Hi Everyone

We begin July with three planets in retrograde motion (Saturn, Neptune and Pluto).  By the end of August we’ll have six planets apparently moving from west to east by our perception. When a planet is retrograde, we tend to experience the energy more inwardly and things seems to slow down. It is a time of introspection and there doesn’t appear to be much forward movement.  In addition, there are no planets in air signs until the very end of August when Mars moves into Libra, a sign ruled by Venus. The element of air rules communication, ideas, innovations and inspirations.  Between the number of retrograde planets and planets in earth signs, July and August have a rather subdued feeling about their energy.

July

July is the quieter of the two months. Two planets move into Leo (Venus and the Sun), and Mars moves into Virgo. He then is in an easy flow of energy with Jupiter in Taurus. Uranus and Pluto are also in earth signs, Taurus and Capricorn, respectively. Leo is a fire sign, full of enthusiasm, energy and playfulness. (Leo also tends to be a bit self-centered, all while feeling very unworthy. A complicated sign, for sure.)  Earth is a great way to put a fire out, so with four planets in earth signs, Leo’s fiery enthusiasm may have some trouble getting itself expressed. Too much fire, as we well know, can destroy much – think wildfires.

Venus stations retrograde on July 22^nd at 9:23 EDT, the same day that the Sun enters Leo. She’ll be at 28⁰ Leo.

The Full Moon occurs on July 3 at 7:39 a.m. EDT. She’ll be at 11⁰ Capricorn. The New Moon occurs on July 17^th at 2:32 p.m. She’ll be at 24⁰ Cancer.

August

Two planets station retrograde, which means they start moving from west to east by our perception, but it can take them a little bit to get moving again. The first is everyone’s favorite, Mercury, and the second is Uranus. Both of these planets are concerned with the mind – Mercury with how we think and process information and Uranus with innovative ideas and insights.  By the end of the month only Mars and Jupiter will be going “direct,” i.e. from east to west.

Mercury stations retrograde on August 23^rd at 3:59 p.m. EDT. He’ll be at 21⁰ Virgo. This is the same day that the Sun enters Virgo at 5:01 a.m. Mercury is comfortable in the analytical sign, Virgo, with its attention to detail. Virgo is an earth sign. On August 28^th at 10:39 p.m. Uranus stations retrograde. He’ll be at 23⁰ Taurus, which is also an earth sign. There will be five planets in earth at the end of the month.

Mars enters Libra on the 27^th and will be the only planet in an air sign. Mars is not happy in Venus’ sign, focused on balance, peace, and relationships. Libra has two speeds – very fast or not at all. With warrior Mars in this sign, these energy swings may be more pronounced.

Neptune is the only planet in a water sign (Pisces). Water signs generally relate to intuition, sensitivity and emotions. And of course, water softens earth.

The New Moon occurs on August 16^th at 5:38 a.m. She’ll be at 23⁰ Leo. There are two full moons in August. The first occurs on August 1^st at 2:32 p.m. She’ll be at 9⁰ Aquarius. The second, or blue moon, occurs on August 30 at 9:36 p.m. She’ll be a 7⁰ Pisces.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Peace and abundant blessings,

Margaret