Astrological energies of importance during the month of July 2013:

• Mercury in Cancer went retrograde on June 26, 2013 and will remain retrograde until July 20, 2013.
• Venus forms a quincunx between Neptune retrograde on July 1, 2013; Pluto retrograde on July 5^th; and Chiron retrograde on July 8^th; creating a yod.
• Saturn in Scorpio turns stationary direct on July 8, 2013.
• New Moon with Sun and Moon in Cancer occurs on July 8, 2013.
• Uranus in Aries turns stationary retrograde on July 17, 2013.
• Jupiter in Cancer forms a trine to Saturn in Scorpio on July 17, 2013.
• Jupiter in Cancer forms a trine to Neptune retrograde in Pisces on July 17, 2013.
• Saturn in Scorpio forms a trine to Neptune retrograde in Pisces on July 19, 2013.
• Mars forms a grand water trine with Saturn and Neptune retrograde on July 20, 2013 and a conjunction with Jupiter on July 22, 2013.
• Full Moon with the Sun in Leo and the Moon in Aquarius occurs on July 22, 2013.
• Mars forms an opposition Pluto retrograde on July 27, 2014 and a square to Uranus retrograde on July 31, 2013 creating a cardinal T-square.

Listen and Understand

By Misty Kuceris ©2013

Water, especially as represented by the sign of Cancer, is a critical astrological element during July 2013. At the start of this month, Mercury in Cancer is still in retrograde motion. It went retrograde on June 26, 2013 and will remain retrograde until July 20, 2013. With Mercury in Cancer, it is very important to pay attention to those small things in your life, especially as they impact you at home. Take the time to listen to what people mean, not just what they say. As you digest their information, think about what it means regarding your own need for security and privacy. Figure out whether people are really following through with what they tell you or just mouthing words to keep information away from you.

This is especially true on July 1^st as Venus forms a square to Saturn retrograde and a quincunx to Neptune retrograde. With Venus in this mix, your financial well-being is very important. Take time to review your budget. You may need to cut back on things that increase your expenses. You need to determine what’s appropriate and what’s excessive.

At the same time with Venus forming the quincunx to Neptune retrograde, you may not be able to get all the facts that you need when making financial decisions. There could be hidden costs involved. Or, you may think that you can’t live without something only to regret the purchase later.

Relationships are also important to evaluate today. You may feel that other people are being critical of your actions when in reality all they want is what’s best for you. Or, you may find that other people are withholding information from you because they don’t want to hurt your feelings.

The most important energy to be aware of today is that when Venus does form the quincunx to Neptune retrograde, it begins the energy of a yod which won’t be completed until July 8^th when Venus forms a quincunx to Chiron retrograde.

A yod is often called the “fickle finger of God” by astrologers. A yod is formed when two planets that are close to a sextile also form a quincunx to a third planet. This means that the energy of that third planet keeps shifting. In this case, the planet is Venus. Spiritually, this specific yod means that you need to take time to understand what is important in your life and how you want to achieve your goals. You’ll be tested because the yod includes Neptune retrograde, Pluto retrograde, and Chiron retrograde. And, because all of the planets that create the yod are in retrograde, the test will involve matters from your past. The first aspect of the test which occurs on July 1^st is for you to determine how realistic your dreams are and whether they still matter in your life. The next test will occur on July 5^th when Venus forms a quincunx to Pluto retrograde.

But, before that occurs, Ceres forms a square to Saturn retrograde on July 3^rd and a quincunx to Neptune retrograde on July 4^th. Ceres represents the need for nurturing. It also represents the need for compromise. You may feel that other people are asking too much of you. You may feel that you aren’t receiving support from others for the choices you need to make. Perhaps other people are uncomfortable approaching you with the truth because you’re taking everything so personally. Or, perhaps they are unwilling to be honest with you because they don’t want to look at their own choices and compromises. You’re better off keeping information to yourself right now rather than looking for other people to help you through a problem or situation.

The second phase of the test which is formed by Venus as it continues to create the energy of a yod occurs on July 5^th when Venus forms a quincunx to Pluto retrograde. You may want to share your dreams with other people. You may want to get feedback from others. But, you may find that the information they give you really benefits them and not you. If you are finding obstacles in your way right now, take a look at those obstacles and see who put them there. Perhaps you did because you really don’t want to move forward with a specific action. Or, perhaps you let other people put those obstacles there. If so, you need to ask yourself why and take the appropriate actions.

Venus will form a trine to Uranus on July 7^th before the energy of the yod is completed. This could help you develop some new insight which you need as you determine the right direction in your life. You may meet a new individual who sees things in a different way. You may just want to walk away from everything and start new. If you’re tempted to take any radical actions, wait until after July 8^th when the yod has fully completed its energy pattern.

July 8^th will actually be a very intense day where the water energy is really felt. Saturn in Scorpio turns direct, the new Moon in Cancer occurs, and Venus completes the energy of the yod by forming a quincunx to Chiron retrograde in Pisces.

Things may have felt like they were stuck when Saturn turned stationary retrograde on February 18, 2013. However, now that Saturn is turning stationary direct on July 8^th, things seem to be moving forward again. Saturn in Scorpio means that you need to watch what’s occurring in the rest of the world: How people are creating their governing structures as well as how people are relating to economic strife in their lands.

Personally, Saturn turning direct in Scorpio means that you want more protection for your privacy. You don’t want to let other people dictate matters to you. And, you want to re-evaluate whether being “protected” by society is worth the loss of your privacy. Just don’t pull back so much that you alienate yourself from people you love. This is not a process where you can do things alone. You need other people in your life to succeed.

The new Moon with Sun and Moon in Cancer occurs a few hours after Saturn turns direct. This new Moon forms a conjunction to Mercury retrograde indicating that the need to listen is very important. You’ll hear lots of justifications in the media about certain actions, but you need to listen to what is actually being said regarding the information. The same is true in your personal interactions. You’ll need to really listen and understand what other people mean when they try to communicate with you or give you advice. Try to understand their motives as you listen.

This new Moon also contains the energy of the yod started by Venus on July 1^st and being completed later in the day with a quincunx to Chiron retrograde. While new Moons indicate new beginnings, this specific new Moon also indicates that it’s important for you to consider past events in your life and how you want to grow from those experiences. You may need to make adjustments in your life. You may find that you no longer want to chase those old dreams. You may even want to take time to reflect on your life and the world around you.

As evening draws near (Eastern Daylight Time), Venus forms a quincunx to Chiron retrograde and the energy of the yod finally ebbs. You may feel a little hurt that you didn’t receive as much support as you expected from others. You may feel resentful that other people didn’t pay attention to your needs. But the real lesson from this yod is that you need to pay attention to your needs. Other people can’t always be there for you. This doesn’t mean that you need to do everything all by yourself. It means that you need to be realistic about your expectations and what other people can do.

Understanding how to balance what you thought you needed with what you really need is very important on July 9^th when Venus forms a square to the Moon’s Nodal Axis. You may not know whether to move forward or stay put. You may feel confused as to which actions will best benefit you. That’s all right. Take time to determine whether your confusion is caused by fear. If it is, determine how realistic that fear may be. It may be only an excuse not to move forward in life. Or, it may be a warning that you haven’t taken everything into consideration. You’ll know which it is once you meditate on your fear and let it go.

Mars enters the sign of Cancer on July 13^th. Mars is not normally comfortable in the sign of Cancer. The water element of Cancer dampens the fire energy of Mars and can create steam. Rather than rushing forward into action, you need to hold back and emotionally understand the situation before proceeding. This is very important to do now because Mars will form a grand water trine and a cardinal T-square later in the month. By understanding your emotional needs now, you’ll be able to use the water trine and cardinal T-square energies to bring personal and spiritual growth into your life.

Ceres forms a quincunx to Pluto retrograde on July 14^th. There is a symbiotic relationship between Ceres and Pluto because they need each other’s energy to fully manifest the power of their own energy. When they form a quincunx to each other, this means that you need to evaluate whether you are doing what you want in life or doing what others want you to do in life. Perhaps other people are playing Devil’s advocate right now. That might not be a bad thing. They are making you consider your options. However, they may also be trying to keep you from moving forward. If that’s the case, it’s time for you to re-evaluate that particular relationship.

July 17^th is going to be a very important day. Uranus turns stationary retrograde and Jupiter forms a trine to Saturn and Neptune retrograde. This is another day where the water element is very strong in the world.

Normally Uranus turning retrograde is not an important energy. However, because Uranus is continually forming a square to Pluto during the next few years, this energy is very important. Uranus turning retrograde means that people, especially leaders in various countries, need to look at the changes they created and determine whether those changes were worth it. Problems from the past related to changes will surface. Either those problems can interfere with future plans or those problems give leaders a chance to correct any old situations before they escalate into serious situations.

If people feel all their past revolutions didn’t create the needed changes, they will once again resort to violence during this time period. However, if the changes were positive, people will embrace them and move forward with their lives.

This energy will also be important to you. This is the time for you to re-evaluate any changes that you made in your life. Have those changes made your life easier? Were you able to embrace them with no difficulty? If the changes are working for you, it’s time to make them a permanent part of your life. If not, it’s time to let go and either return to the old way of doing things or perhaps try something new. Since the water element is so strong today, take time to understand your feelings. That may help you determine whether to stay on the same path or make more changes in your life.

The grand water trine that Jupiter forms with Saturn and Neptune retrograde today, July 17^th, is very important. This trine occurs at 4 degrees. This is important because Jupiter in the USA chart is at 5 degrees of Cancer. So, the trine that occurs today will activate the USA Jupiter return a few days before it actually occurs. The actual Jupiter return for the USA will occur on July 22, 2013. In addition, this trine is important because Saturn and Neptune retrograde will form an exact trine on July 19, 2013.

This is a day where you feel like you need to take some chances in your life. You want to move forward and embrace the future without losing footing on important past events that occurred. At the same time, you need to understand what dreams are important so that you can find that balance between spiritual and material success. You may feel like you want to solve your own problems, but family is also very important now. Your plan needs to include your family and community.

Because Jupiter is in Cancer and home is so important, many of the actions that are taken today deal with nationalism as well as your own sense of security. The Euro crisis is continuing and trying to build a financial plan where so many different countries are involved will not be easy, especially now. People want to hold on to their nationalism. They don’t want to give up their own power. The public feels like it can solve its own problems. Immigration will also be a major issue at this time. Countries don’t want to have foreigners come in and change their culture.

When Saturn forms a trine to Neptune retrograde on July 19^th, this is the third time this trine occurs. The first time that it occurred was on October 22, 2012. The second time that this trine occurred was on June 11, 2013.

As before, it’s important to get some form of structure in your life. Again the question is: Do you need to create new rules in order to bring more stability into your life, or do you need to change your dreams in order to bring more stability into your life?

Questions arise regarding your job situation. Do you look for a new job? Do you stay where you are because there is some form of security involved? Employment is a major issue in the United States. And, immigration is also another major issue. Are jobs really being lost because of immigrants? Or, are those jobs the type that Americans don’t want. This same question is being asked throughout the world. In countries, such as China, people are demanding more money and rights for the work they are doing. It’s becoming more difficult to find countries where workers are willing to put up with low wages.

Scandals will continue to be in the news. Any information which was hidden from the public will be revealed today, especially as it relates to governmental affairs or the pharmaceutical industry.

July 20^th is a day where you feel as if you’re on a see-saw. With Mercury turning direct, you want to move forward. However, with Mars forming a grand water trine to Neptune retrograde and Saturn, you may be confused about the right direction to take. You may feel that by moving forward you’re forcing situations in your life that you’re not ready for. Add in the trine that Ceres will make to Uranus retrograde at the end of the day and you really feel like you’re going for a ride. With the trine that Ceres is making to Uranus, you just want to rush into situations quickly and without thinking. So, what’s the best thing to do with this energy?

Start taking action on the important matters that you may have put off while Mercury was in retrograde motion. Listen to people around you to see what they have to say about situations. If you feel as if there is no support for any actions, don’t take them. If you feel that others are willing to work with you on a problem, accept their help. Know what you can do today and what you need to put off. This really is a pivotal day.

Another important day is July 22^nd. At 6:50 am EDT on July 22^nd, the USA Jupiter return occurs. A few hours before this return, Mars forms a conjunction to Jupiter and a few hours after the return occurs, Ceres forms a quincunx to Chiron retrograde and Venus enters the sign of Virgo. But, perhaps the most important astrological occurrence is the full Moon which occurs only a few hours after the Sun enters the sign of Leo.

When the United States was formed there was a sense of optimism by most people who led the revolution. Although not everyone in the country was in favor of separating from England, the majority were. They wanted no part of being taxed by a country overseas. And, they wanted to lead the nation to great heights. Mars could stimulate this sense of optimism for the nation but Mars is in the sign of Cancer. While people want to take pride in believing that their nation is the best one in the world, they are also tired of fighting battles elsewhere and really want things to be taken care of at home. Yet, they feel that leadership isn’t really providing the guidance that the nation needs. Rather, leadership is taking a wait and see attitude.

You also have a choice today. You can take a wait and see attitude, or you can take charge of your own life and not wait for other people to show you the way. With Ceres forming a quincunx to Chiron retrograde and Venus entering the sign of Virgo after the Mars/Jupiter conjunction occurs, you really need to look at what’s important in your personal life. Don’t get pulled into frustration others may feel because action isn’t being taken by leadership. Venus in the sign of Virgo will help you pull back from situations and give you a better opportunity to understand your feelings. Ceres forming the quincunx to Chiron retrograde can let you look at potential scenarios so that you make better choices.

By the time the full Moon occurs, the Sun will have moved into Leo and the full Moon will occur at its earliest degree of zero. The Moon will be in Aquarius. Full Moons are times when letting go becomes important. This is especially true for a full Moon at zero degrees. This is a new beginning for you, not just an ending. Because the full Moon forms a square to Saturn, you may be able to use critical thinking to determine what needs to be let go. The key is not to be so draconian in your approach that you cause personal injury by letting go of too much.

When Ceres forms a square to the Moon’s Nodal Axis on July 22^nd, it’s important that you look at your value system and whether people in your life support this value system. You may want to discuss important matters with others. Or, you may feel that it’s more important for you to move forward on your own. Just don’t isolate yourself so much that others feel alienated from you.

Venus makes two aspects on July 26^th that seem to contradict each other. First Venus forms an opposition to Neptune retrograde. Later, it forms a sextile to Saturn. Yet, with both of these aspects, the water element is still activated. With Venus forming the opposition to Neptune retrograde in Pisces, you may need to be careful when other people are giving you information. They may be only presenting what they think you want to hear and not what is really there. You may even feel that something important is being withheld from you. Also, be very cautious in financial matters. This is also not a good day for financial matters. All is not as it seems. There are hidden costs involved in any transaction. You’re better off waiting to make any major purchases.

As Venus moves into the sextile with Saturn in Scorpio, you either see things a little more clearly or your suspicions about being deceived are realized. If someone lied to you earlier in the day, you’re able to see the truth. If you were having some financial difficulties, you can now come up with a plan of action. The best way to use this combined energy is to move cautiously throughout the day and wait until you have all the facts.

There is a shift from feeling the water element when Mars forms an opposition to Pluto retrograde on July 27^th and the energy of a cardinal T-square begins. Mars is still in Cancer so you may feel as if other people are attempting to control your actions. At the same time, you may want to walk away from situations which seem manipulative. Between now and July 31^st when Mars forms a square to Uranus retrograde, you need to watch your actions so other people can’t use them against you later. Globally you’ll see more power plays between governments and their citizens. This could be a difficult time period as people feel they need to fight for their rights.

There is a reprieve from the energy of the cardinal T-square between July 28^th and July 30^th because of the aspects that Venus makes to Jupiter and Pluto retrograde.

Venus forms a sextile to Jupiter on July 28^th, and you feel better about yourself. You feel that energy is shifting and other people are supporting you. You feel as if you can achieve anything. Just apply a little caution because of the underlying current of the cardinal T-square recreated by Mars. Other people may appear that they want to help you, but they may be willing only because they need your help. At the same time, Venus is applying to a sextile to Mars as well, so perhaps you can convince others to support you in your goals.

Feeling good continues on July 30^th as Venus forms a trine to Pluto retrograde. You may meet the love of your life. You can get your house in financial order. You may even find passion in a new venture. Enjoy the day because it can be very special.

As the month of July 2013 ends, Mars forms a square to Uranus retrograde on July 31^st, and the cardinal T-square that started on July 27^th when Mars formed an opposition to Pluto retrograde concludes. During the past two days when Venus was forming its aspects to Jupiter and Pluto retrograde you may have felt that you could achieve quite a bit. You may have even felt that other people were willing to support you. Today you’ll see if that was true. If people are trying to get you to do things their way and you don’t agree, you might just walk away. But, actions that you take today will be very important in the early part of August 2013 when Jupiter makes aspects to Pluto retrograde and Uranus retrograde. Power plays, especially between government officials and individuals, will continue. Questions will be asked, especially about personal freedom vs. government control. If you don’t hear the answer, you may need to continue asking the questions in a louder voice.

The month of July 2013 was a critical water month where listening was essential in order to understand not only what other people meant but what you needed. This need to listen was also essential in understanding whether change needs to continue or you need to pull back, absorb the changes, and incorporate them into your life before moving on. During August and September 2013, the cardinal energies will once again start playing a more important role. It will be during those months that you start moving forward again.