The Astrology of July – Contrast and Continued Transformation


Posted on June 29, 2016 by Henry Seltzer of ASTROGRAPH.COM
 

The astrology of July features Mars, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The most interesting movement is perhaps with Mars, which, having stationed to direct motion only a few days before this month began, is still moving quite slowly, only about one degree per week through the first half of July, instead of his usual three to four, and therefore acting more like an outer planet than an inner. Mars direct indicates that it is easier and more profitable now to move forward with plans that have been inadvertently kept on hold. The other very exciting thing about Mars this month is the set of inter-planetary connections that he makes while moving so slowly in the sky, to Saturn, Uranus, and Pluto. Mars has been in an extremely close parallel with Pluto and this holds true as well for the timing of the July 4th New Moon, acting like a conjunction between them. Hidden anger could erupt or fuel passionate discourse. Mars is also closely aspecting Uranus and Eris in their continuing close conjunction, and parallels Saturn in the midst of the close Saturn-Neptune square that is another definite harbinger of contrast, intensity, and change.

Another strong astrological factor this month is the collision between the antithetical energies of Saturn and Neptune, highlighted by the Cancer New Moon. Saturn represents the inherent limitations of our circumstances, unforeseen restrictions, grounding into the physical plane, while Neptune references numinous realities far beyond the physical, reflecting our coming at the world with compassion, perhaps an urge to merge into oneness. Since they are closely square in the timing of this month's configurations, aspected by the Sun and Moon in early July, and by Mercury and Venus at the mid-month Full Moon, these distinctions are very key for us as we continue to unravel our destinies over the course of this month's powerful lunation cycle. The secret is compromise and acceptance ourselves and of the universe, including what our deep insides have to tell us.

There is a Grand Trine in Water signs with the New Moon timing as well, involving Chiron, the Wounded Healer, together with Mars and Venus. The indications are that dysfunctional patterns of interpersonal relationship are likely to arise, stemming from early childhood wounding, and if so we now have an excellent chance to make progress with the dark and hidden issues that this planetoid represents. The key is to face whatever comes up for you in this way without judgment, and instead with acceptance and love.

The cultural evolution symbolized by Uranus in square formation with Pluto is also still very much with us during July, each of these important outer planets being very much emphasized in these lunations. Uranus is still in close contact with the new planet, Eris, making him far more powerful, and is also closely aspected by Mars moving quite slowly during the first half of the month, as outlined above. The July 19th Full Moon makes a T-square to Uranus, further emphasizing his trickster energies of the sudden shift in awareness. Pluto is closely aspected by Venus and the New Moon, at the very beginning of the month, and by Mars. We are therefore still attempting to discern what the thoroughgoing metamorphosis indicated by this potent pair in collision truly means for us, both individually and collectively.

The July 4th New Moon takes place on the birthday chart of the United States, quite near the Sun at the 13-degree mark of Cancer. The Full Moon of July 19th lands on the nation's Mercury, symbolizing its media, and also even more directly on national Pluto, symbolizing transformational adjustment, with Uranus and Eris in square. This is just in time for the Republican National Convention, to be followed by the other party in the week that follows. There are bound to be surprising developments, together with startling revelations that will surface at this time. These will perhaps come to pass along the lines of radical self-determination, as symbolized by the new planet, Eris. We shall see.