With the Sun moving through its own fiery and dramatic sign Leo we reach the fullness of summer. As of mid-June, the process of review hits the newspaper headlines from the 9/11 Commission, "Panel reveals no Iraq-al Qaeda link." We shall continue to see the results of this review, the stellar parallel being the Venus retrograde period, the need to penetrate the veils of illusion to find truth, specifically, for the USA, truth about military actions and seed motives in our use of force.

The long sojourn of Venus in Gemini (from April to August, rather than the usual one month) places great emphasis on the theme of duality, the split from wholeness, and projection of the shadow. With Venus opposing Pluto three times during the 5 months, it challenges us with layers that have been hidden from the light and conscious recognition. The process is one then of seeing, feeling, acknowledging and confronting in order to create something new in terms of our behavior and relatedness. We enter the sphere of images and the power of feeling to arrive at profound truths when we experience the energies of Venus. It is extremely important for people to see what is going on in order to allow for conscious action. The time for “the Emperor’s New Clothes” is drawing to an end as the voice of truth illumines the apathy of adults. July 25th will be the last Venus opposition to Pluto, completing one of the most powerful times of truth seeking, moving us into relationship adjustment.

The consequences of past actions come to light, summing up a nine month process, (Saturn joining the USA Sun for one last time). These two planetary lineups (Venus retrograde and Saturn) work together to pull back veils of illusion and distortion.

In our personal lives, it is time for creating new daily routines to incorporate what the Venus cycle brought to light. You may have had insights into yourself and into relationship that needed to be seen and set right, allowing a new foundation to be set.

July continues themes of clarifying, cutting away what is false, and simplifying. President Bush, through July, will respond defensively and his confidence will be shaken. It is time for Bush to take a hard look at his attitude of “rightness”, (Saturn squares his moon and Jupiter and approaches it’s second Saturn return in November). Because Bush’s Sun is at the same degree as the USA Sun, his willingness to face the truth and consequences of motives and events can act as a powerful channel for a sleeping America to awaken. Will he rise to the occasion?

Over the next 3 months Mercury and Mars merge their energies three times. The first time on July 10th in fiery Leo, communications will be heated and quick moving. On August 18th the second Mars, Mercury conjunction takes place in Virgo opposite Uranus. Unexpected events can interrupt plans, rebellious actions and communications thwart the status quo. These planets emphasize trickster energy, tornado like storms and electrical challenges.

On July 2nd the full moon in Capricorn takes place. The new moon in Cancer takes place on the 17th. On July 31st, a Blue Moon (two full moons in one month) will occur, with the Moon in Aquarius. On August 9th Mercury goes retrograde at 8 Virgo until September 2nd. With Mercury retrograde, shift gears to a more laid back time, relax schedules, be thoughtful with details, a great time for editing. With Mercury in an earth sign, review practical matters, retreat to nature. Aug 15th is the new moon in Leo. The month finishes with a full moon in Pisces aligning with Uranus, planet of crisis and cutting through, insight, genius, breakthroughs and liberation on August 29th.

Twelve Opportunities:

Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): Communication, travel and interactions with siblings highlight your summer. Late August is a great time to creatively express yourself and refine the details of expression. A long awaited breakthrough comes. Time to release blame and start anew. A struggle has ended.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): You may want to exaggerate your dilemma or difficulty. You don’t seem able to make up your mind about your creative responsibility. This changes in August. You feel a flow and move into the mystery that delights you.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Now’s the time to take action on your hearts desire, your creative plans. End of July you focus on fixing, refining your home space. A quiet time leads to creative insight.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 21): July has a careful weighing of issues. A lack of clarity means the need to back away. An unexpected and new situation presents itself. Have faith. Enjoy the good things in your life.

Leo (Jul 22-Aug22): Give yourself a good vacation, one with lots of time to drift and dream, creative reverie, soak in water, drift with the waves. The pace of life quickens in late August. Be prepared to receive a gift.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep22): Take time for yourself. Clean out the old. If you feel frustration find a way to release it creatively or physically. You begin a period of personal review of purpose. Attend to your body and emotional well-being to freely accomplish that which you desire.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): You make adjustments to a belief you carry which creates more ease in your life. You experience a sudden breakthrough with your livelihood. You focus in and increase your skills.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): You are entering a new level of knowing and sharing information. August brings communication and travel with friends. Be watchful. A friend may pose a conflict.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): You are experiencing the need to change. The form it will take appears to you and you align with it. Take time to sit by water, to nurture, contemplate and restore the deepest part of you.

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19): Relationships are changing as you are changing. What has seemed difficult before isn’t difficult now. In late August you find great enjoyment in your relationship. This is a good time for getting more involved with a project.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): What has been unclear, this summer reveals itself and you feel a shift. Your perception of situations and people suddenly becomes crystal clear. Movement into new beginnings happens quickly.

Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): Your partner will suddenly be very direct and honest with you or perhaps it will be friends or siblings who communicate with such directness. Take a step back and observe the interaction, observe the energy. It will take you into a deeper understanding of the situation.