Astrological Highlights of July 2021

 

Moon / Venus / Mars conjunction as seen from Broken Head

Photo by: 
Dylan O'Donnell, deography.com, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

 The Big Picture

In July we are experiencing the fallout of information revealed to us around the time of the Solar Eclipse of June 10 that occurred at 19 degrees Gemini. Mercury, the planet of communications and mental processing is at that very degree of the last Solar Eclipse on July 1. We might hear or read about recent revelations at such time. Or, this might be the period when we more fully comprehend the significance of an event or situation at a deeper level. This applies to us in our personal lives as well as at the societal level. On July 4, 2021, the birthday of the United States, we see that transiting Mercury is at 21 degrees Gemini, forming a conjunction with the U.S. natal Mars, also at 21 degrees Gemini. It will be interesting to see if major information is revealed about the U.S. or by the U.S. around that timeframe.

As we enter July, Mercury in Gemini is still in its post-retrograde shadow, which it will clear on July 7 at 10:47am PDT.  On July 11 at 1:35 pm PDT, this quicksilver planet will begin transiting the sign of Cancer, which is ruled by the emotional Moon. This lunar influence might cause our intellectual functioning and communication to be affected by the changes in zodiac signs that the Moon transits.

The energy of water is quite predominant most of this month. In astrological symbolism, water sustains us through the feeling mode. Neptune, the slow moving outer planet, has been transiting the water sign of Pisces for several years and will be in retrograde motion during July. Additionally, the Sun is in Cancer for most of the month, until it begins its transit of fiery Leo on July 22 at 7:26 am PDT. As previously mentioned, Mercury will be transiting Cancer from July 11 until July 27 at 6:11 pm PDT when it enters Leo. Although Jupiter will retrograde back into Aquarius on July 28 at 5:42 am PDT, this expansive planet will transit the early degrees of Pisces for most of the month. Consequently, because these planets will be transiting water signs, we might be more in tune with our emotional nature in July. 

My previous blog articles in 2021 have discussed the major planetary aspect of 2021, which is the square between the planets Saturn and Uranus. This aspect is exact three times in 2021: in February, June, and the final pass will be in December. One theme applicable to this aspect is tension between institutions (or authority figures) represented by Saturn and groups calling for radical change, symbolized by Uranus. Examples of this energy dynamic are those alliances working to the defund the police, or the Sunrise movement, a youth group undertaking civil disobedience to pressure elected officials to make major investments to counter climate change. Although coming from a different political perspective, one could include white supremacist groups that are calling for armed militias to overtake local and national entities that they see infringing on their personal liberties. Moreover, the Saturn-Uranus square can be interpreted in a more literal way in that Saturn represents solid structures and Uranus is the shocking force that tumbles structures to the ground. We saw evidence of this phenomenon with the collapse of the condominiums in Miami, Florida where at least 12 have been pronounced dead while many are still missing. This tragic event has brought to light our failures in building design and maintenance, as well as the vulnerabilities of construction in areas with rising sea levels.

On July 1, we experience the exact opposition between Mars and Saturn, which forms a tense T-square with Uranus. Generally speaking, Mars is the planet of action, and this includes conflict and war. As we’ve discussed, Saturn pertains to authority and structures, while Uranus is a force of revolutionary or suddent change. This aspect involving Mars will last throughout the first week of July. Although we always hope that this does not occur, these energies could be associated with an escalation in conflict. Lately, we have seen the U.S. ramp up tensions with Iran while at the same time claiming to be involved in discussions regarding re-entering into the nuclear deal with that country. The following week, Venus is involved in a T-square formation with Saturn and Uranus, which could signify diplomatic efforts to patch up the actions taken the previous week. By the time Mars and Venus meet up on July 13 at 19 degrees 49 Leo, they will be out of the T-square formations mentioned above. Representing male and female attraction, Mars and Venus could be ready for entertainment and passion in fiery Leo!

In general, what do I expect from July? I’ve already discussed major revelations and the processing of information. I’ve also indicated that we might view and act in ways that involve our emotions. Additionally, July could be a time when we encounter situations with others where we see little or no commonality in our perspectives or values. This might stem from the energy of the quincunx aspects—there are ten in July. Because the inner planets are now in direct motion this month, we might see forward movement in our day to day projects. Yet, because the social planets are in retrograde motion, some larger issues might still remain in the review and revision stage.

Significant Days in June   

Below you will find a table of astrological events for this month, including the major aspects, the key lunations, and sign changes for the planets. You can assess the quality of significant days by noting when planets form exact aspects and where all this activity takes place in your natal chart.

Here is a basic key for understanding the meaning of the aspects:

The Conjunction (0°-10°): This aspect represents the merging and fusion of energies by two (or more planets) that have joined at a particular degree (or within a specified orb). This combined energy is very potent. When this occurs, we might feel subjective about a matter in our lives.

The Sextile (60°): Planets in this formation are harmonious and lend themselves to cooperation. Astrologer Sue Tompkins says there is a quality of “coaxing” in sextiles. In other words, if we put in a little effort at these times, we can take advantage of opportunities in a situation.

The Quintile (72°): Planets in this aspect represent the type of harmony inherent in creative endeavors. It might often describe the impulse to fuse an idea into a tangible substance. Quintiles often describe the talents possessed by individuals.

The Square (90°): Planets that line up in this aspect reflect incompatible energies with contrasting needs. Consequently, we can describe this planetary relationship as tense and strained. Because these energies can be working at cross-purposes, the situation at hand may require us to make choices. The “silver lining” is that squares compel us to take action and this often results in dispelling tension. If we are conscious of the dilemma, we can use the excess energy in a matter so that we can achieve something useful.

The Trine (120°): There is an ease in the relationship between planets involved with this aspect because they are of the same element. At this time, we can perform activities with a flowing energy. We enjoy these activities, and they often reflect our innate talents. Because this energy is so comfortable, it often does not promote growth. Yet, these aspects reflect how we can be healed.

The Quincunx (150°): Planets forming this relationship appear to have nothing in common. These planets display energies that are out of step with one another. There can be an element of irritation and stress because of this, but it is not a confrontative type of energy. If we are conscious of this reality, we can make adjustments to the relationship such that we do not feel so out of sync.

The Opposition (180°): This relationship between planets brings to our awareness how something is different from our preferred position. We could be in conflict with others about a matter. Also, we might shift our preference from one point of view to its opposite. Yet, we can also find common ground in this relationship. This aspect has the potential for us to integrate our perspectives.

 

JULY 2021 ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS

Date of Exact Aspect	Pacific Time	Planetary Aspects
July 1	6:08 AM	MARS (12 Leo 21) opposition SATURN (12 Aquarius 21)
July 2	1:41 AM	MARS (12 Leo 51) trine CHIRON (12 Aries 51)
July 3	2:06 PM	JUPITER (1 Pisces 54) quintile URANUS (13 Taurus 54)
July 3	3:51 PM	SUN (12 Cancer 13) quincunx SATURN (12 Aquarius 13)
July 3	6:39 PM	MARS (13 Leo 55) square URANUS (13 Taurus 55)
July 4	8:39 AM	SUN (12 Cancer 53) square CHIRON (12 Aries 53)
July 5	12:14 PM	SUN (13 Cancer 59) sextile URANUS (13 Taurus 59)
July 6	12:39 AM	MERCURY (23 Gemini 10) square NEPTUNE (23 Pisces 10)
July 6	7:36 PM	VENUS (12 Leo 01) opposition SATURN (12 Aquarius 01)
July 7	10:47 AM	MERCURY leaves post-Rx shadow
July 7	1:09 PM	VENUS (12 Leo 54) trine CHIRON (12 Aries 54)
July 7	2:40 PM	MERCURY (24 Gemini 54) quintile CHIRON (12 Aries 54)
July 8	8:36 AM	MERCURY (25 Gemini 47) quincunx PLUTO (25 Capricorn 47)
July 8	12:25 PM	VENUS (14 Leo 05) square URANUS (14 Taurus 05)
July 9	6:16 PM	NEW MOON in Cancer (18 Cancer 02)
July 11	1:35 PM	MERCURY enters Cancer
July 12	12:45 PM	MERCURY (1 Cancer 24) trine JUPITER (1 Pisces 24)
July 13	6:33 AM	VENUS (19 Leo 49) conjunction MARS (19 Leo 49)
July 14	12:40 AM	PALLAS  turns retrograde (27 Pisces 44)
July 15	1:49 AM	SUN (23 Cancer 06) trine NEPTUNE (23 Pisces 06)
July 15	9:40 AM	CHIRON turns retrograde (12 Aries 56)
July 15	11:41 PM	VENUS (23 Leo 05) quincunx NEPTUNE (23 Pisces 05)
July 17	3:46 PM	SUN (25 Cancer 34) opposition PLUTO (25 Capricorn 34)
July 18	12:48 AM	VENUS (25 Leo 33) quincunx PLUTO (25 Capricorn 33)
July 18	10:13 AM	MERCURY (11 Cancer 15) quincunx SATURN (11Cancer 15)
July 18	11:21 AM	MARS (23 Leo 03) quincunx NEPTUNE (23 Leo 03)
July 18	12:06 PM	SUN (26 Cancer 22) quintile URANUS (14 Taurus 22)
July 18	11:27 PM	VESTA enters Libra
July 19	7:52 AM	MERCURY (12 Cancer 55) square CHIRON (12 Aries 55)
July 20	2:37 AM	MERCURY (14 Cancer 24) sextile URANUS (14 Taurus 24)
July 21	5:37 PM	VENUS enters Virgo
July 22	5:45 AM	VENUS (0 Virgo 36) opposition JUPITER (0 Pisces 36)
July 22	7:08 AM	MARS (25 Leo 27) quincunx PLUTO (25 Capricorn 27)
July 22	7:26 AM	SUN enters Leo
July 22	9:10 PM	SUN (0 Leo 33) quincunx JUPITER (0 Pisces 33)
July 23	7:37 PM	FULL MOON in Aquarius (1 Aquarius 26)
July 24	9:35 AM	MERCURY (22 Cancer 59) trine NEPTUNE (22 Pisces 59)
July 25	1:15 PM	MERCURY (25 Cancer 22) opposition PLUTO(25 Capricorn 22)
July 26	2:42 AM	MERCURY (26 Cancer 32) quintile URANUS (14 Taurus 32)
July 27	6:11 PM	MERCURY enters Leo
July 27	6:45 PM	MERCURY (0 Leo 03) quincunx JUPITER (0 Pisces 03)
July 28	5:42 AM	JUPITER Rx enters Aquarius(30 Aquarius 00)
July 29	8:50 AM	MARS (29 Leo 53) opposition JUPITER (29 Aquarius 53)
July 29	1:32 PM	MARS enters Virgo
July 30	9:27 AM	VENUS (10 Virgo 22) quincunx SATURN (10 Aquarius 22)
July 31	1:08 AM	CERES enters Gemini