Despite the sunny skies when we look out the window, there are some stormy skies coming our way this month particularly mid-July. Here’s what to expect.
July starts off with Mercury in its storm before turning retrograde which means the planet is moving less than 40 minutes of arc each day.
Even if you aren’t an amateur astrologer, you have likely heard of the Mercury retrograde phenomenon by now: three times a year, the planet Mercury—ruler of communications, technology and transport—appears as if it is travelling backwards in the sky. Because Mercury is the “Messenger God,” things like regular communications, planning, logistics, computers, technology and even cars and transportation systems encounter a significant amount of issues, delays and glitches. Even though Mercury doesn’t go retrograde until July 7, the storm period can be just as troublesome as the retrograde period itself.
Our Canada Day Holiday on July 1 sees a sociable Gemini Moon for most of the day.
Also, Mars (the planet ruling the life force) leaves sensitive Cancer and enters feisty, bright Leo where it will stay for the next six weeks.
The very next day, there is a Total Solar Eclipse in the sign of Cancer.
This means that both the Sun and Moon are in the sign of Cancer, and the Moon will be passing between the Earth and the Sun. This will block out the Sun’s light. An eclipse is a New Moon on steroids. Usually, New Moons are good times to start new things. The rule with eclipses is usually to avoid scheduling major events within a day or two of the eclipse given the intensity of the combination and the fact that the Sun’s light is blocked—it is as if there is something about the situation that is hidden or unknown at that time.
On July 3, Venus—the planet ruling relationships and finances—leaves behind breezy Gemini and enters sympathetic and caring Cancer for the next month.
Interactions with loved ones can take on a more sensitive tone. Watch for emotional spending as well!
Mercury officially goes retrograde on July 7.
When Mercury is retrograde, misunderstandings often occur and communications are delayed. Glitches and breakdowns happen with phones, computers, printers, cars, buses and trains. All of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information or component has gone astray or awry.
Mercury’s retrograde period tends to bring unforeseen disruptions and delays. It’s not a good idea to start a new project/venture or to make an important decision during this time, since it’s likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. This also means that it’s a good idea to hold off signing contracts, forming partnerships and alliances. What gets put in writing at this time may turn out to need serious revising after Mercury goes direct.
How to use this time positively:
After you’ve backed up your computer files (seriously, do this!), use this time to catch up with yourself. This is your official excuse for some “down time”. Something from the past may return; people or ideas that are keys to moving forward can float to the surface for you. Use this time to go over things again and get right what you might have missed the first time.
Tying up loose ends on projects/issues already in progress is a great use of energy. You could feel as if everything has slowed down a bit, so being more contemplative and introspective is a wonderful use of a Mercury retrograde. Some dreams and goals get lost in the hectic shuffle of daily life. Mercury retrograde can be a rich time of reflecting on these longings. Look over old journals, review your creative work, and solidify a sense of who you are and where you’re headed.
The week of July 9 to 14 is intense.
On July 9, the Sun is opposed by the planet Saturn. Saturn is the “enforcer” of the zodiac; it can present reality checks which can feel harsh and restrictive. Your energy might be lower than usual. Take no chances this day as nature could be unforgiving of even small errors.
Just two days later, Mars squares Uranus. This is known as the “accident aspect”. If you have this combination natally in your chart (as does this astrologer – sigh), you need to be extra careful during this time, particularly if either of the planets is contacting angles or planets in your chart.
Then, on July 14, the Sun is opposed by the planet Pluto. This aspect can bring out obsessive-compulsive tendencies and the inability to let things go. It’s another day to tread carefully, but also cut yourself some slack (i.e., don’t beat yourself up too badly).
I would like to say that the week of July 15 is a bit easier, but the intensity continues.
On July 16, there is a lunar eclipse in Capricorn at 24 degrees. (If you have anything at this degree in your chart, take note.) Lunar eclipses usually signify heavy emotional days. The Moon isn’t her best in the sign of Capricorn, so you could feel torn—feeling emotional about something that perhaps doesn’t matter that much and almost business-like or cold about a more sensitive issue. Don’t take it to heart if others don’t react to your words or actions in a way you deem appropriate.
The next day doesn’t get much better as sweet Venus is opposed by oppressive Saturn, and just a few days later, Pluto weighs in as well. Relationships can feel onerous at this time. These aspects are associated with jealousy, control/power struggles, disappointment and heavy hearts.
On July 19, Mercury retrogrades back into the sign of Cancer, and we are back to speaking our hearts and being, perhaps, a tiny bit defensive.
After two weeks like these, you will be ready for the warmth on July 11 when the Sun leaves sensitive Cancer and heads into fun-loving Leo.
No one can shine like Leo, so take advantage of its brightness, creativity and smiles on July 22. On July 24, Mercury lines up with Venus (both in Cancer), and your heart can speak multitudes. July 25 sees a lovely trine between Mars and Jupiter (a beneficial astrological combo that speaks to success). Finally, on July 27, Venus joins the Sun in Leo; pleasure, imagination and drama are the name of the game for the next few weeks.
Ending the month is a Uranus square to the Sun which can feel a bit unsettling on July 29. But good news is around the corner: on July 31, a New Moon in Leo (at 8 degrees) spells F-U-N. Also, that same day, Mercury turns direct. Note that it is not moving at its normal speed until August 8, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
July is one of the harder months of 2019, so hang in there!
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