July 2013 Astrology

“In a shrinking world that can use a good shrink, we don’t need another theory of evolution. What we need is the practice of evolution.” Swami Beyondananda

The first week of July Venus is a strong influence in the sky and there are some challenging aspects. If problems arise in the areas of relationship, finance and pleasure – use them as an opportunity to entertain more workable solutions. Adjustments may need to be made.

With Mercury retrograde it is best to make an extra effort to keep communications clear and if problems arise – rather than assuming anything initially- it is wise to double check that what you said / texted/emailed was first, received and then understood as you intended.

The Sun enters the Uranus /Pluto square the first week also. This powerful combination will lend assistance with transformation. It is a good time to” keep your eyes on the prize.” Stay focused on who you want to become and where you are going. Identify and let go of outdated patterns of thought and behavior that can impede progress.

The New Moon in Cancer is July 8. Use the energy at this time to set clear intentions about aspirations related to home and family.

Mid month is a very busy time astrologically – it is best to provide extra down time to integrate the fast and perhaps confusing pace of events. Uranus stations retrograde on the 17th and Mercury stations direct on the 20th. When this planetary pair combines forces like this there can be surprising news, communications as well as technological snafus. It can be hard on the nervous system.

The Jupiter/Neptune /Saturn trine is in effect at this time as well. As the saying goes, “watch what you wish for” or rather be conscious of what you are trying to create. This planetary alignment governs the laws of manifestation. It will be in effect on and off throughout the year. It is wise with Neptune’s involvement to keep grounded and develop a strong link to intuitive knowing.

Towards the end of the month Mercury enters the Uranus/Pluto square.. This reminds me of what the Dalai Lama wrote about in his book, Ethics for a New Millennium – that we must always be “thinking about what we are thinking.” The mind is a powerful tool and it is a good time to pay attention to how you are using it, let go of unproductive thought patterns and work on using mental powers in a positive way. The Dalai Lama’s book provides very good guidance on the subject.

Mars conjuncts Jupiter at the end of the month – watch the tendency to overshoot the mark with this high energy pair in alignment.

It is likely to be a volatile time and it is best to stay out of the fray- watch for frayed tempers and impulsive behavior.

The Full Moon in Aquarius is on the 22nd.

With Jupiter in Cancer for the next year take some time to appreciate the beauty, harmony and generosity of the natural world – our home.

quote from Spontaneous Evolution by Lipton and Bhaerman

Jupiter in Cancer

Jupiter is now in the sign of Cancer. For the next few weeks under the influence of Mercury retrograde revisit and take care of tasks in need of repair and renewal around the home. It is also a good time to work on healing old wounds- particularly those related to home and family- through an expanded, enlightened perspective. The Sabian symbol for Jupiter’s entrance into Cancer is, “On a ship sailors lower an old flag and raise a new one.” It is a good time revisit allegiances to ideas that may have outlived their purpose.

Sabian Symbol reference from Lynda Hill’s 360 Degrees of Wisdom

Jupiter in Cancer part 2

I live in a small New Hampshire town close to Main St in a neighborhood of massive, old Victorian homes.

At the Town Meeting last fall the residents voted to replace the sewer system on our street. By late June the process commenced and – without notice – the public works department closed access to a section of the road and chopped down a towering maple tree which was more than a hundred years old. Access to the road and been blocked and visibility limited so that by the time we found out about it it was too late to do anything – such as explore options to cutting down this lovely, long term inhabitant of our neighborhood.

Now when I look up into the sky from my front yard I no longer see the tree’s massive graceful branches, I can no longer hear the rustling of its leaves or sit in its dark shade on a hot summer day.
In the local press I have followed the occasional town disputes about saving a beloved tree or keeping a granite boulder deemed in the way of progress. Often these battles go on for a long stretch of time. But we had not been notified and did not have the option to organize and make our voices heard.

I usually walk past the tree every day at dusk when reflections in the windows of the looming houses create strange apparitions. On the first walk since the tree’s absence I noticed that someone had placed a cup filled with bright pink flowers – Indian paintbrush, I think -on the remaining stump. And some hearts constructed of pipe cleaners lay on top of it too.

A few days later there was a piece of paper stapled to the stump on which a poem was written. It was from The Lorax and read,

“I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”
And I’m asking you sir, at the top of my lungs,
Oh please do not cut down another one.”

Jupiter is now in Cancer and forming a harmonious aspect to Chiron the asteroid of the Wounded Healer. There is an opportunity with Jupiter’s wise, benevolent influence to understand and heal wounds – particularly those associated with home and family – from an expanded perspective. It is a good time to look at how we deal with painful events and when we can’t avoid them, how we can learn from them,

With Chiron in Pisces raising the level of consciousness is indicated. Forgiveness and surrender are key.

The family in my neighborhood illustrated this clearly by creating the little memorial for the tree and expressing their love and appreciation for it as opposed to- for example- calling town officials to angrily shout at them or blame the workers.

We can hope that everyone learned a little bit from this incident and that residents will also now know that we need to exercise more vigilance in protecting the things we love about our neighborhood.