Planetary Cycles
Sun Signs For July 2005
The Summer Solstice brings a turning point
The sun entered the sign of Cancer at the Summer Solstice on June 20. The term “solstice,' means “sun standing still.” The name comes from the fact that the sun reaches its farthest northern point, creating the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere, then begins its gradual decent. In essence, the solstice is a “turning point,” and is often experienced as such in our lives. Both the winter and summer solstices are meant to be times of reflection, a pause in the continuum of our lives that can offer us much wisdom, if we will take the time to learn from the experiences we have created.
Moon-ruled Cancer is sensitive, yet fierce
A feminine, nurturing water sign, Cancer is sensitive, intuitive and caring, and people born with the sun, moon or rising sign in Cancer sometimes take on other people's pain or challenges because they have the emotional strength to carry them. Because of Cancer's great sensitivity, often a protective shell is built around the personality, and this can make Cancer's seem less open and available. Cancer people need time to feel secure in new surroundings, or with new people before they will reveal their great caring and intuitive wisdom. Although they can be easily hurt, the moon-ruled Cancer person should not be underestimated; threaten their security or their family, and you will deal with the full force of a mama tiger!
Saturn completes our lessons with family and security
For more than two years, the astrological sign Cancer has been occupied by Saturn, which is the planet that brings us our hardest lessons and helps us to build our greatest strengths. By the middle of July, Saturn leaves Cancer and will not return for approximately 28 years. While Saturn transits Cancer, we can have painful or difficult lessons with home and family that reflect our fear or unwillingness to allow emotional closeness. Saturn always bestows gifts amidst the pain, and the greatest gift Saturn has brought us recently is the realization of the intrinsic, immutable, enduring power of love and family. For those of us who have been wise and humble enough to allow Saturn to teach us, we now carry in our hearts, and have deposited into the collective unconscious, a greater understanding of human love and emotional commitment.
New Moon challenges the values behind our choices
On July 6, we have a new moon in Cancer that raises our awareness about our own emotional needs, and the needs of those we love. The active planet Mars that gives us the drive and the impulse to survive and thrive on planet earth forms a stressful aspect to the sun-moon conjunction in Cancer, challenging our choices and activities. Simply, the challenge is, do we value money and recognition over human and family values, and if so, are we willing to correct our understanding? The “great awakener,” Uranus in Pisces, forms a favorable trine to the sun-moon, urging us to open our eyes and our hearts to the voice of our own inner wisdom and allow it to guide us in all of our choices.
Mystical rectangle brings delightful creativity
The month of July, while presenting some challenges, will also bring many delightful planetary aspects that encourage us to play, have fun, delight in our talents, and create romance and pleasure in all that we do. Five planets participate in a “mystical rectangle” in the fire and air signs, bringing higher vision, beauty and art to the social arena of our lives. Love relationships flourish as Venus and Mars form a magical aspect that brings romance, fun and adventure. These positive planetary aspects teach us how very easy it is to simply choose to be loving, choose to enjoy life, and create a reality that accurately reflects the joy of our higher nature.
The full moon illuminates needed changes
On July 21, we have a full moon in Capricorn, opposite the sun in Cancer and challenged by Mars in Aries. We are asked to look deeply at our behavior and choices, and to change what needs to be changed so we can enjoy the freedom of spiritual realization. Many planetary aspects continue to support our growing awareness and willingness to live in the light of truth and total acceptance of all beings. The sun completes its journey through Cancer, entering delightful Leo on July 22, making creative self-expression our theme for the following 30 days. The planet of communication, Mercury, turns retrograde (apparent backwards motion) in Leo on July 22, cautioning us to slow down in the last week of July and complete what we have previously started before moving on to new things. If we are free in spirit, while the sun is in Leo, we let our hearts guide us, and our souls shine bright for all to see.
Aries — This is a great month to spend time with partners envisioning and creating your future. Finishing home improvement or clean-up projects may seem too mundane, but is necessary right now to free your energy for the future. During July, your creativity is bursting at the seams, and you are inspired to move forward with future plans.
Taurus — The new moon cautions you against spreading your energy too thin with too many projects and extraneous activities. July offers wonderful energy for you to contemplate, meditate, and get in touch with your deeper soul longings. Since your future is unfolding gracefully and seemingly without much effort, use this time to establish new health routines that will support you in the very active coming months.
Gemini — Exciting opportunities emerge for you to find fresh and interesting new avenues of creative expression. A long period of building greater financial security is coming to a close, and, hopefully, you have put good resources in place to take you into the future. July is a great month for you to look at your long-term goals and make new future plans that could involve friends, neighbors, or relatives.
Cancer — The new moon in your sign signals you to spring into action, especially in your business or career. Home-improvement projects are also at the top of your list, and you will have to find a balance between the two. Fortunate aspects bring great financial resources and opportunities, and taking action now will result in a very positive outcome.
Leo — This is your month to shine, with Venus and Mercury in your sign stimulating your dazzling personality. Although you may feel pressured and stressed at times with too much on your agenda, if you let yourself surrender to your natural flow, you will find the time for your creative projects and recreational pursuits. Keep the lines of communication open with friends and partners, as they bring much support and inspiration.
Virgo — July brings the opportunity, based on current financial realities, to review, and perhaps modify, future plans. You may feel in conflict with some of your partner's desires or values, but this is a good time to discuss and clarify your positions. Allowing yourself the pleasure of simple relaxation and some time for inner contemplation will be enormously restorative this month.
Libra -— The way for creative expression. If you can let go of some of the stress of striving to fulfill obligations and other people's expectations, July is a wonderful time for you to spend with family and friends enjoying the simple pleasures of good company, beauty, fun and entertainment.
Scorpio — Frustrations and delays with legal processes, education, publishing, or long-distance travel ends this month, and plans are once again in forward motion. Diet and exercise are emphasized during July, and if you have been taking good care of yourself, you will reap the rewards. Career, business and finances are flowering once again, and you are fortunate to receive support from many sources.
Sagittarius — A grand triangle in the fire signs points to fun new discoveries for adventuresome Sag! July is a great month for you to take a vacation, perhaps to someplace you haven't been. Remember to watch your spending and stay on track with the financial plan you have worked to create. Romance is likely, or if you are already enjoying a beloved, you can create nurturing and inspiring fun with children and friends.
Capricorn — Your ruling planet, that taskmaster, Saturn is leaving your house of relationships this month, and this should be cause for celebration! Allow any tension remaining in home and family to be resolved and forgotten, making way for inner and outer peace. From now until late October, Jupiter zooms through your house of career, bringing business expansion and work or career opportunities.
Aquarius — A two-year cycle of hard work to enhance your home or create healthy life routines comes to a close this month. Although you are probably more than ready to be done, don't drop the ball in the final stages, as a little more effort this month will yield great returns. Love relationships, friends, and people with whom you have much in common bring you much joy.
Pisces — After a long period of artistic frustration, or extra responsibilities with family, creative self-expression is soaring! Career and monetary concerns are eased this month as new people and opportunities enter your life, but do be careful not to overextend yourself financially. Inspiration is high and your intuitive mind is quite active as you bring your creative vision into form.
Carolina Eastwood provides in-depth personal astrology readings that open the doorway to fulfilling your life-purpose. Offices in Solana Beach and Poway. Phone: 858/259-1590. Website : www.earthstarconsulting.com.
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