By Dorene Carrel

July begins with an energized momentum after Mars turned direct in late June.  We can now move forward to accomplish important goals. Mars is still in Scorpio until August 2 when it goes into Sagittarius, providing us more time to re-balance emotions and strengthen intuitive insights. The Saturn-Neptune square is still in effect for most of this month, helping us get further in touch with our ideals and visions. We will tend to feel busier and that time is really speeding up. Later in the month, Uranus turns stationary retrograde, which can bring sudden changes during late July/early August.

On June 20 a full moon/summer solstice occurred at the 0 Aries World Point degree, which brought unexpected historic events, such as Brexit in England, that will have far-reaching consequences.  The Venus emphasis for both lunations resulted in the focus on financial reform.  It also indicates there is a need to search for fair and creative solutions that will restore harmony and equality for everyone.

The New Moon occurs on July 4 at 13 Cancer.  It aligns with both Mercury and Venus in Cancer, while opposing Pluto in Capricorn.  The Cancer emphasis shows much concentrated energy on home and family activities, along with food and security issues. Power and control issues can also arise around these areas.  With six planets in water signs, it is favorable to slow down, get more in touch with your feelings and do some journaling.  Favorable aspects to the lunar nodes, along with Neptune and Jupiter, indicate progress can be made in the areas of relationships and our spiritual path. The Sabian symbols for this degree, “A hand with a prominent thumb is held out for study; the power of the will in shaping character,” suggests we can now connect with our true soul intentions and stand firm in our resolutions.

A series of water grand trine patterns with Chiron and Mars will be forming during this month with several personal planets. On July 6, Venus in Cancer forms a grand trine with Mars in Scorpio and Chiron in Pisces. The Venus/Mars trine can bring significant new meetings for romance or ideas for creative pursuits.  The other planets involved with Mars/Chiron include Mercury on July 10 and the Sun on July 16. Chiron brings us opportunities for healing a wound from our past involving relationships, resources, communication and/or growth potential.  It also has maverick side, which can be used to flaunt our unique differences. It will be interesting to see how the major US Republican and Democratic conventions held during July use this Chiron energy.  There will be an opportunity for each political party to heal their internal differences and create more unity.  However, the upcoming Uranus station will bring out the maverick side, so the more unconventional and radical points of view will demand to be heard and acknowledged.    I plan to write about my observations on the candidates in an upcoming blog (see below).

On July 19 the Full Moon occurs at 28 Capricorn.  The Sun and Moon form a t-square with Uranus in Aries and favorably aspect both Mars and Chiron.  Capricorn brings a more structured energy to our feeling expression and puts more focus on security issues.  What needs to be restructured and reorganized in our lives so we can experience more ease?  Uranus encourages us to break free from any undue restrictions, while Mars and Chiron provide courage and healing.  The Sabian symbol keynotes for these degrees, “Inner rebirth through a total acceptance of the primordial values manifest in the human body and its natural functions,” and “The enjoyment of spiritual values by the soul able to familiarize itself with their implications,” suggest we can benefit by having more contact with nature and seeing the harmonious integration of matter and spirit.

Uranus turns stationary retrograde on July 29 at 24 Aries 30.  Although Uranus is stationary most of this month, the week before this date may contain more changes, instability and revolutions.  There may also be earth changes, so it is best to be prepared.  On inner levels, we may feel a need to rebel from any limitations or become more independent and detached.  Venus in Leo trines Uranus on July 31, which can bring an energizing and exciting new connection that will open doors for us on many levels.

In August Saturn turns direct, Mercury turns retrograde and we have another Lunar Eclipse!  Blessings to all and stay tuned.

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Dorene Carrel is a professional astrologer with over thirty years of experience.  Donations towards this column are appreciated.  Paypal accepted. Please use my email, dorenea5@yahoo.com as reference.

Do you have a question or concern that can be addressed through astrology/numerology?   I am now offering focused email readings. Please contact me for more information.

All references to Sabian symbols are from An Astrological Mandala: The Cycle of Transformation and Its 360 Symbolic Phases, by Dane Rudhyar.

Check out my astrology blog at www.astroconnections.blogspot.com for ongoing astrological observations on current events.