July Forecast 2005

ASTROLOGICALLY SPEAKING,

TWO NOTEWORTHY CELESTIAL EVENTS IN JULY 2005- TRANSITING SATURN ENTERS THE ZODIAC SIGN OF LEO AND MERCURY TURNS RETROGRADE IN LEO ON JULY 22. (scroll down for weekly forecast and planetary ingresses)

To all those born under the sign of the lion, take note...Saturn moves into Leo on July 17 and during the next two years you will be called upon to claim your authenticity and drop any false personas. It's time to "step up to the plate" and take responsibility, and create meaningful and sound structures in your lives. Cancer souls, your sojourn in Saturn's domain is over, and you have the advantage of transiting Uranus in trine to your natal Sun. All the work and discipline will certainly pay off, as you rightfully claim and celebrate your unique talents.

Saturn's cycle is 28-30 years and spends 2.2 years in each zodiacal sign. Each planet in astrology is symbolic of a highly intricate process which furthers our evolution, both individually and collectively. Saturn's key traits are work, responsibility, organization, commitment, foundations, ambition, karma, limitations, obstacles and fears. Leo's key traits are love, joy, play, passion, leadership, drama, children and shining individuality. The last time Saturn was in Leo was 1975-1978. A few notable highlights from that time period in history: oil energy crisis in the United States, Jimmy Carter was elected President, North and South Vietnam reunited, violence and rioting in South Africa as blacks fight apartheid, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Amnesty International and the Human Rights Manifesto was signed in Czech.

What do these events have in common? The leadership (Leo) function, the related powers that be (Leo) and the rights of the individual (Leo). In addition, Leo has rulership over film stars and acting (drama). Film stars may take on roles which depict corrupt leadership to wake up the public, or roles which promote humanitarian rights and the rights of children.

Leo's true purpose is joyful, unimpeded self expression. If repressed, denied or relegated to the shadow realm, an unhappy Leo can become tainted with egocentric and selfish power drives to compensate for a wounded and neglected identity.

With Saturn in Leo in opposition aspect to Chiron in Aquarius, the collective urge to confront (opposition) political structures and corrupt leadership (Leo) and reform (Chiron) or reorganize conservative governments will be gaining momentum. The powers that be will somehow be made accountable for their actions. Transiting Chiron will be in Aquarius (humanitarian idealism) until the year 2011, when it enters Pisces. An interesting fact, President Abraham Lincoln was elected president when Chiron was in Aquarius and he fought diligently to free black slaves in the South.

JULY 1-2 SUN SQUARE JUPITER AND TRINE URANUS - This is a great time for expansion and celebratory events. Extravagance is highlighted, along with a feeling of freedom and spontaneity. Children and college students are celebrating their recent release from the rigors of school and enjoying their vacations.

JULY 5-6 MERCURY AND VENUS SEXTILE JUPITER - Optimism, beauty, relaxation and rewarding communication are in our grasp.

JULY 6 NEW MOON AT 14 DEGREES OF CANCER AT 8:04 AM (EDT) - New beginnings in areas of home, family, food, nurturing, nourishment, real estate and patriotism. Cancer is yin, feminine energy. Mars in Aries, the mythic God of war, is in tension aspect to this New Moon, urging us to act upon our domestic urges. Are you ready to set your intentions and nourish you and yours? Take advantage of the magic of the New Moon to affirm goals and watch for the upcoming Full Moon, What realizations will you have regarding the new intentions?

JULY 9 MERCURY CONJOINS VENUS IN LEO - Beautiful thoughts... Reasoning and intellect team up with beauty and love in dramatic and passionate Leo. This is a great day for creativity in all its forms. This planetary pair is in close proximity to dreamy Neptune, adding much idealism to the energy of the day. Is it real or are we letting our imaginations run away with us? Try to stay grounded as you strive for perfection.

JULY 9 - (JULY 12- EXACT) VENUS OPPOSE NEPTUNE AND SUN SQUARE MARS - Idealization may run amok, we may witness victim/savior themes in relationships or finances, or we may see only what we want to see. On the other hand, the arts and creative imagination are an asset. We can tap into a wealth of fertile ideas with energy and stamina with the solar force in aspect to action oriented Mars. Beware of impatience and/or impulsive behavior in the name of love.

JULY 13 (UNTIL END OF JULY) MERCURY OPPOSE NEPTUNE- The last two weeks of July (especially from July 22- August 15) are NOT AN OPPORTUNE TIME FOR CLEAR AND CONCISE COMMUNICATIONS. It is, however, a wonderful time to use your imagination and tune into otherworldly vistas. We may be more susceptible to daydreaming and the line between truth and fiction is very permeable at this time. It is not unthinkable to question motives at this time.

JUL 16 - 17 GRAND FIRE TRINE BETWEEN VENUS, MARS AND PLUTO - A harmonious interplay of purposeful, passionate and fiery energy may be tapped into at this time. A Scorpio Moon adds much depth and psychological insight to our activities and relationship dynamics.

JUL 20 - 21 SATURN OPPOSE CHIRON IN AQUARIUS - We are moving out of the Saturn in Cancer and Chiron in Capricorn polarity (Chiron will retrograde back into Capricorn for a short time) to a Leo-Aquarius polarity. Saturn linked to Chiron in stress aspect over the last year has brought important lessons for many of us. This twenty year interval opposition has confronted us with some of our most deep seated fears, abandonment issues, rejection issues, guilt and abnegation of self responsibility. Chiron, a wounded centaur in mythology (half human and half horse), represents the duality between matter and spirit and exile from spirit into earthly manifestation. Metaphorically, the exile from spirit hurts....life brings all of us painful experiences at one time or another. If we can accept the pain as part of evolutionary growth, we are on the road to self actualization. Chiron is the facilitator of destinies through mentoring others into their truth and authenticity. He became wounded by a spear which fueled his desire to heal. He ultimately could not heal this wound, yet the knowledge and compassion he gained throughout his ordeal became an asset in his work with others. He was a shaman, a teacher and a mentor and helped others make connections between their earthly and divine selves.

JUL 22 - 23 SUN OPPOSE CHIRON (see above)

JUL 22 MERCURY STATIONS RETROGRADE UNTIL AUG 15 AT 20 DEGREES OF LEO AT 11:01 PM (EDT) - THIS IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR CLEAR AND CONCISE COMMUNICATIONS! On the other hand, it is a wonderful time to MAKE TIME to return to playfulness, gardening, dreaming, writing, painting or immersing yourself in child's world (all Leo ruled affairs). Leo is about individuality and uniqueness....where do you shine? Mercury retrograde periods are a collective phenomenon that calls upon us to turn inward on some level and review, retreat, reconsider and regroup....each in our own unique fashion (depending upon where Leo falls in your natal birthchart). TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATION MATTERS EXPERIENCE GLITCHES TO PROMPT US TO LIGHTEN OUR LOADS IN OUR FAST PACED, TECHNOLOGICAL AND OFTEN CHAOTIC CULTURE. Tune into this cycle consciously and reap the rewards of aligning with the flow of introspective energy.

JUL 23 SUN IN LEO CONJOIN SATURN IN LEO - Self expression is taken very seriously at this time. Saturn can be oppressive and tiresome as well as a grounding and reliable presence in our lives. We are learning to work within limits and endure through obstacles. If you feel tired, take responsibility for your health and work at finding time to rest. If you have been all play and no work, maybe it's time to make a sincere effort to consolidate new plans.

JUL 28 MARS SQUARE CHIRON - Our ability to act and assert ourselves may come face to face with some uncomfortable or poignant issues. Although, our actions are temporarily thwarted, there is a new level of awareness to be gained.

JUL 30- 31 VENUS OPPOSE URANUS AND MARS SQUARE SATURN - These two aspects are in stark contrast to each other. Venus-Uranus is symbolic of excitement, new surprises or upsets in relationships, new social situations and avant garde, artistic pursuits.

Mars-Saturn, on the other hand, puts the brakes on our desires resulting in temporary frustrations. If we consider them together, it may facilitate some changes in relationship patterns resulting in new efforts to work through obstacles. Endure through obstacles and trust the process.

Saturn enters Leo 7/16

Sun enters Leo 7/22

Venus enters Virgo 7/22

Mars enters Taurus 7/28

Namaste,

Carol Bellis

"I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone." Book of Hours - Rainer Maria Rilke

Email Carol at starurania@aol.com or call her at 508-728-4680.