July 4th
US Independence Day has the following aspects: the Sun squares Chiron (old wounds emerge for healing), Moon squares Venus (affections rise), and Moon opposes Neptune (confusing moods, with a tendency toward addictive behaviors). But Moon also trines Uranus, forming a fortuitous Grand Trine – Kite in DC in the evening, bringing excitement and unexpected surprises, as well as possible upsets. Most disturbing is the harsh square from Mars (at the challenging final degree of Aries) to Pluto just as the Pluto Return strikes again! This could trigger protests and violence, angry arguments and confrontations, market volatility, explosions, wildfires, and other forms of fiery passionate outbursts, so be aware of your surroundings as fireworks explode, or disappointed crowds look for outlets for pentup energies!
Pluto Return #2
The second of 4 passes of the US Pluto Return at 27 degrees Capricorn, is exact on July 12th. Double Pluto, the planet of loss and destruction, is passing through the US astrological 2nd house of money, finance, ethics, resources, and wealth. This translates into economic losses, financial downturn, and global recession, and may even trigger the downward spiral of our dysfunctional Capitalistic system that has devolved into a Plutocracy (rule by the wealthy), itching to be a fascistic autocracy, disenfranchising the People.
It is, after all, Pluto’s purpose, to tear down what is no longer working, and Capricorn’s purpose is to right the wrongs of big business, government, and corporations by building new institutions with solid foundations and transparency, grounded in fair play. These 4 Pluto Returns inevitably bring decline for the US and global economies, already in freefall, in preparation for new systems.
Pluto will finish its stint in Capricorn in 2024, with some time in Aquarius in the spring of 2023 and much of 2024, but by 2025 Pluto will remain solidly in Aquarius for the next 20 years! New ideas and inventions, new ways of organizing society, humanity learning to live in peace, and hopeful progress in sustainable agriculture, housing, and energy generation are all expected during Pluto-in-Aquarius years. Governing ourselves humanely, cooperatively, and justly, while living and working together collectively – these are the dreams of the Aquarian Age. Such dreams may take generations to realize fully, but innovation is coming in a few years, so don’t despair! However, since no one knows when disaster could hit, stock up on necessary supplies – food, water, seeds, batteries, generators, heaters, warm clothes, tools, solar panels, and other necessities in case of extreme situations occurring during these uncertain transitional times. Set a plan for communicating with loved ones if separated during an emergncy. Pluto advises us to get by with less, reuse recyclable materials, and to spend money judiciously.
New Signs
By the morning of July 5th Mercury enters nurturing Cancer while sextiling Mars as he enters Taurus. Mars is not very comfortable in Taurus, ruled by his nemesis, Venus, but he IS strong and hardworking! Then on July 18th Venus enters Cancer where she becomes caring, comforting of others, and may prefer to garden, beautify her home, or hanging out with family. The first half of the month is more socially engaged with Venus-in-Gemini, but now one becomes more private and more domestic. By the 19th fleet-of-foot Mercury enters Leo where he crows and struts like a rooster. But sunny Leo brings creative communication, pride, theatrics and good humor as well.
Full Moon
There is an auspicious Astro formation made of trines and sextiles in a parallelogram that is called a Mystic Rectangle. In the Astro chart, it looks like and represents a doorway into higher consciousness – a sacred gift. The Capricorn Full Moon of July 13th forms just such a Mystic Rectangle between Sun-conjunct-Mercury (focused and productive plans and communications), opposite Moon-conjunct-Pluto (intense emotions), sextile Uranus-conjunct-North Node (upheaval leading to positive change). Here the Mystic Rectangle is fortified by the radiant luminosity of the Full Moon, bringing blessings in consciousness, especially for those who strive for Higher Light and self-realization.
New Directions
On July 19th Chiron in Aries goes retrograde – a good time for old wounds to surface for deeper understanding and self-healing. Then on July 28th Jupiter, also in action-packed Aries, joins Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, and Chiron – all already retrograde. Retrograde planets are slowing down our pace, helping us fine-tune our plans, encouraging us to spend more time in contemplation and meditation over the summer months and into the Fall as the enthusiasm of Spring gives way to the chores, fun, and relaxation of summer.
New Moon
On July 28th the New Moon ushers in the stressful beginning of the Leo New Moon cycle. This lunation trines the benefic planet Jupiter, bringing a positive fresh start amid the tension of a grand square between the Nodes and the Mercury-Saturn opposition. However, the Moon’s North Node is exactly conjunct Uranus as the month ends with both also conjunct Mars (wild adventures), while T-squares Mercury in fixed signs, indicating stubborn mental resistance to facts and reality, in the face of clear but upsetting assertions. There could be legal charges for ‘January 6 insurrectionists’, probably amid protests during this tumultuous month.
Uranus
Uranus has been slowly approaching the North Node all month, where it turns up the juice on TURMOIL in our society and for some, in our personal lives. Destinies can change under this aspect, so ‘Go with the flow’ and remain flexible, for resistance to change will undermine your growth and your progress. Accept whatever inevitabilities you face as creatively as possible and try to enjoy the ride.
When chaos reigns, smile, and dance in the rain!