Mercury enters Gemini on Jul 2, with Venus moving in on Jul 13. This shifts gears to a more frenetic and excitable pace. Add Mars' conjunction with Uranus and Rahu, and the energy will likely feel all over the place. Saturn returns to Capricorn by Jul 13, taking the restriction off Mars & Co. in Aries, releasing a lot of energy in all kinds of unpredictable ways. This begins a period of great instability. Expect the unexpected. But expect it to be violent in July and August. This may be expressed in 'violent weather', acts of aggression, market instability, seismic shifts and massive swings in energy. Sun moves into Cancer by Jul 16, moving into an opposition to Saturn by mid-August. The usual oppositions between governments and the people is likely, as tensions build and bleed onto the streets in the summer heat. Mercury joins the Sun in Cancer on this day, too. Not the ideal time for rational discussions about the issues, although we can think about how we feel about them, at least. On Jul 26, Uranus and Rahu conjunct by exact degree. In Aries, this is volatile and unpredictable. Be prepared for anything. Mars is not far from this conjunction and will meet with Uranus and Rahu by exact degree by Aug 1. The end of July and the beginning of August is likely a highly volatile period. Jupiter stations retrograde in Pisces on Jul 28, asking us to reflect on all that is, from a place of inner calm. Mars in Aries Jun 26 - Aug 10 Mars settles into its own sign Aries by the beginning of July, moving past the tricky juncture between Pisces and Aries - if settled is at all a word I can use for Mars or Aries! This is going to be an explosive month. We've already seen a massive earthquake in Afghanistan, an escalation in the war in Ukraine, more accidents, and a general sense of angst around the world. Mars moves into tense alignments with Saturn and Pluto as soon as it enters Aries. How this will play out for you depends on your chart and circumstance (dasha). Pluto's square to Mars is exact on Jul 1. This challenges the status quo, with the recent U-turn on abortion laws in the U.S. being one example of what is likely to flair up later in the month, as Mars meets with wild and erratic Uranus and Rahu in the lunar mansion associated with birth (Bharani). This is going to shake things up even more. Jupiter, ruling laws, stations retrograde by the end of July, reversing something, I imagine. Whatever sign Aries is in your chart, this is where you can begin something new. Whatever Scorpio represents for you, this is added to the mix. Though this can be a deadly mix of energies, you can find a way to channel it in more productive ways. This is a time to start something new, but also to be mindful of how to start. The energy is all over the place, so the more mindful you can be the less likely you cause problems. I call Bharani, the lunar mansion Mar, Rahu and Uranus conjoin by Aug 1, 'the productive one'. It's a great time to make something happen, but it's also about accepting that many things must perish to begin anew. First thing to go is your weakness, your doubts, your fears and limitations. Next to go is your hesitance, followed by your procrastination. Next to go is your certainty, as and when you experience change. Next to go is the people and places that no longer fit with the new you. As is often the case with Mars in Aries, it's a case of just doing it, and figuring it all out later. Mars is the first planet you would meet if you blasted off into space. Jupiter is the next. In other words, you must first take action before you learn from it. With Mars-Rahu-Uranus in a once in a lifetime triple conjunction, it's certainly a blast, but also a short window of opportunity to start something new. Rahu-Ketu in Scorpio-Taurus (9th Division) Jun 14 - Aug 17 The signs of the zodiac are most commonly divided into 9 parts in Indian astrology. 9 represents a natural order and flow. The 9th divisional chart reflects underlying support. It gives a fuller picture of what is happening. Rahu and Ketu have just moved into Scorpio and Taurus in the 9th divisional chart, reflecting an underlying weakness for the nodes. What does that look like? Well, it represents a psychological weakness, a lot of fear (Rahu in Scorpio) at the experience of, or prospect of, a loss of the basics (Ketu in Taurus). And because Rahu is actually in Aries and Ketu is in Libra, the way this is likely to play out is through lashing out. Rahu promotes Mars in both Aries and Scorpio, and these planets are coming together in July. July is going to be intense, whatever way it swings. And it's likely to swing wildly in different directions, at different times. Mars transits through Aries until Aug 10, meeting with Rahu by Aug 1. This intense transit builds throughout July, creating all kinds of volatile expressions on our planet. Ketu is reducing Venus-type things in Libra, or at least our perceptions of them. Even if loss of basics is not felt, Ketu in Libra and the Taurus division can show a perceived loss. The result is a challenge to diplomacy (Libra) and the economy (Taurus), whatever way you spin it. The markets are impacted by people's perceptions of what is going on, as much as what is actually going on. The markets are likely to behave erratically in July and August, as a result. I will be speaking with Barry Rosen in July, a financial astrologer who will guide us through the potentials for the coming months. If you have not already read my article on the potential for an upcoming stock market crash, you can do so here Full Moon in Sagittarius (Uttarāṣāḍhā) Jul 13 This Full Moon is known as Guru Purnima, a day to honour our teachers. Let me take this opportunity to thank all my teachers over the years, especially my first astrology teacher, Pearl Finn. On Pearl's website, you can download her Jyotishionary, a dictionary of Jyotish terms that even Sanjay Rath gives to his students, as well as her book, The Spirit That Moves Us. She has kindly shared these resources for free on her website. I have many fond memories of studying with her over the years. She gave me my grounding in the basics. No matter how advanced a technique I learn, I have Pearl to thank for a good grasp of the language of astrology, the ABC's of the planets, signs and houses. The Full Moon will peak into the very beginning of Uttarāṣāḍhā lunar mansion, at the very end of sidereal Sagittarius. This lunar mansion bridges Sagittarius and Capricorn, with 10 degrees within Capricorn. Uttarā means 'latter' and āṣāḍhā means 'invincible'. It shows a need to use power responsibly. First, we have an inspired idea (Sagittarius), and then we must work at achieving it (Capricorn). Uttarāṣāḍhā is ruled by the universal gods that 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. The previous lunar mansion, Pūrvāṣāḍhā is often depicted with the tusk of an elephant. This reflects the initial breakthrough and eventual unstoppable force once we act on what inspires us. A Full Moon phase in Pūrvāṣāḍhā may suggest a huge swell of something, whether figuratively or literally, as it is ruled by the goddess of water and Jupiter is transiting Pisces with Neptune, the god of the sea. Full Moons are a culmination point. This is a time to resolve something that inspires you, to resolve to see it through, no matter what it takes. This may feel like a huge force of energy to clear a path, reflected in a force of nature that often overflows and becomes destructive. Pūrvāṣāḍhā is often translated as 'declarations of war', so it's not always nice and easy pursuing our goals. Whatever seems right to each, becomes charged with an enthusiasm to carry on with it. With the other transits pointing to a lot of volatile, unpredictable energy, including a Rahu aspect to this Full Moon, it's important to get clear about what is right for you. If you know what you stand for, you'll see it through. This Full Moon is about finding you have what it takes to see it through, to stick with it for the long haul. Saturn re-enters Capricorn Jul 13 Saturn returns to Capricorn points to a need to go back to something we probably wish was over at this stage. This may be some kind of restriction. These restrictions may be because of the fuel crisis, where governments limit their populations movement, or it may be more familiar restrictions such as social distancing. If we face it and accept it, we can finally move beyond it in the New Year, as Saturn finally leaves Capricorn in January 2023. If we try to ignore it, it's going to challenge every step of the way. Saturn's transit in your life may be a great time to deal with issues for once and for all, though there is likely some things happening in the world around you may wish to avoid. Any kind of restrictions are not going to be taken lightly, or easily implemented, with Saturn in a square to Mars, Rahu and Uranus in Aries. This points to a need for freedom, which conflicts with the needs of the many. While this conflict may not show up immediately, it gradually builds into the end of the year, as Saturn comes into one last square with Uranus in Aries in October. The difference this time, is that Uranus is met with Rahu, as well as Mars in July and August. So, no one's going to take lightly to any kind of restriction, or perhaps even the suggestion of some. But while we may be over it already, Saturn in Capricorn is not finished with us yet. Returning to the old ways is implied by Saturn's return to Capricorn, before it finally leaves Capricorn in the New Year, where things can progress in Aquarius. I noted what is going on in Israel and its government and think this is a more obvious example. You probably have your own. Look to the house position of Capricorn to see what you must revisit. Saturn's return to Capricorn does at least remove a tense configuration with Saturn and Rahu either side of Jupiter in Pisces. This will hopefully remove some of the complex blocks to what was meant to be a more hopeful time. And although Jupiter's transit in Pisces is indeed more hopeful overall, it doesn't seem to have produced the goods. Now the issue is that Jupiter is under Saturn's aspect and influence, through it's 3rd house aspect. This may shows restrictions in the form of a recession, to keep inflation in check. Whatever area of your life Capricorn represents, pay attention to it and make sure you restrict yourself. Be mindful of the person or thing here. They/it needs to restrict themselves also. The more consciously and deliberately we can take on the restrictions, the less it feels like an imposition. There's some unfinished business to deal with as Saturn returns to Capricorn. That can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, depending on your chart. Perhaps it's a relationship that is over but that you are holding onto? Or a habit or way of being? Or a belief? Whatever it is, it's time to either let go or accept the way it is. As a friend from Northern Ireland used to say to me, ''What's for ye, won't pass ye''! If it's meant to be for the long term, it will move with you into a new future. If it's not, this is probably a good time to let it go and move on. It won't happen overnight, of course. It will take Saturn the rest of this year to implement. For those with rising or Moon signs in Leo, Scorpio or Pisces, Saturn in Capricorn may be a more productive transit, as Saturn works well in the 3rd, 6th and 11th houses. But it doesn't mean it is easy - for anyone. It's just these signs are probably more willing, and able, to do the necessary at this time. For all other signs, it may be more of a chore, but you can still do whatever it takes. Whatever you are dealing with that you thought you were done with, make sure you take a step back and get some perspective. If you are in a Saturn cycle, especially on first, second or third level, make sure to do something for Saturn everyday. Usually, this means having some time out, some alone time, time spent in deep contemplation, over the coming months. Saturn's final visit to Capricorn is not the time to avoid the issues. Venus in Gemini Jul 13 - Aug 6 Venus moves into a friendly environment in Gemini. Venus in Gemini can be fun and exciting. Venus is moving out of range of Rahu, though it still must play host to Ketu in Libra. The financial issues continue with Ketu in Libra, but with Venus in Gemini there is at least more opportunity for enjoyment. Venus in Gemini likes to play. It's flirtatious and engaging. The more interactions, the better, as festival season continues. Whether you're engaging within your local community, or travelling, Venus in Gemini can bring all kinds of possibilities for enjoyable interactions. Venus and Mercury are friendly to each other, so Venus is made to feel right at home. Mercury, on the other hand, is in Cancer in a few days, opposing Saturn which has returned to Capricorn. This can show more emotional reactions to yet more restrictions. Sun in Cancer Jul 16 - Aug 15 Sun moving into sidereal Cancer is a time for a break, at home or on holiday. It's a time to look at your emotional needs, be it through your home life or something that brings you comfort. Look to the house position of Cancer in your birth chart to see where you feel this need. The Sun in Cancer is a time to connect with the people and things you are attached to. It's all about safety and security, a place you can go that feels like a home coming. When anything you keep for safety is challenged in any way, you may defend it with your life, or at least, your life force, as represented by the Sun. Mars aspects the Sun and upcoming New Moon in Cancer. But as the symbolism of Cancer and the crab tells us, we can sometimes hold on too long to something that is no longer ours. We can sometimes protect something so much that we smother it, not allowing it to find its freedom. The most obvious expression of this is a mother caring for her child. There's a need to protect the child, of course, but when this becomes smothering, the child cannot fend for his or herself. The Sun's transit in Cancer is a time to look at the things we care for, and care for them. But it's also a good time to think about your overreactions to perceived threats. Mars' aspect to Cancer while in Aries, the 4th sign of home, shows that Mars is the part of us that will fight to the death (Mars also aspects the 8th house) to protect someone or something. Yet Mars' transit in Aries alongside Rahu and Uranus can exaggerate the perceived threats, showing an overreaction. Mercury in Cancer Jul 16 - Jul 31 Mercury joins the Sun by exact degree as it enters Cancer, a 'New Mercury', in a way. While this is a period of gaining insights, Mercury in Cancer may not be the best time to communicate this. Mercury and the water signs don't combine well, as emotions can cloud judgement. Adding Mars' aspect to Cancer and you have the potential for extreme expressions. Like a mother who feels her offspring are under threat, the mother can be enraged as a reflex. Mars' relationship with Cancer reflects this impulse. Mercury's transit through Cancer may bypass reason and logic. This does not bode well for war-like situations or peace in general, as communications get more emotional. But we can individually take responsibility for how we feel and get clear about what's important to care for. We can join head and heart, to communicate from something more meaningful. We may get emotional and express things that aren't clear, but at least we can communicate a feeling, even if the words may not always be understandable. This transit occurs with Mars joining Rahu and Uranus in Aries at the New Moon in Cancer on Jul 28, so there are likely many issues to communicate. Jupiter aspects Mercury in Cancer also, so there's some possibility of finding the space we need to say what we feel, though it depends on the individual. If you are in a cycle of Jupiter, this is more helpful and clear. We can all tap into the strength of Jupiter at this time, and find the space in our minds to process our emotions and speak with a sense of care and compassion. New Moon in Cancer (Puṣya) Jul 28 Although the New Moon is placed in the auspicious lunar mansion Puṣya, suggesting an auspicious new start, there are a lot of volatile indications. This means the following month is highly volatile and explosive. Mars joins Rahu and Uranus by exact degree during the New Moon, with Mars aspecting the Sun, Moon and Mercury in Cancer. Mars' 4th house aspect to Cancer, from its place of strength in Aries, is protective but perhaps a little overprotective and reactive. It may feel as if there is something important to protect, but in doing so, we lash out when feeling threatened or triggered by Rahu. The New Moon in Cancer is a time to think about the things we nourish and protect in our lives. Puṣya means ‘flowering’ and ‘nurturing’ and is symbolized by a flower and a cow's udder. It's all about what and who we care for. It is a benign lunar mansion, focused on doing the right thing, on getting to the truth. It is ruled by the priest to the gods, which tells us that there is something important to protect here beyond the more obvious things like home and well-being; that is, the truth. The New Moon is a time to ask yourself what nourishes you. What is true? Yet it's not about being brutally honest with someone, apart from yourself, I guess. It's about relaying the truth to others with great care. Jupiter Retrograde Jul 28 - Nov 23 Jupiter stations retrograde on the New Moon day, as we slow down to draw our attention to a still place within. We need this now more than every, as the Mars-Rahu-Uranus conjunction is likely to grab our attention. Jupiter's retrograde is a time to reconnect with what we find purposeful and meaningful. We may have to question what has thus inspired us, from the depths of being, so we can reassess. Practically, Jupiter's retrograde usually shows a reassessment of laws and policies around the world. Longer term hopes and dreams may be stalled at this point, or we may find ourselves looking back at things that used to fill us with hope. Jupiter's retrograde until the end of November is a time to look back at opportunities for growth. Look to the sign Pisces by house position in your own chart to see where you can go back over something that will benefit you greatly. It's time to reconnect with that thing, or that person, so you can connect with something beyond the current turbulence. Find that still voice within. The louder the outside noise gets, the 'louder' the inner silence becomes. Mercury enters Leo Jul 31 Mercury transits the 'gap in the zodiac', between Cancer and Leo, opposite Saturn in Capricorn, as it enters Leo. Take a step back during its transition, as it can be a complex day (Jul 31- Aug 1). Saturn's opposition adds more objectivity, at least. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Mercury in Leo is determined in its communication, which can be a good or bad thing, depending. Mercury in Leo is inspired to speak at least. Just make sure what you are saying is integral to who you really are. Mercury in Leo is out of aspect from Mars and Saturn, moving into an aspect from Rahu in Aries. This can push things forward a great deal, without the anger and frustration of the other malefics. Rahu's influence on Leo, especially for those with Leo prominent, is a time to think outside the box, the do things differently, and to communicate something new. Uranus, Rahu and Mars Conjunct Aug 1 I'm including this triple conjunction in the July report because it is in effect throughout the month, building in intensity up to their exact conjunction on Aug 1. This is probably the least favourite configuration of an astrologer; that is, because it's unpredictable! The energy is likely to spike and dip in extreme ways. It may be a stock market crash or major adjustment. It may be violent weather patterns, including seismic activity. It may be acts of aggression and attacks. It may escalate the war in Ukraine. It may trigger a war in another region. It may show all of the above to some degree or other. Mars is blocked by Rahu. If you count from Mars to Rahu in the following list of weekday rulers, you will see it is a count of 6: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu. You can do this for any planet. Counting from Mercury to Ketu is a count of 6. Ketu blocks Mercury, i.e., the 'headless one' blocks the intellect. Rahu blocks Mars from functioning in a straight-forward manner. Mars likes things straight forward. Mars-types like to make it from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Yet Rahu is a tangent, it's chaotic. It disturbs our energy and efficiency. But in doing so, it opens up other possibilities. When we do anything new, the energy is new and erratic. Innovation pushes things forward, but it takes some time for the energy to calm down. If Mars is taking a shot of expresso and getting on with your day, Mars and Rahu is like taking 10 shots and having to go lie down! Mars and Rahu AND Uranus is like topping that off with a line of cocaine and expecting to be able to function. You may have some amazing experiences, but you are unlikely to be calm and orderly. This conjunction is going to shake things up in the world and in our lives. That is one thing we can predict for sure. The degree it does that will differ depending on what planets are active in your chart, and on your unique chart. No two people experience this the same way, although there is a collective experience we are all aware of. Take your time with whatever you are starting, especially for the last couple of weeks of July. - As always, I wish you the very best of what the month has to offer. Om Tat Sat Comments are closed.
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