Fire and Air
July begins with potentially explosive energies as dramatic Mars in passionate Leo (fire) opposes rigid Saturn in aloof Aquarius (air). Together they form a T-square to unpredictable Uranus in stubborn Taurus at 12 or 13 degrees of fixed signs. The signature here is rigid resistance, conflict, and/or explosive action, angry protests, even possible skirmishes of war. Yet Saturn can serve as a stabilizing rudder, or a brake if/when matters get out of control. This Mars/Saturn opposition dynamic of refusing to go along with “the Program”, the rules, or “play the game” is contrasted with a Grand FIRE Trine between theatrical Mars in Leo (full of charm, sex appeal, and pizazz), curious Chiron in independent Aries, conjunct a young warrior Aries Moon, and a backward-gazing South Node in Sagittarius. Fire trines bring high physical energy and passionate action!
Behind the scenes, retrograde Saturn in mental Aquarius trine North Node, has become Security-focused, while Mars trine Chiron seeks new horizons. Mars, the Show-off, wants to blazes ahead, eager to outstrip Saturn’s “Authority”, and completely oblivious to consequences.
July 4th
On July 4th, the US will celebrate its first Independence Day in 2 years. Yet the country is rife with post-COVID sentiments, confused and contradictory as they are. People could be “testy” with volatile tempers as Mars squares Uranus exactly on that day, which might spark dissatisfaction and rebellion, triggering testosterone and outrageous behaviors. Yet when the Sun is straight over head (not always clock noon) 2 lovely Grand Trines blend into a Hexagram with 2 almost Mystic Rectangles – all symbols of positivity and harmonious flow, so despite high tensions, you can choose how to not react. All will be fine if you TRUST your heart.
Also on the 4th, self-indulgent Venus in Leo trines South Node in easy-going Sagittarius and insists on having things her way. The very next day Sun sextiles Uranus, encouraging more risky behavior, or alternatively, sparking new innovative ideas and creative endeavors.
On July 7th gender-neutral Mercury in Gemini emerges from his/her shadow, re-vitalized, only to face an exact square with dissolving Neptune. “Best laid plans” could get scrambled with “fantastical diversions”. The path ahead looks temporarily uncertain or misguided. Hold off on making important decisions until after the 12th when Mercury moves into Cancer and becomes more grounded in reality. Another good time for discussions and negotiations is when Mercury trines Neptune between July 22-26, during which time the two planets will be communicating harmoniously together.
Cancer New Moon
An energy shift occurs on July 9th with the Cancer New Moon trine Neptune in sympathetic Pisces.
New Beginnings feel more emotional as the Sun, Moon (for a couple of days), and Mercury on the 12th reside in deep-caring Cancer. Priorities shift toward family concerns and security of the homeland.
Singles should perk-up when a conjunction between Mars and Venus in theatrical Leo puts the shine on relationship matters, so if you are longing to meet others, find love, or seek a job, mid-July may amplify happiness and success for those willing to go after what they want.
On July 13th Mercury trines Jupiter, lifting our spirits toward grander visions and sparking the communication urge to share our exalted imaginings with others. The Sun exactly trines esoteric Neptune the 16th amplifying our sensitivities, nurturing our spiritual practices, activating our inclination to serve others, and, for the lucky few, dissolving into Love.
However, around the 18th, there is some shock to the system as Sun opposes Pluto. Power struggles erupt, especially with authorities, and relationships that were going well could veer off track as grievances are aired. Sweeping changes become necessary to right the ship. Pluto gives us the power to do what we must, with new-found strength and courage. But danger looms in dark corners for a few days, so take precautions to avoid violence.
On the 20th stand up for your TRUTH! Venus trines Saturn and the North Node, so despite our struggles, we know that these changes are for the best long-term. Move on, take care of responsibilities, and choose personal safety, while trusting your inner Guidance every step of the way.
Then on the 22nd, Venus enters humble Virgo. Worries arise, along with good organizational skills and practical common sense. Retreat may be necessary. But with the entrance of the Sun into Leo on July 23rd, confidence returns, creative solutions are found, and opportunities are once again on the rise with the waxing Full Moon.
Full Moon in Aquarius
July’s full Moon on the 23rd at 1 degree Aquarius is the first of two consecutive Aquarian Full Moons. This is a stressful lunation because the New Moon is nestled between Astrology’s two planetary malefics – Pluto, still in Capricorn, and Saturn now in Aquarius – both opposite the Sun in Leo. Difficult confrontations, breakdowns, and fundamental changes are on the menu this Full Moon, as well as ambitious culminations, for good or ill.
Jupiter
Jupiter retrograde opposes both Venus and Mars as they are separating from each other. We yearn to be around others, which could lead to new relationship possibilities. Be aware that Jupiter and Venus can be on the extravagant side. Energy is high with impulsive Mars being generally constructive because Jupiter is involved. But on July 29th, Jupiter exits Pisces and re-enters innovative Aquarius for the rest of the year, furthering technology and cryptocurrency.
Neptune/Pluto
We are in the midst of a long Neptune/Pluto sextile, which spans our timeline from 2018 to 2023. This signifies a period of desiring to improve the world we live in. The vision of our dreams motivates us to make them manifest to apply impressive efforts to building a better world, whether personal or global.
We are in the middle of this Grand Experiment, so let’s keep working to make ALL lives better!