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.