Take a look up at the sky. What do you see? If the night sky is clear, you might see the Moon and stars. Evenings in July, you might see Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. Venus is visible in the morning sky.

Humans have watched the skies for millennia. Perhaps forever. It�s in our blood. Over time, people from many different cultures have noticed and catalogued the synchronicity between celestial phenomena and worldly events.

We have learned that some aspects, or alignments of planets, tend to bring challenge and obstacles. Others suggest harmony and ease, things falling into place— an interplanetary “kiss!” For everything there is a season, and we need both challenges and kisses. Without obstacles, our lives would be stagnant; we might never change. Without kisses, things may never settle down.

The big picture

July’s forecast features Mercury retrograde (inconvenient, but not entirely bad), and Saturn inconjunct Uranus at the end of the month. What these markers both show is a need to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Mercury retrograde: Murphy’s Law time

Most of us have heard about Murphy’s Law: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Yes, at times Mercury retro feels like a comedy of errors. It can be funny, except when you really need things to be accurate. Generally speaking, it’s a poor time for surgery or diagnostic tests because of the likelihood that you’ll get wrong information or have to repeat the procedure later. A good rule of thumb is to double check everything. In matters of health, you may want a second opinion.

computer trouble

Mercury retrograde is not uncommon. It happens every four months and lasts for three weeks. Mercury is the messenger. When he appears to move backwards, the messages get blocked, or garbled, or delayed. Sometimes they end up in the wrong place. Last minute changes in plans are common. Sometimes the car breaks down, the computer barfs, the toaster explodes. Wind and weather patterns tend to be strange during Mercury retrograde as well.

Mercury retrograde does have an upside, though. For a good time, go through your old files, review notes, letters, contracts, writing or art projects. Something that blew past your awareness in the past may help you find the answers you are looking for. As always, when Mercury is retrograde, double check all of your work, get a second opinion, and leave room in your schedule for delays, errors, and changes of plans.

Saturn inconjunct Uranus

Saturn compels, he says “you must.” Uranus is the reformer. So we must reform, rebel, make changes. But whatever it is wasn’t on the schedule; it storms in like an uninvited guest that we must scramble to accommodate. This is a time when the establishment (Saturn) and the people (Uranus) collide and must adjust to one another. Somebody needs to wake up.

Because Saturn and Uranus both spend part of the year in apparent backward motion (from our perspective here on Earth), this is, in fact, the third and final contact between these two planets. It’s the final phase in a period of adjustment that we all have been in since last Fall. What you may be seeing this month is the result of a process that was set in motion back then. It could even be something you weren’t aware of that catches you off guard. Something that has been developing under the surface for quite some time, like a chick growing inside an egg, then breaking through the surface.

This aspect signals problems on the job and in business. The energy builds throughout July, reaching a peak at the end of the month. As it grows stronger, surprises and unpredictable events are more likely.

root vegetables

Stress takes its toll during any Uranus transit, especially if it touches your natal chart in any way. So go easy on the coffee, sugar, and other things that fry your nerves. Root vegetables, long walks, and hot baths will do you more good than you realize. Keep things in perspective, and stay centered. No matter what happens, you can make the choice to stay in the calm eye of the storm, where you can think more clearly, breathe more deeply, and make better decisions.

Saturn-Uranus is an interesting combo. Strange bedfellows at best, the rebel and the establishment. In the old myths, these two feared and loathed each other, because each knew that the other had the power to destroy him. However, they are oddly complimentary. Saturn represents practicality and responsibility, and tends to solidify and ground the revolutionary ideas of Uranian folks. Uranus is liberating, and tends to free us up in places where we are more rigid and earthbound, kicking us out of an established pattern, enabling them to find something new. When these two collide, it’s upsetting. It requires a lot of energy to adjust to the new circumstance. When these two have touched in my chart, the immediate event was very upsetting, but the end result opened up a door. Ultimately I was grateful that it happened, as it landed me in a good place.

If you want to know where Saturn and Uranus are likely to impact your life, find the house in your birthchart that has Aquarius on the cusp.

July 1-5

The first week of July, Mars (action) begins to creep into an opposition aspect with Neptune (idealism). Oppositions are hard to call. They can feel wonderful or crappy, depending on who you are and what your situation is. But there are some things you can keep in mind. As our physical energy (Mars) dances with the otherworldly energy of Neptune, there’s a mystical, spacey quality which you can use to compose a symphony, create a great work of art, or get drunk, lose your mind and crash the car. Missteps are likely if you aren’t careful, or if you’re making decisions from an emotionally unstable or intoxicated place. This opposition also brings disturbed sleep and strange dreams for many. Luckily, Venus helps out with a sextile to Saturn on July 1 and 2. This is a stabilizing aspect that is good for business and helps us keep our heads on.

Mercury retrograde begins on the 4th of July. Be extra careful with the fireworks, and keep an eye on the kids. Be careful around water as well. Neptune is the god of the sea, and is associated with lakes, rivers, oceans, swimming pools. Mishaps are more likely as Mars opposes Neptune. Don’t let the drunk guy drive the boat.

July 6-9

Relative calm. This is a good weekend to relax and let things drift and flow. Last weekend, there was a practical vibe permeating our relationships and dealings with others. This weekend is the opposite. It’s time to fantasize, create, imagine, and pay attention to dreams, as sweet Venus meets up in a kiss with idealistic Neptune. If you are prone to overindulgence, you may want to tie a string around your finger as a reminder that a reality check is prudent. This energy makes it easier to say yes to a third martini or get caught up in your fantasies or escapes. Aside from that, enjoy. It’s a good weekend to hang out, dance, play and help other people.

July 10-14: Dream into action

When the Moon waxes to full in Capricorn, we are ready to put that inspiration to work. Capricorn is a goal oriented, practical, sober sign that seeks tangible results.

As Venus and Mars both touch Pluto, we’re drawn to look at matters of the heart and of the wallet more deeply. Subtext is important. These are three very sexy planets, and Pluto is extreme— sexual involvements that happen now may be very good or very bad. Listen closely to friends. This is one of those weeks when you may need to be there for someone, or find out who’s willing to be there for you.

It’s a good week to clean, weed, air out the closets. Mercury retrograde supports you going back and taking care of matters that started in the past, so this is a good week to solve an old problem. This is take-charge energy. If you have a good idea, put it out there, see what happens. During Mercury retrograde, we are naturally more inwardly oriented, so consider your tasks and chores as symbolic, as having many levels. Clear out the garbage, clean out the closets, get your house in order.

July 15-21

After the 14th, both Mars and Venus are at the end of their signs. This is kind of like the Moon being Void of Course. It’s a time to stick to routine. Finances and love are drifty and inconclusive until Venus enters Cancer on the 18th, and actions, arguments, conflicts, and contests may come to an unexpected outcome, or a null result through the 21st when Mars enters Virgo.

July 22-25

July 22-24, it’s the dark of the Moon. Time to tie up loose ends and reflect on the Lunar cycle that began with the New Moon in Cancer on June 25, and begin to develop a vision for the coming cycle, which begins with the Leo New Moon on July 25. Leo’s energy is about being creative, taking the lead, following your passion, and connecting with your heart.

There’s another minor aspect in play this week: Jupiter (abundance) semisquare Pluto (transformation). Jupiter has been in intense Scorpio for almost a year now. And in that time, I personally have witnessed a lot of major changes, as I know many others have, particularly when Jupiter has been in contact with other planets. Changes of heart, changes of form. Births and deaths. The kinds of experiences that touch you deeply, that remind you how fragile life is, that help you remember what’s most important. I believe Jupiter semisquare Pluto signals more of these kinds of experiences, and incredible journeys. Every day is a gift, and life is too short to let things that don’t really matter get in between you and those you love.

The Sun and two other planets just changed signs, so things feel fresh and different. With Mars now in Virgo, we’re ready to tackle complex problems and iron out niggly details. Venus in particular really likes being in snuggly Cancer, where she will remain through August 12. Mercury is about to resume direct motion, ending the annoying retrograde, and Venus forms a grand trine with optimistic Jupiter and experimental Uranus between July 25 and 30. Branch out, it’s time to sing your song, dance your dance, reach out and make a new friend, go on a journey, try something new. There’s plenty to enjoy even though the Saturn Uranus inconjunct (see above) is at peak intensity this week.

Mark your calendar!

The best days for your highest priority plans are July 1-2, 9, 12-14, 26-30.
Take it easy on July 3-5, 22-31*.

*July 26-30 is actually a tough call. There’s a lot of tension, but there is also a really nice aspect in the sky, very good for journeys and adventures. So these days go on both lists. Reality isn’t always cut and dried, and neither is astrology.

Molly Cliborne