July 2013 Astrology

Pallas Athene and the Dark Moon Lillith

” Transformation comes from looking deeply within, to a state that exists before fear and isolation arise, the state in which we are inviolably whole just as we are.” Sharon Salzberg*

Today Lillith, the asteroid of the Dark Moon and Pallas Athene are conjunct in the sky at 5 degrees of Cancer. This alchemy of this planetary pair provides a good time (over the next few days) to get updated on what you would like to advocate for in your life – particularly those things that are related to your passion, your creativity and your deep inner knowing.The conjunction is involved in the Jupiter/Saturn/Neptune trine and so getting clear about progress you have made – however incremental – and committing to pragmatic implementation over time bodes well. This aspect speaks of a ongoing evolutionary process that is like an underworld journey – it is not always visible in the topside world.
With Chiron’s involvement look for things that restore a sense of wholeness that may have been lost along the way.

quote from Divine Sparks by Karen Speerstra

The Sun Squares Saturn

With the Sun moving up to a square to Saturn (in effect for a week or so) a lot of progress can be made if you are willing to work creatively with challenges as they arise. As Mercury picks up speed in forward motion be sure to heed any insights that have occurred over the past few weeks – particularly those which reveal missing pieces of information related to family issues and the past. These insights can add new perceptions to ideas and beliefs which may have become crystallized over time. Mercury stationed in aspect to Chiron and the symbol for Chiron is the key. Chiron can often hold the key to missing information.

Mercury Stations Direct

“The Chiron configuration often describes what connects an individual with his or her inner suffering and also a route through this to healing.” Melanie Reinhart

Mercury stations direct Saturday at 13 degrees of Cancer in trine to Chiron the asteroid of the Wounded Healer. Heed any intuitive messages which emerge particularly those which offer a new slant on an old perspective. One of the Chandra symbols associated with the station is, “A boarded up doorway that leads to another realm.” Doors of perception are open now which we do ordinarily have access to. These perceptions can free us of customary thought patterns which have outlived their usefulness.

Melanie Reinhart quote from Chiron and the Healing Journey, Chandra quote from Ellias Lonsdale’s Inside Degrees

Uranus Stations Retrograde

“There is no such thing as ruining your life. Life’s a pretty resourceful thing, it turns out.” Sophie Kinsella, The Undomestic Goddess

Uranus stations retrograde today at 12 degrees of Aries. It is a good idea for two or three days to pay attention to realizations that arise. The Chandra symbol associated with today’s station is, “The wind blows white sheets hung out on a line to dry.” The meanings include, “A force which never lets up, yet conceals itself within the commonplace” and “the twists and turns of fate that keep on happening and demand a form of resiliency which then becomes a doorway into wide open spaces that no longer polarize and divide.” Uranus will be retrograde through Dec 17 and in general this is a good time to contemplate the right use of power, the role resiliency plays in our lives and how we might increase the courage and enthusiasm with which we approach beginnings.

Chandra Quotes from Ellias Lonsdale’s Inside Degrees.

Saturn/Neptune & Jupiter

“But my rose, all on her own, is more important than all of you together, since she’s the one I’ve watered. Since she’s the one I put under glass, since she’s the one I sheltered behind the screen. Since she’s the one for whom I killed the caterpillars (except the two or three butterflies). Since she’s the one I listened to when she complained, or when she boasted, or even sometimes when she said nothing at all.” The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Jupiter/Neptune/Saturn grand trine in effect now offers the opportunity to expand our dreams and visions and to bring them into reality. Saturn is the planet that makes this rare and magical planetary alignment concrete. And as with the Little Prince’s rose, ongoing commitment, care and nurturing will be required to bring plans to fruition.

“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