By Tara Aal –
Overview
We’re now fully initiated into summer. The angels of Cancer open our hearts to more feeling and connection with ourselves and the world around us. The sign Cancer offers the gift of belonging¬—of securing the foundation of who we are and living with a deep sense of home, wherever we may find ourselves. Cancer feels itself into being. We evolve through the emotional body and in the zodiacal wheel, Cancer is initiation of emotion. Through the mysteries of Cancer, we form our personal identity based on how we feel, what we need and where we belong. When the angels of Leo begin their reign on July 22, we are called to shine in our natural glory. Leo is a celebration of life force and passion! When we are at home with ourselves and mature in getting our needs met (Cancer,) our self-expression and wholeheartedness (Leo) are free to shine, filling the world with more love and happiness. You are a star, just like the Sun. Be brilliant and share your light…we need it!
Astrology reveals the nature of your personal wiring and energy. It also reminds you of your deepest desires and intentions for growth. It’s an amazing tool to bring about awareness, raise consciousness, and increase empathy and compassion. Check your natal chart out at
www.astro.com.
The Moon takes about 28 days to complete her orbit through the 12 signs, spending approximately two and a half days in each sign. When we say the Moon is void-of-course (VoC), it means the Moon makes no more major aspects to other planets until it leaves the sign it’s in. We sometimes say the Moon is floating between signs during these times, and it creates a sense of timelessness. You can embrace these events by slowing down and tuning into your inner guidance. It’s not the best time to start new things, but it’s a perfect opportunity to make room for what’s to come. If you want to know more, check out www.moontracks.com.
Sunday, July 1
Your emotional reactions might be exaggerated today but use this time to see everything in a greater context. You can truly expand your capacity to live fully. Moon/Jupiter square stretches you to make room for more truth that will change your personal perspective. You’re ready for more! Aquarius Moon VoC begins 5:56 p.m. until tomorrow.
Monday, July 2
Dreamy Moon in Pisces might steal us away this afternoon, and in sextile with Uranus and Saturn our mysterious, emotional, unconscious lunar nature has an opportunity to team up with liberation and stability. This could be the perfect recipe for making your dreams reality. Aquarius Moon VoC ends 12:31 p.m. when the Moon enters Pisces.
Tuesday, July 3
Harmonious Moon contacts with Sun and Jupiter and an infusion from Neptune team up to bring what is hidden into the light. How is your Moon? Is your heart happy? Do you feel felt? With all these planets in water signs, you will surely feel a stirring in your soul. Receive the nourishment of love and light and remember “As above, so below; as within, so without.” You are the planets…all of them.
Wednesday, July 4
Mercury conjunct North Node in Leo emphasizes the way we’re collectively evolving through our Mercurial functions. As a society, how are we communicating? Are we sharing information in a way that serves and progresses our minds, hearts and physical bodies? Mercury in Leo at its best can inspire an audience with heartfelt motivation. Have we lost “heart” in our world of virtual connection and social media? Let’s put our minds together for projects and causes we can be proud of. Pisces Moon VoC begins 4:46 a.m. until 11:49 p.m. when the Moon enters Aries.
Thursday, July 5
Seems we all need to spend time revisioning and redefining with Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Pluto and Neptune all retrograde. Last night, Chiron joined the retrograde party. Slow down and check-in with yourself—you are creating life in every moment with your thoughts, words, vibration and actions. Is this the life you want? Chiron retrograde might trigger feelings of inadequacy and brokenness. That is exactly where your healing and deepest connection with humanity lie. Open your heart to the hurt, for “the medicine is in the wound.”
Friday, July 6
Moon/Pluto square can be intense and Aries Moon doesn’t like being told what to do. Notice when and how you react, especially to authority. Make sure you take time to really listen to the other person. It’s likely your visceral gut reaction doesn’t reflect their actual intention and motivation.
Saturday, July 7
If you feel angry or anxious today, consciously breathe. Moon makes challenging aspects with Uranus and Mars which can stir things up. Release some energy and ground yourself through physical movement. Aries Moon VoC begins 2:09 a.m. until 7:51 a.m. when the Moon enters Taurus.
Sunday, July 8
Yummy Taurus Moon draws us to enjoy sensuality and beauty. Enjoy a delicious meal in a setting that makes you feel comfortable. Remind yourself that indulging in simple pleasures makes a big difference in your quality of life.
Monday, July 9
Venus enters Virgo tonight magnifying our need to get work done and details right. In relationships, this can manifest as critical analysis which can transform partnerships for the better or mentally rip things apart. Choose wisely and don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Taurus Moon VoC begins 11:09 a.m. until 11:58 a.m. when the Moon enters Gemini.
Tuesday, July 10
After four months retrograde, Jupiter turns direct! Are you ready to implement your revised life philosophy or path with renewed confidence? It’s time to live what we believe and believe in how and why we are living. Gemini Moon VoC begins 3:00 p.m. until tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 11
Are you taking care of yourself? Every time Moon transits Cancer she reminds us we have human needs. If you get emotional when the Moon is in Cancer, feel beneath your mood to the driving need that is crying to be met, and answer it! Gemini Moon VoC ends 12:58 p.m. when the Moon enters Cancer.
Thursday, July 12
Cancer New Moon is a wonderful time to set intentions to allow your emotions to flow as you stand firmly centered, rooted deep beneath the water. When you can fully feel your feelings without being swept away by the waves, you will be safe at home. Cancer Moon VoC begins 9:48 p.m. until tomorrow.
Friday, July 13
Who and what do you champion? Moon enters Leo and connects with asteroid goddess Pallas Athena offering us the chance to champion our own cause and the desires of our heart. Cancer Moon VoC ends 12:31 p.m. when the Moon enters Leo.
Saturday, July 14
This evening, Moon/Mercury conjunction in Leo invites us to share our stories with flare and drama. The need to be understood will be heightened—not so much the facts, but to be felt and seen for who we are and how we want to be identified. If conversation starts to go south, imagine it’s all a comedy and watch from a new view. Leo Moon VoC begins 6:11 p.m. until tomorrow.
Sunday, July 15
Leo Moon is still strong this morning and wants us to create a burst of fiery light before Virgo takes over. The Leo in all of us feels best when expressing from the heart. Take a minute to dance, sing or laugh as you start your day. Let your inner child play. Leo Moon VoC ends 12:30 p.m. when the Moon enters Virgo.
Monday, July 16
What feeds you on the deepest levels? Venus conjunct asteroid goddess Ceres in Virgo speaks to the grief we all carry from patterns of denying our needs and not loving and valuing ourselves. Venus shows how/when we are open to receive; Ceres shows what will truly feed us; Virgo is the archetype of being pure and whole unto oneself and of true service. It’s up to each of us to look after ourselves with love and kindness, we know how to do it best, and we’re worth it.
Tuesday, July 17
Libra Moon brings ease to our minds and interactions this afternoon. Many of us will be drawn to social engagements and conversations. If you’re up late, Moon/Saturn square will put some tension on things, so prepare to be flexible to find the balance. Virgo Moon VoC begins 5:49 a.m. until 2:42 p.m. when the Moon enters Libra.
Wednesday, July 18
Today is free of major planetary aspects. Enjoy Libra Moon and Cancer Sun. Cancer and Libra are traditionally seen as a challenge for each other—the tension between family of origin and marriage or partnership. At heart, both signs want peace and connection. Express your gratitude for family and all your relationships however you define them.
Thursday, July 19
Sun/Moon square reflects tension between our conscious, logical selves and our unconscious, non-linear interior world. Sometimes, who we think we’re supposed to be doesn’t seem to align with our feelings and needs. Has one been suffering at the expense of the other? What can you do to honor both? Libra Moon VoC begins 2:52 p.m. until 8:13 p.m. when the Moon enters Scorpio.
Friday, July 20
Do you feel like what you need is at odds with what you want? Moon/Mars square symbolizes a struggle between what we think we need to be secure and emotionally safe and what we desire on a primal, instinctual level. If we just go for it, will we be “ok?” If we play it safe, will we ever feel alive? Give yourself permission to test it out! Choose for yourself without holding so tightly to the past. You really don’t know how it will turn out.
Saturday, July 21
Saturn/Neptune quintile reflects the ability to identify problems and come up with creative solutions to incorporate a greater and grander vision in our reality. Neptune is unlimited imagination, and Saturn is willing to work hard to turn dreams into something of substance that will serve and sustain.
Sunday, July 22
Sun enters Leo this afternoon, bringing the burning fire of passion and self-expression. With Moon in Sagittarius, we’re elevated with new optimism and the desire to have some fun. The fire signs are associated with self-identity. We glorify selflessness, but without a self, we have nothing to give. Scorpio Moon VoC begins 4:17 a.m. until 5:12 a.m. when the Moon enters Sagittarius.
Monday, July 23
Moon square Venus and Neptune brings on all the feels. We are challenged to step outside our story about love—personal and spiritual love. If you get stuck replaying old dynamics in current relationships, choose to feel what’s happening in the moment. This is a call for more heart, receptivity, compassion and faith. It doesn’t have to be so hard.
Tuesday, July 24
Venus/Neptune opposition keeps love on (across) the table. Do you expect idealism and perfection in your relationships? Neptune is perfection in the imperfection. Can you accept things and people as they are? We all want to be loved unconditionally. Sagittarius Moon VoC begins 3:21 a.m. until 4:48 p.m. when the Moon enters Capricorn.
Wednesday, July 25
The Capricorn Moon is almost full, in her waxing Gibbous phase. Take a moment to reflect on the progress you’re making toward your goals. Capricorn lives for accomplishment and Gibbous Moon is the perfect time to adjust and refine your plans to ensure they align with your intentions.
Thursday, July 26
Mercury Retrograde! You know the drill—expect wires to cross, in transit and communication. Is this really any different than “normal” time? Remember that just because you think something does or doesn’t make sense is nothing but perspective. Capricorn Moon VoC begins 8:41 a.m. until tomorrow.
Friday, July 27
“A council of ancestors is seen implementing the efforts of a young leader.” is the Sabian Symbol for the Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse at 5˚ Aquarius. Per Dane Rudhyar, the whole past of humankind stands behind any individual effort. As the eclipse lights flash off and on, will you see with greater awareness how we stand on the backs of those who came before? The past can be a hinderance, but it is also a tremendous resource and Aquarius knows how to use that material to break new ground for the benefit of all. Capricorn Moon VoC ends 5:41 a.m. when the Moon enters Aquarius.
Saturday, July 28
We have a quiet cosmic day to reflect on the Full Moon. Moon/Jupiter square as the only major aspect stretches us to understand ourselves and our history in a greater context and be willing to expand outside our comfort zone. There is much more truth for us to discover!
Sunday, July 29
Moon moves into Pisces this evening evoking our emotional nature. Dream a little dream of whatever makes you feel most loved. Aquarius Moon VoC begins 4:25 a.m. until 6:28 p.m. when the Moon enters Pisces.
Monday, July 30
“I once asked a bird, “how is it that you fly in this gravity of darkness?” she responded, “love lifts me” – Hafiz. Pisces Moon, Moon/Jupiter trine…there is always hope, and it is in you.
Tuesday, July 31
Moon/Neptune conjunction can dissolve false illusions, bringing you into greater peace and harmony. If you remember your dreams, write them down. Use the images and symbols as guides into a new cycle where your mind is free to write a new story that leads with the heart. Pisces Moon VoC begins 5:42 p.m. until tomorrow.
Tara Aal is a practicing astrologer, writer, and teacher. She studied Evolutionary Astrology with Laura Nalbandian and is a certified Soulsign Astrologer through Adam Gainsburg. www.TaraAal.com