Plantago major

Overview

The second pass of Jupiter conjunct Neptune and Chiron (the detox stellium) completes on July 21. Jupiter represents abundance, good humor, and an optimistic attitude. Chiron is about healing deep hurts by giving to others what you didn’t get. Your openness and laughter create a Neptunian sense of belonging in the spiritual universe, an awareness of universal love and interconnectedness with your community or spiritual family. Matters taking shape now come to a place of resolution or conclusion in December— a good target date to keep in mind.

This month’s Eclipses bring a feeling of significance to our actions and decisions. Eclipses also tend to “blow out” our energies. I notice more “clearing” type illnesses such as colds and food poisoning during Eclipse months. Take some time to rest if your body asks you to.

A Total Solar Eclipse at 29 degrees Cancer is a strong signal that it’s time to let go of something— especially if this degree touches an important point in your birth chart. For the next six months, we’re working through any unfinished business or issues left unresolved for the past year and a half. Bernadette Brady teaches that every Eclipse we experience is part of a particular “family,” or series. This month’s Eclipses belong to a series that is “concerned with the need to make sudden reforms. Old ideas or methods will fail and new systems are required to deal with the events brought by the new eclipse. As a consequence the person will need to think of new ways of handling the issues.”

July 1-7

July 1, Venus squares the detox stellium, and Mercury trines it. So keep the lines of communication open. We can’t always get what we want (Venus). So don’t let disappointment get the best of you. Speak up, and see what you can learn. With Venus square Jupiter, this isn’t the best time to go shopping, as prices tend to be high.

On Friday & Saturday, something new as Mercury enters Cancer and opposes powerful but uncompromising Pluto, exact on Saturday morning. So tread lightly this weekend. Don’t expect perfection, and don’t let fear of rejection freak you out in emotional situations. As Mars is pulling toward a square to the detox stellium, caution lights come on. We are all a little confused about where we’re going and what we want. So don’t take it personally when others are unclear, and don’t expect yourself to have all the answers. Many of us are lacking in clarity this weekend. Yet the square between Mars and Jupiter (in force through Monday afternoon) has us itchy to take action. Think it through first. Be careful in traffic and around water.

Monday, July 6, the Moon is almost full. This full Moon is very special— it’s a Lunar Eclipse. Lunar Eclipses tend to wind us up emotionally, just like a regular full Moon, but more intense. and all full Moons are about finding balance. In these signs, Cancer and Capricorn, it’s about balancing your personal life with your public life, dealing with emotional needs that have been repressed or controlled in some way. Or you may need to take more responsibility for your insecurities and sensitivities, rather than expecting others to change their ways. Either way, this Lunar Eclipse is a call for greater self-awareness and attention to how you care for and nurture yourself and others. This full Moon lines up in harmony with Saturn, making it supportive of constructive, responsible, and disciplined decisions and actions that will yield results if backed up by hard work over the next six months. Are you committed to your goals, or is this just wishful thinking? Change your life by changing your habits.

July 8-18

We are in the waning part of the Lunar cycle now, the third quarter. This is typically the busiest time, and the planetary aspects support you getting things done this week. On July 11, Mars moves from stubborn (and a little bit lazy) Taurus, to more active, flexible, chatty Gemini. Mental (Gemini) energy (Mars).

This chatty, flighty Mars in Gemini immediately moves into an inconjunct, an “out of synch” aspect with Pluto in cautious, structured, by-the-book Capricorn. This aspect is strongest on Sunday and Monday. Plenty of opportunity to get annoyed on both sides. Try to compromise. Avoid gossip, the downfall of Gemini. Overwork or nervous irritation may cause existing health issues to flare up.

The rest of the week is great for getting things done, as the Sun and Mercury line up in harmony with Uranus, planet of energy, technology, experimentation, and new ideas— in intuitive, creative water signs. A great time for working on artistic projects or on the “people” part of your project. Ask others for their input.

July 19 – 23

Things may seem a little quiet over the weekend as the Moon moves through the balsamic phase— the visionary time when we clear the decks in preparation for a new cycle that begins with the new Moon. It’s a good time to take care of your most important business as Mercury sextiles enthusiastic Mars. Leo to Gemini. Monday is great for making important plans and phone calls.

The Solar Eclipse is very powerful at the ending degrees of water sign Cancer, sign of motherhood, emotional needs, the past, families of origin, an one’s genetic or ancestral heritage. This is a total Eclipse, which makes it extra powerful. If it has a strong connection to your chart, you may experience some important changes over the next six months. Solar Eclipses occur either on the North Node or the South Node. This one is on the South Node, which tells me that this six months is time to work through some old stuff and let go. The South Node is the tail of the dragon— in constant motion, like the end of a whip. You can’t hang on. Family stuff is a big one here— this should prove to be an important six months for family issues.

Tuesday afternoon, Venus squares Saturn. In addition to dealing with some pretty big energy, this aspect has many of us feeling poor and unloved. So take it easy today. Take some time to be still, and remember that we all have a lot on our plates. Don’t let the swirling energies knock you off your center.

Wednesday and Thursday, Mars quintiles Uranus. A quintile represents a moment of inspiration, epiphany, or enthusiasm. Excitement and independent action. A good time to try a new approach. Pay attention to your hunches.

July 24 – 31

The weekend looks like a good time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of your favorite people, as Venus approaches a trine to abundant Jupiter. The good vibes continue through Monday as Venus trines spiritual Neptune. Another very good day for brainstorming, working on artistic projects and social gatherings. The energy favors artists, writers, and group or collective efforts. There may be a surprise or something unexpected Tuesday afternoon, as Venus squares jumpy Uranus.

Wednesday and Thursday, Mercury opposes the (now separating) detox stellium. This is very creative energy that makes it easy to imagine things. It’s a good time for writers, but probably not the best time for a major decision, unless these planets link up with your chart in a harmonious way. It’s too easy to overlook something, see something that isn’t there, or blow things out of proportion.

Mark your calendar!

Best days for your top priority plans are July 7-9, 11, 15, 18-21, 23, 26-27.

Take it easy on July 4-6, 12-13, 28-30.