July hosts 14 dynamic aspects: 5 ingresses, 3 conjunctions, 2 oppositions, 1 retrograde station, 1 New Moon, 1 Full Moon, and 1 occultation. Energy during the first three weeks is driven by Lunar concerns. Emphasis will be on emotional processes, nurturance, and family issues. The last weeks energy patterns move toward balance with emphasis on individual pursuits and responsibilities. Intensity is prevalent throughout July. Many projects will be attempted, however, it is likely that very few will be completely tested, except by being countered by nebulous arguments, or quickly squelched or rushed through to completion in a different way than expected. Keep the projects that are most important to you from being preempted by others. We can expect common sense and dogma to be at odds. Emotional attachments to old patterns can keep projects from moving forward. Inner guidance can be called upon to help straighten out life problems, creating a freer and more productive lifestyle.
There is an undercurrent (Uranus in mutual reception to Neptune, using the modern rulerships) that will be in effect for many years 3/11/2003 3/12/2011). Although very different in nature, that part of collective consciousness that deals with the love of freedom, the atypical, great adaptability, may find a way to be in harmony with that element which is associated with idealism, mysticism, the power of imagination and intuition. When you engage in activities associated with Uranus, the energies of Neptune may impose themselves, and visa versa. It is a time when we can find freedom through reaching toward a higher consciousness. We can use the power of intuition to help us adapt to changing conditions in our world. We can rebel against old paradigms using our imagination to work with new ideas. We have a great deal of freedom available to develop our inner awarenesses. This can be a frightening time, but it can also be an exciting and a liberating period in life on this planet.
7/4 Venus enters Cancer 10:39 AM. The needs to develop or recreate strong bonds can support a search for material security. New responsibilities or limits to previous pursuits must be honored. Devotion to family or new methods of self-nurturing can bring fulfillment.
7/5 Sun conjoins Mercury 13:00 Cancer, 3:21 AM. Begin a merger of the mind and heart. To develop a strong personal consciousness, start by converting your aspirations into words. Take time to mobilize your creative projects, and keep them moving forward.
7/8 Venus conjoins Saturn, 4:26 Cancer, 1:30 AM. Feelings may be at odds with reality. A good time to develop the stability of a serious outlook with the compassionate values of nurturing. Emotional reserves may prevent intimacy weigh your responses carefully.
7/13 Mercury enters Leo, 5:10 AM. Creative thinking is in order. Offer enthusiastic support to others in their quest for knowledge. Organize all your short-term projects carefully and with logic avoid making emotionally based decisions, especially those focused with pride.
Full Moon, 20:59 Cancer, west coast 12:21 PM; east coast 3:21 PM. There can be a realization of joint objectives if both parties honor basic principles. The object is to bring harmonious integration between instinctive and logical approaches to activities. There may be pressure to all parties, created by activist influences. West coast issues may deal with proposed compromises between authorities and domestic parties with disputes over role recognition. On the east coast travel and communications may become issues to be clarified, to fulfill the goal of a project. Limitation of liability needs to be considered.
7/17 Moon occults Mars, 9:11 Pisces, 12:59 AM. Have new action based procedures available to implement. An interruption in habit patterns may enable you to change the way you approach conflict resolution or the way you act to accomplish your goals. Prepare for others to make similar preparations. Look for new people to begin a rise to leadership positions.
7/19 Mercury opposes Neptune, 12:12 Leo/Aquarius, 1:58 PM. The power of imagination can be great. Idealism can be presented to be a viable reality, or limited clarity brought on by deception and deceit. Inspiration and invention, if channeled productively can result in life-preserving solutions. Spiritual principles can be identified and used in many areas of life.
7/22 Sun enters Leo, 11:04 PM. Extra vital energies are available for artistic innovation. Take charge of your own life, and make necessary adjustments in your creative ideas. The future belongs to those who can function outside of conventional boundaries.
7/25 Mercury conjoins Jupiter, 23:02 Leo, 8:17 PM. Those who are open to the collective consciousness can utilize a wealth of ideas. Open your awareness to receive inspiring ideas, just beginning to be perceptible. An interruption to the expansive methods currently in process can allow new ideas to supplant the old.
7/28 Venus enters Leo, 9:25 PM. Be sure to acknowledge others for their support. Pride can blind you to their valuable contributions to your interests. Modify your interactions with others by being supportive of them. A small, genuine mention of praise can make someones day.
7/28 New Moon, 5:46 Leo, west coast 11:53 PM. Build on your secret dreams be receptive to your imaging abilities. Release your active imagination. Cultivate the mystical energy available to all at this time, and make it work for you in your everyday activities. A new and wonderful energy is opening now. West coast issues deal with nurturing under possibly dramatic circumstances, possibly in a public arena.
7/29 east coast 2:53 AM. Areas of involvement on the east coast deal with local activities, but perceived in a more mindful fashion. Look beyond the normal physical view.
Mars turns retrograde, 10:08 Pisces, 12:37 AM. This cycle of activity that began in mid-June can be studied, and ultimately give us insights about aggression and the beliefs of those who express their rage on others. The cycle concludes in early November. Much can be accomplished before then to counter or dissolve some of the anger.
7/30 Mercury enters Virgo, 7:06 AM. Think before you start a venture: is it sound, is it dangerous? Use discrimination in your communications; use care in your investigations not to isolate yourself. Keep lines of communications and networks open, and avoid a betrayal of confidence through thoughtlessness.
7/31 Mercury opposes Uranus, 1:45 Virgo/Pisces, 11:22 AM. Release a fixed perspective. Be open to alternate ideas. Some of the most unusual or radical thoughts may lead to successful endeavors. Expect some interruptions in communications, which can lead to alternative pursuits.
JULY SYMBOLISM
July was named for the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, organizer of the Julian calendar in 46 BC, which remained in use until 1752, when the Gregorian calendar was adopted.
The birthstone for July is the red ruby. It symbolizes love, and an open heart. The ruby is the carrier of the red ray, and helps the wearer to gain courage. Ruby is worn to improve circulation and the richness of the blood. Associated with the sign Leo, it strengthens the heart center leading to the will, and through compassion turns personal love into love of humanity. The ruby is not limited to Leo, but is supportive of all fire signs. Its contrasting properties are associated with Shiva the destroyer, and correlate with the process of purification.
July is associated with goddesses such as Rowana, patroness of the secret knowledge of the runes. Wood cut from the Rowan tree was used to make magical runes. Holda, the white goddess, and Hela, the black goddess are also honored in July. They are twin goddesses who were daughters of Nordic god Loki, and ruled the underworld.
July 4th is US Independence day, when the Sun is passing through the Mars (Scorpio) decanate of Cancer, when there is naturally a great emphasis on freedom and independence. July 4th is also the day of Earths aphelion, the farthest point from the Sun in her orbit. Like a full Moon, this is a turning point towards a time of increase. Be strong in standing for your truth, and you will gain momentum through the next six months.
Saint Swithins Day is named for a ninth century Bishop of Winchester. Saint Swithins asked to be buried outside of the church under the sweet rain from heaven, and so that the feet of ordinary men could pass over him. On July 15, 871, nine years after his death, the monks of Winchester thought it more appropriate to move him inside the basilica, but a heavy rain made that impossible for 40 days and 40 nights. Apparently Saint Swithins spirit didnt agree. Folklore tells us that if it rains on Saint Swithins day, it will rain for 40 days and nights; and if it doesnt rain on July 15, then it will not rain for 40 days and nights.
The Muslim era is dated from the first day (July 16, 622, in the Western calendar) of the lunar year in which the Hegira took place. Muhammad and his followers were forced into exile from Mecca. Hegira or Hejira, which means the migration, occurred because Muhammad and his followers believed in one God, and the Meccan religion was polytheistic.
July is the birth month of philosopher/mathematician/astronomer, Pythagoras, born on July 24, 569 BC in Samos, Ionia. In fact his daughter, Damo (seeress, disciple and inheritor of his secrets and writings) was born on July 21; his mother, Pythais was born on July 28; and his wife, Theano (who, with her two daughters carried on the Pythagorean School after her husbands death) was born on July 11. Many sources state that it was Teano who developed the principle of the Golden Mean.
In Teutonic tradition, the seventh Moon of the year (the full Moon of July) is known as the Mead Moon, named after the mowing of the meadows (or meads), and the first issue of ale. It honors the sacred children of the Moon, Bil and her brother, Hyuki. On their way to draw the sacred song-mead for their family from Bryger, the enchanted spring, they were kidnapped by Odins handsome chariot driver, Mani and taken to the Moon in his chariot. The sacred mead, elixir of the gods is symbolic of wisdom and strength. Earth elders call out to the children when the Moon is full, to sprinkle a few drops on their lips so they may gain the brews gifts. The children, seen during the full Moon as twin shadows on the Moons face were then praised and venerated by mortals for their gift of the elixir.
In the Wiccan tradition, the July Full Moon is known as the Buck Moon, when male deer grow their first velvet antlers. Masculine in tradition, it is an appropriate time to work on the physical body or answer the challenge of mastering physical objects.
July 29 is the peak of the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower, which is said to bestow the gifts of the spirit. This years show will be easily viewed from 1 hour before midnight to 3 am, as the new Moon has occurred on July 28. Look for them to come from the south-southeast just above the fixed star, Fomalhaut at a rate of 15-20 per hour.
Lammas, the two-day festival of the blessing of bread from the first grain harvest begins at sundown on July 31st. Blessing a loaf of bread as a symbol can remind us to be grateful for what we have, and to discover what other riches are possible when the cooperative work of the harvest is complete. Lammas comes at the middle of summer, and is the third fire festival, which rituals we can use to feed our spirits. Spirituality traditionally comes after the needs of the body have been tended. After extending gratitude to Earth goddesses, Demeter and Ceres for nourishing their bodies from the bounty of the Earth, the ancients called upon fire deities who bestowed and encouraged inspiration: in the Celtic tradition, they are Ceridwen and Brighid; We may invoke them to grant us the nine gifts of the Cauldron: Poetry, Reflection, Meditation, Lore, Research, Great Knowledge, Intelligence, Understanding, and Wisdom.
Ernest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois, July 21, 1899, 8:00 AM (Circle Book of Charts), died in Ketchum, Idaho, July 2, 1961. This prolific author wrote about many things, but his last book, The Old Man and the Sea summed up his thoughts on inspiration and staying power in the face of adversity. Santiago, the old fisherman represented us all when he faced an enemy he couldnt see with honor and faith and courage. We all feel alone sometimes, without allies, navigating vast and turbulent seas, both within and without. We are asked to share our losses with strength and compassion, and to carry on. The premises of his book, written over 50 years ago are just as true today as it was when first written.
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