Astrology Report for July By Mahala, on June 29th, 2015

Guest article by Dorene Carrel @ AstroConnections.

July is highlighted by a rare Blue Moon and Venus retrograde. It is a fairly active month, with challenging Mars aspects to Uranus/Pluto. Mid-July looks like a very intense and volatile period, and also later in July when Uranus turns retrograde. We begin this month still under a June lunation cycle in Gemini, with a focus on perception, communication and education.

The Full Moon occurs on July 1 at 10 Capricorn. This lunation aligns with Pluto and Mars, which suggests that we are still in an intense period of heavy changes and learning the responsible use of power and control. The Capricorn influence brings focus to the use of structure, discipline and taking an organized approach towards our goals. This is a good period to be physically active, if possible, to work through any tensions. A harmonious trine to Neptune brings compassion, faith and grace. The Sabian symbol keynotes for these degrees in Cancer/Capricorn remind us to be persevering and to have courage: “The arduous training for perfection in order to fully manifest an ideal,” and “The overcoming of fear and its rewards.”

Also on July 1, Venus aligns with Jupiter at 22 Leo, which is the first of three conjunctions. The second is on August 4 and the third on October 25. Opening to creative inspiration or social networking is a good use for these energies. This is also known as a good luck and prosperity aspect, as well as a favorable time for a wedding or other heart-centered activities.

From July 13-15 there is a dynamic series of aspects involving Mercury, Mars, Venus, Saturn and Pluto. Notable world events can occur at this time, which may involve earth changes, shifts of power or other major political/financial changes. On July 13, Venus in Leo makes a challenging square to Saturn in Scorpio, leading to a tense time for relationships due to a clash of wills. There may also be a financial hardship to resolve. Working together on a compromise may create more harmony.

The New Moon occurs on July 15 at 23 Cancer 14. It is widely aligned with Mars/Mercury and tightly square to Uranus. Cancer rules the foundations of home, family and security issues, while Uranus can bring breakdowns or breakthroughs. This lunation period can result in sudden changes that can bring insecurity at first, but end up being more favorable as time goes on. This lunation also makes a water grand trine with Chiron and Saturn, which will help us to heal lingering fear issues and wounds from the past. The Sabian symbol for this degree, “A woman and two men castaways on a small island of the South Seas; the focalization of complex inner potentialities in harmonic and concrete relationships,” suggests the integration of our emotions with our mental and spiritual aspects to gain more harmony and personal power.

On this same day, Mercury and Mars align in Cancer and oppose Pluto in Capricorn, making this a powerful lunation period. This is the fourth lunation in a row with a Mars aspect, which focuses on the archetype of the spiritual warrior. On the world stage, there is the potential for both volatility and secret activities. These energies can also be used to make a deep and powerful commitment to an intention or relationship.

Venus begins her retrograde period on July 25 at 0 Virgo 46, turning direct on September 6 at 14 Leo. Venus only turns retrograde about every 18 months, which makes this cycle more significant. Venus rules relationships, finances and values, which will go through a period of review and revision so that they realign with your own personal growth and frequency at this time. This cycle is said to not be favorable for marriage or any new starts in the above areas. (See Special below).

Mars squares Uranus on July 25, and then goes retrograde on July 26. These cycles combine with Venus retrograde to bring sudden changes to our feelings about things and people that we once held in a higher or lower value. There is a stronger need for freedom and independence at this unstable time.

The second Full Moon occurs on July 31 at 7 Aquarius 56. Thus it becomes a Blue Moon, which generally occurs once every two-three years. During this period, we may become more progressive, independent and community-minded. The shadow side of Aquarius is being eccentric, unpredictable and rebellious. This is a good period for breaking out of any undesirable patterns or habits to implement positive changes. As this lunation aligns with Ceres, it is especially favorable for making dietary changes and reaching out for more support. The Sabian symbol for these degrees, “A Communist activist spreading his revolutionary ideals,” and “Beautifully gowned wax figures on display,” suggest we are ready for a new paradigm shift in our ideals and values.

Jupiter enters Virgo in August. Blessings for a prosperous Summer.

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience. For more information on readings, contact dorenea5@yahoo.com. Donations towards this column (even small ones) are appreciated. Paypal accepted (please use my email as reference).

Curious about where Venus retrograde appears in your chart? Specials on short email transit readings offered for July/August. Contact Dorene for more details.

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events.

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.