New Moon in Cancer
Monday, June 22, 12:35 pm PDT, 3:35 pm EDT
This is a very important lunation because it is opposite transformational Pluto and arrives only two days after the solstice, a pivotal time of the year. Security-conscious Cancer makes us aware of our needs and fears and Pluto facing this Sun-Moon conjunction intensifies those emotions. Power struggles personally, professionally and in the political arena can undermine trust and overthrow governments and relationships. If extremism and infantile behavior are avoided, though, this could be a healing time as unresolved issues rise to the surface where they can be addressed consciously.
Uranus Retrograde
Wednesday, July 1
The planet of rebellion's five-month reversal period turns the struggle for freedom inward. While external innovation will continue, the most significant field for breakthrough lies within each of us. Freedom from oppression is important, yet liberation of the mind through meditation is available to everyone. Cutting through our interior walls of doubt and ignorance is the first step to changing ourselves and then the world.
Mercury in Cancer
Friday, July 3, 12:20 pm PDT, 3:20 pm EDT
Cerebral Mercury's stay in subjective Cancer colors thoughts with feelings that could easily overcome logic. Still, filtering information through the lens of personal experience can turn cold facts into living truths. Conversations grow warmer and hearts open wider when thinking is felt this deeply. Expressing our own needs and our care for others will bring closeness that rational minds often miss.
Venus in Gemini
Sunday, July 5, 1:23 am PDT, 4:23 am EDT
Sociable Venus loves variety in the diverse sign of the Twins. Flirtation and conversation are high on the list of pleasurable activities now. Tastes may shift quickly, which can be a challenge when making major aesthetic decisions. Yet Venus in Gemini adds flexibility in relationships and personal values that can overcome roadblocks and attract new sources of pleasure.
Mars square Jupiter and Neptune
Monday, July 6
Pursuing dreams and chasing illusions can be time consuming and exhausting. However, enterprising Mars could be heroic, imaginative and compassionate when aspecting outgoing Jupiter and idealistic Neptune. It simply takes discrimination and a willingness to test the waters before diving in to catch the inspiration of this wave without being pulled under by it.
Full Moon in Capricorn
Tuesday, July 7, 2:21 am PDT, 5:21 am EDT
The Capricorn Full Moon sometimes triggers a sense of frustration as we tend to notice how far we are from achieving our goals. This is a Lunar Eclipse that asks us to drop childish behavior, buck up and take care of business. The Full Moon receives a favorable trine from sturdy Saturn, Capricorn's ruling planet, that provides a strong sense of purpose and direction. Discipline comes more easily with this supportive alignment as public and private needs are recognized as complimentary rather than conflicting.
Jupiter conjunct Neptune
Friday, July 10
This is the second of three conjunctions of astrology's most expansive and optimistic planets. The first occurred on May 27 when a rising tide of hope or escapism through fantasy began. This second meeting of Jupiter and Neptune is a chance to correct erroneous assumptions and to inspire ourselves with reachable dreams. The third and final union on December 21 should expose any leftover illusions or mark the infusion of a lasting spiritual force.
Mars in Gemini
Saturday, July 11, 7:56 pm PDT, 10:56 pm EDT
Single-minded Mars gets scattered in diversified Gemini, making it harder to stay on track and complete tasks. The aggressive aspects of the warrior planet are readily verbalized in this chatty sign. Yet for those stuck in patterns of repetitive behavior, Mars in Gemini reveals a multitude of alternative activities and methods. An ability to adapt to a wide variety of tasks is another benefit of this multi-dimensional alignment.
Mercury in Leo
Friday, July 17, 4:08 pm PDT, 7:08 pm EDT
Ideas are strengthened and communication emboldened with verbal Mercury in creative and proud Leo. This transit can add courage, humor and a sense of style to sell ideas while stubborn thinking is its downside. Over-identification with one's thoughts makes it difficult to listen to opposing ideas. Try not to let pride get in the way of a potentially meaningful dialogue.
This New Moon in Cancer can take us back to our roots, touching childhood memories and reopening old wounds. This is not an exercise in nostalgia or regret nor is it a time to hide in fear or to carry on while ignoring our feelings. This New Moon is an opportunity to trim the family tree of its broken branches of pain and self-limitation and nourish ourselves with passion for new growth that can take us higher than we've ever gone before.
About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the cofounder of StarIQ.com.
