July 2018
RUNE OF THE MONTH: Berkana “rebirth, growth”. In the same way that a tree needs to shed its lower branches for its trunk to develop, do we need to let go of old circumstances so that new ones may come into our lives. Death does not exist, just a series of cycles, some of which requiring that we completely turn a page in order to start a new book. To be reborn, we need to die and the more we welcome with enthusiasm and gratitude the drastic changes occurring this month, the greater our evolution can be.
Two eclipses this month. Eclipses always mark a major turning point in our lives, the effects of which last about 19 years. The area they fall in (the two houses in our natal chart), indicate which areas of our personal life are being highlighted and where the changes are taking place. Events, words tend to be final on an eclipse date. We should be careful to avoid situations we may end up regretting.
Solar Eclipse on Thursday July 12 at 20º41’ Cancer. This degree is symbolized by “A famous signer is proving her virtuosity during an operatic performance”. This eclipse highlights the need to develop our mastery by tapping deep into our inner resources and talents. Our seriousness of purpose helps us free ourselves from past conditionings and become a law unto ourselves.
Lunar Eclipse on Friday July 27 at 4º45’ Aquarius, represented by: “A council of Ancestors is seen implementing the efforts of a young leader”. We are never alone and nothing we achieve is ever done on our own. Our ambitions backed with discipline, integrity and hard work, find support from higher/invisible dimensions.
Jupiter turns direct on July 11 at 13º20’ Scorpio with a shadow period continuing until October 7th. This degree is symbolized by: “Telephone linemen at work installing new connections”. This transit has highlighted sexual abuse against girls and women. A chance for the masculine to come in integrity with the divine feminine. As a new understanding and expanded consciousness develop in both men and women, a better communication can emerge, based on renewed sensitivity and greater respect.
Mars remains retrograde this whole month until August 27. Its shadow period lasts until October 9. The degrees traveled this month (9º06’-3º06’ Aquarius) are represented by: “A man who had for a time become the embodiment of a popular ideal is made to realize that as a person he is not this ideal”, “A flag is seen turning into an eagle”, “Beautifully gowned wax figures on display”, “A child is seen being born out of an egg”, “A masked figure performs ritualistic acts in a mystery play”, “A council of ancestors is seen implementing the efforts of a young leader”, “A Hindu yogi demonstrates his healing powers”. A few months to reevaluate the way we assert ourselves. It is particularly important at this time to think before leaping, stay out of arguments, reassess our ambitions and review our goals. Our physical energy could be at an all time’s low. Starting a new project, getting involved in a lawsuit or buying a new car, are ill advised during this period.
Saturn remains retrograde this whole month until September 6th. Its shadow period lasts until December 13th, 2018. The degrees traveled this month (5º36’-3º36’ Capricorn) are represented by: “Ten logs lie under an archway leading to darker woods”, “Indians on the warpath. While some men row a well-filled canoe, others in it perform a war dance”, “A group of people outfitting a large canoe at the start of a journey by water”. A time to reevaluate our commitments, redefine our ambitions, return to a more disciplined path and be clear on our boundaries.
Neptune remains retrograde this whole month until November 25. Its shadow period lasts until March 16, 2019. The degree covered this month (16º27’-16º02’ Pisces) is symbolized by: “An Easter parade”. The veil of illusion has separated us from the truth for eons. We have come to believe that all that glitters is gold, but it is not. This retrogradation encourages us to do our research, ask ourselves deep questions, take nothing for granted or at face value and learn to discriminate between what is real and what is not.
Pluto remains retrograde this whole month until September 30th with a shadow period continuing until January 22, 2019. The degrees it travels this month (20º18’-19º34’ Capricorn) are represented by: “A relay race”, “A hidden choir is singing during a religious service”. A very blessed period of time to regain control of our lives, stand in our power and tap into our innermost resources. Abuse of power, the misuse of sexuality and lack of communication are all issues that become unbearable at this time. We seek to reform our lives by honoring our truth. A wonderful time to start a detoxification program and begin an exercise regimen in harmony and balance with our deeper nature.
Mercury turns retrograde on July 25 until August 18 (23º27’-11º37’ Leo). Its shadow period remains until September 2nd. The degrees traveled this month (23º27’-22º29’ Leo) are represented in the Sabian Symbols by the following images: “Totally concentrated upon inner spiritual attainment, a man is sitting in a state of complete neglect of bodily appearance and cleanliness”, “In a circus, a bareback rider displays her dangerous skills”. Despite receiving much bad press, as they are challenging for communication, technology and relationships, this Mercury retrograde is wonderful for returning to a place we haven’t been to in a long time, reconnecting with a project long abandoned and for a person we had lost touch with returning into our lives. We could be drawn to more dramatic forms of self-expression and a project involving children could return to the forefront.
The Moon will be Void of Course (V/O –forming no major aspect with any planet before entering the following sign-):
From Sunday 7/1 at 3:56 PM till Monday 7/2 at 10:31 AM: when the Moon enters Pisces.
On Wednesday 7/4 between 2:46 AM and 9:50 PM: when the Moon enters Aries.
On Saturday 7/7 between 0:09 AM and 5:51 AM: when the Moon enters Taurus.
On Monday 7/9 between 9:10 AM and 9:58 AM: when the Moon enters Gemini.
From Tuesday 7/10 at 1:01 PM till Wednesday 7/11 at 10:59 AM: when the Moon enters Cancer.
From Thursday 7/12 at 7:48 PM till Friday 7/13 at 10:31 AM: when the Moon enters Leo.
From Saturday 7/14 at 4:12 PM till Sunday 7/15 at 10:31 AM: when the Moon enters Virgo.
On Tuesday 7/17 between 3:49 AM and 12:42 PM: when the Moon enters Libra
On Thursday 7/19 between 12:52 PM and 6:13 PM: when the Moon enters Scorpio.
On Sunday 7/22 between 2:18 AM and 3:12 AM: when the Moon enters Sagittarius.
On Tuesday 7/24 between 1:22 AM and 2:49 PM: when the Moon enters Capricorn.
From Thursday 7/26 at 6:41 AM till Friday 7/27 at 3:41 AM: when the Moon enters Aquarius.
On Sunday 7/29 between 2:25 AM and 4:28 PM: when the Moon enters Pisces.
From Tuesday 7/31 at 3:42 PM till Wednesday 8/1 at 3:54 AM: when the Moon enters Aries.
Mark these periods in red in your calendar and avoid scheduling anything of importance during these times as they would amount to… NO thing!
Scheduling our activities using the zodiacal position of the Moon:
Moon in Aquarius until Monday 7/2 at 10:30 AM + between Friday 7/27 at 3:41 AM till Sunday 7/29 at 4:27 PM: Perfect for philanthropic activities, charitable organizations, meeting with friends, making new acquaintances. Good also for inventions, far out, progressive ideas, inter-dimensional and time travel, anything related to UFOs, computers and technology in general….
Moon in Pisces between Monday 7/2 at 10:31 AM and Wednesday 7/4 at 9:49 PM + between Sunday 7/29 at 4:28 PM and Wednesday 8/1 at 3:53 AM: Great for meditating, sitting by the ocean, anything related to the sacred, dancing, painting, swimming, dreaming, music, photography, film, sleeping, channeling, connecting with the mystical, the magic and the oneness of all that is…
Moon in Aries between Wednesday 7/4 at 9:50 PM and Saturday 7/7 at 5:50 AM : Perfect for intense physical activities, anything requiring forceful, direct action and self-assertion. Good also for leadership, spontaneity, good will, being a way shower, initiating new projects or bringing our car to the mechanic….
Moon in Taurus between Saturday 7/7 at 5:51 AM and Monday 7/9 at 9:57 AM: Perfect for any financial matter: paying our bills/debts, asking for the money that is owed to us, investing in real estate, buying and selling. Perfect also for a stroll in the park, going to the countryside, connecting with our Mother the Earth… Good also for gardening, pottery, sculpting, as well as bodywork…
Moon in Gemini between Monday 7/9 at 9:58 AM and Wednesday 7/11 at 10:58 AM: Excellent for multi-tasking, curiosity, any form of communication, exchanging information, sending e-mails, calling friends and acquaintances. Great also for social activities, attending conferences, reading a book, watching a documentary, gathering data on various topics, connecting with new people….
Moon in Cancer between Wednesday 7/11 at 10:59 AM and Friday 7/13 at 10:30 AM: Perfect for family activities, especially those involving children. Good for spending more time at home, cooking, nurturing ourselves and those we love, inviting the people we cherish over for dinner. Excellent also for drawing, creative writing, humor and anything requiring imagination and a touch of craziness….
Moon in Leo between Friday 7/13 at 10:31 AM and Sunday 7/15 at 10:30 AM: Excellent for anything glamorous, dramatic performances, being in the public’s eye, throwing or attending an elegant party, playing with children, romance and creativity in general…
Moon in Virgo between Sunday 7/15 at 10:31 AM and Tuesday 7/17 at 12:41 PM: Excellent for starting a new fitness program, learning, healthy nutrition, fasting, clearing our closets, cleaning our home, reorganizing our drawers…. Perfect also for detailed work, the focused use of our intelligence, and taking care of small pets….
Moon in Libra between Tuesday 7/17 at 12:42 PM and Thursday 7/19 at 6:12 PM: Great for relationships, associations, diplomatic exchanges with others, anything related to beauty (a haircut, buying new clothes, a make-over…), art (especially painting and decorating…), a pleasant social event (concert, art exhibition…).
Moon in Scorpio between Thursday 7/19 at 6:13 PM and Sunday 7/22 at 3:11 AM: Perfect for scientific research, esoteric studies, self-transformation, shamanism, dealing with the mysteries of life, death, and sexuality, as well as insurances and issues involving personal power.
Moon in Sagittarius between Sunday 7/22 at 3:12 AM and Tuesday 7/24 at 2:48 PM: Perfect for traveling, religious and/or philosophical activities or matters related to higher education and the law. Excellent for lecturing, learning, perfecting a foreign language, exploring other cultures… Perfect also for athletic training and tending to large animals (horses….).
Moon in Capricorn between Tuesday 7/24 at 2:49 PM and Friday 7/27 at 3:40 AM: Good for furthering our ambitions, asking for a promotion, enlisting the support of people in positions of authority, making a good impression, re-structuring our business and redefining our long-term goals…
This month’s intentional meditation started on Wednesday June 27 when we took out as many blank sheets of paper as you will have intentions and placed them near a window, on a balcony or in a garden so that they would bask in the light of the Full Moon in Capricorn. Once that moment had passed, we gathered our Full Moon charged blank sheets and placed them in a folder.
On Thursday 7/12 on the New Moon in Cancer which is even more powerful since it is a Solar Eclipse, take out your blank full moon charged papers and write on each a concise, positive intention. Place them on a balcony, in a garden or near a window so that they are out by exactly 7:48 PM. Once that moment has passed, staple them together and put them away in a folder expecting the manifestation of all your dreams…
Next month’s intentional meditation which is also particularly powerful, starts on Friday 7/27. Take out as many blank sheets of papers as you will have. intentions and place them near a window, on a balcony, or in a garden so that they bask in the light of the Full Moon in Aquarius (Lunar Eclipse) at exactly 1:20 PM. Once that moment has passed, gather your Full Moon charged blank sheets and place them in a folder.
Thursday 7/5: Sun Trine Jupiter (4:04 AM), Mercury Opposition Mars (4:49 AM)
A wonderful day to start a university level study, a journey to a foreign country or a training in a discipline from another culture (Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong….). Our self-confidence, optimism and enthusiasm attract beneficial new opportunities. A day to be careful of impulsive words and actions that we would later regret.
Sunday 7/8: Sun Trine Neptune (7:42 AM)
We could feel particularly dreamy and unfocused today. A good film, photography, dance, poetry and music are attractive. We seek peace away from crowds or noise. Artists, channelers and healers are likely to feel particularly inspired. The veil between dimensions is very thin.
Monday 7/9: Mercury Square Jupiter (2:14 AM), Venus enters Virgo (7:32 PM till August 6)
A day to be careful not to promise more than we can deliver and avoid going to extremes. Blind trust is not recommended, nor is spending more than is available to us. During the next four weeks, we seek purity in our relationships, we express our feelings in a sober and practical manner while bringing healing and order to our interactions with others in selfless service.
Tuesday 7/10: Jupiter turns direct
Kindly refer to the opening paragraph.
Wednesday 7/11: Venus Trine Uranus (8:26 PM)
Today, we are particularly charismatic. We seek an unusual amount of freedom in a deep relationship, as well as mental and spiritual inspiration coupled with friendship. The more flexible and independent we are, allowing our relationships to develop without any preconceived idea, the more enduring it has a chance of becoming. Money comes unexpectedly.
Thursday 7/12: Sun Opposition Pluto (3:01 AM), Solar Eclipse in Cancer (7:48 PM)
Regarding today’s eclipse, kindly refer to the opening paragraph. Today, more specifically, it is important to create win-win situations, compromise rather than issue ultimatums and generally lay low for the sake of peace and harmony. Forcing issues leads only to vicious opposition.
Friday 7/13: Venus Trine Saturn (11:44 PM)
A good day for an emotional commitment and taking care of elderly people. Even boring social situations are met with patience and grace. We are financially responsible. A source of income solidifies.
Sunday 7/22: Venus Sextile Jupiter (2:21 AM), Sun enters Leo (2:01 PM till August 22)
Social gatherings are elegant, pleasant, warm and interesting. Our positive attitude towards others opens wonderful opportunities. Money comes as a reward from past efforts. During the next four weeks we feel leisurely, generous, warm and somewhat lazy. We tend to be attracted to glamorous circumstances that allow us to shine our light.
Tuesday 7/24: Venus Opposition Neptune (12:23 PM)
A love relationship could be elusive at best, disappointing or deceitful at worst. An exaggerated need for romance could lead us to fall in love with love or the potential of another. A day best spent retreating in silence and inner peace.
Wednesday 7/25: Sun Square Uranus (4:34 AM), Mercury turns retrograde (10:03 PM)
A day to expect the unexpected. A person from the past could reemerge causing a sense of unrest. Obstacles need to be met with flexibility and ingenuity. Regarding Mercury retrograde, kindly refer to the opening paragraph.
Thursday 7/26: Sun Opposition Mars (10:14 PM)
Not a good idea to force any issue, yet if confronted, it is essential that we stand up for ourselves. Direct encounters could provoke an aggressive response. Challenges require that we throw ourselves into action. A day to be careful while driving as anger or impatience could cause reckless reactions.
Friday 7/27: Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius (1:20 PM), Venus Trine Pluto (6:22 PM)
Regarding today’s Lunar Eclipse, kindly refer to the opening paragraph. A love relationship could prove particularly passionate. A romance begun today could feel marked by destiny. Sexuality could assume a greater than usual importance and become the gateway to higher dimensions of consciousness.
Wishing you a magical month of July!
In Loving Light.
Michelle Karén, M.A., D.F.Astrol.S.