July 2019: The summer of our discontent

In July, we have a powerful solar and lunar eclipse, Mercury retrogrades through two signs, bringing a total of half the planets retrograde. This will slow things down so we review what we have accomplished this year and make appropriate changes and alterations. Saturn will continue to sextile Neptune allowing us to view things in a realistic and practical manner so that we have an opportunity to accomplish and bring some long held hopes and dreams to reality.

More Cardinal oppositions this month

 Mercury, the Sun and Venus will be in Cancer, and before the month is over they will form an opposition to  Saturn and Pluto, setting off the powerful Saturn-Pluto conjunction bringing major change in the world and our personal lives.

Solar and Lunar eclipses

The solar and lunar eclipses are in the signs Cancer and Capricorn. Cancer is all about the emotions, home or the homeland and is the most emotional and patriotic of signs, while Capricorn rules the 10th house of business and priorities.

July's total solar eclipse falls at 10 degrees of Cancer on July 2, with the lunar peak at 3:16 PM, EST. This eclipse is positive for bringing people together and of course it falls just before the Fourth of July in the US. The energy of a solar eclipse lasts about 6 months. The last time an eclipse occurred in this sign and degree was July 1, 2000. If you are old enough to remember this period you could have a clue as to what this eclipse will do for you.

The solar eclipse will not be visible from the United States, but can be seen from parts of Chile and South America. The Capricorn eclipse, is visible from Australia, Africa, South America, most of Europe and Asia. It will miss North America, except for the very southern and eastern parts of the continent.

Eclipses can bring positive or negative events depending on what it aspects in your chart. Things can be eclipsed in or out of your life, and eclipses frequently bring surprises and change.

A solar eclipse is like a super-charged New Moon, and this Moon makes a minor sextile to Uranus, showing us the way to look at many things in a new way. As Mars is at 0 degrees of Leo, expect some drama or people acting in a dramatic manner.

Mercury retrogrades

Mercury turns stationary retrograde July 7, at 4 degrees of Leo and it doesn't turn direct until August 2, at 23 degrees of Cancer. Typically the most obvious periods of the retrograde are at the beginning and the end of the cycle when Mercurial energy clearly changes. The stationary retrograde period will last through July 11, and the retrograde affects become obvious at this time as we experience changes, glitches and slowdowns in projects.

Retrograde Mercury is typically associated with breakdowns of communication and technology, delays and throwing business projects into a state of flux or change. Sometime important matters are revealed or situations end. You may think of the past and at times reconnect with those from the past. During this period it is advisable to not sign important documents, buy real estate or big ticket items, have cosmetic surgery or get engaged or married.

Mercury, Mars and Uranus

As Mercury turns retrograde it squares Uranus (with a 2 degree orb) bringing about unexpected changes and events July 5-12. The week of July 7, is significant as Mercury conjuncts Mars (July 8-9) and July 11-12 Mars squares Uranus. Mercury-Mars is agitating and could be dangerous for travel and Mars square Uranus is explosive and brings unexpected events.

July 20, Mercury retrogrades back into Cancer and Mercurial energy switches from dramatic to emotional. During this phase of the retrograde we will be more concerned with home, family and our emotional lives. People will speak and act in a more emotional manner.

A powerful lunar eclipse

The lunar eclipse falls on July 16, at 24 degrees of Capricorn and the lunar peak is at 5:38PM, EST. The last eclipse of this sign and degree occurred on July 16, 2000.

This eclipse will set off the powerful Pluto-Saturn conjunction and we will see major events in the world and our lives especially if you have planets in your chart at 23-25 degrees of Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra

This lunar eclipse will be far more intense than the solar eclipse as the Moon will conjunct Pluto. This can bring up deeply seated emotions and obsessions that can seem overwhelming. Emotional relationships may experience manipulation, guilt, jealousy or in extreme cases, violence. 

During a lunar eclipse as the blotting out of the moon can represent a time of resetting your emotions and emotional life. As this Moon is conjunct Pluto it will represent dramatic change in society and our lives, and many dark secrets can be revealed, as Pluto rules sex, money, manipulation and those who try and force their will on others. Issues with or connected to women and sexuality may arise or it can pit feminism against male patriarchy.

Sun opposing Pluto can relate to a turning point, power struggle, end, breakdown or change. This could be related to self-esteem, anger or obsessive behavior, ultimatums or self destructive behavior that could include addictions. It will be important to find a way to transcend negative behaviors at this time. Events connected to this transit can also relate to breakdown of machinery, theft and violence so caution is urged.

Venus opposite Saturn is not a positive omen for relationships at this time, and those involvements tottering on the edge can break up or end. That said with Saturn trine Neptune it is possible for something positive to come from the Pluto contact, as Pluto brings change and regeneration.

Other transits of interest in July:

July 1, Mars enters Leo. Leo rules the 5th house of children, friends, love affairs and many will be focused on these issues. As Mars rules our actions, we and others will become much more dramatic to our approach to things and situations.

July 3, Venus enters Cancer. Love energy become more nurturing and many social events will take place in our homes. Great for Cancer and all water and Earth signs.

July 8, Mercury conjuncts Mars. This can be irritating, and overly dramatic. Use caution with cars and driving. As Venus sextiles Uranus, something positive can come of the day that can relate to relationships, social events or money.

July 9, Sun opposes Saturn. This is tiring, negative energy but much work can be accomplished.

July 14, the Sun opposes Pluto. This can coincide with breakdowns of all types. Ego conflicts can occur along with change and it will be a significant day in the world.

July 18, Venus trines Neptune. This can be creative, compassionate, and spiritual matters may be important.

July 21, Venus opposes Pluto. Pluto rules sex and money and issues may come to the forefront that involve relationship problems, obsessive behavior and money. Also the Sun conjuncts Mercury and ego related issues may be obvious.

July 22, the Sun enters Leo. Time for 6 more weeks of summer fun!

July 24, Mercury conjuncts Venus. Positive for all communication or money matters.

July 25, Mars trines Jupiter. Positive for expansive opportunities and dealing with foreign people or events.

July 27, Venus enters Leo. Love energy becomes for dramatic. Great for Leo and all Fire signs.

July 29, Sun squares Uranus. This involves sudden change and unexpected events.

July 31, New Moon, the second of the Month falls at 8 degrees of Leo. Leo rules the 5th house of love, friendship and children. This Moon conjuncts Venus making this an opportune time for love and social activities.

Neptune turns retrograde June 21

The planet ruling psychic ability, religion, compassion, creativity, dreams and many other things turns stationary retrograde June 21 at 18 degrees of Pisces, and will continue its retrograde November 27.

This will bring about more acute sensitivity on an inner level and we may be able to pick up on those things we don't perceive when Neptune is direct. We are more likely to be listening to our own inner voice during this time and creativity and psychic or intuitive abilities may be increased during this time. But, as Neptune turns stationary retrograde things could get more confusing for a time.

If transiting Neptune aspects a personal planet in your chart, you could lean toward becoming more self deluding, depressed, or overly idealistic. As Neptune is square Jupiter at this time, the delusion can be even more overblown. Others may deceive us as well. It is important to be as grounded as possible during these times if you are experiencing a Neptune transit like this, especially a harsh one. Neptune transits can go on for several years and if ever your feet need to be planted on firm soil it is now if you have such an aspect.

Hard Neptune transits often coincide with over idealized relationships, or relationships with those who are really not available for a variety of reasons. We may feel we have met our soul mate or the most perfect partner in the world to wake up and find things were not as we had believed, or been led to believe which leads to discouragement, depression and disenchantment.

Often when Neptune retrogrades we find out that our dreams are not based on reality and this generally occurs during the retrograde of a harsh transit in our charts. This can not only affect relationships but many other areas of our lives depending on what area of the chart Neptune is transiting. If you do not have a hard Neptune aspect, you need not be as concerned .

You will experience a hard Neptune transit if you have mutable planets in your chart-Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces at 19-15 degrees.

The positive Neptune aspects can lead to beautiful experiences, meeting someone who seems perfect and be a time of idealistic living.

Jupiter squares Neptune: Magic or mayhem?

Jupiter is square Neptune during June and the energy is exact the week of June 15. When the transit is exact both planets will be at 18 degrees of Sagittarius/Pisces and its effects become much more obvious. The two planets are within orb, or close enough to each other to have an impact the majority of 2019. You will personally experience this energy  first hand if you have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) in your personal chart at 17-19 degrees.

Jupiter is in the sign of Sagittarius, and Neptune is in Pisces. Both planets are in their own signs making the clash between the two significant and powerful. Jupiter in Sagittarius is expansive and rules the 9th house of world view, education, foreigners and foreign places and politics. Neptune in Pisces rules the 12th house of karma, religion, spirituality  and creativity, and Neptune is the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion.

As Jupiter squares Neptune issues and situations can become muddled. Situations may not be what they appear and we can be deceived into believing things are one way when in fact they are another. As Jupiter expands whatever it touches things and events can become larger and this includes deception or self deception. We may feel as though anything is possible and nothing could possibly go wrong, but this is an illusion.

Gaslighting, smoke and mirrors and unclear scenarios will be common during this transit. Confusion and lack of clarity or being mislead in terms of the facts, or personal misunderstandings will be the hallmark of this time.

Over optimism, escape through drinking or drugs, or romanticism of a situation or person that does not further your own development can only lead to disappointment or loss.  You may be trying to make a big splash in some way, but it is important to keep your feet firmly on the ground no matter how positive things appear.

This transit can bring a test of faith on many levels and for some disappointment when their ideals do not turn out as planned. You may have over idealized something or someone, or been too trusting. If this is the case, it is important to cut your losses as soon as possible, without destroying the dream itself.

This is not the time to be overly optimistic or trusting of others. If you do this, you are at risk of deception and/or losing resources. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Get rich quick schemes and gambling with your finances should be avoided at all costs. Rely only on the advice of trusted friends and associates who have proven themselves over time instead.

The energy can still be quite beautiful. You may feel an inspirational type of enthusiasm that can have an uplifting affect. Your work and actions can become a true manifestation of your dreams and ideas.

Saturn will play a role in this planetary mix up as well as it sextiles Neptune. This will give us the much needed grounding to be able to discern reality from fiction, and what is real. Aspirations, dreams, creativity, and compassion can be the result. Idealism and compassion can succeed in ways that can bring solid results if handled correctly and thoughtfully.  Saturn is about teaching restrictions and limitations. In a sextile this can happen in an easy and positive way. Saturn sextile Neptune can create faith and belief in yourself and your goals. You will have the patience to do things the correct way, and without taking shortcuts. You can reach your goals due to a realistic outlook and good judgment.

This time can be experienced as high spiritual and creative energy. Dreams will increase and be vivid and love may seem ideal. Any new relationship should given the test of time because we are under a 'Neptunian spell,' that can make it hard to accurately gauge what the relationship really is. As the two planets separate things or situations may reveal themselves to be quite different from what we originally thought.

Jupiter square Neptune can bring magic and creativity into our lives but this is not the time to take things for granted and developing plans and ideas to their full potential requires hard work and discipline along with hope and positivity.

If you can keep your feet on the ground and view all things as they are as opposed to how your wish them to be, this should be an ideal time to achieve your highest dreams and develop a new and lasting concrete reality. Reach for the stars but do the work!

Fiery Sagittarius full Moon: Seeking truth and justice

June's full moon falls in the early morning hours June 17th, at 25 degrees of Sagittarius. It will conjunct Jupiter which expands everything it touches, good or bad, increasing the effect. This, taken alone, is a positive. Sagittarius is about seeking truth and justice, but be prepared for what you discover.

The full moon conjunct Jupiter illuminates whatever is there, and I am talking about the powerful Cardinal opposition I have written about earlier. Mercury and Mars are opposing the Saturn-Pluto conjunction and this is stressful energy. All of this becomes part of the full moon energy and will be in effect the entire week. 

Oppositions are stressful and usually involve other people.

First of all, be careful driving, traveling or using tools or instruments. Since Mercury is involved in the equation driving can be dangerous and road rage will be obvious. Mercury rules conversation, young people, travel and communication. Arguments will be common. We could even see violence.

As the Sun and Moon and Jupiter square Neptune drugs or alcohol could be involved, or some could feel overconfident in a situation. Now is not the time to overestimate or underestimate any situation! Keep your feet on the ground with this energy, and don't do anything you might regret.

While we are all under this energy, it will be worse for some if it is hitting a particular point in their chart. If you have cardinal planets-Aries, Libra, Cancer or Capricorn at 17-23 degrees this could affect you on a much more personal level.

Expect to see arguments and war like reactions in the news along with ugly politics. We will hear news of foreign associations and likely courts or even publishing. Mars/Pluto aspects involve money, sex and control or attacks. As Mars is in Cancer the weapon can become those things Cancer symbolizes: Issues concerning women, security, the homeland,  Motherhood, emotional outbursts, even food. Accidents are possible.  We could see some significant investigative journalism over these few days.

Saturn is cold and Mars is hot. Projects that have been running along can be stalled or blocked in some way. Mars/Mercury can be thoughtless, cold and vindictive in nature so watch your communication with others. Previously unknown issues can be revealed at this time.

July 2019 upcoming solar eclipse and you

A solar eclipse will occur July 2, at 10 degrees of Cancer. The peak of the eclipse is at 3:16 PM, EST but it cannot be seen from the US. It will be visible from parts of Chile, Argentina and regions of Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, weather permitting.

As we approach an eclipse energy start to build at least a month before, new information is often revealed, and events relating to the eclipse begin to occur both before and after the eclipse. Eclipses typically have long shelf lives. The energy is present for at least a month before/after and often much longer depending on the strength and duration of the eclipse.

Eclipses can bring positive or negative events depending on what it aspects in your personal chart. Things can be eclipsed in or out of your life, and eclipses frequently bring important life changes and surprises. All eclipses serve as signposts showing us what the focus of your life will be throughout any given year.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, and it rules the 4th house of the zodiac. This includes home, and our basic foundation in life which can include our job, and significant others as well as family members. As it opposes the 10th house, matters related to work, career and priorities can come into the picture, and the companion lunar eclipse in Capricorn two weeks later rules the 10th house. This lunar eclipse will be far more stressful than the solar eclipse in Cancer.

A solar eclipse is like a super-charged New Moon and is often associated with new starts of some type. It represents the end of one cycle and the start of a new one.

Solar eclipses tend to repeat themselves every 19 years. The last time we experienced an eclipse in this sign and degree was July 1, 2000. If you are old enough to remember what happened at this time, you may have a clue as to what this eclipse will hold for you.

The Moon is conjunct the Sun at the time of the eclipse. As Cancer is the most emotional of signs emotions will build and some can become overly emotional at this time, but you can also put yourself at the forefront of new plans and question old behaviors and habits in searching for ways to make progress.

This eclipse is sextile Uranus which is a mild but positive influence and tends to direct us toward new projects and new ways of doing things.

This eclipse is conjunct fixed star Alhena which is said to bring good health, honor, riches, pleasure, society and domestic benefits. But, it is said to cause accidents to the feet according to expert Vivian Robson.

Planets at 0 degrees often act in an extreme manner and Mars is at 0 degrees of Leo at the time of the eclipse. As Mars rules our actions they may be flamboyant, attention seeking or overly dramatic at this time, or we could experience this through others. Mars is conjunct Mercury at 3 degrees of Leo and this could add to extreme actions or even irritation.

Saturn is sextile Neptune and this is positive for combining the earthly with the other worldly or looking at things from a positive but realistic viewpoint. Compassion on an individual level and in the population will be present at this time of the eclipse and the entire month.

As this eclipse will set off the Saturn-Pluto conjunction we will see major events play out in the world and it can represent a turning point of some type for some. In the Unites States it will affect the President and the structures of government that constitute the democracy.

The eclipse will have a greater affect on those born under cardinal signs: Cancer, Capricorn, Aries or Libra. Below is a list that shows the area of life this will affect. If you know your rising sign use this, otherwise use your Sun sign.

Aries-4th house-home, family, basic foundation

Taurus-3rd house-immediate family, neighbors and co-workers, short trips, communication.

Gemini-2nd house-money, resources

Cancer-1st house-self and partnerships.

Leo-12th house-secrets, places of seclusion, hospitals, the subconscious mind.

Virgo-11th house-hopes and wishes, friends, groups.

Libra-10th house-career and priorities

Scorpio-9th house-education, travel, world view

Sagattarius-8th house-Other people's money, debt,  major life transformation, lawsuits, sex, death

Capricorn-7th house-partners, courts

Aquarius-6th house-work and health, pets

Pisces-5th house-friends, children, love affairs

Fog lies ahead!

The Sun will set off a t-square with Neptune and the Sun and this energy is exact June 9-10th, but will be apparent a few days both before and after these dates.

A t-square is formed when two planets in opposition (180°) both aspect a third planet by square (90°). The third planet, known as the focal planet or apex, is situated in the middle of the opposition.  The apex in this case is Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion and confusion.

A t-square pulls in the energy of all three planets. In this case we have Neptune (confusion, lies, deception), Jupiter (expands whatever it touches, good or bad) and the Sun (egos). You will be affected to a greater degree if you have mutable planets (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) at 16-19 degrees in your personal chart.

Things may be confusing, tiring, unclear and situations may be blown out of proportion. This will create a heavy fog in terms of thinking and reaching the truth and this sets off the powerful square between Jupiter and Neptune we are currently under making this transit significant. It is easy to be misdirected with this energy or confused about situations. For some issues may be revealed but with Neptune but don't take anything at face value. We must let this energy pass before we can get to the bottom of things and know the truth.

As the Sun opposes Jupiter Monday, June 10, some of the fog may lift but we are still under the Neptunian influence. Sun-Jupiter is typically considered positive, but we are not yet out of the woods.

For some this time can prove to be creative, intuitive and on a higher level it could involve spiritual pursuits. Dreams could be vivid at this time.

The last week of May Mercury set off a similar t-square that was exact May 29-30. If you found these days difficult, this transit will affect you as well.

We will see events play out in the world that will involve water related weather conditions, confusion, lies and deception, unclear situations, and the Mercury transit of May 29-30 ended with another mass shooting in Va. Beach. Transits like this tend to exacerbate neurotic conditions and we often see events connected to those who are mentally disturbed. We could hear news of religious groups or those pushing religious ideologies. Sun-Neptune transits are generally not favorable for the stock market.

June's stressful cardinal opposition

A cardinal opposition is forming in the sky that will involve Saturn, Pluto, Mars and Mercury. This will play out over a number of days as the energy builds, and it will be volatile. For most, the theme of this opposition will be security, safety, work and home. It will aspect the charts of those with cardinal planets (Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn) at 16-23 degrees. If you do not have cardinal planets in your personal chart at these degrees you will still be under this influence of this transit but it will not be as heavy or powerful.

The peak date of this powerful mix is June 10-24. Mars/Mercury will oppose Saturn and it is exact May 14. Mars/Mercury will oppose Pluto and the date it is exact is June 19. The energy however will be with us before and after these dates.

Oppositions create tension and the tension often seems to come from someone or something else.

As the opposition falls in Cancer-Capricorn, it relates the 4th and the 10th houses. Some may feel their business is threatened in some way and others may be fighting to keep a family or emotional situation together. Mars rules steel and knives so it is important to be careful not to have an accident. Mercury rules cars and travel so it is a good idea to be careful driving and keep your eye on the road. Believe me, there will be a great deal of road rage around this time.

If you can get through these days and take care of your day to day concerns with no significant troubles consider yourself very lucky but remember there may be others around you who feel like their lives are sinking, and many things and situations will end. For others situations and projects could come together at this time with a lot of hard work. My advice is to focus on work and everyday activities with a cool head and be aware of people, surroundings and what you are doing. It is important that we get through these days being kind to others as you do not know what may be falling apart for them.

In the world and our lives this transit sets off the Saturn/Pluto conjunction that will reach a peak until January 2020.

Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn is harsh and deals with restrictions, restrictiveness, and Pluto represents the bullies of the world. Saturn also rules karma and for some this is a time of events playing out that can be very painful.

These planets are working to transform something through this opposition (which is difficult) that involves Mars (actions) and Mercury (communications).

This will play out in the world and we will see significant events that involve politics, the media, communication, security, finances, repression of others, threats and in all likelihood violence.