Flurries of Activities: Multiple Aspects at Once
This month has a steady stream of activity, but there are a few days that are truly busier than others in July. You’ll notice that on a couple of days there are multiple aspects that will activate everyone. Typically there may be 1-2 planetary alignments a day, so anywhere upwards of that is a bit out of the ordinary. Keep your eye on July 2nd and July 21st and what common themes develop as Neptune will be active on both days.
On July 2nd, idealistic promises are the theme of the day. Mercury and Neptune really get the spotlight while Venus and Saturn lend supportive roles. This is a day where you can soften your boundaries, but promises made aren’t always promises kept. Don’t confuse the strength of the relationship with the strength of the agreement. It’s a bit of a dreamy day and one to follow your fancy, but avoid signing any contracts. There might be some hidden details or truths.
The second big active day will be the day of the full moon on July 21st. This lunation happens early in the morning, so you could feel it a day or two before as the aspects are building. The thread of July 2nd may get picked up by the full moon as it sextiles Neptune. You may feel the pressure to make the deal happen that got left on the table earlier this month. This is really true as the full moon happens at 29º of Cancer, which is an anoretic degree. The last degrees of any sign hold a lot of pressure to get their agenda fulfilled at the last moment. Today’s aspects show that there is energy behind wealth and commerce, as well as others coming to rally their support. Mars and Saturn hold the reins on the 21st, so although you may feel rushed and can get caught up in the moment, try to slow down and take your emotional temperature before committing. Say “Yes” because it’s what you really want to have happen. You may notice the emotional weight of your decision for the following week with the Sun moving into Leo, but let it ride and have faith in yourself.
Fireworks and Explosions: Mars conjunct Uranus
When Mars and Uranus are in a tight conjunction, you may experience a strong inclination to approach things differently. This can manifest as being adamant about taking the road less traveled, getting fired up about unconventionality, or really sticking tight to a rebellious plan. Defiance can be a hallmark of this transit, which parents of toddlers and teenagers know all too well. This is like putting gasoline on a fire just to see the flames shoot higher. There can be a prime need for stimulation, action, and impulsivity around mid-July.
On the other hand, this aspect also highlights how inventive your instincts are in a crisis situation. There is always danger in an emergency, but also an opportunity to test your skills and dig deep into your reservoir of experience. When you can’t overthink the problem, split-second decisions can be the most authentic.
In the earth sign of Taurus, Mars takes on a defensive role. Saying he is stubborn in this sign is an understatement. He simmers his anger under the surface and digs his heels in. But he can also be a bit like a ticking time bomb under the pressure of earth and once he lashes out, it is like a volcano shooting molten lava everywhere. When you add Uranus to the mix, the need for freedom, individuality, and expression adds a lack of forethought to actions. This can be especially true in relationships, which is what Venus rules.
While these Mars and Uranus conjunctions typically happen every two years, this one is especially difficult, as it is right on top of the fixed star, Algol. This is one of the brightest fixed stars and is the head of Medusa in the constellation Perseus. It is associated with the phrase, “losing one’s head”. In Arabic lore, Algol is the potential power of Mother Nature in all of her power and wildness. It is destructive and powerful. When Mars and Uranus are on top of this fixed star, there can be the potential for disasters and accidents. According to Bernadette Brady, Mars conjunct Algol shows crisis situations that yield great creativity, while Uranus can bring conquest and misappropriation of a disadvantaged group. It’s worth noting that in 2024, July 15th is the start of the Republican National Convention here in Milwaukee.
On a personal level, really be mindful of how your actions may cause irreparable harm to those you love, especially around mid-month. There could be some severing of friendships or damaging of reputations. Earth has a long memory, so explosions will come with receipts. But keep in mind the long goal of whether you want to continue the alliance or part ways before you air your grievances. With Venus in Cancer ruling this conjunction, a wise move would be to check in with others whom you feel absolute safety with about your ideas and impulses before you act. Talk through your triggers before you explode. Trusted loved ones can give you solid advice and be a secure sounding board before you move forward.
Also, be aware you may not get all the emotions associated with this conjunction until the Moon directly opposes this conjunction on July 16th. A Mars ruled Scorpio Moon may tempt you to use the pain as fuel for revenge, but I challenge you to let it settle. Mercury will also enter his shadow, so you are likely to get the messaging wrong. Give it a few days for the energy to release.
A Different Season of Leo
This Leo season will take on a unique flavor from what we’ve experienced in the past, as the Sun will always oppose Pluto for the next 20 years. You may become more attuned to the weight and unintended consequences of older generations, especially those baby boomers (1940-1964). This is the start of that generation’s release of power, purging of excess, and concentration of soul-fulfillment. This will be felt on a societal level. While the Pluto in Leo generation was largely influenced by the 1980’s values of glamor and building reputations, this opposition heralds the dismantling of that opulence. They were the generation defined by optimism for solving the world’s problems, such as space exploration and gender equality. However, Pluto has a way of leveling expectations and bringing up the balance sheet of how far they pushed society and where their power was limited.
Pay attention to how Leo season will manifest for you starting July 22nd. You may notice a bigger spotlight on your insecurities with Pluto opposite the Sun. The universe is calling you to dive back into what is essential to your happiness. It is a call to rebalance and sweep away what is no longer needed.
Dates of Note:
July 2: Mercury trines Neptune + Venus trines Saturn + Mercury ingresses into Leo + Neptune stations retrograde. Idealistic promises carry weight today. The planet of communication makes a supportive aspect to dreamy Neptune while the planet of relationships looks for solidification with Saturn. Mercury will later move into emboldened Leo, giving you a little more fire under your belt. Neptune will turn retrograde as well, letting everyone bring their dreams down to earth over the next five months.
July 3: Mercury opposes Pluto. Power struggles can be real and words can carry some consequences. Be careful when choosing sides. When in doubt, be aware of your own ego and lean into Leo’s desire to highlight the strengths in others.
July 5: New Moon in Cancer + Mars sextiles Saturn. If you need to move things forward on home projects, this is the day to do it. This new moon brings energy to initiatives on self-care and family. It can be a day of sticking closer to home and embracing what brings you the greatest sense of security. Today can also spur on your desire to organize or tackle fundamental projects that have been on the back burner. This is fertile ground for new progress.
July 8: Venus sextiles Uranus + Mercury sextiles Jupiter. Travel plans are favored today and love sparkles with possibilities. This is a day to do something different, take risks, and speak up. Presentations, connecting with friends, and making business deals are all favored today. It’s a fast-paced day.
July 10: Sun trines Saturn. This affirming aspect happens twice a year. When the planet of ego and purpose connects to Saturn, independence and autonomy shines. Stand firmly in your abilities and let the ground under your feet move.
July 11: Venus trines Neptune + Venus ingresses into Leo. This is a wonderful day for romance and adoration. Compliments and affirmations flow, but with the moon opposing Neptune and Saturn, there can be a sense of fleeting time. Savor the sweetness for the momentary pleasure and lose yourself in the fantasy that wooing brings. Today can embody that euphoria of falling in love or the anticipation of indulgence.
July 12: Venus opposes Pluto. When the planet of relationships sizes up powerful Pluto, there can be a battle of wills or a need to frame everything as an “either/or” choice. Watch for the all-or-nothing thinking, especially with personal values. Fate may have a role, but free will is equally important.
July 15: Mars conjuncts Uranus. Are you ready for some fireworks? In the US, this is the start date of the Republican National Convention and it’s set to be one for the books. This conjunction happens in Taurus is and right on top of the malefic fixed star of Algol. This is like adding fuel to the fire. Mars and Uranus have such explosive energy. But together, they emphasize the power of destruction, belief in rebellion, and entrenching oneself in the opposition. With this happening in Venus’s home sign, values get highlighted so it could be a place of feeling fired up about your own personal experience and seeking reassurance that you are in the right. Watch out for irritations that can lead to fights or severing of relationships. If you can avoid planning big things around this date, do it.
July 18: Sun sextiles Uranus. This is a day to be inventive and put your resources into new uses. Follow your curiosity and sparks of excitement. Rediscover your joy.
July 20: Mars sextiles Neptune + Mars ingresses into Gemini. Build some room in your schedule to accomplish last-minute things and follow your fancy. When the planet governing drive and ambition is in his own terms making a sextile to dreamy Neptune, escape routes become major thoroughfares. Later this afternoon, Mars moves into Gemini. With Mars in mutable air, there is a push to share ideas, find sounding boards, and make sure the discussion is moving everyone forward. Over the next 6 weeks, watch for information overload as Mars is co-present with Jupiter. Mental processes and problem solving are quick where most of the strategy is in the mind. However, the tongue can be loose. Try to remain discretionary over how much you volunteer and what whispers carry on the wind.
July 21: Full Moon in Capricorn + Venus sextiles Jupiter + Mercury squares Uranus + Sun trines Neptune + Mars trines Pluto. It’s a very busy day in the skies with so much happening. This is the second full moon in Capricorn of 2024, but this one is in sextile to Neptune. Sought after synchronicities may or may not be there, so be aware of confirmation biases leading you astray. This can be an emotional moon where fear of consequences appears heavier than normal. The pros and cons are long on either side of the decision. The other aspects of the day have a general theme of using any new unexpected information in ways that can benefit everyone. You can make big moves financially and socially, but make sure this is coming from your internal drive and not peer pressure.
July 22: Sun ingresses into Leo. The Sun will ingress into Leo today, marking the homecoming in his sign of his greatest strength. In this sign, he favors self-expression, creativity, and those who are young-at-heart. Leos naturally draw attention to themselves but also celebrate the uniqueness of everyone. They are the cheerleaders of the group and value loyalty. It feels amazing to bask in their light. Be aware of their pride. Once you cross them, their shade feels like the arctic as they shut you out of their lives. During Leo season, it is time to enjoy the inner radiance that makes you shine.
July 23: Sun opposes Pluto. Today is not the day to challenge power structures. Recognize how much you have progressed beyond the status quo on a quiet internal level, but don’t make a show of force. Let nature take its course today and remind yourself of your inner light.
July 25: Sun sextiles Mars + Mercury ingresses into Virgo. Watch the nervous energy today. Most of the activity in the sky today point towards overthinking and comparing yourself to exacting standards. You can channel the energy into productive matters, but it may take some work to push through any insecurities first. Later today, the planet of communication moves into his home sign of Virgo. Here he holds the edge on efficiency by sorting projects into manageable tasks and is a whiz at figuring out where he can be effective. Mercury is in his shadow, so you won’t get as much juice from his time in this sign until he clears his retrograde after Labor Day.
July 26: Chiron stations retrograde. The wounded healer turns retrograde today. You may be more aware of your internal wounds and how far you’ve come in your path of becoming whole. Take time in the next 5 months to assess how your greatest wounds do not define you, but rather add to your hero’s journey.
July 30: Venus trines Chiron. Relationships can be incredible reflections of our own healing. Look for ways you have grown together and how partnerships make you whole.