July 2009 Forecast

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Forecast Overview:
The Super New Moon on June 22 (an astronomical high tide based on the moon’s proximity to the earth), is a catalyst not only for the exceptional circumstances taking place in the outer world (Michael Jackson, Iran hotbed, Bernie Madoff, etc.) but for personal lives too. (See forecast archives for my recent post on Michael Jackson’s astrology.) In fact, the next two new moons (July 21 and Aug 20) are also super moons. Along with the eclipse season that is just now kicking into gear, we are at the start of an astrological “high season”, or in other words, an intensified couple of months. July and August can be a time of reaping, of harvesting, or of trying to duck the boomer rang. (Madoff may have received a man-made sentence of two lifetimes, but his natural law/karmic sentence is sure to extend for many more lifetimes.) If part of your life has been in a holding pattern, July’s stars could be an icebreaker. Once in motion, you are likely to see things move along at great speed. Of course, this last statement will be more relevant to you if the eclipses or various dynamic aspects hit your chart directly.

At the time of the Super New Moon on June 22, Venus and Mars were in a new phase conjunction in the fertilizing sign of Taurus. Responsive Venus correlates to what is pre-existing and accumulated (and hoarded too); action planet Mars correlates to that which is currently evolving, developing, or inflaming; Taurus is the sign that highlights net worth, self worth, and survival issues. Put all this together and the new cycle translates into a starting-over threshold of heightened significance. In many instances, a sudden or dramatic switch may occur. Of course, one door closes, another opens; as always, the endings and beginnings, (the past and the future) play off one another.

Note that eclipses will hold energized potency prior to and following their actual event and that the July 7 lunar eclipse is the full moon counterpart for the super new moon that has just occurred on June 22 (the pair together were trigger catalysts for Jackson’s tragic demise/past catching up.) Passing through the moon’s penumbral shadow, the partial lunar eclipse July 7 is an obscured one and it is the second to last of a short-lived eclipse series. On a personal or public scale, we may not see the full impact of this eclipse in the immediacy of the moment. (Renegade Kim John il and his nuclear testing come to mind here.) The physical properties of this eclipse provide an interesting symbolic reference to Jackson’s short-lived life, with its mysteries, and veils. The lunar eclipse Sun in Cancer (child), Moon in Capricorn (adult) is also fits Jackson’s description as the “man/boy”. An interesting side note, the previous eclipse of this particular series took place in July 1991; the first sexual abuse allegations began after this eclipse. Jackson settled out of court and we did not hear much about it until the second, now famous trial, occurred in 2003.

The July 7 lunar eclipse (full moon) occurs at the mid degree of Cancer/Capricorn (15’) and finds Mars in Taurus square the triple alignment of Neptune, Jupiter, and Chiron. Jackson may continue to stay in the headlines, but other newsworthy scandal, thieving, loss, and controversy too. Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron in Aquarius can correlate to religious leaders, figureheads, royalty, celebrities, visionaries, iconic or notorious figures. We have just seen the Honduran president forcefully removed from office. Can you remember another time when there was so much constant intensity out there in the world?

The Total Solar Eclipse on June 22, occurring in the very last degree of 29 Cancer (a culmination of significance) is also of special note because it is of record duration. In fact, this is the longest Solar Eclipse of this century. (The next longest eclipse will not happen until June 13, 2132.) As I have written in previous forecasts, the effect of an eclipse is analogous to the striking of a musical string; its magnetic resonance will hold influence over a length of time. Projecting the duration time of 6:39 minutes into measurement, we can expect that this eclipse will hold jurisdiction over a period of six and two thirds of year. Both financial and astrological analysts project that our current recession may last as long as six or seven years. What characterizes this particular eclipse as pertaining to recession? Note that Venus in Gemini (circulation, finances) moves into an exact square (crisis aspect) to Saturn, the planet of restriction, reaching of limits/limitation, and economic sanctions (i.e.: China and the US – among other countries of course – putting the squeeze on North Korea). This sobering Venus/Saturn aspect suggests can suggest running out of time, credit, resources or others margins, and of “no option but” to find alternatives pathways. Venus in Gemini references our conceptual and socialized values, and Saturn in Virgo is a worry-some and fearful planetary signature that tends to look at the negatives rather than pluses. Tied together, we see the replication of what drives speculative markets into the downward spiral – in other words, the diminished confidence level of buyers. On the plus side, Saturn in Virgo strives to find what is workable, and is not afraid to do what it takes in order to correct, heal, or fix what needs be.

On the day of the Solar Eclipse, Jupiter retrograde will cross back over Neptune, (it is the second of three passes.) which suggests that this Eclipse has an enlarged scope and broad or far-reaching influence/potentials/implications. The Jupiter/Neptune can expose that which was previously missed or hidden; it can be a time of big dreams or big losses. The solar eclipse Mars is also highly activated. Astrologer Bernadette Brady (The Eagle & The Lark) offers this interpretation for the July 22 Solar Eclipse, which is part of Saros Series 11 South: the need to make sudden reform as old ideas or methods fail; new systems are required to deal with events; blocks can be violently or tragically removed; need to find new ways to handle the issues. We can certainly see how these statements apply to the concerns of the collective hour: the financial landscape, the auto industry, and the global energy crisis.

The Solar Eclipse aspect of Venus in Gemini square Saturn (“crisis in consciousness” aspect) suggests that we are forced to look around for alternate options. They may not come easy, but with effort, they can be found. Sometimes it is a matter of going backward in order to go forward. Recent news in Vancouver showcased how a return to the past (Cancer/Capricorn archetype) finds more and more people opting to grow their own food in their own backyards; some city dwellers are raising chickens too. This is also a demonstration of Venus square Saturn. In due time the crop yields can prove to be especially rewarding for the hard working, roll-up-your-sleeves realist.

Note: Eclipses hold their strongest effect where they appear. The Lunar Eclipse July 7 starts in Australia and occurs mostly over the Pacific Ocean (in the general area of Kim John il’s test fields). It completes just off the Western North and South American coasts. The maximum of the Solar Eclipse on July 22 takes place over the ocean southeast of Japan (Iwo Jima), and is also effective in the following locations: North India, eastern Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, central China and the, Pacific Ocean just off China. Among possibilities: political/civil, terrorist groups, territorial, religious conflict/fighting, rebellions or risings, labor strikes, natural disasters. A solar eclipse tends to translate into more outer world events, and often heralds the birth or death of someone prominent. A lunar eclipse tends to be more catalytic in our personal life journeys; perhaps it is also a reason why many have personalized the passing of the legendary king of pop and the deaths of other two celebrities, who in their heyday were signature everyday fixtures of the times.

July 7: Partial, Prenubral Lunar Eclipse (Full Moon) 15’ Capricorn/Cancer
July 22: Total Solar Eclipse (New Moon): 29:27 Cancer

Ingresses:
July 2: Juno ingress into Aries
July 3: Mercury ingress into Cancer (to July 17)
July 5: Venus ingress into Gemini (to July 31)
July 11: Mars ingress into Gemini (to Aug 25)
July 31: Venus ingresses into Cancer (to Aug 26)

Aspects of Note:
July 10: Jupiter retrograde crosses Neptune (phasal switch)
July 13: Mercury conjunct the Sun (effective July 11 – 14)
July 15: Mercury quincunx retrograde triple alignment: Jupiter/Neptune/Chiron
July 16 – 18: Sun quincunx retrograde triple alignment
Jupiter 19 -23: Venus square Saturn (exact on July 21)
July 24, 25: Ceres opposes Uranus (effective July 23 -26)
July 31: Venus ingress into Cancer opposes Pluto

ARIES (MARCH 20 – APRIL 19)
The eclipses, along with Juno’s entrance into Aries (the commitment asteroid), prompt fundamental reshaping (professional, material, personal.) The making-it-official lunar eclipse July 7 can prompt you or force you to stand your ground more definitively, perhaps by exposing a surprise vulnerable spot. Among possibilities: an important contract, legal judgment, or ending of significance, parenting challenges, added work or career responsibilities. You may have to step up to the plate on behalf of a parent or some other family member who needs you. Saturn in trine to the lunar eclipse full moon could strap you with more work or problems. On the other hand, if you have been steadily working at it, your ambitions could net a payoff. Saturn could signal a significant advance/gain re professional and health related matters, a ripe professional opportunity, or added respect and acknowledgment re your specialized skills or previous accomplishments. The solar eclipse July 22 can bring a significant change of mind or heart, or signal a new direction re work, health or home life. There can be restrictions, less to work with, letdowns, or losses to contend with. You may find it necessary to cancel a plan or purchase in order to address some other, more important priority. Do your best to safeguard. Watch for clues and don’t ignore warning signals, especially with your vehicle, equipment, or kids. A friend, co-worker or sibling could factor strongly, you may come to their rescue or you may need them to show up for you.

TAURUS (APRIL 19 – MAY 20)
It’s one thing after another at month’s start. Progressively you are learning what you need to know, which in turn helps in your decision making process. Whether you choose to let go and move in a new direction, or are compelled to go for it big-time, a significant personal breakthrough or professional advance could occur this first week. Then again, the taking-better-care-of-yourself lunar eclipse could simply signal well-deserved vacation time. Mars in square to the triple alignment could bring a surprise disconnect or sudden severing of ties. For some, company downsizing could set you free, perhaps unexpectedly so. As Venus (July 5) and Mars (July 11) advance into Gemini, options can multiply. So too, expenses or concerns can mushroom. If you aren’t where you want to be yet, the solar eclipse (new moon) on July 22 can enforce the tough-love-on-yourself routine. It can be time to get real about your romantic relationship or face the facts about one of your kids. Fertility, an untimely or difficult pregnancy, infertility, menopause or adoption can also be of front and center concern. Relationship dependencies or reliability downfalls, (professional and personal) can reach a critical peak. July 26 to end of the month can deliver more lucrative conditions or options; healing, accord, compatibility, and satisfaction can improve too.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 20/21)
The lunar eclipse July 7 brings safeguards into question. Have you done enough to protect and preserve that which matters to you the most? Issues regarding downsizing, wills, estate planning, banking and debt management, your support network (nannies, professional allies, agents, etc.), self-employment/your home based business are likely to consume your priority attention. In fact, this eclipse could bring hidden opportunity or advantage. With two-feet-on-the-ground realism to guide you (or with it finally hitting home), you will find you can draw more readily from your hidden reserves. There is no better time to get down to business and to do what needs to be done (in fact, there is little choice in the matter.) Sign agreements, renew your mortgage, or plan your investment with the long-term in mind. Unexpected news or an unexpected arrival/visitor could arrive; the hunt for a new place to live or work could deliver reward. Although there may be blocks in the way, or very real limitations to deal with, the face-the-music solar eclipse suggests that you can’t let anything or anyone hold you back. This eclipse can help you to see alternative pathways; that there is a way to work around the issues, problems, limitations, or impasses. Make it no more excuses when it comes to your quit smoking, health or self-improvement programs too.

CANCER (June 21/22 – July 22)
A big month lies ahead. If your birthday falls on or near either of the eclipses (July 7, July 21) then know the circumstances of your life are about to catapult you, perhaps in an unexpected direction. Dramatic lifestyle changes can be quick, you could be backed into a corner and find yourself forced to make some fast decisions for yourself. Mars in square to the triple alignment can create rapid advancement re divorce proceedings or other financial matters, especially in this first week of the month. Make sure you watch where you are going and how you are getting there; Mars can indicate an accident or a sudden need for surgery. If you are nearing your due date, know there is a likelihood of an early and swift arrival. A computer crash, service interruption, or some such is quite possible too. Although you can be challenged, the lunar eclipse moon in trine to Saturn can indicate that improvement is possible and that the changes you may be forced to face are ones that will serve you well in the end. The Solar Eclipse July 21 can bring something added or something new to consider, perhaps it has been simmering for a while (financial, creative, romantic, health or social). Keep scouting and in observation mode, and do not jump to conclusions or discount a thing before you have given it sufficient time to reveal it’s self. Should it be a health alarm, this eclipse may help you to catch it early. Scout, learn all you can, and gather as much support (or ammunition) as you can. Something previously hidden, overlooked or buried could resurface/be an important key. Before you throw out that old vase, get an appraisal. By the same token, give people a second chance too. Watch end of the month, and the beginning of next for more information, opportunity, surprise, or results.

LEO (JULY 22 – AUG 22)
Both eclipses suggest there is more going on than is obvious. The Lunar Eclipse on July 7 highlights services, work, and health. There could be an opportunity for you to step into a more authoritative or responsible position. If so, know that you are very capable of taking this on. In fact, the stimulation provided by this eclipse season sparks an initial stage setting for something that will come into greater prominence in the fall and first half of 2010. Even if you can’t see the outline now, make sure you put maximum effort into your present due diligence. The payoff will come later. The one-door-closes-another-opens Solar Eclipse is especially catalytic for those of you born close to July 22. Watch for exceptional circumstances to unfold, and/or personal or professional opportunity. Your life could take a significant detour, an important relationship could too; a significant or influential person could enter your life (romantic, spiritual, success generating) or leave it too. If a relationship ends suddenly, know that it simply creates opportunity for someone new to come in. Same goes with a job offer or financial prospect. Once past an impasse, things can move along/fall into place quite fast. With another eclipse on Aug 5 and a super new moon on Aug 20, you can expect the intensity to continue through your birthday month too.

VIRGO (Aug 22 – Sept 21)
On a personal, parenting, or business note, the lunar eclipse on July 7 is one of taking back your power, re-establishing yourself, or of reclaiming a frontrunner position. While there is still a battle to confront, (legal, market, economic, social, political) Mars pumps you with initiative, impetuous and fight. The lunar eclipse prompt could be just the catalyst you need to extricate yourself from the chaos, the confusion, the web, the self-sabotaging or the subversive. Again, this eclipse can obscure things, so stay awake, Mars can thrust a big surprise at you; someone could pull a plug. Michael Jackson had a Virgo Sun; this lunar eclipse can reveal even more; record sales are already creating another meteoric rise for Jackson’s empire, at least for the present time. MJ’s death may also serve as wake up call to spur others to take action re medication or drug abuse and the enablers who facilitate this tragedy. The solar eclipse can catapult you into a new lifestyle, social network, or career. Then again, you may feel it is time to leave the group or someone behind, and to branch out on your own. So too, this eclipse can see a need to bend the rules, or to alter the plans, policies or guidelines in order to accommodate the moment. You can be directly or indirectly affected when someone in an authoritative position quits or is replaced. July 26 to end of the month is a time for corrections, when a wrong can be better righted and when circumstances advance more quickly (the job hunt, legal matters, for example).

LIBRA (SEPT 22 – OCT 22/23)
It is important to put priority attention to reducing your overhead or footprint, and to continue to look for ways to extricate or unburden yourself, especially as the workings of the July 7 eclipse could dump extra worry, financial responsibility or family burden on you. The needs of an aging relative, encroaching deadlines, fast diminishing time or financial margins, or your biological clock could put you under more pressure too. Overall, this eclipse suggests it is time to take tough steps forward; those in positions to help will do as much as they can, but they expect you to show up for yourself too. Make sure you put on a good show of buckling down, of self-effort and self-motivation. This July 7 full moon eclipse can be one of karma replay, or of getting your just rewards. It can bring you to the end of the road with a project, contract, home situation, or an inner dilemma that has gone on for too long. This lunar eclipse can force you to take back control over anything (or anyone) that leaves you feeling vulnerable or weak. If you undertake the necessary and stay real, the solar eclipse on July 21 suggests you can surpass your own roadblocks and start on an important recovery road.

SCORPIO (OCT 22/23 – NOV 21)
The full moon lunar eclipse on July 7 could make you aware of a building potential or conflict of interest, or a misread on someone or something. If a long-standing issue with a sibling, friend, or associate resurfaces, know what follows opens the door to improvement. It will be your opportunity to say, do, correct, and heal, whatever was left unsaid. Directly or indirectly, you could hear news of a friend, relative, or associate who is having a tough time. Professional or team placements, client contracts, re real estate and auction sell-offs, another’s loss could be your great gain. This lunar eclipse can also prompt an overhaul or complete turnaround re marriage, plans, creative undertakings, travel, legal matters, broadcasting, or advertising programs, writing projects, scholastic ambitions or choices, or other aspirations. The synchronistic solar eclipse July 21 could put you in the limelight, wanted or not. You could feel exposed or revealed in an untimely way, but for the most part this solar eclipse stands you in good stead. Added excitement, social and romantic opportunity and desirable attention can come your way. It is the right time to take a vacation, a relationship break, or to set yourself free in some other significant way.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 21- DEC 21)
You could feel especially challenged, polarized or argumentative in these first few days of the month but the full moon lunar eclipse is set to move it forward and to make your options and your forward march a lot clearer cut. In fact, you may be able to nail down a job, a contract, or to get a commitment from someone with influence. Then again, you could find yourself on the hook, so know you may not be able to sell it, or talk yourself out of it, and that some responsibilities are inescapable. Some of you may be very willing to take on extra responsibility, especially when it comes to the purchase of a piece of property, equipment, training or education for the job, to start your own business or to take on the parenting role. The entrance of both Venus (July 5) and Mars (July 11) into Gemini will get your social life circulating. Both Venus and Mars take the focus off health or work challenges and onto pleasure and play. Mars in Gemini also makes you more aware of relationship polarizations and the competing urges that exist within you too. The new moon solar eclipse on June 21 can strengthen the bonds between lovers. Interest in nesting or starting a family can grow stronger too. Self employment could be the way to upgrade your financial security. As the month advances, you may realize that your present comfort level may be okay for now, but that it’s also time to reach higher.

CAPRICORN (DEC 21 – JAN 19)
You can feel an undercurrent building in the days preceding the lunar eclipse, especially so from July 5 when the moon begins it is two ½-day tour of Capricorn. Your intuition broadcasts now, but it is up to you to listen; you could gain an advantaged jump-start if you take action. You’ll need to discern the difference between risk-taking (don’t stick your neck out too far) and astute forward thinking. Address issues when you first sense warning signs. The eclipse prompts you to call the shots more aggressively, to fight for yourself more and to take back whatever control you may feel you have lost. Cut yourself loose and getaway from the usual pressures. Aim to worry less and play more as best you can. As the month advances, caretaking, relationship needs, and needy people draw more attention. Someone in particular could drain you more than usual, (emotionally, financially.) Your attention is also likely to be highly focused on enhancing your appearance, your public profile or your social life. The solution finder Solar Eclipse on July 21 can be particularly influential for those born on or near Jan 14 – 19. You could stumble upon a better way to work around a problem, or circumstance that has long plagued you. It can be time to back out of a contract, commitment or speculative venture, redirect your scholastic or career focus, revamp your marketing or advertising strategy or replace your agent.

AQUARIUS (JAN 19 – FEB 18)
You are making progress, even when it does not seem so obvious. Busy stars find you/life especially active at month’s start. For some, the full moon lunar eclipse July 7 could go unnoticed, but its potency should not be underrated. For some, it is the crisis of coming up empty-handed; for others, floodgates unlock, submerging or entrenching you more deeply; for still others, the eclipse prompts a necessary and/or deliberate timeout/sit out. Whether sooner or delayed, the eclipse will work its effects all the same. Among possibilities, this lunar eclipse could resurrect an old health complaint, show you the critical shortfalls (what’s missing, what’s never been, what will never be), or find the past catching up to you in some other way (financial, romantic, scholastic). Liabilities or consequences could be significant. That which has been brewing has probably been active in the background for quite sometime. Positively, the lunar eclipse can bring added resolve or confirmation, even if it is prompted by writing-on-the-wall circumstances. Once you are inwardly solidified/honed, you will be better able to take action on that which you have previously resisted facing. Safeguards (all levels) should be your priority. The new moon solar eclipse on June 21 prompts a change of status or status quo. This eclipse can take you over a critical relationship threshold, prompting a reassessment that will start you on an important personal recovery path. The problematic can compound re a particular work situation or professional partnership or association. So too, the eclipse can bring an added or alternate consideration re your job, your financial obligations or potentials. Extricate yourself from any situation that creates limitation, that denies you what you deserve, or that blocks your personal progress. July 28 onward, the stars begin to build toward next month’s lunar eclipse peak (Aquarius full moon, Aug 5.) Expect intensity to continue through August.

PISCES (FEB 18 – MAR 20)
So good, so far, but… The full moon lunar eclipse July 7 can draw attention to the limitations of your current circumstances. You can find that you are more dependent and needy, or less capable than you could be. Perhaps you are left to fend for yourself more than you’d prefer; the children are likely to off doing their own thing, and those closest to you others can be obliged elsewhere. That rock and a hard place stuck feeling can make you feel done in by the unfairness of it all. Self-preservation and security requires you to tighten up where necessary, perhaps through legal measures. Conversely, you could come to a new appreciation of your support network; perhaps there is one particularly outstanding person who always shows up for you. Speculative markets can become even more damaged by the July and August eclipses. Recouping losses could take a very long time. On the plus side, the economic downturn can place you at an advantage if you are a seasoned investor, or if you have the means to scoop inventory, real estate, and such at rock bottom prices. The solar eclipse on July 21 can end the wait or uncertainty, and provide answers, openings, or alternate routes to help you make the climb up and/or out. Circumstances can move along, perhaps surprisingly so, from July 18 forward. Synchronicity and fate plays a strong hand. July 28 through end of the month and beyond, the stars open it up for you even more.