AstroCast: July 7 – 20, 2019

In the wake of the total Solar Eclipse last week, Mercury stations retrograde on July 7 initiating the review phase of its four-month cycle. As end-of-cycle periods go, this one may have its fill of issues in need of focused attention in order to wrap things up. Mercury stations at 4∞28’ of inspirational, fiery Leo, giving us the archetypal tools to find creative solutions for issues at hand. Furthermore, Mercury has been travelling closely in tandem with Mars since mid June, correlating to higher levels of activity and a “get it done” attitude with little patience to step back and assess the bigger picture before taking action. (For more on the current Mercury cycle read Jim Sher’s recent article.)

Mercury and Mars conjunct on July 8 in a close square to Uranus in Taurus. This impactful, tense alignment could incite lively and unusual or perhaps rebellious discourse and debate. It’s best use perhaps is to be open to receiving new ideas that might shock your belief systems. So, don’t reject new approaches too quickly. Mars goes on to its exact square with Uranus on July 11, further amplifying areas in need of adjustment. It may seem quite urgent we deal with matters, perhaps through a use of force or abruptly cutting ties. Caution therefore is advised when responding to obstacles outside our control or needing to revisit things we thought were already handled. Taking a breath to determine if the urgency is real can mitigate premature, reactive choices. Uranus adds the element of surprise but also an uplink to innovative solutions. However, this would require moving beyond reactivity and working consciously with these potentially volatile energies by remaining in a relaxed, creative state. Mercury remains in Leo until July 19 when it backs into Cancer, shifting from an energetic, enthusiastic approach to perceiving the world around us to a more intuitive and safety-conscious one.

The long term Saturn/Pluto conjunction in Capricorn commands the astral spotlight during this period as the Sun in Cancer opposes it July 9 through 14, followed by Venus in Cancer July 16 through 21. Moreover, the Capricorn Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 16 conjuncts Saturn/Pluto as it opposes the Sun. The formidable Saturn/Pluto conjunction in effect throughout 2019 and 2020 represents big lessons about our limitations and responsible use of power. Over the last century, the harder alignments between these two planets (conjunction, square, opposition) correlated to era defining events such as WWI, WWII, and more recently 9/11 and the Great Recession. On a personal level, its intensely concentrated energy can correspond to an increased capacity to respond to tremendous challenges by summoning up extraordinary will and strength to forge through overwhelming obstacles. 

The Sun illuminating the contractive and transformative force of Saturn/Pluto may give us a preview of areas that are dissipated and therefore in need of ‘gathering’ to tighten up the intention around them. What we can do as consciousness seekers is survey our life as realistically as possible and determine what is actually happening versus what we want to happen but aren’t actually choosing to do things that would lead to its manifestation. Only then will we be able to recognize what is truly working or not. If we put our total heart and will into facing the reality of our natural limitations – without blaming others – and learn to work with them in a resourceful way, we can begin to move things in the desired direction. Venus opposing the powerful Saturn/Pluto conjunction magnifies what needs to transform in an all-or-nothing, ‘no games’ kind of way with regards to our level of commitment in relationships. Venus here also correlates to a need to get real about the limitations of our personal resources. We may need to make sacrificial choices based on what is most important and valuable to us. 

Many of us are already realizing it is time to step up and live a more focused and purposeful life. Some of us are facing major decisions about whether or not to move away from something familiar and lucrative but which no longer seems to align with our evolving path. The question to ask is what will move us towards something that touches the deepest part of our heart and reveals our unique purpose as part of a greater whole. Some are feeling an increased sense of gravity as we face the realities of the world around us, including how our world leaders are controversially dealing with various crises that are likely to have enduring consequences for humanity. The conjunction in astrology represents the commencement of a new cycle. Therefore, as we head towards the one and only exact conjunction of Saturn and Pluto on January 12, 2020, we may feel the closing of its 38-year cycle as the ‘end of an era’. How we respond to situations arising at this time will determine if the next cycle will move us towards increased order or greater chaos. Acting with integrity and authenticity is key.

The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on July 16 at 24∞4’ Capricorn/Cancer galvanizes these astral energies in a way that can trigger major shifts. Capricorn governs the structures of society that keep us working together in harmony with common purpose. Cancer relates to the development of a nurturing environment where we learn a sense of belonging and come to understand the importance of supporting others. While Capricorn builds forms that contain and order the functions of society, Cancer infuses love in the spaces we inhabit and supports their functions with an undercurrent of spirit. Without structures, we would be unable to give form to our lives. Without spirit and love, our structures would be lifeless and devoid of meaning. We need both and can’t write off one as too cold and impersonal or the other as too sensitive and emotional. On a societal level, the worldwide immigration/refugee crisis is indicative of the polarities between Cancer and Capricorn – either enforce our artificial boundaries to serve and protect our perceived limited resources or embrace those in need of support as an integral part of the greater family of humanity. This 5-planet Eclipse alignment could lead to a further contraction of resources and consolidation of power. Finding a way to personally and collectively integrate the nurturing love of spirit in our authoritative governing choices is its message.