MONTHLY SINCE 1999
ISSUE # 240

 July 2019

Note: All aspects are most powerful and effective as they apply. Once the transit has completed, its force is lessened. The further it separates the weaker it becomes.

AUTHOR’S NOTES:

This month we will see two eclipses, the first is the New Moon Solar Eclipse at 10 degrees Cancer 38 minutes Tuesday July 2^nd. The 2^nd will be the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 24 degrees Capricorn 04 minutes on July 16^th. All eclipses demand our attention. They are historically known to create a great deal of energy and can upset the status quo quite a bit. But this month they are prominent on America’s chart. The New Moon is within 3 degrees of America’s Sun, and the Full Moon is exactly conjunct America’s Mercury. Each of these aspects has the ability to be explosive and can result in situations that could be harmful to the collective. Robert Mueller is scheduled to address Congress on July 17^th only a day after that Lunar Eclipse sits on our Mercury, ruler of information and communications. And because we are in the midst of this extremely powerful buildup of Capricorn energy as we head towards the Saturn – Pluto conjunct this coming January, the results of his testimony will have a major effect on us, no matter what is or isn’t said.

We are moving forward towards the Great Capricorn Alignment that begins in earnest this coming January when Saturn and Pluto conjunct. But this is not a time in our history to “sit it out” what is happening. The great political writer and teacher, Howard Zinn, was my brother’s friend for many years. They often played tennis together and my brother, David, spend quite a bit of time with Howard. I was fortunate enough to meet him a number of times. He was a magnificent thinker, a gentle man, but not a great tennis player. Oh well, you can’t be everything. One of his most famous works was a documentary called “You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train”. It’s a powerful sentiment whose time has certainly come, and this train is speeding towards a cliff.

Between the 2 eclipses we will experience a plethora of hard aspects. Mercury will retrograde, and then it will conjunct Mars. The Sun will oppose Saturn and Pluto. Mars will square Uranus. Any one of those aspects could create difficulties, but with them coming one after another in a 2 week period we may be in for a shaky and explosive time. I have briefly examined each of the transits below, but it’s important to note that the period between the New Moon eclipse and the Full Moon eclipse might be especially difficult. Be careful in your journey, and in your personal relationships. The underlying energy is quite combative and it will be easy to slip into a dispute from which you cannot disentangle. Take care and be safe. Mitch.

NEW MOON:

The New Moon falls on Tuesday July 2^nd at 3:16 P.M. EDT at 10 degrees Cancer 38 minutes and it’s a Solar Eclipse. In our personal lives this New Moon eclipse is offering us all an opportunity to make some important changes. This aspect demands that you look over your circumstances and see what issues are ongoing and continue to have validity and which are no longer working out to your advantage. Eclipses tend to end many things that have peaked, though it may take a number of months before you accept that fact and the final decision is reached. Use these eclipses to your advantage. Don’t be afraid of change, embrace it. While it may not all be pleasant there is a reason for what comes out. The results are a matter of how you approach it. If you are direct and honest about the issues that come up, this will be a productive period. If you pretend that everything is honky-dory when it isn’t, there will be some disruptions and conflicts over the coming month. With eclipses you need to expect the unexpected and keep an open mind and a clear perspective. By accepting what comes to you, you will have less trouble dealing with the energy and the events it creates. Just respect the power of these eclipses and use common sense.

The eclipse seasons can be fraught with peril a lot because of the unpredictability of events that may occur. While most of the time transits simply push us in a direction and how we respond to them will decide what the results are, there are times when the energy is more intense than the individual’s resolve. We see that applying now in the underbelly as the Great Capricorn Alignment comes into play. The Eclipses this month are in Cancer & Capricorn in direct sign aspect to that coming alignment. There will be a number of events in the world this summer that this will trigger. Some will be obvious in their importance, for example the Iranian situation. Some will seem quite passive and mundane and their underlying meaning could easily be overlooked. Robert Mueller is scheduled to address Congress on July 17^th, on a retrograde Mercury right after the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse at 24 degrees Capricorn, which will conjunct America’s Mercury exactly, as well as being very close to transiting Saturn & Pluto. I discuss that later in this newsletter. But suffice to say that no matter what the outcome of that testimony will be, and what information may or may not be forthcoming, this will be a powerful moment in our collective consciousness. It is another example of the dangerous rift that exists in our nation.

These Eclipses will affect the whole world of course, not just America. But we are a Cancer country with the Sun at 13 degrees of that sign. This Solar Eclipse is only 3 degrees away from that point. I think we will see some powerful actions as a result. As students of astrology know, eclipses can take many months to play out. The initial shock that occurs near the configuration can be explosive or not. But the final solution will not be known until there is planetary activity at the same degree as the eclipse. Because we are heading towards this Capricorn Alignment and America’s Pluto Return every event that occurs now will have a deeper underlying meaning. I do think it’s rather interesting that our president has decided to display a dictatorial style military parade through the streets of our capital on our nation’s birth date, something that has never been done before. In many ways these are very much a pair of “American Eclipses” and there may be severe results in the coming months to what takes place this July. Watch the signs, folks. We are inching more and more towards a non-democratic government. As they say, those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

VENUS ENTERS CANCER:

On Wednesday July 3^rd at 11:18 A.M. EDT until July 27^th at 9:54 P.M. EDT Venus will travel through this emotional water sign and bring a deeper sense of connection to how we interact. This is a time to be gentle and compassionate and to embrace love in all of its forms. All relationships will be influenced by this transit, but especially intimate ones, including romantic bonds and important friendships. How we relate to each other now will make a strong mark on you as an individual and the relationship in question. This is not a time when you can count on superficial responses. There is much at stake and it’s vital that you be honest about your feelings and willing to get bruised, if you want to protect a relationship. This is a time for direct and deep interaction and for a willingness to hear the truth. If you try to ignore this or sidestep the important issues you could lose someone very dear to you. In a good relationship this placement will deepen your feelings. Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind. It’s the only way to ultimately strengthen the bond. If you’re not willing to risk losing something eventually it will become less valuable to you. But if you admit your feelings and open your heart that connection will become much stronger. If you do lose someone now it was meant to be and all the lying and deception will only delay the inevitable. Because of the list of hard aspects we will encounter in the coming few weeks, this placement of Venus takes on a more important role than usual. We will all tend to be rather emotional and with those Cancer – Capricorn eclipses as well as the retrograde Mercury it’s vital that we keep our lines of communication open and heart-felt.

 

MERCURY RETROGRADES:

On Sunday July 7^th at 7:15 P.M. until Wednesday July 31^st at 11:58 P.M. EDT our lives will run backwards once again. I think this is a very misunderstood aspect. Yes, it can cause difficulties, especially in communication, technology and travel. You can expect to have to go over some things twice to correct the mistakes, and it will be a problem getting around, unless you pay heed and leave extra time, double check things and take this Rx into consideration. But it’s also a time to uncover things long hidden and to speak and hear the truth. The world is slowing down and we have an opportunity to catch up on what’s been running too fast. Personal relationships actually have a chance to do some healing if you’re willing to focus your thoughts and discuss things in an honest and open manner. My advice is to take advantage of this period and try to find some time to lie on the beach, take a leisurely trip into the mountains, or in some way let your soul breathe and unwind. Most of the time, our problems occur when we are fighting against the current. Certainly you must scrutinize your work and make extra efforts to ensure that your communications are clear and understood. But look at this retrograde as a forced vacation when it’s not only okay but preferable to let your mind meander and your creative juices flow where they may. Because this is an eclipse season as well caution is certainly called for. Stay alert and keep your eyes open for any sudden or explosive interaction or event.

Mueller is speaking to Congress during the retrograde, a day after the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, and while I don’t seriously think it will be a major unveiling, we may have a chance to hear somethings that just might make a difference in the long run. As I mentioned earlier in this newsletter, no matter what the results of his testimony this will have a strong effect on our collective discussion. This eclipse season is very active on America’s chart, and we can expect some important events this year. Of course, as you know if you follow my writings or astrology in general, we are heading into the most severe planetary era in some time.

MERCURY CONJUNCTS MARS:

On Monday July 8^th at 6:28 P.M. EDT we will all be a bit feisty and argumentative. Because Mercury has just reversed direction you need to be careful about what you say and how you say it. You may have a strong desire to “set the record straight”, but don’t be too aggressive or overreaching, or you could easily alienate someone and regret it for a long time. It will be hard to restrain your thoughts and you may find that the simplest statement can provoke misunderstanding and a dispute. The retrograde begins in Leo, a very forceful and unbending energy, so until Mercury retrogrades back into Cancer on July 19^th is would be wise to pick and choose your fights with care. This can also be an accident prone transit and you need to pay close attention to your environment and avoid any dangerous or violent situations. Be especially cautious behind the wheel of a car or when traveling in general. There’s no reason to assume that anything will happen, but the more you pay attention the less likely it is.

THE SUN OPPOSES SATURN:

On Tuesday July 9^th at 1:07 P.M. EDT this low energy aspect will limit our oomph and force us all to focus on the most important issues. This is not a great day for a party or for pushing out new ideas or starting a new project. You will find that the underlying feeling is restrained and not that exuberant. But if you aim your attention towards your responsibilities and obligations and concentrate on completing any projects that are lingering you can get a lot done. Saturn only wants you to deal with your most pressing needs and commitments. If you do that, you will have a sense of accomplishment and this will be a productive few days. This is not a very sociable aspect, and you may find it difficult to express yourself to others. If something needs to be discussed or a problem has become stifling between you and another, it may demand a resolution now. Face it directly and honestly and you will be able to settle some differences. But don’t waste your time with frivolous issues or attempt to lighten things up too much. It will feel out of place and you will just be wasting your time. Work, work, work for a few days and you will be glad you did.

 

MARS SQUARES URANUS:

On Thursday July 11^th at 1:59 P.M. EDT. This will be a high energy day that requires our attention. The combination of these two planets can be explosive and erratic. The best way for you to handle this is to expunge any pent up tension you are feeling. Any hidden anger or resentment will most likely come to the surface and have to be confronted. It’s most important that you deal with your emotions in a direct and honest manner. If you’re feeling some anger you must admit it and find a way of focusing the energy it is creating and aim it a safe direction. This is not unlike Drew Barrymore’s character in “Firestarter”. If you stay active and find positive release for this force you can avoid much difficulty. If you don’t it can implode or be released in an uncontrolled manner. But even if you do pay heed it’s still possible that you could get swept up in someone else’s mood and get into a confrontation no matter how hard you try not to. This is also a very accident prone transit, so caution is called for. If you’re driving you must act defensively. If someone is trying to pass or riding your bumper, let them go. If you allow your own tension to interfere with your decisions you could easily find yourself on the receiving end of a conflict. As with all aspects this one can be very productive if used properly.

With Mercury in retrograde and the eclipses activated extra care is called for. There is an underlying sense of tension in the air and many people will respond to it, often without being conscious that they are. On the world stage we are entering a time of conflict and exaggerated stubborn pig-headedness that could blow up at any moment. Oh well. Leo Tolstoy said: “Everyone talks about changing the world. No one talks about changing themselves.”

THE SUN OPPOSES PLUTO:

On Sunday July 14^th at 10:46 A.M. EDT this powerful aspect will continue the intensity we felt on Thursday with the Mars square Uranus. Keep in mind what I have said before. These transits do not force us to act in any particular way; they just create an atmosphere that we must work within. If you approach them in the right way you can use the energy to your advantage. This opposition could make it difficult to sidestep any confrontations and disagreements. Because of the ongoing Saturn – Pluto conjunction that will complete in January, any inner planet can act as a trigger to set off that underlying force and may create a situation either in your own life or on the world stage. With the tension with Iran, North Korea, China, etc. it wouldn’t take much to create an event. And with the divide in our nation so severe it wouldn’t take much to set off a chain reaction.

On a personal level you may find that you are forced to address some issues that you may have thought were resolved. The only way to deal with Pluto is to face it directly and find compromise, even while you stand up for your rights. This planet, more than any other, demands that you take the power being offered and use it. Otherwise you risk being on the losing end and not able to defend yourself and your opinions.

 

FULL MOON:

This month’s lunar peak occurs on Tuesday July 16^th at 5:38 P.M. EST at 24 degrees Capricorn 04 minutes, and it’s a lunar eclipse. All Full Moons deserve our respect and should be approached with some care. The Cancer – Capricorn axis is very emotional and often brings up issues from our past. This month will be filled with issues about close connections and childhood dreams and traumas that may be unresolved. Family dynamics are in play, no matter how you define family. Close relationships with lovers or friends may be affected and you should be careful how you deal with your closest people. Eclipses are especially powerful and have a long lasting effect that can take months to complete. If this hits your chart you may find that you are feeling a strong desire to get something out. Eclipses often bring things to an end, but only if they are truly no longer valid. Try to listen to your inner voice and examine what’s going on in your life. If someone or some project isn’t working out it would be better to admit it and cut your losses. Just be sure you aren’t ending something out of spite or anger.

This aspect sits exactly on America’s Mercury, ruler of communication and ideas. Robert Mueller will be testifying tomorrow in front of Congress. While I doubt that there will be many shocking revelations, the simple fact that he has been subpoenaed and will once again take center stage in our drama will have an effect. Venus will oppose Saturn tomorrow as well, which will add yet another layer of obligation and limitations to our stifled national conversation.

 

VENUS OPPOSES SATURN:

On Wednesday July 17^th at 1:34 A.M. EDT Venus’ usually gregarious nature will be stifled by Saturn’s limitations. This can be a difficult aspect for personal relationships, including lovers, friends and business associates. This is a time to see things from a realistic and direct perspective. You cannot avoid facing the truth under Saturn’s glare. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy each other’s company or have a relaxing day. Don’t expect to have your usual energy. It can be a low key few days leading up to this opposition. But if you accept the atmosphere and work within its framework this can be a good day for structuring your life, dealing with your emotions in a realistic manner and putting some issues in order. You will be frugal and controlled with your finances and could put together an intelligent budget, clean up your paperwork and settle some problems that may exist with someone close. But if you just feel like lounging around the pool or sitting in the park that would be fine too. Don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed.

 

MERCURY ENTERS CANCER:

On Friday July 19^th at 3:07 A.M. EDT Mercury retrogrades back into Cancer until August 11^th at 3:45 P.M. EDT. The placement of Mercury in the signs puts the foundation beneath our words and thoughts. When it was traveling through Leo we all tended to be bellicose, direct and perhaps rather dramatic. Now it’s all about emotional expression. Your feeling and your intellect are dancing together and if you take control over it this can be a period when you are able to express your sentiments and say what’s really on your mind. Because Mercury is in retrograde there is a tendency to delve deeply into your communications and at times reveal some hidden thoughts and agendas. Be true to yourself and don’t try to cover thing up. You will find it’s easier to be honest and get to the heart of the matter if you just allow your emotions their full say.

 

VENUS OPPOSES PLUTO:

On Sunday July 21^st at 4:30 A.M. EDT Venus now opposes Pluto. Following the opposition to Saturn on Wednesday some pressure will continue in personal relationships. This is a combination that likes to get to the bottom of things. With Mercury just retrograding back into Cancer honesty is the underlying theme, and no planet wants to dig deeply into things more than Pluto. You should be careful though that you don’t say things in a harsh or combative way. Pluto is known for its ability to create conflict and to uncover things that have been hidden. If you feel the desire to dig into a relationship just be prepared for what might come up to the surface. There may be a few spats or uncomfortable disagreements, but the real purpose is to get things out into the open where they can be dealt with in a clear and honest manner.

           

THE SUN CONJUNCTS MERCURY:

On Sunday July 21^st at 8:35 A.M. EDT the retrograde Mercury will feel the force of the Sun. This may be a day when there are breakdowns in communications, computers, cell phones, cars, boats and planes. Just be careful and use common sense while traveling and stay alert. In your conversations you should be careful not to be too pushy or arrogant. This could be a day of arguments and misunderstandings, and with Venus in opposition to Pluto now as well that is certainly a possibility. As always the Rx Mercury will be challenged to filter out the nonsense and attempt to focus on what is real. If you have something important to say, say it. But don’t waste your time on frivolous or unnecessary disputes. This could be a very nice day for a trip as long as you pay attention to the Rx Mercury and double check your plans, make sure you have gas in the car and charge up your cell phone. Most problems under the retrograde are self-induced.  You can avoid them through awareness.

 

THE SUN ENTERS LEO:

On Monday July 22^nd at 10:51 A.M. EDT we enter the fixed part of summer. As I often say, the sign of Cancer is all about family and dealing with the past. It’s a very emotional and reflective energy that tends to make us all emotional and even introverted. But Leo is more about playing, friends and romance. This is the time of summer to explore and seek adventures. Let the child within have its month in the sun. Romance is very much Leo’s domain, as it rules the 5^th house, so whether it’s a summer fling, a visit from an old lover or just a time of flirting give into that temptation on whatever level works for you. Leo also rules acting and the theatre, so see if you can get to a play or two this month. And whatever you do, look for some excitement and adventures. You’ll create some amazing memories that you can revisit when the winter doldrums take over.

 

MERCURY CONJUNCTS VENUS:

On Wednesday July 24^th at 8:27 P.M. EDT we have a day of pleasant interaction when communications will tend to be easy-going and light hearted. This is a good day for any travel. You should enjoy the trip as much as the destination. Let the world’s woes take a backseat to the pleasures of relationships and the joy of summer. If you can get away this would be a nice day for a brief vacation or even a long lunch in the park. It’s a good time to get in touch with old friends or to do some creative work. If you’ve been struggling with a song, a book, a painting or any other artistic venture you may be able to make headway with it now. This is a very sociable transit, and it’s followed tomorrow by the equally enjoyable Mars trine Jupiter. So do something fun this week. You will enjoy it and might make some important memories.

 

MARS TRINES JUPITER:

On Thursday July 25^th at 8:22 A.M. EDT this exciting trine will give us all a jolt of energy and align our egos with the force of the universe. This is a high energy day that favors all physical activity. Get out and so something a bit strenuous. Your muscles will thank you. It should be easy to get along with others. You won’t feel the need to push your will onto someone else. You can get your point across and engage in any project or actions in a more flowing manner. This is a sociable and outgoing energy, and it would be a good day or two for any interaction with others. Plan a party, a date or an evening out with friends.

VENUS ENTERS LEO:

On Saturday July 27^th at 9:54 P.M. EDT until August 21^st at 5:07 A.M. EDT Venus joins the Sun and Mars in this fun-loving fire sign. Romance will take on a very direct and dramatic tone. Expect to play a number of roles with your significant other, and don’t be afraid to change the character you project. That’s some of the fun that Leo offers. It rules acting and all live theatre, and if you can indulge yourself and each other in role playing it may be quite rewarding. Because Leo rules the 5^th house, in some ways it can be the most childlike of the signs. This is a time to play and get away on some exciting adventures. While Venus is traveling here you can take some chances and explore the world with a somewhat fearless approach. Travel, games, a water park, the beach, a trip to Yosemite National Park or any other thrilling escapade will give you much pleasure.

 

THE SUN SQUARES URANUS:

On Monday July 29^th at 7:13 P.M. EDT this explosive and potentially dangerous square demands out attention. Be careful. Don’t step into any situation that seems unstable or fraught with risk. This is a day when you would be better off sitting by a pool or a lake and trying to relax. There will be an undercurrent of energy no matter what you do, but you don’t need to add more fuel to the fire. Interactions with others might be difficult, as we all will be feeling the power that this aspect can produce. If you’re traveling you must use caution. When driving, do so in a defensive manner. Don’t rush to get where you’re going. If someone cuts you off, just let it be. Getting angry is very easy today, but you don’t have to let it overwhelm you. There may be some events in the world that represent what this square implies, and since we are in the midst of an eclipse season and this is at the Dark of the Moon, I wouldn’t be shocked by something explosive. As hard as it is to even say, there may be an act of violence, vengeance, or an event involving guns, something we have become all too complacent about. I’m concerned about some worldly situations including Iran, but we have no control over the world, only a bit over our own lives. So use that control to avoid anything that could be dangerous. There is no reason to assume that you will be caught up in something horrific. Although you may get into a dispute with someone, having been forewarned it need not get overblown into anything more than a momentary few choice words.

DARK OF THE MOON:

The next New Moon falls on Wednesday July 31^st at 11:12 P.M. EST at 8 degrees Leo 37 minutes. The day or two leading up to it will be a particularly low energy period. If you tend to be emotional this may be a very trying time each month. I have found that people with prominent moons or a Cancer Sun, Moon or ascendant respond to the lunar cycles more intensely than others. Spend this time finishing up anything that is incomplete, don’t try to initiate new projects on a waning moon, it just won’t work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new projects or attempt a new approach to an existing problem. If you have been living in a situation or involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has outlived its usefulness this would be the proper time to move on with your life. If you have been working on a project that is almost complete but you seem to lack the energy for the finality, you must push during these low energy days to end the matter once and for all. If you don’t, when the New Moon arrives it will bring this “dead” energy along with it and conflict with the newer force being presented. Each month we are offered a chance to clean house, so to speak.

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Below is a list of times this month when the Moon is Void of Course and neither important decisions nor purchases should be made during these periods. The Void of Course Moon is a time when we should try to center ourselves and deal with spiritual matters not materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the VC Moon will not turn out the way we had expected.

The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition. All times are Eastern Daylight Time.

July 3^rd 10:25 A.M. – 11:19 P.M. ***Moon is void 13 hours

July 5^th 2:24 A.M. – July 6^th 12:25 A.M. ***Moon is void 22 hours

July 7^th 12:50 P.M. – July 8^th 2:07 A.M. ***Moon is void 14 hours

July 9^th 3:35 P.M. – July 10^th 5:29 A.M. ***Moon is void 14 hours

July 11^th 8:29 P.M. – July 12^th 11:05 A.M. ***Moon is void 14 hours

July 13^th 9:31 P.M. – July 14^th 7:05 P.M. ***Moon is void 22 hours

July 16^th 5:38 P.M. – July 17^th 5:19 A.M. ***Moon is void 12 hours

July 18^th 11:53 A.M. – July 19^th 5:19 P.M. ***Moon is void 28 hours

July 22^nd 4:34 A.M. – 6:02 A.M.

July 24^th 10:48 A.M. – 5:42 P.M. ***Moon is void 7 hours

July 27^th 12:28 A.M. – 2:29 A.M.

July 28^th 11:25 A.M. – July 29^th 7:31 A.M. ***Moon is void 20 hours

July 30^th 11:33 P.M. – July 31^st 9:18 A.M. ***Moon is void 10 hours

August 1^st 4:48 P.M. – August 2^nd 9:20 A.M. ***Moon is void 15 hours

August 4^th 12:27 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. ***Moon is void 9 hours

August 6^th 3:36 A.M. – 11:31 A.M. ***Moon is void 8 hours

July 2019

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