Astrology

July
July begins as always with the sun in the sign of Cancer, which is the sign of home, family and our need to feel safe and protected in a sometimes hard old world. With Pluto travelling through the opposite sign of Capricorn for the next few years, we will all have to confront security issues in some form or another.
Currently Jupiter, planet of expansion, growth and optimism is very close to Neptune (exact on 10th), planet of dreams, glamour, illusion and other forms of reality. This is a good for having big ideas on creative projects and a ‘feelgood factor’ in the gloom of recession. The problem is it’s hard to know what is real when Neptune is around and we must be cautious about the seemingly wonderful opportunities that come our way right now. There may be green shoots of recovery but when Saturn goes into Libra in the autumn the books must be balanced. In November when Saturn squares Pluto, the gigantic long term problem of Government and corporate debt will demand urgent and responsible action. Jupiter and Neptune are both currently in the sign of Aquarius which is associated with politics, the community and progressive ideas. It is hard for us to see what is really going on right now in the political arena.
Caution aside this could be a very creative and enjoyable time. Why not take up a new artistic study; playing the ukulele, knitting, drawing, writing poetry. Spend time dreaming. What would you really like as your heart’s desire? Imagine, visualise dare to create a whole new future in your mind. However, if you decide to sell your house and go and set up a digital photo co-operative in Outer Mongolia check with your accountant and a few other grounded people first! There’s nothing amiss with bringing vision to earth to be manifested.
The Full Moon across the Cancer- Capricorn axis on 7th coincides with an eclipse. Eclipses are extra potent New and Full Moons. It’s time to confront issues about work-home balance. How are feelings and business balanced in your life? Use the power and light of the Full Moon to clarify your goals.
The New Moon on 22nd (the second in the sign of Cancer this year) also brings an eclipse which picks up Pluto. This symbolises a shift or change of direction. New Moons are monthly seeding times. This particular eclipse is about the need to make sudden reforms. Old ideas or methods will fail and new systems are required to deal with the events brought by the eclipse. As a consequence we will need to think of new ways of handling the issues. Any blocks could be violently or tragically removed. The effects of these eclipses will be felt all month and the first two weeks of August.
The sun goes into the fire sign of Leo on 22nd July. The sign of Leo is ruled by the Sun, so let’s hope it shines. Even if it doesn’t, make sure you shine. No time for false modesty. Let people see your talents and what you can create. Leo needs appreciation to make it purr…
The weekend of 4th-5th  can bring deep thought and conversations, also some serious feelings about overseas matters. Financial complications or scandals could emerge onto the world stage. Religious conflicts are also possible. It’s not the best time to achieve things. Be careful about biting off more than you can chew 6th-7th. Promises and hopes may be unrealistic. 11th-12th are good for clear thinking and conversation. Drama and exaggeration may be evident on 17th. 18th is a great day to spend with friends. Worry may be around on 19th. Relationships take on a serious tone on 21st.  Difficult situations can trigger inventive responses on 23rd. On 24th we may be feeling itchy, impatient and angry. 25th has some social weirdness and Sunday stirs the bottom of the emotional pot to surface unresolved issues. However, there should be a happy ending. 27th is happy day but by 28th we’re looking to trim our sails and cut costs. It’s not about spoiling the party so much as keeping going by managing the resources we have. 20th brings an expansive mood.
Venus is in flighty chatty Gemini from 5th so get out and network. Mars goes into Gemini on 12th so we’ll all be motivated to communicate more.
Enjoy the summertime. We all need to be refreshed and revived for challenges that will come in the autumn.
Aries
Rewarding days 13, 14, 15
Challenging days 26, 27
Taurus
Rewarding days 16, 17
Challenging days 1, 2, 28, 29, 30
Gemini
Rewarding days 18, 19
Challenging days 3, 4, 5, 31
Cancer
Rewarding days 20, 21
Challenging days 6, 7
Leo
Rewarding days 22, 23
Challenging days 8, 9, 10
Virgo
Rewarding days 24, 25
Challenging days 11, 12
Libra
Rewarding days 26, 27
Challenging days 13, 14, 15
Scorpio
Rewarding days 1, 2, 28, 29, 30
Challenging days 16, 17
Sagittarius
Rewarding days 3, 4, 5, 31
Challenging days 18, 19
Capricorn
Rewarding days 6, 7
Challenging days 20, 21
Aquarius
Rewarding days 8, 9, 10
Challenging days 22, 23
Pisces
Rewarding days 11, 12
Challenging days 24, 25