The last several months were complicated in terms of astrological influences; July is simple.… Throw in a New and Full Moon, a Mars/Saturn conjunction, the Sun entering Leo, and the month rounds out with plenty of time for relaxing by the pool. May your July be filled to overflowing with all the abundance and grace of Mother Earth's fine bounty. Enjoy!
New Moon
July 2 @ 10:18 pm
Full Moon
July 18 @ 3:59 am
New Moon initiates another month, setting the pace for the next 28 days. In the watery, emotional depths of Cancer, this lunar phase is about our roots, heritage, home and family. It is a distinctive phase, a fundamental shift from the busyness of May and June. when Mercury was retrograde in Gemini.
Restless and excitable Gemini needs to take a rest. During the Cancerian time of year, it is natural to seek refuge from the hurry and worry of the world. The Crab carries its home upon its back and retreats into it when necessary. Whether it is your house, the quiet and beauty of Nature, or your inner essential self, take time to step back. Nourish yourself by taking a day off to dangle your feet in a cool lake or consciously prepare a delicious meal from Nature's bounty. The choices are endless.
This year's third SuperMoon is July 2, and its powerful, transforming influence is palpable. Because the Moon is in its closest approach to the Earth, a SuperMoon intensifies geophysical and weather-related disturbances. Turn on the news, and the effects of recent SuperMoons are quite evident.
On a psychological level, this strong lunation intensifies emotionality, sensitivity and attachment. Astrology gives the gift of awareness, and thus we can transform our relationship to any astrological influence and utilize the energy for positive experience. In this case, a SuperMoon illuminates the inner psyche, bringing hidden emotions to the surface for clearing.
The asteroid belt is home to many celestial bodies. Ceres was the first and largest asteroid sighted. Recently, scientists upgraded Ceres to a dwarf planet. Named after the Roman goddess of agriculture, Ceres is the divine feminine principle ruling over fertility, nutrition, compassion and many aspects of the mother/child relationship.
Ceres is currently transiting through the Cancerian sky, and joins the New and Full Moons of July. This places even greater emphasis on the themes of Ceres. The ancient myth of Ceres is the story of the seasons. Pluto, god of the underworld, abducted the daughter of Ceres. In bitter grief and anger, Ceres continues to withdraw in the winter months, and crops lie dormant until spring when Pluto returns her daughter.
There are many possible manifestations of this planetary combination. Overall, July is a key month in terms of agriculture and weather. It is also helpful to be aware of your inner child and healing psychological complexes from childhood.
Celestial energies support positive emotional experience. This is the month to spend quality time with loved ones. If that doesn't seem possible, begin with the intention to do so, and go from there. Out of all the zodiac signs, Cancer is the most emotionally fine-tuned. It is the zodiac sign of parent, child and family unit.
Taking into account the dysfunctional nature of modern family life, the Sun's transit through Cancer can be a rocky and revealing time in terms of interpersonal relationships. Unconscious survival fears and hidden dependencies tend to surface. Feelings are extra sensitive, and unresolved emotional pain can confuse current circumstances. Be aware that boundaries blur and co-dependent patterns challenged. With awareness, it is possible to transform emotional patterns from childhood, and refresh your current relationships.
Fourth of July celebrations are sure to be exciting if you choose to join in. When Mercury squares Uranus, plans change quickly, and anything is possible. Keeping a flexible, open and curious attitude adds to the surprise. Uranus supports the universal law of synchronicity. Chance encounters, new points of view and sudden insight continues through Saturday the 5th.
The week of July 6—10 is important in that Moon and Mars join with Saturn. This is a heavy, serious combination, and metaphorically speaking, it may feel like having to lift a ton of bricks. Despite the fun days of summer, this week may feel like work. In fact, that may be the optimal way to utilize these planetary energies. At the same time, if tasks feel blocked, take a break and nurture yourself. Health problems may come to light, and vitality can run low. People feel like pulling back, out of sorts, pessimistic and irritable. Take it slow, setting aside expectation and obligation to get down to basics.
The Full Moon on July 18 continues to highlight the themes of home, family, sustenance, responsibility and work. In this lunar phase, the Moon opposes the Sun. An opposition between any two celestial bodies creates a tension that begs to be resolved.
This particular Full Moon brings many opposing points of view to light, because Mercury, Jupiter and Ceres play a key role in this lunation. There is a tendency to bounce from one extreme to another. One extreme is overly trusting the emotional response without taking into account practicalities while the mind wants to solve problems through a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach. Solutions lie somewhere in the middle without taking sides. Embrace all parts of your life, and know the dust will settle as the month comes to completion.
Venus enters the zodiac sign of Leo on July 12. The Sun joins Venus on July 22, and Mercury on July 26. By the 29th, Mercury conjuncts the Sun. This conjunction is the peak and completion of the Mercury retrograde phase last May/June. Consider the insight gained and decisions made these past months.
Throughout July, there is rapid movement forward. Your personal astrology chart shows the key areas where Mercury supports your life potential. Overall, this past Mercury phase highlighted relationships, communication and travel. It was a time of gathering information and coming to terms with reality. Now it's time to manifest new direction. However, with a Solar Eclipse around the corner on August 1, be prepared for adjustments and change as this very dynamic summer continues to unfold.
Belinda C. Dunn is a professional astrologer with more than thirty years experience. Her approach is healing with an emphasis on personal/spiritual growth, relationships and current trends. She is available for consultation in person or by phone. Please call: 828-684-7713 or toll-free 888-215-8595. Check out her site for more articles and information, including a free e-newsletter.
