AstroForecast July 2002

by Lance Rodriguez

The month of July begins with the Sun transiting the watery sign of Cancer. Strong identification with the themes of family, home, security, patriotism, emotions, nurturance, comfort and safety is the focus of the sign of the Crab. Cancerian issues can involve insecurity, negative nationalism, moodiness, guilt, stuck-in-the-past syndrome, worry, instability, sidestepping of issues, ostrich-head-in-the-sand syndrome, food issues and emotional manipulation to name a few. The governing angel of the month of July is Verchiel and the governing angel of Cancer is Muriel.

The first day of July witnesses a conjunction of Mercury with the Solar Eclipse chart of June 10, 2002 signifying important information, communications, negotiations and any/all distribution systems will come to the fore in development of the Solar Eclipse themes/issues of early June 2002. Here is a partial quote from the June AstroForecast 2002: "Communications dynamics in partnerships are strongly emphasized whether communications breakdowns or breakthroughs will be witnessed. Pluto, Saturn and the Lunar Nodes are importantly aligned with this lunation so karmic themes/issues that allow the opportunity to bring about transformation are highlighted. Bridges and tunnels grab attention as security risks. The Astro*Carto*Graphy Map of this eclipse highly emphasizes New Delhi, India and Islamabad, Pakistan in Asia. The entire eastern seaboard of the United States is also strongly emphasized as well. In the Americas Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba and the Bahamas and surrounding islands are also significant."

The following day, July 2nd, is the conjunction of Mercury with Saturn that can symbolize serious thought, structuring and applying well thought out plans that have a strong, practical and realistic tone. The more negative side of restricted, limiting and draconian thoughts that exert too much control and authoritarianism is the downside of this alignment. "The mind's direction is more important than his progress" Joseph Joubert. The conjunction of these two planets is the "seeding" time period and the results will be distilled until their opposition to one another occurs later December 26, 2002. In December the more "conscious" results will emerge to link these two dates for this year involving Mercury and Saturn.

Both an Apogee Moon and an ecliptic shift of the Moon occur on Tuesday the 2nd. An Apogee Moon (the farthest distance of the Moon from the Earth) usually symbolizes the ability to cultivate objective and impartial emotions/feelings. This Apogee Moon concerns itself with how to bridge emotional gaps by fostering new viewpoints, perspectives or attitudes that have a more grounded and utilitarian outlook. The ecliptic shift of the Moon is the first of the bi-monthly ecliptic shift of the Moon indicating changes with meteorological, seismic and volcanic activities. Also partnerships require that action be taken and decisions be followed through with finances and value differences. Adjustments are necessary in regards to balancing what is ideal and what is real.

Two harmonious aspects occur on Wednesday the 3rd that are excellent for stabilizing relationships and financial affairs as well as a new cycle is launched for very enterprising and entrepreneurial individuals. The first aspect involves Venus and Saturn that with a little bit of effort of both partners can help realistic goals of financial success occur along with relationship stability being improved due to mutual respect being sustained. Mars and Jupiter have a conjunction with one another launching their "seeding" time to be distilled until the "conscious" opposition of these two next year May 8, 2003. These two dates are linked to one another. Areas receiving attention will involve ever-growing military needs that can potentially have costly overruns. The housing markets can witness rapid developments in regards to inflation especially household supplies and repairs. Bold individuals with great courage embark on new journeys that open new enterprising and entrepreneurial horizons.

Earth's Aphelion (the farthest distance of the Earth from the Sun) occurs on Friday the 5th indicating that inhabitants of our planet can consciously meditate and identify what are our most pressing concerns planet-wise. Strategies and tactics especially associated with counter-intelligence/espionage can witness startling developments and surprises. An "eerie" episode or situation can involve a cemetery or cemeteries.

A harmonious aspect between Mercury and Uranus on the 6th indicates military technological advances and inventions are rapidly encouraged, developed or deployed especially with strong approval by the executive branch. Informants relay important information especially in regards to terrorism and associated terrorists.

Sunday the 7th at 5:35am is the ingress of Mercury into the sign of Cancer and significantly that it is conjunct the Solar Eclipse chart of June 21, 2001. Mercury remains in Cancer for the next 14 days and strong emphasis will be placed on family dialogue, national discussions of security, agri-business concerns and real estate negotiations to mention a few. Moodiness and emotional neediness can cloud better discernment if allowed. Flawed judgment and thinking need adjustments in regards to executive privileges whether governmental or corporate.

Saturn reaches its Pre-Shadow Point on Monday July 8th indicating it has now reached the same degree that it will hold when it is stationary direct next February 22, 2003. These two dates may have very strong associations with one another. Keywords associated with this Pre-Shadow Point degree of Saturn are immaturity and rejection of responsibility confront a new emerging vision of diversity/variety within all relations. The impersonal "Self" unbinds the golden cord to allow inclusion of diverse/various thoughts that stimulate new patterns of connection. The bridges of the mind are open gateways to newer realms of understanding and dialogue.

Tuesday the 9th is the opposition of Venus with Uranus that can symbolize unexpected tensions in all relationships especially involving financial jitters and value differences. Earlier February 7, 2002 was the conjunction of these two planets with situations or occurrences from that then date with the current July opposition. Here is a partial quote from the February AstroForecast: "New unique, innovative and experimental paradigms can be introduced to stimulate all relationships. Democritus supplied an unusual quote that applies to the uncanny relationship angle: "Sex soothes tension. Love causes it".

The annual Cancer New Moon occurs Wednesday the 10th at 5:26am symbolizing the new beginnings/new initiatives phase of the Moon. Positive themes to cultivate are unconditional love, nurturance, improving family ties, foster parenthood, sympathy, homage to ancestors and genealogy. Domestic themes of feathering the nest include furnishings, décor and food preparations like canning and preserves do well with the early summer crops. Real estate and agri-business have a new focus with this New Moon. The guiding angel for this New Moon is Barbiel so invoke this angel for celestial assistance. Keywords associated with this lunation are a paradigm emerges that fosters the universal feeling that protection will somehow consistently be developed that safeguards civilization. A consensus is defined about how each and every one of us recognizes our collective karma, the eventual transmutation of the negative karmic implications and ultimately the collective dharma that is yet to be implemented. We muster the strength, internally and externally, to arrive at the shoreline of a new sea of love.

This same day is the ingress of harmonious Venus into the sign of discerning Virgo at 4:09pm and will remain in Virgo for the following 28 days. The health and nutrition industries will have a financial focus during this period of Venus' transit. Personally, value new health/diet regimens and seek out services that cater to the physical body's need and care. Massages, acupuncture, Reiki, pedicures, facials and other similar body care services are highlighted with this passage of Venus. "Health is not a condition of matter, but of mind, nor can the material senses bear reliable testimony on the subject of health" Mary Baker Eddy. Resolve budgetary issues by adhering to thriftiness, prudence and bargain hunting.

Assertive Mars enters the regal sign of Leo on Saturday the 13th at 10:23am that launches a 45-day journey that will emphasize assertive and aggressive action to all Leonine themes/issues. Dictators, military top brass, executives, monarchs, and presidents are either stubborn or face stubborn issues/individuals during this Martial passage of the red planet in the sign of the lion. Honor and pride can become sources of skirmishes and saber rattling. Actions centered on generosity and magnanimity are positive themes that can be emphasized. Protection of children will become focused and hotly debated. "Man considers the actions, but God weighs the intentions" Thomas à Kempis.

Saturn opposes the Solar Eclipse chart of December 14, 2001 on Sunday the 14th indicating it's time to be realistic and practical in how to define and clarify what were themes/issues of the December eclipse. Here is a partial quote from the December AstroForecast: "Keywords associated with this lunation and Eclipse are immigration themes/issues come to the fore. Care must be taken in regards to surrendering what's real in pursuit of what may be false. Venture on a journey of inner discovery that accesses the spirit of joy and freedom without limitations based on fear. A soaring eagle touches the face of God." This eclipse opposition of Saturn coincides with a Perigee Moon (closest approach of the Moon to Earth) that can symbolize strong intense emotions come easily to the conscious surface. Military limits/limitations can stir intense national debate with criticism leveled against "budget-busting". New investigations arise that seek fiscal adjustments with disreputable corporate accounting procedures and practices.

The second of the bi-monthly ecliptic shift of the Moon indicating changes with meteorological, seismic and volcanic activities occurs on Tuesday the 16th. Interesting dreams that border on revelatory scenarios and déjà vu are strongly associated with this ecliptic shift of the Moon. Dreams involving partners in ideal situations could be premonitions. The dreamed about partner may scoff and dismiss these premonitions but the dreamer senses something much deeper at work. "Ideally, the two members of a pair in love liberate each other towards different and new worlds" Anne M. Lindbergh.

The annual conjunction of the Sun with Jupiter occurs Friday the 19th symbolizing strong identification with expansion, growth, progress and advancement with the highest aspirations, dreams and ideals of a personal/social nature. International/national diplomacy and judicial systems with their appropriate law-enforcing agencies garner the spotlight. This is a "seeding" time of these two planets' archetypes with the corresponding opposition of these two planets occurring next February 2, 2003. Additionally there maybe market corrections involving petrochemical products that witness temporary deflation of prices or price guidelines being dissolved.

Saturday the 20th is the conjunction of Mercury with Jupiter symbolizing the cosmic messenger focusing on the amplified meanings of the previous day's activities. "A shot heard around the world" could be construed for this alignment. Early evening unexpected surprises/shocks jolt the transportation industry, delivery services, mail services and/or national guardsmen. Mid-evening is the conjunction of Mercury with the Sun symbolizing the message is strongly identified and the individual/collective will power and sense of purpose is coalesced. A national phase of healing renders a new perspective.

Sunday the 21st at 5:41pm is the annual ingress of Mercury into majestic Leo for an approximately 14-day journey. Creative communications will be a highlight with this passage of Mercury. Executives and authorities dictate new policies for the masses. Stubbornness and willfulness can be problematic with this Leonine transit of Mercury. Individuals who have strong hunches about risk-taking or speculation do well as long as there is confidence to replace what may be temporarily lost. Global entertainment and the world media romance one another.

The majestic Sun enters its own ruled sign of Leo Monday the 22nd at 7:15pm and will remain in this sign for the next 30 days. This is the middle month of summer and strong identification with creativity, confidence, authority, playfulness, recreation, and children is emphasized with this Solar passage in regal Leo. Negative expressions of Leo are arrogance, melodrama, false pride, stubbornness, dictatorial and authoritarian behaviors, boastfulness and self-absorption. This day also draws sharp focus and attention to the security of children and the collective commitment to health and education of our youth. The governing angel of Leo is Verchiel.

New discoveries are made in regards to financial ties and connections with the funding of foreign/domestic terrorist cells centered on Tuesday the 23rd. Port cities, harbors and naval distribution centers come into strong security focus. The next two weeks will unfold with lightning speed.

The annual Aquarius Full Moon occurs Wednesday July 24th at 4:07am symbolizing the release/completion phase of the Moon. Issues involving mental cruelty or perversity, extreme emotional detachment, rebelliousness, Teflon behaviors (nothing-will-stick-to- me!) and aloofness are emphasized for release. Angel Abrinael is the celestial assistant to call on for any help with the release of the aforementioned issues of this lunation. The Astro*Carto*Graphy Map lines of this lunation has a strong focus through the Middle East especially a direct contact with Baghdad Iraq continuing through the middle of the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa and Madagascar. Another set of A*C*G Map lines impact the Northeastern U.S. especially around Boston as well as Northeastern Brazil, Western Australia and Tokyo Japan. Earthquakes and tsunamis are a strong potential with this lunation. Keywords associated with this Aquarius Full Moon are there is nothing accidental in life. Certain synchronicities and circumstances bind mankind to a collective "quickening". Soulful values teach skeptical or worldly approaches a lesson or two.

Contamination and/or poisoning especially involving food products, food preparation or harvest sites are quite likely on this Full Moon Wednesday. Sabotage, betrayal or undermining behaviors in relationships can also manifest due to an inharmonious aspect of Venus with Pluto. Abduction, kidnapping or extortion through high ransoms can also occur. Negative control and manipulation incur damages to an otherwise sound relationship. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear" Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mercury is conjunct Mars on Thursday the 25th symbolizing rapid thinking and quick turn-on-a-dime planning that can be executed immediately sometimes with the drawback of the lack of thorough second thought, considerations and/or consequences. Bravado, quick wittedness and fearlessness face adversity. "All conquests are born when we dare to begin" Anonymous. The opposition of these two planets will be next year August 6, 2003; these dates may have strong correspondences to one another.

Mercury on Friday the 26th has an opposition with Neptune that represents a mental timeout as confusion, uncertainty or tentativeness surrounds what would normally be a logical conclusion. Ongoing contracts or negotiations of any sort are better left for another day. Mercury was earlier this year, January 9 & 26, 2002 to be specific, conjunct Neptune so developments from that time line may have a correspondence with this July date. Naval matters draw attention over this final weekend of July.

Sunday the 28th Mars follows up on Mercury's footsteps and opposes Neptune as well. The previous conjunction of Mars with Neptune was November 5, 2001; so these two dates may correspond to one another. Here is a partial quote from the November AstroForecast that may shed light: "Negative associations with this alignment would be false illusions, false visions, aggravating deceptions, wrongful victimization and religious fanaticism. Keywords associated with this Mars - Neptune alignment are the universe supplies illimitable resources to those individuals guided by true inspiration and positive motivation. In any individual's spiritual journey reality finally descends that awakens the awareness that all is of God, God is the source of all good and nothing can harm you, unless you insist on it. A Bantu quote assists in understanding: "The path never shows the traveler what the end of the day has to offer".

This same Sunday Venus has an inharmonious aspect with the Solar Eclipse chart of June 10, 2002. The breaking of promises or treaties escalates on the international diplomatic levels. Costly ecological disasters whether man-made or natural aggravate already weakened resources. "The wrong we do and the wrong we suffer are weighed on different scales" Aesop.

Urgency involving communications to be carried in secrecy will be successful with the harmonious aspect of Mercury with Pluto on the 29th. Sound investment planning is called for stock market activities. Shrewd and wily investors are quick to pick up new trends and directions that may be too subtle for those green behind the ears.

A rare third ecliptic shift of the Moon indicating changes with meteorological, seismic and volcanic activities occurs this last Monday of July. Military victory/defeat is highlighted in the media. A hero returns home to a jubilant welcome.

A second Apogee Moon (farthest distance of the Moon to Earth), quite rare in a month, happens this same Monday. Apogee Moons usually symbolize the ability to cultivate objective and impartial emotions/feelings. A desire for a clean slate in life is vigorously upheld. "It is not the years of your life, it is the life in your years that counts" Adlai Stevenson.

Naval matters and petrochemical products/industries require sober decision-making and the ability to sustain action over the next year will be important with an aspect involving Saturn with Neptune. These future dates have strong correspondences with this last Monday in July: December 30, 2002 & May 20, 2003.

Wednesday the 31st is the last major waning inharmonious aspect of Venus to the Solar Eclipse chart of December 14, 2001. A Children's Relief Fund may be very important to subsidize. Legal injustices abound especially those in foreign countries due to corporate greed. Hypocritical values are clearly seen. Labor issues and/or strikes become inflamed.

"Limited in his nature, infinite in his desires, man is but a fallen god who remembers Heaven"

Alphonse de Lamartine