Astrology for July 2005 by Susan Heinz, Astrologer
As the Sun moves through the summer signs, Cancer and Leo, July unfolds with several powerful astrological events. To the West, after sunset, we can view Mercury and Venus together. Because of this influence, we can expect efforts at diplomatic communications. While Mars moves through impulsive Aries, Venus and Mercury soften the aggressive energy that is present. The New Moon takes place on July 6, in Cancer, highlighting that assertive Mars.
On Jul 16th Saturn enters Leo. Saturn has been in Cancer since June 2006, emphasizing “homeland security” and patriotism. It has challenged the foundations of our identity. To move in alignment with the wisdom of Saturn is to consciously create new foundations for the next 30 years. As Saturn moves into Leo, it’s intensity focuses on leadership and the role of the individual within group consciousness, so important to the Aquarian age. Personally, we could look back over the last 2 years and ask, what tracks have been laid down for me? As I enter the next phase, what is my unique expression now that there is a new foundation. What will I now create?
President Bush has 3 planets and his rising in Leo. He will be under the harsh scrutiny of Saturn, the planet of karma. Bush finished his exact Saturn return as the Downing Street memo was publicized, Congressmen were asking for a time table to pull out troops and the popularity for the war was at it’s lowest. Watch Bush and his administration make a big push for their agenda through July. August and September are difficult times for Bush, having to face the consequences for what he has created.
Last month Saturn aspected Governor Schwarzenegger’s Venus, predicting his loss in popularity. Like George Bush, Schwarzenegger has 3 planets in Leo (including his Sun), so he too will be challenged.
Jul 15-17, Venus, Mercury, Mars and Pluto form a grand fire trine. We will feel the intensity and transformative effects of this formation. It can play itself out with much debate and discussion, especially for change. Relationships will be fueled with energy and passion, some ripe for transformation, others, resisting, will feel the destructive powers of this alignment.
The full Moon, on July 21, highlights the Saturn, Chiron opposition. The Saturn, Chiron opposition takes place 6 times over two years, (first one in September 2006 and the last one will be in June 2006.) This cycle, having begun in 1966, will now be reaching a peak, a mirror for us to view the health and integrity of the structures and governing authority we have formed since then. It is said that when Saturn and Chiron align we “must encounter our own inner fear, rigidity and contempt for others, as well as our inherited and collective attitudes of repressiveness and ultraconservatism.” (Astrologer, Melanie Reinhart, from Chiron and the Healing Journey.) This Saturn, Chiron opposition calls us to attend to the wounds of the global community and to begin to understand our essential unity as a human family.
Chiron, known as the wounded healer, always shows where polarization prevents wholeness. George Bush embodies the wound of Chiron that exists in the psyche of the U.S.A. We see this astrologically as the 1st opposition took place on Bush’s Cancer Sun, which he shares with the U.S.A. When Chiron aspects the Sun we experience a wound to our sense of individuality and purpose. It’s interesting to see how greatly polarized the country is around purpose and how President Bush really galvanized that polarity. From an astrological perspective this is viewed as an indicator of the wound surfacing and potentially setting the stage for healing to take place. The last Saturn, Chiron opposition takes place on Bush’s Mercury, Pluto conjunction, the very conjunction that makes him so convinced and confident that his way is the way. With this transit he will be held accountable for his words and what they have created.
The Sun enters fiery Leo, and Mercury goes retrograde, on July 22 until August 15. Expect delays, slow your pace, check details and use the time to review communications, writing and editing. On July 27 Mars begins its long sojourn in Taurus, giving energy to the earth signs, where “perseverance furthers” for the next six months, until Mars enters Gemini in February.
Twelve Opportunities:
Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19): With Mars in Aries you feel charged and are able to get things completed. The challenge is with relationships within the family and with partners as you move forward with your plans. If you are feeling like having a confrontive talk, it is better to postpone. This is a time of power for you, so your choices are very important.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Now is a time for focused expression and creativity in your home, a truer expression of who you are is coming forth. This month holds great potential for transformation and achievement of goals, for a greater sense of integration and wholeness, a fulfilling relationship after separation.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): This month as Mercury travels with Venus you experience a pleasurable time with friends and siblings. It highlights a romantic and busy time for you. Transformation and change in relationship, movement and doing things together allows you to bring the relationship to the next level.
Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 21): This month is a balancing act for you. There are things you want to accomplish and you have the energy to do so. But you also want to be at home and enjoy. You feel the tension of expectations, be patient with yourself and others. You feel inspired and you see things in a different way.
Leo (Jul 22-Aug22): Relationships are the theme for this month, both pleasurable and challenging. You are asked to be the communicator because your way of communicating is valued. With Saturn moving into Leo you take up new responsibilities. Midmonth calls for patience before responding. Direct approaches need to be mellowed with diplomacy and intuition.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep22): You feel ready to make some big changes. But you must attend to the inner workings of things. Things are being scrutinized from the inside. You are experiencing a major breakthrough in terms of creativity and insight. You are experiencing a victory.
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22): Your public role may appear the same this month, but it’s definitely changing. You feel tension between the possibilities of the future with the tasks you are being asked to do. Others have a very direct approach, their needs are very clear cut. On another front you are being asked to speak for the group. This is an opportunity for you.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21): July is a month of travel for you. You are very well received. People look to you and you enjoy people. You are also taking on more responsibility and with it you must pay attention to keeping balanced and having patience as things seem challenging at the end of the month.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 20): You have a profound experience with your partner that is causing a transformation within yourself. They are changing you instead of you changing them! You have a new sense of appreciation and love, and a sense of wholeness.
Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 19): You are entering a 3 year time period of significant change. This month you connect with your passion and find an avenue for expression. At the end of the month you feel the pull of commitments and are put to the test. Keep balanced.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 17): This month you feel keenly aware of your needs and the needs of others. You weigh the difference and contemplate what your responsibility to others is. Do you feel ready to make further commitments? You are also aware of a fragileness, or openness that is new. This openness brings to you the beginning of a new project.
Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 19): You feel empowered this month by making a change, taking a risk. And you find yourself linked up with another, creating. You are experiencing rekindled enthusiasm and revitalization in your relationships. You find a deep and wonderful sharing.
This summer receive a reading on how Chiron, known as the wounded healer, functions in your life and how healing can take place.
Susan Heinz is a professional astrologer & teacher in Santa Cruz for 20 years. She brings together traditional & esoteric astrology, Indian Vedic astrology, tarot and Qabalah in her integration of astrological wisdom. For info on her astrology classes and personal consultations, call 831 476-5787.
