July will see the last eclipse of the summer though it will be less intense than last month. Jupiter just returned to his own sign of Sagittarius, and will begin to pick up momentum, bringing blessings on all fronts. Mercury also moves direct in its own sign and similarly, Venus is comfortably gliding through its own sign of Taurus all month, a stabilising force for all matters related to money and relationships.
Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius in the nakshatra of PurvaAshada on July 5
On July 5 at approx. 5 am UTC, in the nakshatra of PurvaAshada at 19 degrees of Sagittarius, we have a partial full moon lunar eclipse. The proximity of Ketu to this powerful full Moon suggests that it is time to go in new directions. This may require a painful separation from fundamental beliefs or assumptions in order to make space for a more evolved form of communication, faith, positivity and understanding. The nakshatra Purva Ashada lies completely within Jupiter’s fire sign, yet its controlling planet is the watery Venus and the Lord of Waters, Apas. Through this nakshatra, we are challenged to connect with the cleansing nature of both water and fire.
Retrograde Jupiter returned to his own fire sign, Sagittarius on June 30 and will be joining this Moon and Ketu, although not a tight conjunction. On the opposite side, we have a retrograde, combust Mercury sitting between the Sun and Rahu, getting aspected by Mars in Pisces. This can cause fiery reactions, hot tempers, and accidental injuries. Meanwhile Saturn is aspecting that Mars. This adds some caution and restraint to the Mars impulse to forge ahead. While the last eclipse may have had people worried about their relationships or finances, this one focuses on travel and movement – moving home or country.
Here is the video discussing the eclipse:
Mercury Goes Direct in Gemini on July 12
On July 12, Mercury goes direct at 12 degrees of Gemini and from then on, will move forward again through the late degrees of his own air sign till August 1. This could be a productive time during an unstable period, especially the last few weeks of July, as Mercury is strong to act. In many ways, we are at the turning point of the century as old structures crumble under the weight of the disgruntled masses who yearn for equality, justice, and safety.
The world seems to be ready for change, but for the world to change, we have to change. Each person is a part of this collective story and those who aren’t at least toying with the idea of how they could do something small or large to make the world a safe, balanced and fair environment in which to allow the human experience to unfold, may be missing the boat.
Now is the time to make those changes, jump the fence and think big. While Mercury will be resuming direct motion, enabling us to communicate, coordinate, think quickly, make changes, learn from mistakes and find the best deal, we still must be aware of Jupiter and Saturn remaining in retrograde motion, pulling us back to former situations so that we can put the finishing touches on our evolutionary advancement.
Sun Transits Cancer from July 16 till August 16
On July 16, the Sun will be moving out of Gemini and into Cancer. This alleviates some of the fire energy. The bright Sun has been pushed by fiery Mars since mid-May. This is a very hot combination that will break up as the Sun enters a water sign. As well, the Sun leaving Gemini also breaks the cycle of all of the planets weighing on one side of the nodal axis (Kaal Sarp yoga).
However, in the beginning of this transit, we will be seeing a Sun-Saturn opposition, which can create some tension. This is tension that feels like self vs collective or like personal freedom vs the confines of tradition. The Sun represents our drive toward individuality and sovereignty. Transiting through the Moon’s sign, Cancer, is friendly territory and can create a focus on home, family, sharing food together, and learning about self-care.
The Sun emphasizes personal definition and achievements while Saturn reminds us that our time as individuals is limited and transient. Saturn tends to force separation, limitation and detachment. This may play out as a separation in the family unit or experience of isolation in relationships.
New Moon in Cancer in the nakshatra of Pushya on July 20
The Moon slips into the strong glow of the Sun on July 20 at 5 degrees of Cancer, the Moon’s own sign. We associate a planet in its own sign as strong and effective but must apply the principle of the Moon being in a new phase and thus, being a bit guarded and vulnerable.
The Sun represents our individual strength and soul expression while the Moon represents our mental reactions and emotional state. We have a chance each month for a meeting of the heart and mind during the new Moon. Our physical energy may feel low, which can force us into relaxation, contemplation and rejuvenation activities.
With the new Moon receiving the aspect of Saturn, we also may be subject to some added pressure. The Moon in watery Cancer can get emotional or irrational with the combination of the Sun and Saturn affecting it. Go easy on yourself and others around this time as emotions may be raw.
Jupiter in Sagittarius from June 30 till November 20
Jupiter returns to his home sign of Sagittarius on June 30 and remains there till November 20. This signals a welcome relief for all fire signs, including Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. It is also a good placement for Gemini and Aquarius.
While Jupiter is still in retrograde motion, we are invited to revisit lessons, educational plans, opportunities for growth, or spiritual practices. It will remain retrograde in Sagittarius till September 13, when it starts to move direct. This is an auspicious transit and will allow us to rebuild a strong foundation. This will be a positive window for growth, progress and expansion.
Any remaining attention and work that the Gemini – Sagittarius axis is demanding at this time may come into play during July, August and September, especially, as the nodes will remain active there too. From September 23 onward, when Ketu moves from Sagittarius to Scorpio and Rahu moves from Gemini to Taurus, we will experience Jupiter alone in his own sign, in forward motion for two months. This could be a good time for healing, regrouping and glimpsing positive goals to move toward.
If you are interested in a reading, please make a selection by visiting the Consultations page.
