Astrology By Dorene
ASTROLOGY REPORT
FOR JULY/AUGUST 2009
By Dorene A. Carrel. Click here for more about Dorene.
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The months of July and August are energized by a trio of powerful planetary eclipses. July also features an Aquarian planetary line-up and a super moon. In August, the lunar nodes change signs. As the solar energy shifts from Cancer to Leo, our focus expands from nurturing self and others to creative expression and recreation.
Early July begins on an unsettled note after changeable Uranus turned stationary retrograde on June 30. On July 1, a Mercury-Uranus square stirs up nervous energy and brings unexpected changes to our daily routine and communications. On July 4, a Mercury-Pluto opposition can result in disputes over control issues. Be especially cautious when traveling, as there is likely to be an increase in accidents through July 4. However, a trine to Mercury from Neptune and Jupiter is highly favorable for inner work, helping us tune in on our inner guidance through dreams and meditation.
Some challenging Mars aspects occur between July 6 to10. On July 6, Mars moves into a square with Neptune and then Jupiter at 26 Taurus/Aquarius. While Mars/Jupiter can be energizing, Mars/Neptune can bring confusion, illusion, and deception. However, this energy can be used beneficially with practices that combine spirit with controlled physical movement, such as tai chi. We can also take conscious action (Mars) towards fulfilling our higher ideals (Neptune).
The Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse, occurs on July 7 at 15 Capricorn. With a harmonious trine to Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, this eclipse tells us that taking a practical, organized and disciplined approach will bring rewards. The Sabian symbol for this eclipse degree encourages striving for balance between intellectual study and physical activity. The Cancer lunation, which occurred on June 22, encouraged us to strengthen our sense of inner and outer security, as well as how we nurture ourselves and others. Now we can draw on the needed Capricorn grounding for moving forward more constructively. A harmonious sextile aspect between Uranus and Mars helps with creative coordination.
On July 10, Jupiter makes another exact conjunction with Neptune at 26 Aquarius, hovering close to both Neptune and Chiron until late July. This aspect can bring grace, enlightenment or confusion, or perhaps a combination of each. Although escapism may be a strong urge, it would be beneficial to spend time in meditation or contemplation this week. Imagery work, such as with dreams or creative visualization, is strongly favored. This planetary energy could also bring sudden windfalls or other opportunities. However, on July 15, a series of challenging Mercury aspects to Jupiter, Neptune and Chiron can result in a need to make mental and emotional adjustments to changing circumstances. This energy could be productively used for healing oneself and others, or perhaps gathering more health information to make better future decisions.
A New Moon, Solar Eclipse occurs on July 21 at 29 Cancer. This lunation is the second one in Cancer, is a super moon and occurs on a critical degree. This increased intensity can provide us with more illumination on life circumstances. We will have another chance to review, clear and rebalance issues connected to home, family, mother or important females, emotions, diet, caretaking, nurturing and security. The Sabian symbol for this degree suggests a focus on tradition and values. Which ones in your life are worth preserving and strengthening at this time?
On this same day, a Venus-Saturn square occurs in Virgo/Gemini, which is very challenging for relationships. There is a tendency to feel rejected or perhaps bogged down in mundane concerns. We may be holding on to a relationship that needs to be released. A trine from Uranus to this eclipse can provide new perspectives and approaches, as well as helping us to see where we can make constructive changes. On the next day, the Jupiter-Chiron alignment also brings the opportunity for new insights leading to greater wisdom and healing.
It is highly beneficial to know the areas in one's chart where this eclipse falls as they will be activated for the next several months. If the eclipse closely conjuncts or opposes a personal planet or chart angle, it can result in major life events and decisions. This knowledge will help us to have greater insight and perspective so that we can use these energies more consciously. (See Eclipse Special below.)
On July 26-27, Venus in Gemini will make a harmonious trine to Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius. This will be a highly favorable period for relationships, networking and finances. Beneficial opportunities may come at this time, especially if one has done some inner preparation. This is also an optimal time for a vacation or major social event, especially having an idealistic or community focus.
On August 5, a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse occurs at 14 Aquarius. This last eclipse trines Mars and is in challenging aspect to both Uranus and Pluto. This lunation will intensify the Aquarian planetary line-up, with emphasis on the qualities of independence, innovation, equality, and humanitarianism. Aquarius also has changeable, unpredictable and rebellious tendencies. The trine to Mars encourages assertive action that is taken independently. Situations that once seemed very stable and secure may now break up or disappear because we have outgrown them or they are not needed. The Sabian symbol for this degree indicates that we can enhance our progress by using our will, mental skill and physical self-discipline. The eclipse also opposes President Obama's natal sun, which may signify some change of focus or direction.
A series of challenging Mars transits occurs throughout August. The first is a Mars-Saturn square on August 10 at 20 Gemini/Virgo. It is best to hold off on new beginnings this week as one's timing can be off and there are likely too many obstacles to overcome. Also, the mutable emphasis can make it hard to stay focused. A better time for taking action would be August 13-16 during beneficial aspects of the Sun, Mars and Jupiter. On August 18, a Mars-Uranus square, at 26 Gemini/Pisces, can bring instability, sudden change and disruption. Compromise and cooperation is more difficult at this time, so keeping a lower profile is best.
On August 20, the New Moon occurs at 28 Leo. This lunation is also a super moon that opposes Neptune and Chiron. Leo themes include creative expression, leadership, recreation and children; also being proud, self-confident, risk-taking and enthusiastic. The influence of Neptune and Chiron encourages us to heal our anxieties and fears so that we can confidently move forward in some area of our lives. The Sabian symbol for this degree indicates that we may be overwhelmed with new ideas and possibilities. Since Leo is a fixed sign, it is favorable to stay more focused by limiting one's field of vision and activity.
On August 21, the North and South Nodes of the moon switch signs from Leo/Aquarius to travel through Cancer/Capricorn until 2011. The nodes are karmic intake points and convey major life themes and lessons for both individuals and countries. These are similar to the Cancer/Capricorn themes already discussed for the July eclipses. A main focus is learning to balance our personal needs with our outer responsibilities. On a national level, there is a good possibility of a complete restructuring (Capricorn) of the US health care system (Cancer) so that it serves the needs of the people and not just the insurance companies.
During the last week of August, challenging t-square aspects between Mercury, Mars and Pluto will activate the world point degree area (0 degrees of cardinal signs), which will likely signify some major world events. On August 26, a Mars-Pluto opposition in Cancer/Capricorn will bring in powerful forces for transformation and change. Our sense of security may undergo a challenge at this time or there is a conflict of wills in a relationship. However, on August 28 a beneficial Mercury-Venus sextile brings new solutions, harmony and cooperation. Blessings to all for a joyful, prosperous summer!
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Dorene Carrel has been a professional astrologer for over thirty years. She is available for personal astrology readings and can be contacted at dorenea5@yahoo.com. Donations are also welcome. More information and previous columns can be found at www.alcseattle.com.
Eclipse Special: Short personal email readings on the July/August/December eclipses and the Aquarius planetary alignment. More information provided on eclipse themes, life areas affected and the personal timing of these activations. You may also choose another topic/question for this reading (in place of the eclipses). Please send accurate birth time, date and place. By donation. Contact Dorene for more details at dorenea5@yahoo.com. Payment accepted through Paypal (use email address), or check/money order to the address below.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 432
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