#july transit

[isiscelestia]

Mars in Gemini

July 20, 2024 - September 4, 2024

Mars has entered Gemini, what does this mean? The planet of drive and assertion has entered Gemini, which ruled friends, siblings, communication, short distance travel, and more. During this time be prepared for time to feel like life is moving too fast, until mercury finally stations retrograde which will help slow things down a little. The collective is motivated when it comes to learning new information in skills. Quick wit and quick thinking is more prioritized. I advise everyone to learn how to calm your nerves down because we are all prone to mental overstimulation and restlessness. Arm and hand injuries may also be more prominent, so take your needed rest. Mutable energy knows how to change and shift, but this energy is not the best at calming down (especially mentally). Take care of your lungs, do your detox teas or take the needed smoke break (Saturn retrograde in Pisces is making us rethink how we can provide better structure to our physical and mental health). Arguments will also be common, but this is not too much of a big worry. Opinions change, but if it involves facts make sure you do your due diligence and research! Google is free, always fact check everything!!! I know you all hear this a lot, but do not be afraid of going with the flow.

[boltlightning]

do allow me, will you? ➢ THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

[istandonsnowpiles]

Plank Platform

[incognitopolls]

We ask your questions so you don’t have to! Submit your questions to have them posted anonymously as polls.

[3eanuts]

January 16, 1957 — see The Complete Peanuts 1955-1958

[elminx]

Energy Update: Mercury Retrograde, August 2024

Starting on August 5th, Mercury enters retrograde 3/4 of 2024. The retrograde runs from 04° Virgo to 21° Leo and makes thrice repeating trines with our Wounded Healer Chiron in Aries and squares to Uranus in Taurus. Retrograde Mercury will also conjunct the Sun and Venus once (as it does most retrograde cycles) and sextile Mars in Gemini once, as well.

The Basics

Mercury, our planet of communication, technology, and travel, is the fastest-moving planet in our solar system and retrogrades 3 to 4 times every year. This means that Mercury’s retrograde cycle is “business as usual” and isn’t something that should be feared but it is a change in the energy signature of one of our personal planets, so it’s worth paying attention and making adjustments where necessary.

Retrogrades don’t mean that the planet ACTUALLY is moving backward, of course. It is a perspective shift in our perception of the planetary movement through our skies. In this way, our perspectives and perceptions can get a bit twisted during these times and it is easy to miss key details or communicate ineffectively.

During Mercury’s retrograde, Mercury traces its path backward in our skies and it is considered better to go over your work rather than start something new. Mercury passes over these degrees in the sky thrice: the first time during its pre-retrograde shadow, the second time while it moves backward during its retrograde, and again a third time while it moves forward in its post-retrograde shadow. Because of this, we all get the cosmic opportunity to relearn and refocus on certain things that are going awry in our lives.

By looking at the degrees of Mercury’s retrograde and comparing it to your birth chart, you can understand how Mercury’s retrograde cycle might affect you. If you don’t want to do this yourself, you can always purchase a Mercury retrograde transit chart from me on Kofi.

Mercury retrogrades affect some people more than others. By order of significance, these people are most likely to be affected by a Mercury retrograde:

If you have Sun, Moon, Ascendant in Gemini and Virgo, or Mercury closely conjunct (within 2°) to your Sun, Moon, or Ascendant

If your natal Mercury was in retrograde or out of bounds

If the current retrograde crosses over your Sun, Moon, or Ascendant (in conjunction) or makes a square or opposition

If the current retrograde crosses over your Mercury, Venus, or Mars or makes a square or opposition with them

If the current retrograde makes a trine with one of your personal planets or a sextile to your Sun, Moon, or Ascendant

If you work in a job that involves technology, communication, or travel or are currently undergoing a task that involves one of these domains during this retrograde cycle

If you live with, are in a relationship with, or closely work with a person who meets the above criteria

One can assume that the more of these factors in play, the stronger you may experience the effects of a Mercury retrograde cycle. This isn’t to say that what you experience will be bad or wrong – some people experience a lot of freedom from Mercury’s journey. The more open you are willing to give up control and stay open to the ever-changing landscape of a Mercury cycle, the easier it will be.

The Nitty Gritty

Now that we’ve gone over the basics let’s take a look at the specifics of THIS Mercury retrograde cycle. Mercury will retrograde backward from 04° Virgo to 21° Leo. This puts the stressors of this retrograde on the early mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) and late fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). The switchover from Fixed to Mutable signs can be viewed as the energy of relaxation, both of effort and intent. It’s important that we need both types of energy in our lives (both fixed/controlled and mutable/relaxed); this retrograde cycle is likely to bring up issues of imbalance between these two differing energy signatures. You may find yourself stuck on one side of this equation (all relaxed and unable to accomplish anything or all fixed and unable to stand down).

Mercury will interact with all of our other personal planets (the Sun, Moon, and Venus through conjunction and Mars in sextiles), which shows that this retrograde will take on a more personal nature. Although we experience Mercury’s retrogrades 3-4 times a year, not all of them pack as much punch as others. This Mercury cycle will be inside our homes and likely impact our daily lives and our interactions with our Others.

Additionally, Mercury will make three trines to Chiron in Aries (sitting on top of that touchy point from our total solar eclipse back in April) and three squares to Uranus in Taurus. Unlike our personal planet aspects, these don’t influence our personal lives as directly, but they will impact the general energy of the world at large, which sometimes can trickle into our personal lives. [Note here that if you have personal planets that interact in aspect with these Mercury-Uranus and Mercury-Chiron moments, this may impact you personally.]

Let’s start with Chiron because it’s the energy we’ve already stewed in. Chiron isn’t one of the planets but an asteroid that has caught the interest of many astrologers in recent years. Often called the Wounded Healer, it represents a pain point or an unhealed wound. Back in April, we experienced a Mercury retrograde that coincided with our eclipse season, and during the total solar eclipse, the Sun was conjunct with both Mercury and Chiron. This was a whopper of a day that many people are still reeling from. Although Chiron has kept moving, it is still only 4° from this fate-filled spot. That means that, to a greater or lesser degree, each connection between Mercury and Chiron is another chance for us to revisit this energy.

“Revisit,” being one of the big re’s, is one of the keywords to understanding Mercury retrograde lessons. We are being given a chance to revisit, revise, rework, and reimagine. With Chiron involved, it’s likely to hurt (at least at first). It may feel like too much. But its worth remembering that Chiron isn’t something that happens TO you, it is considered to be a force of strong healing energy working FOR you.

It’s also worth remembering that Mercury will pass over this point with Chiron three times: once in forward motion during its pre-retrograde shadow, a second while moving backward in retrograde, and a third time in forward motion during its post-retrograde shadow.

Newsflash: you don’t have to get it right the first time through.

A common metaphor for imagining retrograde cycles is as a lesson or “hole” in the ground with which we must fall in/pass over/encounter trice to gain the full experience of the situation.

The story unfolds something like this:

Oh, there’s a hole in the ground! I fell into it because I didn’t know that it was there. It’s not my fault. (pre-retrograde shadow phase)

Oh, there’s a hole in the ground. I fell into it again. I did know it was there…maybe I should learn to avoid this hole? (retrograde phase)

And, if all goes well: Oh hey, that’s a hole in the ground! It’s the same hole I fell into before. I know how to walk around this now. (post-retrograde phase)

If the solar eclipse in April passed by uneventfully, you may find that this Mercury-Chiron set of trines also does. If the eclipse was especially difficult, consider this a chance to gain better insight into what happened and why. We can re-frame these transits to be for our own good by being open to the experiences of Mercury’s underworld journeys.

Lastly, we should discuss Mercury square Uranus. Mercury and Uranus have a lot in common—they both involve and control our brain processes to a certain point. If Mercury is the thinking brain, Uranus can be viewed as pure inspiration. Mercury is quick-moving and changeable; Uranus is slow-moving but enacts drastic and lasting change. Many modern astrologers view Uranus as the higher octave of Mercurial energy; it is Mercury’s energy infused with the beyond.

For the most part, Uranus’s energy simply happens to us. It is the lightning bolt in the Tower card, the hurricane that washes away a whole floodplain, or the volcano that awakens to bring destruction and rebirth. What I mean by this is that it is so far beyond us that it can often feel catastrophic, but – like the eclipses – Uranus has a way of blowing open opportunities that we couldn’t even have imagined. We are all stuck little humans who don’t like to change our own lives and sometimes something beyond us seems to reach down and make that change FOR us so that we are forced to move.

We don’t get a choice in what happens to us in situations like this, but we do get a choice in how we respond.

Two out of these three Mercury square Uranus days are full moons, which puts extra emphasis on their energy signatures. On one of these two days (8/19), the Sun in Leo will be conjunct to Mercury and also square to Uranus in Taurus, making a fixed t-square in the sky. Of the three days, this is the one to watch out for and potentially lie low through. The other two dates are days to encourage divine inspiration if that is your thing.

Watch out for how you speak during these rough squares, as misunderstandings will run rampant, and tempers may be at an all-time low. Uranus is never a patient planet, but in Taurus, it can become a raging bull in about six seconds flat. Give yourself and your others as much grace as you can during this time. Shut your mouth entirely, perhaps, and work on listening (something Mercury in egoic Leo definitely can have a problem with at times).

Any time a retrograde bridges the cusp between signs, you can guess that we will need to dig deep into the differences between the two signs somehow. Virgo is our mutable earth sign, often concerned with work, perfectionism, and effort. Leo is our fixed fire sign, more likely to be the lazy lion basking in the sun while the gruntlings do the work. Remember here, there is no judgment on these energies: there is a time to do the work and a time to bask in the Sun. The problem comes into play when you only do one and not the other.

Standard Mercury retrograde warnings apply:

Technology tends to go a bit wonky, so save your work often and proofread twice before you hit send on an important document. Mercury retrograde is considered the ideal time to edit: reread, rewrite, rework. Travel will take twice as long and almost inevitably involve detours—pack your patience and determination to enjoy the ride. If a person from your past shows up again, look into the unfinished business, but don’t expect it to last past Mercury stations direct. Mercury is a trickster: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

All that glitters is never gold during Mercury’s retrograde cycles, but Fool’s Gold can be its own reward.

The Details

7/16 – Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow 21° Leo 7/18 – Mercury in Leo trine Chiron in Aries 7/21 – Full Moon 29° Capricorn, Mercury in Aries square Uranus in Taurus 7/25 – Mercury enters Virgo 8/5 – Mercury retrogrades 04° Virgo 8/8 – Retrograde Mercury conjunct Venus 03° Virgo 8/14 – Mercury enters Leo 8/18 – Sun conjunct retrograde Mercury 26° Leo, Retrograde Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus 8/19 – Full moon 27° Aquarius , Sun conjunct Mercury 27° Aquarius 8/22 – Sun enters Virgo 8/23 – Retrograde Mercury in Leo trine Chiron in Aries 8/24 – Retrograde Mercury in Leo sextile Mars in Gemini 8/28 – Mercury stations direct 21°Leo 9/2 – New moon 11° Virgo, Mercury in Leo trine Chiron in Aries 9/7 – Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus 9/9 – Mercury enters Virgo 9/11 – Mercury exits its post-retrograde shadow 04° Virgo

Do you like my work? You can tip me over on Kofi, sign up to be a monthly supporter of my work or purchase an astrology commission. I have a limited number of spots open for personalized Mercury retrograde reports.

[immabitqueer]

Having Julie and the Phantoms thoughts now that I'm a theater major, I sit in modern dance class and go "Alex would eat this up"

[unwelcomeoutside]

I am god and I must ask any of you are you gae?

[brella-boi]

"When did ya get so strong???"

[yukisanchan]

awwooga

[isiscelestia]

Mars in Taurus

June 9, 2024 - July 20, 2024

Mars, the planet of physical energy and drive, is in Taurus. This means that the planet is in its detriment, so what does that mean for the collective? You are going to have to adjust how to apply yourself. Please remember that slow and steady wins the race, staying determined and persistent will be the most beneficial. Work on strategizing your long term goals and do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Taurus likes to sit in their own comfort (fixed earth), so make sure you are not staying stuck when you know you have things to do and goals to accomplish! I am not saying be a busy body and never let yourself rest, you just have to be able to discern when it is best for you to stay still or move. Try your best to stay open minded during this transit, stubbornness is not going to help you at all. Think before you act and keep a clear head.

[vellichorom]

ok this is the year we retire the old template & start using new ones hello

( & SO, this template credit to @ necromosss on twt! (( date edited slightly by me, in case you're confused )) )

WHAT a year, am I right?

2023 opened the door to a lot more experiences, events, fandoms, people, & all KINDS of hectic craziness for me, but it was REALLY fun, & while I don't think I really made HEFTY leaps & bounds in terms of doing something different with my art, every day - with every small change & improvement, I come to love my art all the more.

& that, I will contribute some to YOU! yes, YOU - reading this right now! to casual viewers, to those who have been with me since the premiere of this blog, to those who've come around in 2023 for one thing or another; to those of you of whom I've never spoken with, to those who have made me something or complemented my work, to those who've become my friends, my gratitude is IMMEASURABLE.

this last year, while its had its bumpier moments - I will confess, it's been truly incredible, & I thank you, every single one of you, who's had even the slightest hand to make it so. you are all TOO KIND, & I appreciate you sticking by & enjoying what I do.

hopefully, I can continue to make things that grab your attention, AWE & AMAZE YOU, & beyond anything, make you smile, if only to repay you some for all the joy you provide me.

HERE'S TO 2024! with hopes & prayers & wishes aplenty that we'll be better people in better situations before it's over!

2023: JAN / FEB / MAR / APR / MAY / JUN / JUL / AUG / SEP / OCT / NOV / DEC + BONUS PIECE.

[istandonsnowpiles]

Metro Tunnels

[bryqe]

i’m so lucky! i’m a star!!!! and i cry cryy cryyyyyyy

july dump! i love my life. i don’t wanna die anymore

:) love, xxxxxxxxxxxxx bry ig:bryqe

[saturniandevil]

July 2024 Important Dates

AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's July Forecast, hosted by Chris Brennan and Austin Coppock. We're going into this month right off of Saturn stationing retrograde on June 29th, and Neptune following suit on July 2nd.

June Recap: June was heavily influenced by the activity in Gemini, including a Venus cazimi and a stellium with other fast planets. The second half of the month felt heavy influence from Saturn finally getting within conjunction distance (10 degrees) of Neptune in Pisces. Right after the Venus cazimi on June 3rd, Claudia Sheinbaum was elected president of Mexico. Aside from Venus's association with women, the indigenous astrology of Mexico is also based on Venus cazimi cycles. Another Venus story is the launch of the Boeing Starliner--last month our hosts looked at the electional chart for its planned launch and noted that Mercury conjunct Uranus boded ill--and indeed an electrical problem caused them to postpone the launch until June 5th, when the Moon was in Gemini (with 4 other planets). However, with a Leo rising its chart ruler the Sun was separating from Venus and approaching a square with Saturn, and indeed there have been delays with bringing the astronauts back.

On the day of the Mars-Pluto square Hunter Biden was convicted on gun charges. A similar Mars transit showed up in politics with Donald Trump's conviction in May: Trump was convicted with Mars squaring his natal Saturn (ruler of the year for him), in the 9th and 12th houses respectively, fitting for a trial (9th house) over keeping secrets (12th house). There was also a Mercury-Uranus conjunction on his Midheaven (sudden development in public life), and on the July 11th, the day of his sentencing, the Mars-Uranus conjunction will be on his Midheaven. In Hunter Biden's case, Mars conjoined his natal Saturn, when he was convicted of illegally buying guns while under the influence. Saturn was also transiting his Midheaven, and with the North Node there natally it can indicate ill or shadowy reputation (A/N: in Pisces it also fits that he's known for his excessive drug use).

The second half of the month was dominated by a Saturn-Neptune conjunction in Pisces. A new AI video generator was released and saw an explosion of use, including animating still images. It's becoming increasingly difficult to determine what's real and what's an illusion--though in June with many planets in Gemini, we saw a lot of play with this technology.

The final news story this month is the US presidential debate, which occurred within 24 hours of Saturn stationing retrograde in Pisces--a debate between the two oldest presidential candidates in US history. Biden did horribly during the debate, and Saturn's subsequent station occurred right on Biden's Imum Coeli; during the debate the Moon was conjunct Saturn as both approached this point. At the same time, Uranus was transiting Trump's Midheaven while sextiling his natal Venus (ruler of his 10th house), and he did unexpectedly well in this debate for someone who doesn't care about telling the truth in public speaking. With Saturn generally, this debate has risen pressing questions around age and fitness for public office. Speaking of debate timings, Ronald Reagan's astrologer Joan Quigley would schedule debates for times that were good for Reagan and bad for Carter...and indeed this debate is scheduled unusually--it's much earlier than usual. The next debate is scheduled for the Pisces eclipse in September, in Biden's 4th house/Kamala's 10th house (A/N: Trump's 8th; not angular). Back in the year ahead forecast, Chris said there were three big factors in favor of Trump and one in Biden's favor: that eclipse in an angular house. However, the 4th house is also associated with endings (due to being located underground), and considering recent events, could bode ill for the aged president. (A/N: there's also speculation that Biden was experiencing a dementia symptom known as "sundowning" during the debate, and the 4th house is located deepest beneath the earth)

July Forecast:

The main energies this month will be Saturn-Neptune in Pisces as both planets station early in the month, Mars conjoining Uranus, the Capricorn Full Moon in the 21st, and Mercury-Mars tensions as they almost reach a square.

July 2nd - Neptune Retrograde, Mercury enters Leo Neptune-Saturn confusion has been present for us for a week or so already. We're having a difficult time predicting what events mean for the future. Other significations are the line between illusions and reality, idealism vs. limitations, disillusionment or disappointment when dreams collapse, confusion, fatigue or sapping of one's emotional energy, lack of mental acuity, side effects of age leaving to lack of clarity or focus. Whatever age you're at, you may feel the physical effects catching up to you as the conjunction approaches. Austin brings up that superhero movies have just about run their course (Iron Man was released in 2011 as Neptune first entered the sign), and now we're collectively tired of imagining this genre as Neptune gets within 4 minutes of the next sign. Saturn nearby adds an extra level of negation. With AI tools, boundaries are dissolved and new methods for creativity are being introduced as we gear up for Neptune/Saturn in Aries--expect to see new genres. Other Saturn-Neptune keywords include escapism, addiction, sensitivity and compassion. Chris also notes seeing tensions between science and religion or skepticism and belief: large numbers of people, including conservative influencers, are converting to Christianity at the same time as scientific skepticism rises--and astrologers may find ourselves on the negative end of both. Anyone with significant placements at 27-29 Pisces or other mutable signs should pay attention. A Neptune-Mercury trine softens communications; it's a good time for heartfelt conversations.

As soon as Mercury enters Leo it puts him in opposition distance to Pluto, foreshadowing the rest of the inner planets doing so later this month. Paranoia, power plays, and manipulation abound, though investigative journalism and hidden truths can come to light. However, Mercury moves closely into a happy sextile with Jupiter soon after.

July 2nd - Selected Elections for the month (not pictured) This month Chris has two elections, both on the 2nd, to try and take advantage of the Jupiter-Moon conjunction before Mars and Uranus start to complicate things.

The first chart is at about 1:00PM local time so that the Ascendant trines Jupiter in the 9th house, the Moon is applying to a conjunction with Jupiter, and the Ascendant ruler Venus in Cancer is in the 10th house, forming a trine with Saturn. The flowing, nurturing energy in Cancer and Pisces is highlighted in this chart (see New Moon for more). The downside is that you bake the Mercury-Pluto opposition into things, so beware of paranoia in communications.

The other variant of this chart is later in the day with Sagittarius rising:

At about 5:30PM local time, this gives you Jupiter in the whole sign 7th house in a day chart with the Moon still applying to a conjunction. This one is oriented more towards other people. These are much different than the electional charts earlier this year where he encouraged us to take advantage of the stellia; now we're entering more challenging territory.

July 5th - New Moon in Cancer

Both luminaries (14♋) apply to a trine with Saturn (19♓) soon after, while Venus (22♋) is within a loose conjunction of them in Cancer. Meanwhile, Mercury (5♌) sextiles Jupiter (9♊) in Gemini with reception (Jupiter is in Mercury's sign). Saturn's trine is constructive, helping us figure out how to work within our limitations and distribute our burdens more evenly. With Venus and Cancer there brings a connotation of caring for and nurturing something that can't survive without you like a child, pet, or house plant. And with care, duty is not far behind. Think sweet and compassionate. Mercury sextile Jupiter on the 8th will continue some of these good vibes for us.

July 11th - Venus enters Leo Venus is getting further from the Sun and begins to rise more and more visibly as the month progresses. When she's fully out from under the beams, we can finally see the results of work that was hidden while she was close to the Sun. We'll also see a return of themes from the Venus retrograde in Leo last year, but it's different for two reasons: 1) Venus is traveling direct and very fast through the sign, and 2) Pluto in Aquarius opposes her immediately upon ingress on the 11th-12th. Venus in Leo's fun-in-the-sun vibe is marred by shadow for the first few days. Significations include interpersonal paranoia, power plays in relationships and (my addition:) issues of control regarding women. In happier news she (12♌) will sextile Jupiter (12♊) on the 21st right in time for the next lunation, at the same degree where she stationed last year. Jupiter will assuage harsh Pluto aspects for planets transiting Leo this month.

July 15th - Mars conjunct Uranus This occurs on the 14th-15th at 26 Taurus, tightly conjunct the fixed star Algol. Mars-Uranus is already quite volatile, with Mars going fast and Uranus shocking or igniting it. Think accidents (warehouse explosions, for example), interpersonally "exploding," and in wolrd affairs violence such as wars. The US dropped atomic bombs on Japan under Mars-Uranus, and has the signature in its natal chart. This already volatile configuration is conjunct malefic star Algol, known as the head of Medusa, in Chinese astrology as the entrance to the Mansion of Corpses, and in Arabic as Ra's al-Ghul ("head of the monster"), from which we get the word "ghoul." Historically Algol coincides with terrible events, for example the bombing of Guérnica. Austin predicts that most personal lives will be unaffected, but that something atrocious will happen in one of the active conflicts going on right now (though hopes he's wrong about it). Algol also figures strongly into the British royal family, the chart of the European Union, and the modern state of Israel. The Republican National Convention will also begin under this inauspicious alignment. July 16th sees the Moon lighting up all this activity, so it's an inadvisable time to start new ventures.

More generally, Mars-Uranus brings sudden upheavals, rebelliousness, challenging the status quo, impulsiveness, unpredictable behavior & acting on whims, and a strong drive for freedom and independence--for example, the January 6 capital debacle happened right as Mars entered Taurus and began approaching conjunction to Uranus. On the positive side, this can indicate starting new adventures and innovative ideas. Mars and Uranus are both antisocial, so it's advisable to strike out on your own, even just for a few days, instead of trying to get everyone else on board or fighting over different directions. Fierce individualism abounds, though Mars-Uranus can also be quirky and spontaneous--Robin Williams had this aspect in Cancer. Thankfully, Mars leaves Taurus about a week later, leaving Algol's intensity behind.

July 20th - Mars enters Gemini In a new sign, Mars is headed for a conjunction with Jupiter in mid-August, though he'll square Saturn almost immediately after. Funnily enough, that's when the Democratic National Convention takes place--which we already know is going to be a mess. Austin points out the Jupiter-Mars conjunction will be at 16 Gemini, the same degree that Venus conjoined the Sun in June, connecting those events. Mars-Jupiter can be heroic and overcoming...but that requires something to heroically overcome. The lunation really kicks things off:

July 21st - Full Moon in Capricorn

A lot of different aspects are happening at once here. The Moon and Sun oppose each other at 29 degrees of Capricorn and Cancer respectively, with the Moon immediately moving towards a sextile with Neptune (29♓), and then conjoining Pluto (0♒) upon her egress from Capricorn. We'll see an immediate shift in tone with news stories foreshadowing the next month of Mars in Gemini. Mars is, by degree, in exact contra-antiscia to the Moon here. Meanwhile, Venus (12♌) sextiles Jupiter (12♊), so positive things are happening at the same time as this tense lunation. However, Merucry (26♌) squares Uranus (26♉), bringing tensions in communication. This will be one of the more memorable days of the month--ongoing negative developments will rear their heads, some nice things will happen, some unexpected things will happen, and the next day the Sun enters Leo, opposing Pluto in Aquarius.

July 22nd - Sun enters Leo Leo season starts off with the Sun opposing Pluto. For the next 20 years, every time the Sun enters Leo, it will oppose Pluto. The Pluto in Leo generation (mid-40s to 1959; Baby Boomers) will feel Pluto's opposition especially strongly, and the dozens of countries created right after WW2 have Saturn conjunct Pluto in Leo in their charts. We'll see what survives this 20 years and what fades away into history as Pluto opposes all that was built when it was 180 degrees away. Chris brings up that generationally Pluto in Leos may be resisting handing off the reins or trying to seize power back when they're past their prime. Austin brings up the accelaration of celebrity culture as a great distraction from those who are actually powerful during Pluto in Leo....maybe we'll get sick of it over the following decades. In other fixed signs, transiting Pluto now squares natal Pluto for Millennials (Pluto in Sagittarius), who are now having to wrestle with beginning to really age in their 40s.

July 25th - Mercury enters Virgo Communications become more direct and quick with Mars in Mercury's sign, but Mercury is going to retrograde close to a square with Mars at the end of the month, so we may expect some miscommunications, misunderstandings, and sharp words. Swift, smart, clever, and cool. Things may get argumentative and contentious.

By the end of the month, retrograde Saturn (18♓Rx) is moving into square distance from Jupiter (14♊), who will in turn square Neptune later--a signature that brought inflation recently. Saturn is trying to rein in Jupiter, who expands Neptune's dissolution of boundaries. Mars in Gemini further aggravates things. July leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger.

[elminx]

Energy Update: July 2024

July is a “6” Universal Month [7 (July) + 8 (2024) = 15 = 1 + 5 = 6] in an “8” Universal Year. Six months are connective and somewhat comforting; we tend to reconnect with our Others after the rough conflicts of the “5” month that came before. This is somewhat at odds with the month’s transits, which are pushing us forward and outward. We are in the liminal phase where something has ended, but the new beginning hasn’t happened yet; not really.

The Set Up

We begin the month with the Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Cancer, Mars and Uranus in Taurus, Jupiter in Gemini, retrograde Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, and retrograde Pluto in Aquarius. When you include our North Node and Chiron sitting in Aries, we still have a long line of planetary activation stretching from the last signs of the horoscope (Aquarius and Pisces) through the first signs of the horoscope (Aries through Cancer). After this month, the cluster will break, but for now, we are still stuck in this in-between energy.

By the end of July, the Sun and Venus will have moved on into Leo, Mercury will have moved all the way through Leo and onto Virgo (starting the pre-shadow phase of its next retrograde cycle), and Mars will enter Gemini. Additionally, Neptune will retrograde at 29° Pisces.

The Nitty Gritty

There is a notable lack of major planetary aspecting during July because all of our personal planets are still so closely stacked together. Instead, we see repeat activation between these planets and the lunar nodes in Aries. Cancer is the midway point between our North Node in Aries and our South Node in Libra, and we are at a turning point late in this lunar cycle. We have one last set of eclipse to get through before our nodes switch to Pisces-Virgo with the new year, and it’s starting to show. This is crunch time – whatever has been coming up in our lives around the themes of independence (Aries) versus codependence (Libra) is coming to a head.

We are experiencing these nodal hits thrice over: the first time through a sextile while the planets are in Gemini, a second time in square while they are in Cancer, and a third time in trine while they transit Leo. Things will be easier and then more difficult and easier again. But easy, when it comes to the lunar nodes, is really just a matter of perspective. The lunar nodes can be read as a compass pointing in the sky, away from the South Node’s current position and towards the North Node’s current position. Where the North Node is needs work – it is where we are heading.

Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up for debate. The lunar nodes happen to us—they create the eclipse cycles that enact the greatest moments of change in our lives. Like the influence of the outer planets, eclipse cycles are beyond our comprehension; at best, we can control how we react to them.

In essence, the days of nodal activation throughout the month (of which there are many) are days to watch out for. Let’s take a neutral stance here—eclipses help when we need doors opened but can also slam doors shut that we shouldn’t walk through. If you are on top of things and paying attention, you can use days like this to determine where your life is headed. Eyes wide open is the name of the game all month long.

Lunar Nodal Activation Dates:

7/2 – Sun in Cancer square the lunar nodes, 7/9 – Mercury in Leo trine the North Node in Aries/sextile the South Node in Libra, 7/12 – Jupiter in Gemini sextile the North Node in Aries/trine the South Node in Libra, 7/19 – Venus in Leo trine the North Node in Aries/sextile the South Node in Libra

Each of these dates will be highly liminal (7/2, especially as it is also the date that Neptune stations retrograde) and can be used for divination, pathworking, dreaming, and other magics with which this type of energy is naturally augmented. Stare aware of what happens to you during this time and believe it. Sometimes, difficult truths are revealed through lunar node activation; looking them straight in the eye is better than burying your head in the sand.

Likewise, Chiron – our Wounded Healer – is also in Aries and will be our other major player of the month. To gain a better perspective, we should take a wider step away and discuss how these move around the horoscope wheel. Chiron, like our planetary bodies, moves forward through the horoscope wheel while our North Node, as a mathematical point in the sky, moves backward through the signs. These two have already met and passed each other – Chiron is nearing the end of the Aries, and The North Node is nearing the beginning. This has made Aries (and, by default, the other cardinal signs) the seat of change in the world right now. And since it’s Aries, it is quite the hot seat.

I’ve written a lot about how this whole era we’re in has a major theme of “change before you have to,” which is running afoul of our very human urge to do the exact opposite of our best interests.

There’s a line between standing up for ourselves, allowing each other to BE ourselves, and being a collective that sees each other and cares for the whole that we’re just not getting right. This long-term opposition between the North Node and Chiron in Aries and the South Node in Libra fully represents this in the skies. Whatever this story means to you – whether you’ve been seeing it in the news, experiencing it personally in your life, or ignoring it all together; this chapter of it is ending.

And it fucking hurts. Let’s take a minute to stop and acknowledge the very real pain that most of us (I suspect it’s all of us) are feeling. The aloneness of the quarantine – that was Chiron in Aries. The way that it’s been triggering you every time you realize that your parents don’t actually see you as a separate human being – that’s this whole opposition coming into play. Has your friend group completely fallen apart? South Node in Libra. Has your relationship? Same. We can infer that, in general, what the South Node removes is for the greater good, but with Chiron so involved, it does not feel this way.

If every fiber of your being hurts, you are right on time. And I’m sorry. As somebody who has Chiron on my Ascendant, I can attest to how much it sucks to have to feel all of the pain that Chiron brings to the party.

We’ve got about six more months of this intense Chiron action interconnected with the lunar nodes, and then the nodes will move on. Sure, we all need to sit with this Chiron in Aries energy for another couple of years, but it won’t be involved in our eclipse cycles any longer. That will be a huge relief.

I can also say that, like eclipse/Node energy, Chiron is best faced with your eyes wide open. Chiron is the cosmic reminder that shit is compost and all decaying matter feeds life once more. Fields need to lie fallow. Pain is a signal that can be followed to a source. Sometimes, it’s faulty wiring. Sometimes, you can even replace that wiring. This tends to take a lot of self-compassion, and there doesn’t seem to be much going around – do what you can. Treat yourself like your favorite pet or houseplant.

Chiron days to stay aware of:

7/6 – Venus in Cancer square Chiron in Aries, 7/15 – Sun in Cancer square Chiron in Aries, 7/18 Mercury in Leo trine Chiron, 7/30 – Venus in Leo trine Chiron

All of these dates could be used for healing magic of all kinds.

This month, our big day to look out for is 7/15, when Mars conjuncts Uranus at 26° Taurus. This is an accident waiting to happen, so don’t do anything stupid. Avoid unnecessary travel, don’t play with fireworks, etc. The Sun is square to Chiron all day, too, so it has the potential to really hurt. This isn’t a reason to panic – this is an astrological weather report; whereas some days you might need to bring an umbrella, this is the kind of day where you might want to stay inside. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Our day to look forward to for the month is our full moon on 7/21, which is a true astrological blue moon – meaning it’s the second moon in a row in the sign of Capricorn. This is highly auspicious and doubly so because we also have two new moons in Capricorn this year (one in January and another in December!). Sitting at 29° Capricorn, it will call in a lot of the energy of Pluto, who is sitting at 00° Aquarius, inching its way back toward Capricorn one last time.

Again, note the intense cardinal sign activation that is happening all month. This full moon will also tie in Chiron in Aries through a wider square. Heads up to anybody with their lights or personal planets in late Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn – now can be your time if you can get through the pain enough to see the change. Y’all are stubborn folks, so I have faith in your capabilities.

This moon, along with the full moon on 6/21 at 01° Capricorn, are great days to do any long-form intentional work towards money, finances, career, or any task that involves structure. Work with the moon’s cycles here: where do you want to be in six months when the moon is new in Capricorn once more? But stay aware that Saturn will crash your party whether you invite them or not, so you might as well extend an official invitation.

The numerology of this full moon is 5/2. [0 (Capricorn Moon) + 4 (Cancer Sun) = 14 = 1+4 = 5. 5 (Capricorn full moon) + 6 (July 2024) = 11 = 1+1 =2.] There’s a chance to break a cycle (5) that can become the start of something new (2).

Our new moon on 7/5 is at 14° Cancer and should be more low-key. The moon is in its home in the sign of the crab, making this day especially lunar and watery. If ever there was a day to wash wash wash it all away – either with a mop or the ocean waves, it is a Cancer Moon. The numerology of the day is 8/5 [4 (Cancer Moon) + 4 (Cancer Sun) = 8. 8 (Cancer New moon) + 6 (July 2024) = 14 = 1+4 = 5.] The innate 8 energy echoes that of the moving tides; it ebbs and flows. We see the echo of the 5 energy of change and movement throughout this month.

Otherwise, the seasons shift as we move deeper into summer energy all month. There’s an echo of egoic Leo energy in the air all month long as all three of our more moveable personal planets move through the sign of the lion. It’s summer when, most of all, we really start to feel ourselves. Remember, this isn’t a bad thing. Do a bit of magic to remind yourself how much of a badass you are. As a little treat.

Neptune will retrograde, but we won’t really notice as it’s so slow-moving anyway. We need to keep an eye on Mercury, though, as it is whipping through the summer signs before its mid-summer retrograde. The crossover from Fixed to Mutable signs is highlighted here as Mercury will retrograde from 04° Virgo to 21° Leo starting in early August. Be aware. I will be writing more about this soon.

Months that begin with the sign of the crab on the horizon are usually emotional and moody, and this is no exception. Remember that it’s okay to tread water when things get too deep, and you can let the rip current take you – eventually, it will let you go, and you can swim to shore. It’s when you fight it that things can go really wrong, really quickly.

Practice your very best self-care. Treat yourself with the same kindness that you would your most loved Other. If you’ve got anything left after that, extend it to as many of your Others as you can.

The Details

7/2 – Sun in Cancer square the lunar nodes in Aries/Libra, Mercury in Cancer trine retrograde Neptune in Pisces, Mercury enters Leo, Venus in Cancer trine retrograde Saturn in Pisces, Neptune retrogrades 29° Pisces 7/3 – Mercury in Leo opposed retrograde Pluto in Capricorn 7/5 – New moon 14° Cancer, Mars in Taurus sextile retrograde Saturn in Pisces 7/6 – Venus in Cancer square Chiron in Aries 7/8 – Mercury in Leo sextile Jupiter in Gemini, Venus in Cancer sextile Uranus in Taurus 7/9 – Mercury in Leo trine North Node in Aries/sextile South Node in Libra 7/10 – Sun in Cancer trine retrograde Saturn in Pisces 7/11 – Venus in Cancer trine retrograde Neptune in Pisces, Venus enters Leo 7/12 – Venus in Leo opposed retrograde Pluto in Aquarius, Jupiter in Gemini sextile North Node in Aries/trine South Node in Aquarius 7/15 – Mars conjunct Uranus 26° Taurus, Sun in Cancer square Chiron in Aries 7/16 – Mercury enters their pre-retrograde shadow 21° Leo 7/18 – Mercury in Leo trine Chiron in Aries, Sun in Cancer sextile Uranus in Taurus 7/19 – Venus in Leo trine North Node in Aries, sextile South Node in Libra 7/20 – Mars in Taurus sextile retrograde Neptune in Pisces, Mars enters Gemini 7/21 – Full moon 29° Capricorn, Sun in Cancer trine retrograde Neptune in Pisces, Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus, Venus in Leo sextile Jupiter in Gemini, Mars in Gemini trine retrograde Pluto in Aquarius 7/22 – Sun enters Leo 7/25 – Sun in Leo sextile Mars in Gemini, Mercury enters Virgo 7/30 – Venus in Leo trine Chiron in Aries

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