By Bernadette Evans
Hi and welcome to July! This month might feel a little calmer now that Mercury is back to moving at its usual speed. The eclipses are behind us, kind of. Eclipse energy can be felt for a few months. It has stirred up the energy/atmosphere and created movement. This month, Jupiter continues its retrograde motion, moving backwards from Pisces into Aquarius. Retrogrades are always about re-examining, revisiting, and revising how we think, operate, speak, and move in the world. With Jupiter in Aquarius, maybe we’ll rethink how to come together as a collective.
The New Moon is in Cancer on July 9 at 18 degrees. This New Moon speaks to beginning new rituals that nurture you. It could also be about starting a new family custom. The sign of Cancer is about family — and not all families look the same. Gather your community of close friends and start a new tradition… it could strengthen your bond.
The Full Moon is in Aquarius on July 23 at 1 degree. This Full Moon is about finding the balance between being part of the whole, while still being separate and retaining your own spark, your unique identity. Full moons are always about letting something or someone go. Is there an area of your life where you don’t feel you’re able to express yourself? Are there people in your life who want to silence you? You can be you while still being part of the group. Find the balance between being part of the group while still maintaining your freedom of expression.
The Moon takes about 28 days to complete its orbit through the twelve signs, staying 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 before it leaves the sign its in. At these times, it can be difficult to get focused and accomplish a task. You may want to relax, meditate, or do something where your focus is turned inward. Don’t try and get a new project off the ground when the moon is void. If you want to find out more about the Void of Course moon, check out moontracks.com.
The times below are listed in Central Daylight Time.
Thursday, July
Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends and readers! Today, Mars and Saturn are in opposition. With these two planets together, it’s possible that someone may say something that could result in you feeling angry or irritable, you don’t say anything in response, and instead, you hold it in and beat yourself up. Have a conversation with the individual and express that you felt hurt by his/her words. Hopefully it will lead to a more honest relationship. On a completely different level, Mars and Saturn can help you focus on any work you want to finish. Steady efforts will pay off. Moon in Aries.
Friday, July 2
There’s an opportunity for you to take action and say what’s on your mind when the Moon sextiles Mercury. You’re intuitive and have a lot of knowledge to share with others, so don’t downplay your abilities. Be courageous and step outside your comfort zone to let your voice be heard. It can be scary, but who knows where it will take you. Moon VoC at 11:15 pm.
Saturday, July 3
When Mars squares Uranus you could feel restless, edgy, or irritable. You may decide to veer left just because everyone else is going right. That being said, if you’re being true to yourself and feel you need to move in a different direction, then you should follow your instinct. If you’re aware of this energy, working with it in a conscious manner could give you some unusual insights. A word of caution — be careful out and about when driving, or even walking. Pay attention to your surroundings. Moon enters the sign of Taurus at 7:28 am.
Sunday, July 4
Happy Independence Day to my American friends and readers! There’s a desire to think outside the box when the Moon conjoins Uranus and they both square Mars. Originality could be the spark that sets everything in motion. You can use this energy to imagine something bigger that excites you and gets your heart pumping! Speaking of adrenaline…pay attention to that edgy energy that can bite you or someone else.
Monday, July 5
The Moon trines Pluto, amplifying your feelings and your intuition. You might want to see a counselor or an astrologer to delve more into what you’re feeling. The Sun Uranus sextile could bring an opportunity to see situations in a new light. Your creativity is ignited, and you don’t want to keep doing things the same way. It’s time for a makeover in how you respond to your circumstances and surroundings. Moon VoC at 11:57 am until 8:24 pm when it enters the sign of Gemini.
Tuesday, July 6
When Mercury squares Neptune, there’s a chance for misunderstandings. Try to be clear when communicating with others. Don’t hold anything back for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Have an honest conversation about what’s going on (or at least how you see it), then get their perspective. Be careful of rushing headfirst and blurting something out before your head catches up with your mouth. You could use this energy to delve into spiritual pursuits, explore religions, philosophies, or something mystical. As well, Venus opposes Saturn today. When these two are in a hard aspect to each other, you may feel that you are disconnected or separate from the ones you love. You could feel alone and lonely, thinking you have to do everything yourself. Remember what you’re encountering in someone else is a reflection of an aspect of yourself.
Wednesday, July 7
You could get lost in your daydreams when the Moon squares Neptune. Some daydreaming and fantasizing are harmless. You may want to spend some time today envisioning what your future looks like and feel it happening. See it in your mind’s eye, then write it down so it doesn’t evaporate. Moon VoC at 11:20 pm.
Thursday, July 8
Sparks could be flying when Venus squares Uranus. It’s possible someone suddenly appears in your life and there is electricity — a chemical reaction that takes you by surprise. Your desire for excitement could have you provoking someone and trying to start a fight! Try to get your thrills/kicks another way. Caution: watch your expenses…you may end up spending more than you planned. Moon enters the sign of Cancer at 8:51 am.
Friday, July 9
The New Moon is in Cancer at 8:17 pm. This new moon’s focus is on family and home. What makes a family? A group of friends can be a family. This New Moon emphasizes surrounding yourself with the people you love and who love you back. Its about nurturing yourself and others. Take time to celebrate and cherish the people in your life. Build a community that feels like a warm safe haven. Snuggle up in it with them and relish in those feelings.
Saturday, July 10
In the morning when the Moon trines Neptune and then opposes Pluto, you may feel like doing a meditation or journaling, anything where your focus is directed inward. Since the New Moon was yesterday, some contemplation as to where you want to focus your attention and what you’d like to create, could be beneficial. While the Moon is void of course in the afternoon, take time to nurture yourself; play some music, get out in nature, cook your favourite meal. Moon VoC at 11:10 am until 7:21 pm when it enters the sign of Leo.
Sunday, July 11
You may want to have some time alone when the Moon opposes Saturn. Its possible you feel down and want to withdraw into yourself. If you need to take some time for yourself, do it. On the flip side, if you need someone to talk to, pick up the phone and call a friend. You’re not alone. Remember everyone has off days. Look after you. Mercury enters the sign of Cancer at 3:35 pm.
Monday, July 12
When the planet of communication (Mercury) trines the planet of optimism (Jupiter) and they’re both in water signs trust your intuition. You may be flooded with ideas. That being said…the moon is void all day! Write down everything that comes to you for future use. If possible, its best to not begin anything new today. Moon VoC at 7:29 am and void all day.
Tuesday, July 13
When Venus conjoins Mars you feel romantic and are more inclined to flirt and play. There’s a desire for connection. You’re energetic, excitable, passionate and looking for love. You want to express love emotionally as well as physically and have stamina to burn. Another way to channel this energy is by expressing yourself creatively. Hosting a small get-together with a group of friends could also be a lot of fun. Moon enters the sign of Virgo at 3:30 am.
Wednesday, July 14
You could be wondering which end is up and which is down when the Moon opposes Neptune. Its possible you’re picking up all sorts of signals which are confusing and maybe not even accurate. You get the picture? No? That’s what I mean…you don’t know if you should trust yourself or anyone else today. My advice…don’t do or say anything rash. Wait a few days and then examine any thoughts and feelings that mystified you. Its just a moment in time. See if you can find your equilibrium and get back on solid ground.
Thursday, July 15
The Sun trines Neptune which could intensify your emotions. You’re sensitive to your environment and your intuition is heightened. Dreams and imagination are also magnified as are illusions and fantasies. What’s real, what’s not? Find the balance between floating through the ethers and staying here on planet earth. Your empathy and compassion for others is obvious as you try to help out as much as you can. Take some time to figure out what it is you want and what you imagine for your future. Remember to keep your dreams in mind and don’t keep putting them off. You could have an idealistic view and want to connect and understand life in a deeper way. You’re open to exploring mystical areas that you’d never dreamed of looking at before. It could feel like a faucet is turned on and psychic information is pouring out. Its also fun to tap into your artistic side. Moon VoC at 1:46 am until 9:32 am when it enters the sign of Libra.
Friday, July 16
When the Sun’s in Cancer and the Moon’s in Libra you may want to get together with family or friends. Connecting and nurturing others is high on your list. You may want to share ideas, brainstorm, and hear what they have to say as well. Everyone’s had different experiences and can offer various viewpoints. You never know what you’ll learn when you’re open to seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Saturday, July 17
The Sun opposes Pluto which could bring up struggles with people in authority. Do not court chaos, react appropriately. The knee-jerk reaction may be to push back. Examine whether or not this is the best approach to take. Stand up for yourself without being pushy. It could transform the whole relationship dynamic. The Sun-Pluto energy is intense and powerful; if you need to make some changes in your life this could be the force to catapult you there. Moon VoC at 6:03 am until 1:38 pm when it enters the sign of Scorpio.
Sunday, July 18
Communicating may not be the easiest when Mercury Inconjuncts Saturn. You may feel you need to defend your position or your ideals. Its challenging when you or the other person aren’t able to understand each other’s perspective. The Mars Neptune inconjunct adds to the confusion. Throw in the Moon Uranus opposition and its possible that you or someone else is being contrary just because. Take a breath and don’t take the bait. You can agree to disagree, leave it at that, and talk about something else.
Monday, July 19
You may want to find the balance between being social and having time to yourself. The Moon contacts Venus, the Sun and Jupiter. All of this could be fun but its also possible to overdo it. Let me talk about balance again…its about adjusting with each moment and to the circumstances around you. Being social one minute and needing some time alone the next. The Universe and you are in constant motion. Just go with it. Just flow with it. Moon VoC at 11:30 am until 4:08 pm when it enters the sign of Sagittarius.
Tuesday, July 20
Ideas are flowing to you when Mercury sextiles Uranus; its entirely possible that you suddenly have the solution to a problem that had you stumped! Be open to unexpected news. You never know what is around the corner when you are open to surprises and expect the best. Be spontaneous, take a different route, and think of today as an adventure.
Wednesday, July 21
Carve out some time today to play. The Moon Venus trine, suggests spending time with friends. Celebration, love, joy, its all here, bask in it. Its possible you worked on something and now its time to reward yourself. One word of caution, between the Moon Venus and then Jupiter getting in on the action, you may spend more than you intended or eat or drink more than you were planning. Don’t beat yourself up. Life is short…eat the cake. Venus enters the sign of Virgo at 7:37 pm. Moon VoC at 5:26 pm until 5:36 pm when it enters the sign of Capricorn.
Thursday, July 22
The Sun enters the sign of Leo at 9:26 am. Happy Birthday Leo! You’re probably feeling confident, exuberant and excitable. The Sun has entered Leo and Venus opposes Jupiter. There could be an element of being in the moment, not having a care in the world, playing, being extravagant in your purchases, or overdoing it at a restaurant. You may also be going in circles, feeling scattered as you try to fit it in everything in one day! Take a breath, you can play tomorrow too!
Friday, July 23
There’s a Full Moon at 1 degree of Aquarius at 9:37 pm. The Moon’s in the sign of Aquarius (the group) while the Sun’s in the sign of Leo (the individual). The focus is on recognizing what’s good for the group versus what benefits just you. Full moons are about the culmination of something that began 2 weeks earlier at the New Moon. What have you been working on? Its also time to release anything that no longer fits. You could be trying to maintain your equilibrium, being part of the group while still maintaining your individuality. You understand that everyone and everything is interconnected but may struggle with where others end and you begin. Moon VoC at 11:34 am until 7:12 pm when it enters the sign of Aquarius. Full moon at 9:37 pm.
Saturday, July 24
The Moon Saturn conjunction could amplify feelings of loneliness. You may feel isolated and think you have to do everything yourself. The Moon moves quickly so remember this feeling is fleeting. Do not be hard on yourself. What you perceive may not in fact be whats actually happening so take a breath and get advice from someone you trust to look at the situation and tell you what they honestly think.
Sunday, July 25
There may be some interesting and intense conversations when Mercury opposes Pluto. You want to understand exactly how something works or how someone thinks and your tunnel vision won’t ease up until you’ve fully grasped what’s happening. Now add the Moon Mars opposition and its possible that someone is going to say something that will cause a problem. Emotions are high so be careful when communicating you don’t say something upsetting. It takes strength to know when to walk away from a disagreement, before any hurtful words are spoken. Let off steam by doing something physical. You could also use this energy by helping a friend with one of their projects. Moon VoC at 6:14 pm until 10:30 pm when it enters the sign of Pisces.
Monday, July 26
You want connection with others and it doesn’t matter whether its in business or for pleasure. The Moon Venus opposition just wants to be in relationship. When you enter into a partnership with an open mind and heart, its amazing what you can accomplish. Make sure you’re both putting in equal effort.
Tuesday, July 27
The Moon conjoins Neptune which can be dreamy and magical. It can help your imagination soar. Not to rain on your parade…but that same imagination can see problems where none exist. Careful of borrowing problems or drowning your sorrows. The Moon and Neptune in Pisces can be intuitive and creative. Grab an adult coloring book and just color. It will get you out of your head and any imagined troubles that may be lurking there. Watch a funny movie to raise your vibration. Laughter is the best medicine. Do something that makes your heart sing. If its not an emphatic yes, maybe it’s a no. Keep searching for the magic that brings you happiness. Mercury enters the sign of Leo at 8:12 pm. Moon VoC at 8:13 pm.
Wednesday, July 28
The Moon trines Mercury and the Sun. All three planets are in fire signs. There’s a strong desire to go after what you want. You believe in yourself and you’re confident you can achieve your goal. You may have to enlist the help of some friends or colleagues who are of the same mindset and believe in you, which could make this all the sweeter! Have fun creating your world. Jupiter moves back into Aquarius at 7:43 am. Moon enters the sign of Aries at 4:58 am.
Thursday, July 29
Mars and Jupiter oppose each other today. The planet of action is in the ring with the planet of excess and generosity. You’re pursuing a goal and have your eye on the prize. If you’re not working on something per se… you could still be laser focused, trying to finish a task. Its all good, just remember to give yourself a break. Come up for air once in a while, or you’ll burn yourself out. There’s a sense of urgency and a feeling that you can achieve anything. Go for it, but don’t get cocky, and don’t stretch yourself, your energy or your finances to the breaking point. You need to also find time to play; get out with friends or just step away for a moment and try to shut off your mind for a bit. Life is too short…enjoy it while you’re here. Mars enters the sign of Virgo at 3:32 pm.
Friday, July 30
When Venus inconjuncts Saturn its possible you’re feeling restricted in your partnerships but can’t put your finger on why. Something is not fitting or sitting well with you. You’re making adjustments or compromises and you don’t like it. You might just have to say something. Everyone has to compromise at times but if it doesn’t feel right or you’re the one who is always doing it…well you have choices. Moon VoC at 2:38 pm until 3:08 pm when it enters the sign of Taurus.
Saturday, July 31
The Moon’s in Taurus and connecting with a lot of players today. The Moon squares Saturn; trines Venus and conjoins Uranus. In short you have choices and decisions to make, unexpected opportunities appear. You have so many prospects before you and to choose from, that you may get stuck in analysis paralysis. Make a move, pick which way you’d like to go and see what happens. Have fun exploring and enjoy the ride.
Bernadette Evans is a counseling astrologer, hypnotherapist, registered professional counselor, as well as a writer. She can be reached 780-289-7398 or Bbevans001@gmail.com to schedule a consultation. You can follow her on Instagram @bernadette_evans.astrologer. Visit www.mindshiftcounselling.com.