Up in the Air

As months go, July lends itself to jumping off the hamster wheel of life and into the road less traveled.  This is not only driven by gentler weather patterns in the Northern Hemisphere but school vacation schedules and yes, nurturing Cancer the Crab energy.  Warm, compassionate, nourishing Cancer rules the stomach, breasts and womb. The first water sign of the zodiac, Cancer focuses on family, house and home, food, ancestry and nation. 

The slow feel of July is particularly noticeable this month as three planets will turn retrograde.  It is a welcome change after the gangbuster action of May and June.  Cosmically, July is a busier month than the past few months; but we are downshifting out of overdrive in the fast lane and on to the lazy, winding scenic route in first gear.

And: One of the most fortuitous aspects in all astrology welcomes us as July begins.  The Sun and Generous Jupiter are tightly paired offering comfortable familiarity and abundant security.  Think big comfy couch, a heartfelt hug, your favorite delicious home-cooked meal, or coming home after a long trip away. This is expansive Jupiter joining with the Sun in Cancer the Crab.

Their combined warmth stays with us through the July 4^th weekend, lending hope that despite appearances to the contrary, all will be will at home, whether local, national or global. In the best sense, Cancer offers reliable, time-tested wisdom.  She is the trusted counselor we turn to when the chips are down or we have an achievement to celebrate.

She reminds us to take deep comfort now, that there is so much more than meets the eye, so much more happening behind the scenes, divinely orchestrated, beyond our comprehension, working out for our highest potential and fullest well-being, if only we trust.  Will you?

Our call to trust is amplified by Spiritual Neptune turning retrograde on Friday, July 4^th.  We tend to feel the outer planetary gear shifts far less than those closer to the Earth, such as Mercury, Mars or Venus.  Still, it is worth noting Neptune’s reversal of motion, especially as it is so tightly joined to Taskmaster Saturn.  In fiery Aries, take care with matches, stoves, grills, engines, campfires, or fireworks, of course. 

In Neptune’s wake, Change Agent Uranus enters communicative Gemini on Monday, July 6^th.  It has been 76 years since we’ve experienced this planetary combination during Uranus’ last tour through Gemini from 1941-1949.  So most of us alive on the planet have not experienced this energy which will last until 2033. 

Infinitely more comfortable in Gemini than earthy Taurus, Uranus heralds breakthroughs and awakening en masse.  How we communicate and use technology will be seismically different in seven years when Uranus moves out of Gemini.  Television was a significant development of the last Uranus in Gemini cycle.

Fortunately, Uranus aligns seamlessly to Pluto in Aquarius for the next few years, easing our experience of this shift. How we gather, integrate, share and use ideas, language, and information will be dramatically altered over the next seven year Uranus cycle.

Think of how you communicated before cellular phone technology or the internet came along.  Whole generations cannot imagine life without these communication devices.  That gives us insight into how unimaginably we will exchange information by the mid-2030s when Uranus enters Cancer the Crab. 

Along with communication, Gemini also has to do with ground transportation, siblings, community, sales and marketing.  So expect developments on these fronts as well.  Helpful to remember now that in the name of progress, the only constant in life is change.  

Uranus enters Gemini under the waxing light of the Full Moon on Thursday, July 10^th.  In practical Capricorn, the Full Moon aligns to Motivating Mars and the South node in efficient Virgo, grounding us and offering reality based solutions.  These earth energies serve as a counterweight to the otherwise lofty, heady planetary placements in air and fire signs.

Just two days later, Task master Saturn turns retrograde.  Serving as a bookend to its counterpart Neptune, Saturn retrograde in Aries puts life on the backburner to simmer.  What was urgent or emergent now does not seem quite so immediate.  Instead, you might rather feel the urge to go to the beach.

Relaxation mode sweeps us up fully in its grasp on Thursday, July 17^th when Messenger Mercury turns retrograde.  The third of three planetary retrogrades in just two weeks, Mercury in Leo turns our minds toward vacation and play.  No matter your budget, now is the time to take a day, long weekend or extended time off to re-set and refresh.  Fertile and festive Leo beckons us to take a chance, to explore with childlike creativity on canvas, paper, day tripping down the road, making sand castles or mud pies.

Manage your expectations about how much will be accomplished the second half July and the first part of August.  People are out of the office now so do not expect prompt replies.  Best to wait until after August 11^th to make significant purchases, including houses, cars, appliances, booking vacations, or buying electronics, especially communication devices. As always, if an urgent large-ticket item must be replaced (such as a washing machine, cell phone, laptop, refrigerator), make sure you buy the extended warranty as you may need it down the line.

The Sun enters Leo on Wednesday, July 23^rd towing the Moon in its wake to deliver the New Moon in Leo on Thursday, July 24^th.  Opposite Pluto in Aquarius, the Leo Sun and Moon draw distinction between our individual needs versus the group and community. Where do you end and others begin?  The New Moon aligns helpfully to Saturn and Neptune in Aries, meaning that creatively, we are on fire.  For every problem, there is a solution if only we look around. Now is the time to experiment, to see what works and what does not. 

Leo says:  No dream is too big; no ask is too great.  So hand write three to five wishes you seek to manifest over the following weeks, months and seasons.  Plant these intentions in the ripe earth or set safely alight.

Soon enough, your time is going to come.  Meanwhile, make some popcorn, put your feet up and enjoy the show.

Of Special Note:

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Mystical Messages features my monthly astrology forecasts if you prefer listening via podcast.  Also featured are cutting edge healing arts practitioners.  Tune in and listen through Youtube, Apple or Spotify or hear previous episodes:  www.hilaryharley.com