Hi Friends,
The summer is officially upon us (Northern Hemisphere) bringing with it the warm weather and a need to stay cool. As we begin July we are feeling a bit restless with a touch of irritability thanks to the Sun still transiting overly sensitive Cancer. The Sun in Cancer will continue to focus our attention on strong survival instincts with a need to protect our emotions. This sign is also very protective of those we care about, and of themselves. We may be quite reticent about sharing our inner selves to the rest of the world now, and are often caught up in reminiscing during this transit. Cancers have a reputation for moodiness, although this trait is most evident when the Moon is in Cancer. Cancer needs roots. They resist change to an extent, and concern themselves about being secure and safe in most everything they do.
On July 4th we are eager to express ourselves to loved one thanks to Venus entering Gemini. I’m reminded of an ole saying "How do I love thee, let me count the ways...” Gemini is all about words and Venus is all about love. While Venus is in this talkative sign, we should all be able to let our loved ones know how much we really care about them. And everyone else we run into as well! The following day the ruler of Gemini, Mercury, enters the proud and expressive sign of Leo. Leo loves the limelight and is proud of it! As Mercury moves into the fire sign of Leo, we all begin to want applause for our dramatic, big-picture concepts. Mercury in Leo brings a tremendous surge of activity, like the wind whipping up a fire storm. This is what you could call an extremely symbiotic relationship. Mercury, that little instigator, stirs Leo's already strong and active passions into a frenzy of doing things. Then, as Leo's heat intensifies, Mercury's little winged feet have to move even faster to stay one step ahead of the next flying cinder.
We may feel as if life is out of control on July 8th when the Full Moon in Capricorn will ignite our passions and desires. There are some major aspects with this month’s lunation. Moon and Pluto opposite Sun and Mars creates such intensely hot energy that it will be difficult to control. This dangerous Full Moon has the potential to cause serious relationships problems if you let things get out of control. Just by itself, Sun opposite Moon highlights opposing forces or polarities in our lives. These can include your ego versus emotions, our work versus home, or what you need versus what you want. Inner tension and external pressures can lead to personal conflict and crises that drain our energy. The lunar qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a Full Moon, but this lunation is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Use your increased emotional strength and intuition to overcome any challenges. Subconscious awareness allows for an objective and balanced look at your personal relationships. You will clearly see any relationship dynamics or negative feelings causing disharmony.
We're in for some strutting when Mars enters Leo on July 20th. Mars is in his glory when he visits any of the fire signs, and Leo definitely likes to strut. Some of that strutting could get abrasive to the more refined types among us. But, we'll have tremendous energy to exert. Leo is a fire sign and Mars is full of fire. We'll take whatever is handed to us and run until we drop. We must not forget, though, that Mars is a warrior. During this transit it's easy to let our egos get in the way. Be careful who you step on -- they may come back to haunt you later. Try to work out whatever hostilities you may be feeling through some good old fashioned exercise.
The Sun shines even brighter on July 22nd as it makes its way into the sign it rules, Leo. When the Sun visits Leo, we are likely to be motivated by the need to experience life from a place of fun, passion and creative self-expression. Leo is a Fixed Fire sign and its symbolic qualities are described by the physical influence of the Sun. Leo energy can be gifted with outgoing qualities such as radiance, confidence and more creativity. These qualities are freely shared with those around them. The Sun is at the centre of the solar system and giver of life, the sign of Leo relates to qualities which encourage new life. Taken to extremes, Leo’s energy can, of course, lead to arrogance and obnoxiousness. Thinking of others can be the last thing on their minds. For the next month, we'll all have a chance to feel more confident about whatever we might be doing. And we'll have a giant energy boost to help us along. Just try to remember that other people are feeling exactly the same way.
All possibilities are on the table on July 23rd as the New Moon in Leo puts us at the center of plans for the future. This month’s lunation packs quite the energetic punch thanks to a conjunct with Mars also in Leo. With all this fiery energy it’s all about action, sex, sports, challenges, competition, restlessness, thrill seeking, etc. A secondary influence comes from the planet Uranus. A tense aspect to this planet of change and excitement makes Mars more explosive, unpredictable, and more impulsive. Old habits, behaviors and beliefs are questioned as we search for new and inventive ways to make progress. This is the first of two Leo New Moons with the second being a Solar Eclipse on August 21st which packs an even bigger punch.
Our thoughts return to rational thinking on July 25th when Mercury move into Virgo. During this transit we want to get down to working on those big ideas we had while Mercury was in Leo. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo, and for good reason. Virgo is focused on figuring out how all the little pieces of the puzzle fit together. And Mercury, the planet that represents the mischievous and inquisitive god, Hermes, just loves it! He is in his glory zooming from one part to the other with messages of what's happening on the other side. Since Virgo is an earth sign, the ideas that appear during this time do have at least one foot on the ground, so they tend to be useful and well thought out. Our only problem now is not to get so hung up on the details that we forget why we're there in the first place.
Last but not least, on July 31st Venus, the goddess of love, moves into the sign of home and hearth, bringing us a time to relax and enjoy the people and parcels of home. Cancer is a sensitive, caring sign, a sign where the Venusian energy is easily expressed. Empathy comes freely and there is a real desire to provide nourishment to those around you. Don't hold it back. When Venus is in Cancer she is protective and self-protective, cautious, and fertile. We experience many emotional ups and downs in love under this influence due to increased sensitivity and impressionability. We are tender, romantic, and attached. Cancer love is dedicated, warm, and devoted. We show our love through our devotion, care, and concern. We are affectionate and cuddly, and are at our best when we feel safe and secure.
Monthly Aspects
