We’re headed toward a particularly stressful time period, mainly toward the latter part of July through early August. Front and center is a series of hard aspects involving Mars and Saturn in Libra, Jupiter and Uranus in Aries, and Pluto in Capricorn. These planets will meet up again in various configurations during the next six years. On a personal level, they can produce some internal turbulence from the need to make a change — or a change of perspective about your life. On a global level, between now and 2016, they have the power to demolish economic, political and religious structures and policies.
It can be tough to handle such powerful influences. Taking some time each day to get in touch with your inner guidance will help. Meditation, journaling, being out in nature, eating right, exercise and other healthy practices can help you stay strong and centered.
Transit Tales
The main transit shift this month is Saturn entering Libra. The planet of karma, duty, and commitment touched down in Libra earlier this year before moving back into Virgo. But this time it will stay in Libra until October 5, 2012. It’s time for a good hard look at legal policies, equality, peace, cooperation, and how we relate to each other as fellow human beings.
On a lighter note, Venus moving out of lusty Leo and into Virgo on the 10th favors improving your relationship through healthy and helpful activities, as well as analyzing how your daily routine affects your bond. Being of service to others can bring satisfaction, too.
Mars in Virgo for most of the month favors analyzing your relationships, career goals, and health regimen. Then Mars transiting into Libra on the 29th focuses on activities and issues concerning relationships, fairness, legalities, compromise, and cooperation.
Planets in Motion
Uranus and Jupiter join Neptune and Pluto in their retrograde travels, which intensify the inward-directed energy this month. From July 5-December 5, retrograde Uranus poses the question, “How is your way of being in the world contributing to society?” This illuminating influence can prompt you to think about how your ideas, actions, and goals fit into the world as a whole. What changes you need to make so you can accomplish your aspirations may be on your mind as well.
From July 23-November 18, retrograde Jupiter encourages you to get in touch with your faith, spiritual beliefs, and life’s mission. Activities that awaken your spirituality will bring fulfillment.
Lunar Magic
The New Moon eclipse in Cancer on the 11th can intensify emotional reactions, so strive to stay balanced and objective during any stress that comes your way. On a positive level, it can inspire you to improve your family relationships.
The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 25th energizes socializing, group endeavors, innovative ideas, and humanitarian activities.
Planetary Highlights
June 5 through mid-August: Jupiter conjunct Uranus in Aries accelerates innovation, socioeconomic expansion, and political extremism.
July 5-December 5: Retrograde Uranus can prompt you to think about your role as an individual in the greater scheme of things.
July 8: Venus opposing Neptune casts a rosy glow of idealism and illusion over relationships, but also inspires artistic endeavors, especially for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
July 9-27: Mercury in Leo favors ideas and discussions involving creativity, entertainment, leadership, and children.
July 9: Mercury trine Uranus inspires innovative ideas and discussions.
July 10-August 6: Venus in Virgo favors improving your love life by analyzing the daily tasks, duties, and obligations that affect your ability to attract or sustain a relationship.
July 11: New Moon eclipse in Cancer can intensify your emotions, family ties, and nesting instincts.
July 11: Mercury trine Jupiter energizes far-reaching ideas, philosophical discussions, and travel.
July 13: Venus trine Pluto favors sexy trysts, relationship analyses, and financial agreements.
July 21, 2010-October 5, 2012: Saturn in Libra is a karmic wake-up call for global peace, cooperation and equality.
July 22-August 22: Sun in Leo helps fire up your creativity and self-expression.
July 23: Sun trine Uranus inspires innovation, change, and rebelliousness.
July 23-November 18: Retrograde Jupiter can awaken your spiritual life through introspection, meditation, and other spiritual practices.
July 24-August 31: Jupiter square Pluto can produce extreme ideas and activities involving financial policies, political structures, patriotism, and religious beliefs. Individuals and countries (such as the U.S.) with placements in Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn will be especially affected.
July 25: Full Moon in Aquarius energizes group gatherings and activism.
July 26: Mercury opposing Neptune favors spiritual discussions and ideas, but can cause miscommunication, especially for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.
July 26: Sun trine Jupiter energizes joy, optimism and expansion.
July 26-August 13: Saturn opposing Uranus creates a conflict between security and change, especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
July 27-October 3: Mercury in Virgo favors activities involving health, service, analysis, and fact-checking.
July 29-September 14: Mars in Libra energizes issues and activities involving legalities, relationships, equality, and cooperation.
July 30: Mercury trine Pluto adds depth to ideas and discussions, especially those concerning research, investigations, finances, and metaphysics.
July 30-August 2: Mars opposing Uranus but conjunct Saturn evokes both a need to make a change and a fear of moving forward, especially for Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
