division from Jul 4 - 8. Having Mars debilitated, and exalted on another level, can be an even trickier energy to manage. We may experience this as a need to act out or lash out. By the time Mars has made it to Leo, we will all be ready to take charge of our energy once more, after a period where emotional considerations reigned supreme. Mars in Leo is more dynamic, and determined. Before any of that, Venus conjoins Mars by exact degree on Jul 13. This occurs as Mars comes closer to its degree of debilitation. Let's just say that relationships may be prone to complex emotional entanglements at this time. This could be expressed by letting our passions spill over, creating further loss of energy. This would be expressed through any kind of activity, of course, not just sexual, but passions will be complicated at this time. This is not only because of a Venus-Mars conjunction, but because of the lunar mansion Āśleṣā, in which this occurs. Āśleṣā is often translated as 'embracing' or 'clinging', and is symbolized by a coiled serpent. The Sarpas, or serpents, rule the sign. This reflects the kundalini shakti, the energy at the base of the spine that can awaken and elevate through the energy body. It can, however, just as easily drag us back down into baser instincts and emotional manipulations. And because Mars is weak, this will likely occur for many of us. If you're not feeling energetic, you're more likely going to let it slip - whatever 'it' is for you. Although Venus and Mars' conjunction is restrained by Saturn, this can also lead to a further depletion, unless we use it for what it's good for; that is, directing our passions at some detailed work. And then there's Pluto! Pluto represents hidden dynamics which grab us when we least expect it. It brings with it power games and shadow aspects we are not aware of until we experience it through some event or interaction. The Venus-Mars dynamic is like a push-pull effect. Mars likes to push things forward, while Venus is about attracting things towards us. Either way, we want something. It's just whether we are on the push or pull side of things, whether we are more influenced by Mars or Venus. But whichever it is, when these combine, it can feel like there's a need to negotiate the energy more so. There's a lot of potential held within this combination. But because of that, there's a lot of potential for it to be uncontrolable and explosive. Mercury re-enters Gemini Jul 7 - 25 Mercury is at least here to get clear in our communications, about the facts. Mercury re-enters its own sign and moves past the point it had stopped and retreated a few weeks ago. This means we can now move forward, we can now plan ahead, after a period of intense review. Mercury is well-suited to Gemini. It's playful and curious, interested and fun. Mercury is in an excitable mood while transiting its own sign for most of the month. While there are other complex transits occuring simultaneously, transits which require patience, at least Mercury can communicate more effectively about the facts. Mercury in Gemini is moving away from Rahu, although it continues to experience an aspect from the north node. It also moves into an aspect from Jupiter. It is between Rahu and Mars, and there's plenty to be mentally stressed about, but at least it's in a stronger position to be able to process more information, to connect some dots. This is further accentuated by the new Moon in Gemini, in Punarvasu lunar mansion, which is all about seeing the patterns and achieving some sense of clarity around an issue. New Moon in Gemini (Punarvasu) Jul 10 The new Moon occurs at 01.17 UTC on Saturday Jul 10. This new lunar month is an important one for gaining insight and knowledge into something. Not only because of Jupiter's association with Punarvasu, but the full Moon within this month is known as Guru Purnima, a time to connect to those who guide and teach us - and to connect with our own inner knowing. Punarvasu means 'light again' and is symbolized by an arrow returning to its quiver. This represents repeating patterns, the underlying pattern in everything. It has a benevolent nature; pure and virtuous, kind and forgiving. It is ruled by the infinite goddess and mother of all creation, Aditi, representing the underlying pattern of order and cohesion. It is idealistic in pursuit of truth and wishes to protect and care for families and communities. When the Moon transits Punarvasu, it's a good day for healing, travelling and study. This new Moon is a time for a new beginning in seeking the truth. Sun in Cancer Jul 16 - Aug 15 The Sun enters Cancer and immediately opposes Pluto in Capricorn, on Jul 17. This always creates some power dynamics that are not always obvious. It's because of this that they are not always easy to deal with. Pluto is everything the Sun is not. It is dark, hidden, small, and deceptively powerful. It used to be a planet, but now it's classified as a 'dwarf' planet. Pluto has an identity problem! The Sun is the Self. It is light itself, blazing in all its glory, and more obviously powerful. When they oppose, we experience an opposition between the light and dark sides of our being, our sense of self being impacted by our shadow self. This will most likely be expressed in power plays on the world stage and in politics. But we have our own power dynamic going on, which we most likely project onto others. As this occurs between Cancer and Capricorn, reflecting the opposition between our inner and outer world, our safety at home versus the need for a system to keep some sense of order, we are likely to experience a conflict between the two. You want to go on a holiday (Sun in Cancer), but you cannot plan it because of unforeseeable changes (Pluto in Capricorn), for example. The Sun will then come into an opposition to Saturn by the beginning of August, which always plays out in more obvious ways, and oppositions; between the government and the people, for example. This energy of opposition is building all month, between all the faster moving planets and the slower moving, retrograde planets. This means that while we wish to move forward with our immediate wants and needs, we still have to adhere to the long term considerations and bigger picture. The Sun's transit may be a time to take some time out at home, or a holiday, while acknowledging the changes taking place around the world. Venus in Leo Jul 17 - Aug 11 Venus moves through the same sensitive juncture Mars is just about to move through, between Cancer and Leo, and we will likely experience this as some hiccup in relations and the economy. With Mars at its exact degree of debilitation, we need to be on guard for the potential of reacting strongly and creating problems in our relationships. Venus moves out of an opposition to Saturn. This is at least a relief from the restraint. Just as Mars will be released from its restriction, Venus moves into an opposition to Jupiter, exact on Jul 22. This leads to a sense of more, where there was a sense of less before. More what? That depends on your chart, of course. Whatever Venus rules. Generally, more things to enjoy. Venus in Leo wants to show off and enjoy itself, while Jupiter's aspect creates more opportunity to do just that. Venus in Leo wants the recognition, the applause. Combined with Mars, this may create an even stronger expression of this tendency. This should be a more enjoyable period, overall, although the Sun-Saturn opposition will show bigger themes of opposition that Venus-Mars can trigger in more passionate ways. A strong push for creative self-expression will likely create an even stronger sense of opposition to the restrictions. Jupiter re-enters Dhaniṣṭhā Jul 20 With Jupiter re-entering a sign that bridges Capricorn and Aquarius, we're brought back to themes of the past year, of further restrictions, most likely, but also an opportunity, to go back over something, to get it right. With Jupiter moving back into Dhaniṣṭhā, it represents a return to Aquarius in the Tropical zodiac, while it represents a transition back to Capricorn in the Sidereal zodiac. Either way, we're going back to the drawing board. The focus is on the themes of Dhaniṣṭhā. The theme is of success that is achievable when we commit to something, when we bring all of the factors into play. It can, however, represent the opposite. In other words, we may be very aware that we're not all on board, or that all of the elements are not all thought through. Dhaniṣṭhā is ruled by the elemental demigods; the polestar, sky, wind, water, earth, pre-dawn, fire, and the Moon; all representing nature and the cosmos. Jupiter is the glue that binds everything together. Although Jupiter is debilitated in Capricorn, Dhaniṣṭhā is the transition from Capricorn to Aquarius, representing the truest expression of wealth; when we are abundant in all aspects of life, not just monetary wealth. Jupiter's return here is a reminder of this important lesson. Mars in Leo Jul 20 - Sep 5 Mars moves through the juncture between Cancer and Leo by the middle of the month. After all of that Mars energy has being depleted, and we're feeling spent, this will likely create some sort of explosive events as the energy returns in a big way. Not only is Mars moving out of its opposition to the restrictive Saturn, it's moving into a stronger position by sign, while moving into an opposition to Jupiter, exact Jul 29. Mars-Jupiter oppositions are everything Mars-Saturn oppositions are not. They are expansive and eager, hopeful and sometimes over the top. This is even more likely with Mars and Venus in Leo, as we feel more gregarious and expressive, more daring and determined. Thankfully, Mars-Jupiter connections are more fortunate and lucky. Mars-Jupiter oppositions can be like a lucky break, where there was only restriction previously. Having Venus combined with Mars, now within Leo, can be a very passionate, creative mix. While this is still in contrast to Saturn's themes in Capricorn, there are likely more things to enjoy and express at this time. The faster moving planets on one side of the zodiac show the need to enjoy life, while the bigger themes of the slower moving planets are being reviewed over a longer period. So we have to keep any and all excursions and enjoyments in context, while still expressing these needs. With Venus joined Mars in Leo, this is really a last blow out for the summer, before Venus enters Virgo by mid-August, leaving us feeling spent after the party in Leo. I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy the party, but that you may have to do so responsibly, knowing that a period of feeling spent comes later. This is not only because of Venus' subsequent transit in Virgo in August, but also Jupiter's return to Capricorn by September. This means that both the major benevolent planets are in debilitation in the autumn. Despite the mitigating factors, this will likely be expressed as an economic downturn. If you're aware of this, you are less likely to overspend. But perhaps we could say that this is also part of the downturn. This would also apply to energy levels in general. Managing our energy, and our expectations, will be important during these transits. Full Moon in Capricorn (Uttarāṣāḍhā) Jul 24 The full Moon occurs at 02.37 UTC on Saturday Jul 24. This full Moon is a culmination point in the month, a time to step back with the help of Saturn. As it is a full Moon conjunct Saturn, the theme of restriction continues to impede any sense of enjoyment or safety. Adding Pluto into the mix, and there are fears under the surface. Uttarā means 'latter' and āṣāḍhā means 'invincible'. It shows a need to use power responsibly. It is ruled by the universal gods which control intellectual development, and all the elements required for success. One of its symbols is the planks of a bed, representing the ability to endure austerities to reach a goal, while the other is an elephant, reflecting an unstoppable force. When the Moon transits Uttarāṣāḍhā, it's a good day for treating diseases, defeating enemies, and austerity. This full Moon is no different in that respect, only that it requires us to balance the outer with the inner, Capricorn with Cancer. This is also Guru Purnima, a time to honour our guides and Gurus, those who help us deal with any austerity; by giving us comfort and hope, by helping us realize we are invincible, despite what we may think. Mercury in Cancer Jul 25 - Aug 8 Mercury moves out of a position of strength, into a more emotive sign, opposite Pluto and Saturn. If you haven't been able to express how you feel up to now, perhaps this would be an opportunity to give it a try. But be mindful that you may not succeed entirely. Mercury has to try a little harder in water signs. Emotions getting mixed up in our communications can be a little tricky. Add Pluto's opposition, exact Jul 25, and there are undercurrents of emotion which you may not even be able to voice to yourself. Then add Saturn's opposition, exact Aug 1, and you have more chance of getting clear if you learn to detach from that is happening, and how you are feeling about it. There is a place for emotions. It's just that we cannot relay on how we feel to always know what is true. This will become painfully obvious for some during this transit, while simply a gentle reminder for others. Whatever way you express it, there is a need to balance subjectivity with objectivity. One of the possible expressions of this may be a more obvious imbalance between what we want (Cancer) and what we need (Capricorn), or perhaps, what we think we want (Mercury in Cancer) and what we're told we need (Saturn in Capricorn). - As always, I wish you the best of the month has to offer. OM TAT SAT |