Monthly Horoscopes: July

As mentioned in a previous update, The Summer Solstice, the Lunar Eclipse, and Beyond, the Sun's transit to Cancer takes us on a journey through the collective subconscious as we attempt to place ourselves in this vast community we call Earth. July is not only a great time for figuring things out emotionally, but for making decisions about your life and beginning the projects necessary to generate progress. While we tend to be a bit introverted under the Cancer Sun, the Leo Sun (beginning at 6:21pm on the 22nd) will provide us the energy and confidence needed to "make moves", so to speak. The effect of your circular energies developing into linear or directional energies is commonly associated with a Sun transit from a feminine to a masculine sign, i.e. Cancer to Leo.
July provides us somewhat of a break in the action-packed astrology that has caused the past two months to fly by us. However, that does not mean that this is not a time for action. On the contrary, the time for development could not be clearer; Uranus' retrograde motion begins on the 5th, ushering in a time of sudden changes in decision making that is likely to jolt us out of any ruts we may be sitting in. The Solar Eclipse (on the 11th) in combination with a Venus transit to Virgo (10th) not only serves as encouragement to move on, but reminds us that we can make no progress if we are not in tune with our emotions. On the 21st, Saturn transits to Libra, the first of three planets (Mars on the 29th, Venus next month) to make this same transit within three weeks of one another; this shift of energy into Libra will hopefully show us the balance we've been trying to achieve throughout June and July.
An undercurrent of tension will develop as the slow-moving planets Jupiter (retrograde in Aries) and Pluto (retrograde in Capricorn) move towards a square, which will be completed the morning of the 25th. Pluto, the planet of inevitable change, will clash with goal-oriented Jupiter in a not-so-comfortable 90 degree dance that will likely have us falling victim to a compulsive "grass-is-greener" syndrome; while July is certainly a time for change, avoid making hasty decisions with the intent of quickly or easily reaping the benefits. This aspect is also commonly associated with beliefs, spirituality, and doubts thereof, and is a good time to remind ourselves of the difference between religion and faith. That same day, the 25th, brings us a Full Moon in Aquarius opposite a Sun in Leo, presenting another instance of collectivism vs. individualism during which we will struggle with our individual roles in the greater schematics of our respective communities. The Moon also forms two friendly trines at this time; one with Mars, the other with Saturn, which will provide stability as well as an air of cheerfulness. Although we may be wrestling with our internal thoughts and debates, our social interactions should be rather amicable.

Aries:
You will experience some unexpected good fortune towards the beginning of the month. Enjoy it while it lasts, because while Uranus conjunct Jupiter in your sign brings good tidings, their conflicting motion is generating some mixed reviews for the second half of the month. Although you may feel uneasy, take comfort in the Sun entering Leo (a fire sign like yours) on the 22nd; be yourself, and everything will work itself out, just as it always has. Your appetite for new experiences and new travel destinations is as voracious as ever, but don't expect your friends (especially water and earth signs) to be as eager as you are.

Taurus:
Venus void in Leo has you a bit more fired up than usual, and while its transit to Virgo on the 10th will return you to your typically collected demeanor, the tension in a relationship with someone close to you has you feeling unsettled. Expect your interactions with your peers to be more volatile and possibly even melodramatic (a description you tend to avoid) towards the middle of the month as the Moon conjoins Venus in Leo. Despite some minor set backs, your consciousness will be in harmony with your expressive self if you keep in mind that your major plans remain intact, and for that you should be thankful.

Gemini:
You may be feeling a little bit empty or unfulfilled, probably due to your portion of the zodiac remaining basically barren since the Sun left your sign last month. Whether you feel you lack fortune, excitement, or a special someone in your life, remember the "grass-is-greener" syndrome, and count your blessings. You've always made good company for yourself, and the middle of this month might be a good time to get to know yourself a little better. Excitement will come to you leading up to the Full Moon on the 25th; let quick-thinking Mercury in Leo (alongside our Sun) direct you toward active and fulfilling endeavors to expel your excess energy.

Cancer:
Sun conjoin Moon (also known as the New Moon) is always a time for revitalization, as well as a jumping off point for new endeavors. However, this New Moon on the 10th bring an interesting twist: a total Solar Eclipse in your sign. With the asteroid Juno conjunct this special happening, be prepared to experience some fiery emotions and even jealousy from a loved one. You will feel somewhat uncomfortable the week of the 19th with the Moon in a fire sign applying square Venus. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 25th, combined with Uranus in retrograde, will have you feeling rebellious and confident enough to break out of any situations that may be stifling your expression and/or creativity.

Leo:
Venus in your sign at the beginning of the month will provide you a well-deserved break and afford you a time to enjoy the company of those you love and appreciate. Your knack for meeting new people may be more than just a social tool, and the relationships you develop this month could become more than just superficial. Be aware of opportunities for a new meaningful relationship, be it centered around work or play. Your energy is at its strongest when the Sun enters your sign on the 22nd; make sure you find something to occupy your time, or your energy will quickly build up and make you quite restless!

Virgo:
Mars in your sign is urging you to do something big; whether its a change in your appearance, your social circle, or your romantic life, now is the time to explore and find some new ground to cover. Venus moves into Virgo on the 10th, chasing Mars through your sign in an applying conjunction that won't be completed until late August when both bodies have left your sign. Unfortunately, July could be a time of complicated romance and unrequited love. Be prepared to accept the fact that not everyone will think as you do, and not every detail can pan out according to your visions.

Libra:
Your Sun sign is about to become a hot spot of astrological action with imminent transits from Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. You should feel very excited, and your atypically abundant energy will be aided by Venus in Leo. The New Moon / Solar Eclipse on the 11th will be a good time for you to put your energy to work; start a long-term project that will keep your focus linear and provide direction for your ideas over the next couple of months. You value harmony in your social life, which often translates into attempts to please all; however, Sun in Leo (beginning the 22nd) is a time for you to serve yourself first.

Scorpio:
Pluto retrograde in Capricorn will bring you to the realization although you sometimes revel in spontaneity and even rebellion, it is the practical, business-minded side of your personality that most people find attractive. With Mars in Virgo, take the opportunity of the Moon in your sign (18th-20th) to investigate the details of your life that have long remained a mystery. Anything that sparks your curiosity is a lead worth following. Mars quincunx Neptune in the last week of this month will cause a dip in your energy, at which point you should rest, think, and decide on the best way to use the rest of your summer.

Sagittarius:
Jupiter in Aries plays a large role in your horoscope for July. In pondering questions larger than your immediate surroundings, you may feel inspired to travel in the interest of learning something new. A great time for such a trip will be Mercury trine Jupiter upon the Solar Eclipse (11th), which will initiate a period of growth and learning. The Sun enters Leo while the Moon is in your sign, followed shortly by Jupiter's shift into retrograde; therefore, the end of this month will be a time to think small, as you will be most satisfied by smaller accomplishments and highly unnerved by the larger issues.

Capricorn:
Although you are usually very practical and detail-oriented, you are at your most picky this month before the Sun's transit to Leo on the 22nd. Try to avoid acting possessive, be it over money, friends, or territory, or your peers are likely to label you as a control freak. This is a month for change, and you over all other signs are most likely to resist it. Pluto retrograde in your sign reminds you that change is inevitable, and an informative Sun sextile Saturn as the Sun transits to Leo urges you to be patient; although small changes may not have things going your way immediately, Saturn in Libra's scales will balance everything out in the long run.

Aquarius:
A hot topic of recent astrological news, Uranus in Aries, has filled you with some brilliant ideas. Write them down! Uranus' transition to retrograde on the 5th will bring sudden changes that are likely to distract you from any plans you've been formulating. Stay focused. July is a great month for you to get some work done, and the fruits of your labor are likely to show after the Full Moon in your sign on the 25th. Saturn opposite Uranus at the end of the month will have you torn between your fickle, rebellious nature and the calm, calculated persona you often assume.

Pisces:
Although the Cancer Sun is a great time for you to develop, July is not a time for you to get much accomplished. Neptune retrograde in Aquarius is likely to catch you nostalgically daydreaming about past events that you tend to over-romanticize in distant hindsight. Snap out of it! There is much to be learned in the present world around you, and if that's not enough for you, Jupiter encourages you to travel and expand your knowledge base. The end of the month will be particularly rewarding for you, as Saturn opposite the Moon in your sign (as it conjoins Uranus) brings high hopes for your tangible goals.

Saturn and Mercury: In Cahoots?

For the entire month of June, we've been feeling the effects of both Mercury and Saturn's extended stays in Earth signs (Mercury in Taurus and Saturn in Virgo) as a result of their retrograde cycles. Taurus, a fixed sign, has a tendency to resist the energies of transiting planets: to stand its ground, so to speak. Mercury seems to have been empowered by its dance with the bull followed by a transit to its home sign of Gemini, where it joined the Sun in its growth toward the solstice. If you've been feeling exceptionally scatterbrained, blame it on Mercury, a planet associated with opposites, inner dualities, and general confusion.
Meanwhile, Saturn's transit through mutable Virgo generated within us an elevated sense of self-hypercriticism. Fortunately, both Saturn and Virgo are known for their ability to analyze details and fix seemingly small problems that may affect us more than we realize. Take the opportunity of Saturn void in Virgo (having no more major aspects before its transit to Libra) to organize your life with lists and schedules; even if you haven't found success in these methods in the past, the planets suggest that you give it another go.

We should have known that Mercury and Saturn were up to something when Mercury began covering new territory (after retracing its steps via retrograde) in the 13th degree of Taurus just as Saturn stationed direct in Virgo. Currently, these two bodies are approaching a conflict-oriented square to be completed at 12:23pm EST tomorrow. While the two planets in any square (a 90 degree angle) tend to aggravate each other, their back and forth antagonism actually stimulates their energies. Saturn, a planet based on structure and rules, is consistent in making us aware of our faults and shortcomings, and will make us deeply regret any inappropriate actions we make. Its battle with Mercury provides us with some hints on where to exercise caution; since Mercury rules our thought, reason, negotiation, and communication, make sure you tread lightly when talking to your peers about anything of importance. Now is not the time to make agreements or definitive statements of any kind. Regardless of whether or not you normally speak with confidence, keep in mind that it's better to second guess yourself than to say something you really don't mean.

This aspect of Saturn and Mercury will cause restlessness, an often inevitable side effect of any square. However, squares can also be an opportunity for growth. Although Mercury square Saturn seems to be an unyielding deadlock, it will help us learn to be more responsible about our decision making processes and social interactions. In addition, Mercury moves on to square Uranus on Friday, which will be a more laid back aspect that will ease our desire to criticize and appreciate the beauty within ourselves. Uranus, the planet of change, recently entered Aries, the sign of self, providing us an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments to keep our lives on track as we enter the second half of the year 2010.

The Summer Solstice, the Lunar Eclipse, and Beyond

As I mentioned yesterday, the astrology of this month, especially concentrated around today, is some of the most powerful, dense, and unique that we've seen in our lifetimes. For those of us in the Nothern Hemisphere, the sun will shine at its brightest, longest, and highest in the sky today. The blazing Sun's finest moment corresponds with its transit to Cancer, ushering in a new sign and a new season here on Earth. The Sun's transit into 0 degrees, 0 minutes Cancer at 7:28am (on the East Coast) today is one of four times the Sun encounters the Aries Point, also known as the cardinal cross, a literal cross shape created by drawing two lines across the zodiac between the four cardinal signs (Aries to Libra, Cancer to Capricorn).
The history, significance, and complexities of the Aries Point are far too vast to indulge in detail at the moment. As mentioned, the cardinal cross has four points, which are the zero degrees (cusps or beginnings) of each cardinal sign. Most crucial and influential is zero Aries, which is where the tropical (seasonal-based) zodiac is precisely aligned with the sidereal (star-based) zodiac upon the Vernal Equinox, which is why it is also known as the Sidereal Vernal Point or SVP. The other three points also correspond with seasonal changes. The axes of the of the cardinal cross are highly sensitive to transits as well as other astronomical events such as eclipses. For some reason, the power of the SVP has been especially noticeable on Earth over the past decade, given that its timing has coincided with such disasters as September 11th and the Asian tsunami: once again, a much more detailed explanation for perhaps another time. Just know that this phenomenon is explained by most astrologers by its a alignment with several distant but powerful forces, including our galactic core in Aries, the Uranian orbital body Kronos (associated with power and superiority) in Cancer, M87 (a massive galaxy and black hole) in Libra, and the Road to Xibalba in Capricorn (a band running through the center of the galaxy that corresponds to the Mayan creation myth and the reason humanity is supposed to make its exit on the cardinal cross, 21 December 2012).

The Sun's transit into a cardinal sign (Cancer, in this instance) is when our personal lives intersect with larger groups, concepts, and events. The Summer Solstice is a time for us to feel illuminated not just as individuals, but as humankind. The cardinal cross reminds us that the personal is political, and vice versa. For example, we've been lamenting the disastrous BP oil spill for two months now, and although we sympathize for the devastation it has caused the economy, population, and ecosystem of the Gulf Coast, we've seen very little of its effects in our personal lives (unless we happen to live in the area). The power of the Aries Point provides us a perfect opportunity to remember that in our search to point blame at anyone for this catastrophe (government regulators, BP, Deepwater Horizon, etc.), the ultimate responsibility rests with those who provide these corporations the demand that drives their business models. That is not to say that you or I personally are to blame for the oil spill; if I decided to stop buying oil a year ago, that rig would still have been in operation, and the blowout preventer still would have failed. However, the beauty of astrology is that it is not bound by the factual limitations of time and space. It allows us to step back from our lives and think, "What if there really is something else going on here?", or, "What if the way I live my life has more impact on the world around me than I actually believe?"
Thus is the nature of the cardinal cross as well as the study of astrology itself: placing ourselves within a world that is more spatially and conceptually vast than we could possibly visualize or conceive.
As mentioned beforehand, the points of the cardinal cross are highly sensitive to astrological/astronomical happenings, and they provide an accelerated energy that brings us a certain sense of awareness of ourselves and those around us. The Lunar Eclipse this coming Saturday concerns me; although I won't be so bold as to predict a massive catastrophe or world changing event, I do hope that when the Earth prevents the Sun's illumination of the Moon, we do not lose our empathy to the human condition. Bear in mind that although you may feel that things are not coming easily to you, or that you are swimming against the tides, you are not alone. Millions of other people are on your level fighting the same fight, and millions are much less fortunate than you are. After you all, you are on an internet accessible computer, a luxury reserved for only 21% of the world's population.

My fear is that the people of Earth are on disaster overload; that is, so many things seem to be going wrong in the world around us that we don't know where to start when it comes to making repairs on a personal, communal, and global level. We become numb to even the greatest of catastrophes when we don't know how to cope with them, and we remain apathetic if the issue has little effect on our personal lives. The American population (and therefore, the media, and therefore, the government... yes, in that order) has such a short attention span that we acknowledge the results of disasters, but before we can breach the surface of the situation to assess its causes, we move on to another issue. Our dependence on oil, although acknowledged by the past eight presidents as one of America's greatest weaknesses, has been put off for almost half a century now. The issue has persisted, and exactly one month after the SVP in Aries, the political became personal for millions of workers and residents along the bayou.
I feel that we are at a point where our ignorance may start to catch up to us. Like the poor people and animals of the Gulf Coast, the time for larger, seemingly distant issues to permeate our daily personal lives will eventually come to us. With disasters in the gulf, the job market, the Eurpoean economy, the American economy, climate change, and the list goes on, all we need is a Lunar Eclipse after a cardinal transit to manifest these broad issues as specific problems affecting our lifestyles. I hope that this does not mean another disaster, but rather a gradual rise in humankind's collective consciousness about the ills that plague the world around us. Remember, it starts on a personal level, which is connected as a part to a whole by the Aries Point, or as the great boy band 2gether so eloquently put it, you + me = us.

There is a lot more going on in our sky besides the Solstice and the Eclipse, and I will discuss some of the other aspects and transits in an update later this week. For now, just remember; the political is personal, and there is no I in team (although there is a me). Enjoy the sunshine, and the emotional tidings provided by our Sun in Cancer.

Father's Day Quickie

Today should be a nice, relaxing Sunday not only for fathers, but for anyone who has felt the pressure of the dense astro-weather we've experienced over the past month. Father's Day presents us but one aspect in our sky: an understanding trine between the Moon and Neptune, making today more about thoughts and dreams than action. Under the comfortable Libra Moon, don't be afraid to speak your mind and bounce your ideas off people with whom you don't usually engage in deep conversation. Your interpersonal encounters will seem to have a firm and amicable foundation, and your discourse might help you to learn something about yourself. Most importantly, get to bed early! Tomorrow is a big day in the sky and on Earth.

More to come later about tomorrow's Solstice.

Monthly Horoscopes: June

Enter Sun in Gemini; our lives seems to have been elevated to a new level, as if we were once anchored to a point on the Earth and suddenly released. Gemini, as an air sign, is known for its association with the more intellectual side of our consciousness, and its mutable quality subjects our minds to an open-ended take on any information that is presented us. That is, Gemini is a time to change your mind. This advancement of your mental self will be aided by the great ringed Saturn, who for the past four months has confused us with a transit to Libra followed by a retrograde cycle, taking it backwards through our sky into Virgo. Now, Saturn, the ruler of the rules and boundaries that guide our lifestyles, has stationed direct (ended its retrograde cycle) in Virgo, and will inform us through this meticulous Earth sign of the unexpected minutia that bury themselves in our day to day lives but eventually surface to immobilize our larger, long-term endeavors. Use this knowledge to move forward with bold but informed decisions, and you may find yourself in a much better place mentally, physically, and possibly even financially.

Aries:
Jupier, the planet of growth, moves into your Sun sign on the 6th. Although you are generally a bold, confident person, you will feel exceptionally empowered by this transit, which only happens about every 12 years. You will not only notice an increasing sense of opportunities for advancement; you will also have a notion that luck is on your side. It is, so take advantage of any opportunity that arises. However, at this very time, the Moon enters your sign, making you feel energetic and even feisty. Try to tame your impulsiveness in the interests of avoiding arguments; after all, conflict will only make you feel more stressed than you already are.

Taurus:
Your ruling planet, Venus, transits to Leo on the 14th. This will be a good month to build or expand your social life. You've always been a rather reliable person, and your close friends appreciate it; however, June will be a time for you to be more communicative, expressive, and just plain loud, especially between the 14th and the 21st. Also, take an opportunity to evaluate your inner dualities regarding social and environmental issues. What do you really believe, and what can you do to change what you don't like about the world around you?

Gemini:
June will be a great time for you to start projects, as long as you maintain a tangible goal to keep in your sights. Your ability to communicate intelligently with your peers may surprise them, as it contradicts your typically simplistic demeanor. In other words, don't be afraid to open your mouth, and even reach out to new acquaintances. However, be wary of those who ask anything of you; your overtly compassionate nature has the word "sucker" stamped on your forehead, and this world is full of people who are eager to take advantage of you.

Cancer:
The first half of the month has Venus in your sign, and you should take this period to revel in the sensation of things coming more easily to you than they usually do. When both Moon and Venus leave your sign on the 14th, ride the waves of the New Moon; as you begin to see the silver crescent in the sky, consider starting a project you've been putting off for awhile. Your focus and determination will reward you, and although you're not one to toot your own horn, you just might impress yourself. Let this satisfaction effect an air of optimism within your consciousness, and before you know it, your birthday will arrive, rendering you spirited and ready to take on another year of life.

Leo:
You'll wrestle with your ego for the first part of this month; although you revel and shine in the Sun's illumination as we approach the summer solstice, your peers might not see the same light, and may simply find you obnoxiously smug. Although your pride is a large factor in your personality, take some time to relax and be humble. June will be a month for you to entertain your close friends, and serve as a humble host for those who have endured your fiery personality and fierce ambition for the past few years. Take Venus' transit to your sign on the 14th as an opportunity to put your financial affairs in order.

Virgo:
You should feel rather energetic this month, and it's not just the increase in temperature and the imminence of summer. Upon Mars' transit to your sign on the 7th, your consciousness will receive somewhat of a kick-start. These elevated energies are not limited to cerebral musings; get out a pencil, write down your ideas, and use Mars' bold energy and your organizational sensibilities to do something productive and fulfilling. Your work doesn't have to be all that life changing or revolutionary; you will feel accomplished just by utilizing your abundant energy to achieve a tangible result. Although your accomplishments may seem small, they will not likely go unnoticed; meanwhile, the satisfaction of success will make a nice boost for your ego.

Libra:
Your planet, Venus, moves into Leo on the 14th, which will open up your normally even-keeled demeanor to some more excitement in your life. Take a short vacation, meet some new people, and be open to the possibility for a new person to enter your intimate circle of friends. The Moon transits to your sign on the 17th, just after achieving its second quarter, followed by a Moon sextile Venus that will bring your life back into its familiar balance. Use this landing point to tie up any loose ends, which will most likely be found in your romantic life. Take the end of the month to plan the rest of your summer vacation.

Scorpio:
Your investigative impulses have loaded you with more information about your peers than you would ever consider sharing. Your caution and reticence are appreciated; however, when Mars transits on the 7th, your insight into the wellness of others is intensified by troubleshooting Virgo. When Mercury joins the Sun in its own sign (Gemini), on the 10th, take this opportunity to open your mouth and make some suggestions, and you just might find that your usually close-minded friends will heed your words and appreciate your consideration. Upon the summer solstice, the Moon enters your sign, and shortly thereafter sextiles Mars, your planet; this will be a time of heightened emotions and excitement, so make sure you stay busy, and stay focused! Hard work will help to expel your excess energy, and the Full Moon at the end of the month will be a great time to wrap up anything you've been working on.

Sagittarius:
This entire month will be an ideal time for self advancement. If there is anything that dissatisfies you about your world, including schedules, relationships, or even your job, now is the time to make changes or improvements. Your bow is strung, your arrows ready to fire, and your target may be closer to you than you perceive. You always see the bigger picture, and if you find yourself often missing out on the smaller picture (i.e. the details that can advance you towards your seemingly distant goals), the first half of June is a great time to compensate. When your ruling planet, Jupiter, enters Aries in conjunction with the Moon on the 6th, it's time to make bold (but not brash) decisions about your day to day life. Start your work now, and by Jupiter's trine with Venus on the 15th, you will start to see encouraging results. Not only will your lifestyle changes make you happier, but they will also attract the attention of your peers as the Moon transits your sign the 23rd through the 25th.

Capricorn:
Your ruling planet, Saturn, rests comfortably in the 27-28th degree of Virgo for the entire month. This period of time will not be particularly productive, but rather a time for introspective consideration. As Saturn moves forward in our sky (after having stationed direct the end of last month), examine how your personality has manifested your ideals into reality, find your faults, and figure out where your life could use a firmer foundation: some maintenance, if you will. Organize your finances, and create a long term savings plan; you have a period of hard work ahead of you, and it won't necessarily result in great profit. Try to be diplomatic and avoid stubbornness in your interactions with your coworkers. A lunar eclipse in your sign might have you feeling lost at the end of the month; turn to your family for the love, support, and direction that your peers might fail to provide.

Aquarius:
The New Moon squares your ruling planet, Uranus, on the 12th, creating a window of opportunity for your fast-moving thought process to cultivate your opinions and ideals into tangible accomplishments. You've always been a rebel, but with Uranus having recently transited to Aries, you'll be feeling bolder and more energized, empowered by a sense of vigor for your previously dormant ideas. Take advantage of this time period, because Uranus' opposition to the second quarter Moon on the 19th will a bring a world of distractions that could set the tone for an unproductive summer if you don't remained focused and diligent. After growing full, the Moon transits to your sign on the 28th while creating a sextile with your Uranus, which will shift your mentality towards invention and creativity.

Pisces:
Some new developments will throw you a curveball between the 3rd and the 5th (when the Moon is in your sign). Your best bet is to follow your intuition and simply go with the flow. Your planet, Neptune, has joined neighboring Pluto in retrograde. The movements of these outer planets seems to affect you especially since you don't necessarily have to see things to feel them. As if to complicate matters, Chiron, which entered Pisces last month and will remain there until November, begins its retrograde cycle on the fourth. For the first half of the month, pay attention to your dreams; they may be the key to assessing your deepest wounds (or faults) and figuring out how to heal them. Jupiter in Aries will help ease your generally restless nature and help you focus on specific parts of your life that need support to improve your well being. Be prepared to return to your romantic idealism when Mercury trines Neptune on the 24th. If it's a warm, clear night on the 30th, take a walk, look at the Moon, appreciate your fortunes, and start to think about how you can use your summer to advance yourself while engaging your social circle.