July 2017: the Cancer season-home, family, security

I hope everyone has a wonderful fourth of July.  The New Moon on June 24, fell in Cancer, the sign of home and family, and this is typically the time for family get togethers, vacations, home projects and for some, even moves. There is an added emphasis of these things as we begin the month with three of the fast moving planets in the same sign. May your summer and time spend with loved ones and friends go well.

During the month of July:

The Sun is in Cancer and moves to Leo on July 22.

Mercury, the planet ruling communication transits three signs: Cancer, Leo and finally Virgo.

Venus, the planet of love (and money) moves from Taurus to Gemini, and finally Cancer on July 31.

Mars, the planet of action transits through Cancer and then into Leo.

During July we will experience a number of difficult aspects as the fast moving planets, the Sun, Mercury and Mars, form a t-square with Jupiter and Pluto.

A t-square is a potentially stressful configuration that involves the energies of three planets. T-squares pull our energy in many different directions, but change can occur.

Jupiter  is the planet of expansion and grace. Pluto rules change, transformation, abusive/difficult circumstances, and breakdowns of situations, and Mars rules action, ego, anger and is referred to as the God of War. The Sun rules ego, and us personally, and Mercury rules communication, travel and thinking.

Sometimes major changes can occur on t-squares Certainly, we will see major events play out in the world, and some of these days will be dangerous days in the world.

Now, for the transits:

June 29, Mercury opposes Pluto-obsessive thoughts, searching for answers, arguments, accidents. This is a transit of trying to convince someone of something or vice versa. It is also a transit of propaganda, and trying to uncover situations.

July 2, Mars opposes Pluto-Anger, issues of abuse, total change and breakdown, dangerous day in the world. This aspect can dig deeply into things, and uncover truths and hidden agendas. This is not the day to force issues or try and work things out. Best to let situations rest and work things out when the energy is calmer. Oppositions work through other people, so it's best to use caution in the way you deal with people. This energy will be felt before and after. Awareness can prevent disasters. Change can occur, but not easily.

July 4, Mercury squares Uranus-Unexpected news and events, potential of accidents. The day may be quite changeable. Family arguments can occur-don't take the bait. People may seem nervous and changeable. Ideas and conversations can become blown out of proportion in a minutes' notice. Many distractions can occur.

Also on July 4, Venus enters Gemini. Love will take on more intellectual tones than that of smoldering love and romance. Venus here, is concerned with what's in your head as much as anything else, which in the end is the thing that binds people together over long periods of time. Venus in Gemini does not like to be bored.

July 5, Sun squares Jupiter-generally positive, overinflated expectations.

Also on July 5, the Sun trines Neptune putting the focus on philosophical and creative or spiritual matters.

Also on July 5, Mercury enters Leo. Communication will take on grander tones, is not somewhat dramatic. The Drama Kings and Queens will come out as well, and communication may be colored by this. Watch coming across as arrogant.

July 7, Mercury sextiles Venus. Great for communication and social activities. This could be a positive day for many things, including business.

Full Moon in Capricorn

July 9, this month's full moon falls at 17 degrees of Capricorn. Capricorn is the natural ruler of the 10th house of business and it is here many of us will be focused over the next few weeks.

The ruler of Capricorn is Saturn which signifies not only work, but our basic structures, and security which we will be concerned with.

This Moon becomes part of a t-square with Jupiter, Pluto and Mars. T-squares are difficult and can pull us in many different directions.

This Moon is conjunct Pluto which makes it somewhat dangerous. Moon-Pluto issues can come to a head and in some cases, violence can even occur, and we could hear of domestic violence which is a possibility for some, but typically only if situations are prone to that extreme.

The Moon rules the home, women and our emotional lives and when it is conjunct Pluto issues can become intense. Emotional meltdowns will not be uncommon as Pluto intensifies situations. Pluto rules breakdowns of all types, issues surrounding sex, bullies, dominating behavior and power struggles. Issues and secrets can come out of the closet on such a moon.

The Moon also opposes Mars which amps up the volatile and potentially aggressive energy. Be cautious as accidents could occur at this time.

This does not mean you have to or should act out such energies.As there is an opposition involved you can act to balance out the issues, which is my advice.

I would skip controversial issues and disagreements this weekend.

This will be a volatile time in the world as well.

July 10, Sun opposes Pluto-change in situations, breakdowns, power struggles, issues of abuse. Arguments and power struggles can occur, and this is the day to pick and choose your battles carefully. This can seem like a harsh transit but allows us to consider issues that need to be changed or revisited. Awareness and the approach is the key.

July 14, Mercury sextiles Jupiter This is a pleasant transit, make the most of it. Jupiter tends toward expansion and communication may improve in many areas.

July 17, Mars squares Uranus-Explosive and unexpected circumstances. This transit will add an undercurrent of tension and unpredictability and can be a fight or argument waiting to happen. The firmer your plans are the more unsettling this day may be as it is changeable. A dangerous day in the world. We can see explosive situations, and the potential of explosions.

Also on July 17, Venus squares Neptune. Situations concerning relationships of all types can be confusing, as can money issues. This is not the day to sign contracts, or begin new projects. If something appears to be too good to be true, it likely is. Let this transit pass and wait for clarity.

July 18, Venus trines Jupiter A great day to socialize or meet someone new. this is a positive and helpful transit. Love could even be  in the air. Great for financial transactions.

July 19, Mercury trines Saturn Serious but not negative conversations. A great day to get down to business.

July 20, the Sun squares Uranus-Unexpected, changeable circumstances. Uranus is about freedom at any cost and is the planet of coups and rebellions. While your day may not be so dramatic it is changeable and we will see unexpected situations in the world.

July 20, Mars enters Leo Mars rules the ego and Leo is the actor. Many people will be acting out under this transit for the next 6 or 7 weeks. The desire to express ourselves will be strong, often in bold and dramatic ways. It can be easy for ourselves or others to overdo things in an overly dramatic and aggressive manner during this time. Mars in Cancer was about the emotional nature of our actions and Leo will be more about pushing our own agenda, or making a personal statement.

July 22, the Sun enters Leo and we are in the fixed part of summer. While the Cancer season was about home and family the next month is about fun, entertainment and should be good for singles and romance. This will be a good time for a romantic holiday or just to have fun.

July 23, the New Moon occurs at 0 degrees of Leo. this is a good time to plan some fun. But, as this Moon conjuncts Mars watch out for aggressive behavior and accidents.

July 24, Venus opposes Saturn This can be a downer of a day for some as the energies of Saturn and Venus do not blend. It can also be tiring. With work, you may accomplish something but if your day goes along as normal without great accomplishment you have done well. Relationships can take a negative turn if you are not careful, and some things may end. This is not a good day for finance and we could hear negative financial news. This is a day to take joy in what your normal activities are and save climbing tall mountains of any kind for another time.

July 24, Mercury trines Uranus This can give us insights we need and in some cases new insight. This can be positive for communication but bear in mind we are also under the influence of the above mentioned transit as well.

July 25, Mercury enters Virgo. This is quite a change from Mercury in Leo and now people will become more practical and results oriented, if not critical. Worry and being overly critical are the main two concerns with Mercury in this placement. Critical thinking however, can be quite good.

July 26, the Sun conjuncts Mars This can be an energetic day, but also fraught with conflicts and arguments if you are not careful. The Sun rules the ego and this must be tempered.

July 30, the Sun sextiles Uranus This is a great day for new ideas and original thinking. All positive.

July 31, Venus enters Cancer Venus here is well placed. Cancer is about home, family and you may entertain more at home. This is most positive for the water and earth signs, especially Cancer.

Powerful and explosive energies through July 4

We have a number of difficult aspects that will begin June 28,(or before) and continue through July 4. The Sun, Mercury and Mars are involved in a t-square that will involve Jupiter (Jupiter expands whatever it touches), and Pluto (power structures, bullies, abuse, breakdowns and change). T-squares are stressful planetary configurations that pull our energy in different directions.

These transits will affect us both on a personal level and on the world stage. The key is to stay aware of what is going on in your life and with other people who surround you. Some people will fare better than others, and those most affected will have Cardinal planets at 15-17 degrees in their personal charts. The Cardinal planets are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn.

As Cancer rules home and family, home may be a battleground where things can get tense and angry this week, but it is not limited to home. Cancer is also the most emotional of signs.

In times like these it is best to pull in your horns, so to speak. If you confront others, they will confront right back. Save controversial issues for another day (or week). You have been warned. There is potential for success, but it won't come easy over these days.

Use caution, calm and common sense and most people will fare ok, but expect to feel the energy.

June 28, Mercury conjuncts Mars at 15 degrees of Cancer. Mars/Mercury transits are generally indicative of a great deal of mental energy and accomplishment can be made if irritation and anger does not take over. Watch for accidents, especially driving. Mercury rules communication, young people and travel. Many people will seem angry, and some can become abusive.

June 29, Mercury opposes Pluto-This is an argumentative transit that can lead to obsessive thinking and propaganda. You may try and convince others of your viewpoint or vice versa. Again, use caution while driving. Obsessive thinking can be an issue. You may find out previously unknown information.

July 2, Mars opposes Pluto-This is a volatile, if not explosive transit. Use caution in your dealings with others, and chose your approach carefully. There will be a feeling of overall anger in the air. Some things will end at this time. Change is a possibility if you are seeking it. There can be delays and setbacks.

July 4-Mercury squares Uranus-This is prone to unexpected news, and change in plans. Expect the unexpected. If you plan a get together, be flexible.

As these transits play out in our lives, they play out in the world. We are going to see and hear a great many angry people this week, and some of it is likely over the proposed changes in healthcare in the US, but not limited to this.

We may see accidents, and situations involving young people. Mercury-Pluto rules propaganda. Don't automatically believe anything. As Mars opposes Pluto, we may see some type of attack or accident, but I hope I am wrong-the potential is there. Pluto also deals with abuse, the abuse of power, nuclear situations could come into the conversation, not to mention anger and the potential for violence. 

Uranus is the planet of explosions and explosive situations.

Astrology of Summer 2017

Summer begins with the Sun and Mercury's entrance into Cancer on June 21. Here's hoping you have a happy and prosperous summer-dip your toes in the water and enjoy life where you can!

Let's take a look at  some of the most significant transits of summer.

Now, the major transits.

The t-square of July

As we begin summer, a t-square starts to form in the sky with, Jupiter, Pluto and the fast moving planets that include Mars, the Sun and Mercury. As the fast moving planets enter Cancer, each one will become the third planet to be involved as it squares Jupiter and opposes Pluto. Eventually each of the fast moving planets will square Uranus as well.

A t-square is a potentially stressful configuration that involves the energies of three planets.

Jupiter  is the planet of expansion and grace. Pluto rules change, transformation, abusive/difficult circumstances, and breakdowns of situations, and Mars rules action, men, and anger and is referred to as the God of War. The Sun rules ego, and us personally, and Mercury rules communication, travel and thinking.

T-squares generally coincide with times that may not be easy, but working through them can bring change. You may feel pulled in many different directions. Sometimes major changes can occur on t-squares Certainly, we will see major events play out in the world, and some of these days will be dangerous times in the world. Below is a list of significant dates.

June 25, Mars squares Jupiter-situations blown out of proportion, change.

June 27, Mercury squares Jupiter-generally positive, situations blown out of proportion.

June 28, Mercury conjunct Mars-intense communication, arguments, potential of accidents

June 29, Mercury opposes Pluto-obsessive thoughts, searching for answers, arguments, accidents.

July 2, Mars opposes Pluto-Anger, issues of abuse, total change and breakdown, dangerous day in the world.

July 4, Mercury squares Uranus-Unexpected news and events, potential of accidents

July 5, Sun squares Jupiter-generally positive, overinflated expectations.

July 10, Sun opposes Pluto-change in situations, breakdowns, power struggles, issues of abuse.

July 17, Mars squares Uranus-Explosive and unexpected circumstances. Dangerous day in the world.

July 20, the Sun squares Uranus-Unexpected, changeable circumstances. Dangerous day in the world.

The Sun

Wherever the Sun goes, the spotlight shines.

Over the Summer months, the Sun will transit through Cancer ( June 21-July 22), Leo, (July 22-August 22), and Virgo, August 22-September 22.

Cancer is the sign ruling home and family, and it is here our focus will lie. Some will be focused on changing their surroundings, moving, buying or selling property.

If Cancer is about home and family, then Leo is about singles, fun and love. Leo rules the fifth house of love, friends and children.

Finally, the Sun enters Virgo, and this is the mutable sign when the weather starts to change. At this point we all become a little more occupied with work, and this is a good time to begin new health regimes.

Mercury-thinking, speech and communication

Mercury rules thinking, speech and communication. During June it starts out in Taurus, moves into Gemini June 6-20, and finally enters Cancer June 21-July 5.

While in Cancer communication becomes more emotional. People may come across this way and the emotions generally take precedence over intellect.

Mercury leaves Cancer and enters Leo July 5-August 24. Speech and thinking will be bigger, grander and could even get overly dramatic! Mercury's stay here will be short.

When Mercury enters Virgo, August 22, speech/thinking takes on a more pragmatic tone, and it can become more critical, both in terms of the way we think and communicate to others. With Mercury in Virgo we need to guard against speaking in an overly critical way to others, as well as thinking negatively.

Mercury will retrograde at 11 degrees of Virgo on August 13, and the shadow period of the retrograde when energy starts to change occurs about July 24.

On September 1, Mercury retrogrades back into Leo, where it will turn direct September 5, at 28 degrees.

This will be a powerful retrograde as Mercury is in one of its own signs of rulership.

Mercury turns retrograde 3 or 4 times a year, and generally has a bad name and elicits groans when mentioned.  To an extent this is perfectly understandable, as retrograde 

Mercury is the planet that causes delays, glitches, breakdowns in computers and equipment, relationships, slowdowns and brings hidden factors to the surface. It is however part of a natural cycle, and this period is meant to recess, redo and reconsider plans and situations in our lives.

Plans can be put on hold, miscommunication can occur, relationships can end or change, and cars, computers and other machinery can break down at the most inopportune moment.

When planets retrograde, their effects on humans are different than when in direct motion. Thinking is deeper, situations often appear to go underground for a time, or change altogether, and sometimes our focus shifts. Mercury retrograde is the most talked about retrograde, because it is a fast moving planet that controls our thinking, speech, travel, and cognitive skills.

When Mercury retrogrades, I always tell people, ‘Mercury retrograde is a wild card.” Sometimes, relationships can be fixed and problems brought out into the open if it is worth saving. Sometimes the karma of a relationship will play out as retrograde cycles are karmic in nature. Expect delays, changes of plans and try and not have situations set in stone.  In other words, prepare to be flexible.  Mercury retrograde is often a frustrating time to be looking for a job.  Don’t give up though, just keep plugging on and stay on top of all communication. And make sure you are direct and to the point in your communication with others.  If you don’t understand what someone is telling you, by all means ask for clarification.

With this retrograde in Virgo  we need to watch our speech and communication as we may become overly critical or even overly analytical of people and situations, or other people may seem this way to us.

Mercury will re-enter Virgo on September 10, where it will remain the rest of September.

Venus-the planet of love (and money)

Venus is one of the day to day planets that rule our love lives along with Mars. It also influences money, depending on where it is in your chart.

Venus entered Taurus June 7, and will remain there through July 4.

Venus in Taurus can be sensual and likes fine things. It is very powerful here as it is in one of its signs of rulership-the other one is Libra. This should be a time Taureans look and feel their best. This works best for water and earth signs.

Venus moves into Gemini late in the day July 4, where it will remain until August 1. Venus here may not feel as committed as it was in Taurus and flightier. Venus here does not like to be bored. Of course this is a good placement for Gemini, and for all air and fire signs.

August 1, Venus moves into Cancer where it will remain until August 26. Cancer will feel and look good with Venus here and it works well for earth and water signs. You may want to entertain more at home.

August 26-September 20, Venus will transit through Leo. Great for Leo as well as air and fire signs. Venus here is at its flashiest and most dramatic. New clothes may be in order.

Mars-the planet of action

Mars typically dictates our action and rules men. Mars is currently in Cancer until July 21. Mars in the sign ruled by the 4th house is typically the time people move, work on their homes and spend more time with home and family.

When Mars enters your own sign, typically you get much busier.

Mars enters Leo July 22-September 5. If Mars in Cancer is about home and family, Mars in Leo is about love, singles, friendship, finding love and children. As Mars rules the 5th house fun, entertainment and love is the theme.

Mars here is bolder, grander and more dramatic. It can also be prone to drama, and the drama Kings-Queens can come out but overall it should be a time where we are more focused on fun and entertainment.

September 6-October 21, Mars enters Virgo, and we become more concerned with matters pertaining to work, and this is a good time to begin a new health regime or exercise program. Mars here can be more down to earth, but we have to guard against acting in an overly critical manner.

Mars and Venus are the day to day rulers of our love lives.

The eclipses of August 2017

We have two important eclipses in August.

The first is a lunar eclipse falling at 15 degrees of Aquarius on August 7.

Aquarius rules the 11th house of friends, hopes and wishes as well as groups of all types, and to some extent we will all be focused here. As this eclipse/full moon trines Jupiter, this is a positive time for expansion, new ideas and getting together with friends.

The companion solar eclipse falls at 28 degrees of Leo on August 21, and can be seen coast to coast.

Leo rules the 5th house of children, love affairs and fun! I expect this eclipse to be a big one!

Eclipses are the universes  signposts, lighting the path into the future.

Eclipses are like wildcards, and one of the ways we learn how and what we need to change and evolve. An eclipse can seem good or bad, depending on what it aspects in your personal chart, and often an eclipse is dramatic, or reveals important information if it aspects a significant point in your own chart/life.  An eclipse often brings news pertaining to life's biggest events. The energy of an eclipse can go for months and in some cases years.

With an eclipse we have both endings and beginnings. A solar eclipse is more like a new beginning, and it is always a new moon. A lunar eclipse can being more news of endings and it is associated with a full moon.

Almost always unexpected information comes to light and at this time something may be eclipsed completely out of your life, or into your life.

Other aspects

Jupiter squares Pluto- This can relate to issues with joint finances, conflict, lawsuits, arguments, and major change and transformation in the world and our lives. At times individuals with this transit can believe they are right and attempt to convince others of their position. Strong opinions are evident. Caution. August 2-8, this transit is exact.

Jupiter sextiles Saturn-August 27-September 1. This is a very positive time, and many things can come together now. Good for starting new ventures, and combining the old with the new. If you start a new venture move forward after Mercury turns direct on September 4.

Saturn turns direct August 25, at 21 degrees of Sagittarius. this is always a major planetary movement and will impact you more if you have planets at 20-22 degrees of Sagittarius, or other mutable planets at these degrees. As Saturn turns stationary direct many things will start to move forward again. Saturn will transit through the latter degrees of Sagittarius and enter Capricorn late December.