Eclipse Season
July begins with an (invisible-to-us) solar eclipse New Moon/North Node in Cancer on July 2nd opposite Saturn/South Node in Capricorn. This opposition emphasizes conflicts between home and work, private versus public life, and future aspirations stymied by past patterns. It aggravates the partisan divide, so Independence Day get-togethers may erupt in arguments as persons of diverse mindsets mingle.
July’s solar eclipse is of the same eclipse family as its sibling that occurred 18 years ago during the summer of 2001, setting the tone for the American tragedy of September 11th. Unfortunately, the 3 North eclipse family is known to be “over-excessive”, as 9/11 demonstrated. It causes worry about “news that transforms a situation”, according to eclipse Astrologer Bernadette Brady. This eclipse family emphasizes an extreme tendency towards obsessiveness and over-doing grand plans. Restraint is called for, but is unlikely to materialize sufficiently enough to avoid dangerous or destabilizing situations that develop amid deception and manipulation.
Mercury Retrograde
After the July 4th holiday weekend, Mars catches up to slowing Mercury, which is preparing to reverse direction and go retrograde on July 8th for the remainder of the month. Mercury retrograde reminds us to review, rethink and revise our plans before taking action, and to focus on making our communications as precise as possible. Mars and Mercury will form 3 conjunctions in 4 months, each in different astrological signs where they express somewhat differently. What will be consistent will be the contentious tone of this summer.
Mars refers to action, ego, fire, cutting, speed, sport, conflict and war while Mercury is the supreme communicator, bringer of messages. Last month’s Mars/Mercury conjunction was in nurturing Cancer, while this month’s union is in dramatic Leo, the entitled fire sign that stirs our passions. So Mercury’s communications will be animated by aggressive Mars and/or be repressed by its opposition to taciturn Saturn/Pluto. Protests can be expected across the globe between Saturnian governments and populist Plutonian rebels. (examples: Hong Kong, Puerto Rico).
Meanwhile, rogue Uranus in rigid Taurus squares the prolonged Mars/Mercury conjunction, which erupts in a war-of-words between political parties and enemies. If outbursts aren’t controlled, the world could suffer from more proxy wars, so threats need to be restrained and adjustments made if reason is to prevail. When personally challenged by these transits, strive for enthusiasm and humor to dissipate the tension, rather than aggravating arguments with temper.
Sun opposite Saturn
The early-July solar eclipse Sun opposes Saturn along the Nodal axis (of destiny) until mid-month. This tends to stir up that “critical parent” inner voice, nagging at us over our imperfections, whether personal or national. The antidote is to consciously strive to be kind to oneself and compassionate towards others. Oppositions to Saturn indicate adversities and world-weariness, instigating security concerns around upcoming elections and our vulnerable energy grid will probably dominate the news this month.
At Full Moon, Venus opposes Saturn, stifling our best efforts at social or romantic finesse, so you may find yourself rebuffed and become frustrated. However, resist feeling glum. Review the situation so you can apply your wiles with sharper focus next time.
Neptune sextiles Saturn all month so your energy is better applied to spiritual matters anyway, or other sober reflections that can lead to breakthroughs in understanding. It’s a good time to strengthen your principles and test your ideas among your peers before implementing them. Just don’t take yourself too seriously…
Lunar Eclipse
The Full Moon in Capricorn on July 16th forms a lunar eclipse (also invisible-to-us) while both Saturn and Pluto are eclipsed as well! Opposition is strong, compromise is unlikely, and this triple eclipse could deepen our political crises, for truth remains hidden. Yet hope springs eternal as Neptune trines the Sun and sextiles Saturn, South Node, and Pluto. Perhaps diplomatic relations can be re-established? Are we being deceived? Mueller speaks. Beware of false optimism which leads to taking foolish risks.
This mid-month eclipse hits President Trump especially hard, landing on his Saturn/Venus natal conjunction. He assaults women with dismissive name-calling and lies (the Squad), while wielding oppressive controls over them with the anti-abortion cudgel. But while impulsive Mars squares unpredictable Uranus and conjuncts Trump’s vituperative Pluto, his excessive and callous behavior just tightens the noose around his own neck. Expect political fireworks as resistance mounts!
Lucky Streak
Despite all the political noise, the Full Moon brings a personal 2-week “lucky streak” as Mars trines Jupiter. Are you in the mood for adventure? Jupiter in Sagittarius wants to have fun and Mars in Leo says “let’s do it”! So the 2nd half of July may be the best time this summer for a vacation. Get out in nature if you can, but don’t over-do it, a tendency of Mars/Jupiter! Alternately, if you have to work, know that you can be quite effective now.
These Times we live in can feel over-whelming. Strive to remain positive, be grateful for those you love, and know that the precious air we breathe, the delicious water we drink, and ALL the beauty that surrounds us – are worth fighting for! Happy summer y’all!