The Sun in Cancer season marks the second half of the calendar year and it is no less intense and dynamic than the first half of 2020. July brings a culmination and also a beginning to some of this year’s themes. Saturn, currently in retrograde slips backwards into Capricorn from July 2 and will remain there until it turns forward again in late September. This is like a return to face some of the issues of the last two to three years and a final reminder of what we need to address when it comes to building a foundation from which we can not only survive but also thrive and excel. We can expect existing government and established patterns of order and control to attempt to assert themselves again even though the time for systemic change is just around the corner.
With Mars now in its own sign of Aries and close to the earth, this planet is paying a leading role in everything that happens for the next six months. Mars provides energy for action. It represents our desire and will to exist and survive as an individual. Mars will use force to attack or defend if access to having what’s needed is obstructed. This dynamic is also a strong feature beginning now and continuing for the remainder of the year.
Through July, Mars is in a challenging position to Mercury, the planet of communication and connections. So be aware that anything said or done can easily be misunderstood and taken personally or perceived as an attack. You may see this happening around you in the world or you may become caught up in angry retorts and arguments in your personal or work life. This Mars energy can be used positively though. Asserting ones position in the world without resorting to aggression is possible. The ‘force’ of Mars can be utilised to create a strong presence and determination that cannot be undermined by attempts to attack individual identity or persona. But this takes maturity and focus and a conscious choice. Mars is also the strength behind martial arts and disciplined meditative practices and self mastery can be achieved where the personal will is fully engaged.
The Full Moon and Lunar eclipse on July 5 is not as powerful as the recent Solar eclipse on June 20 but will still be an important event. It’s one of six eclipses happening this year and also marks the culmination of the last two years since the July eclipse of 2018. With the themes of Cancer and Capricorn being so strong in recent times this is something we have become accustomed to working with. This a is ‘letting go’ phase that will enable the ‘moving on’ to take place, The questions worth asking yourself are about your routines and habits in life and how they are limiting or enabling you. Cancer is all about care and nurture and getting the social and emotional needs met. Capricorn is about the basic material foundations for physical growth, the systems or organisations that support our lives. So this is a time to look at how well your routine or everyday lifestyle is providing you with what you need to thrive, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
July 27 also brings us the second of three Jupiter to Neptune events of this year. The first was on February 20 and the last is on October 12. This combination has a more pleasant and gentle feel to it than many of our other transits this year. Jupiter is the bringer of opportunity, expansion and goodwill but at worst it brings too much or an excess of something as it exaggerates whatever it connects with. Neptune is about the dissolving of what we can define or the merging of one thing into another. So Neptune can be elusive and illusory. It’s a perfect energy for dreams, creativity and imagination. At worst is can bring confusion, deception and mirages. So dream big and reach into your most mystical recesses to conjure up a vision for your future but be wary of anything that seems too good to be true or looks like an attempt to convince you of something with promises and falsehoods.
The July Full Moon and eclipse is at 14 degrees Cancer on July 5 at 5.44am and the New Moon is at 29 degrees Cancer on July 20 at 6.32pm
Aries: Your inward focus and quiet time since the Solar eclipse is paying off now. A new energy directs you towards achieving something of value and puts you back in the full flow of life events. The Full Moon eclipse marks the end of an anxious time. Now you can see what was holding you back. You’re able to secure your position, know what the limits are, and move forward. You’ve created a firm foundation to build on so now decide how you can make it work to your benefit. Injured pride and misunderstandings are a result of people taking themselves too seriously, so try not to be one of them.
Taurus: This month’s Full Moon eclipse is the culmination of energies from the past two weeks, so now you can push on toward whatever goals you have in mind. Whilst you have this current mood compelling you, it’s a good time to reach for something different and exciting. You want to improve your position and are willing to take advice or seek extra knowledge. There maybe additional details, communications or travelling to attend to but keep your focus on the bigger picture. Backed up by so much strong energy you are likely to feel an incredible drive to accomplish and achieve in life.
Gemini: During this month you’ll have the impulse to do something quite liberating. Having considered what is worth keeping and what’s just a drain on your resources you’ll want to make some space in your life. This Full Moon eclipse gets you thinking about your own needs in all your relationships. New thoughts inspire you and send you off in a different direction. Consider how much your physical needs and personal assets are tied up with others. Ensure there is a balance so no one feels overly indebted. This burst of freedom will do you good and make it easier to keep things in perspective.
Cancer: With the Full Moon eclipse focus on your house of relationships and the Sun in your sign, it’s no surprise that you want to take a close look at your personal associations. You’re tempted to let go of anything you believe to be holding you back or simply uninspiring. You may also be torn between your individual or personal concerns in favour of a more active social life. Doubts fade into the background as a new sense of self, a more assertive personal style and a more dynamic approach to life emerges now. Your relationships need to reflect this energy and those that don’t may suffer.
Leo: The July Full Moon eclipse will prompt you to focus your attention on the everyday demands of life. Dealing with the mundane aspects of your daily routine will be fully rewarded later. You’ll have an increased ability to make your dreams a reality if you put the work in over the next few weeks. Any effort on your part to improve your health, diet, and physical condition will pay off. Your practical sense is enhanced and you can now make difficult decisions affecting your material welfare. Being of service to others or taking on extra responsibilities will prove to have been an investment in your own future in the long run.
Virgo: You want to fully realise your dreams and this Full Moon eclipse starts you on a new journey. Any attempt to put into practice your hopes and ambitions will pay dividends. Your tendency to compromise and settle for less than you are capable of can be a problem. Tension results when you ignore your own desires for achievement or acknowledgement. This is a very creative phase so allow yourself time to be playful with any new ideas and inspiration you experience. You’ll find that despite everything you are actually on course, and making the right moves for getting to where you want to be.
Libra: The Full Moon shines on your home and private life, which can be very satisfying right now. Your feelings and need for security may find you seeking seclusion for a while or losing yourself in past memories. Events make it difficult to reach clear decisions concerning career and life direction. With this eclipse you’ll begin to gather your resources around you so you can reach new levels. Circumstances may urge you on to make a greater effort. But don’t overdo things or try to go too far too fast. Despite appearances things are working with, rather than against, you so don’t get overwhelmed. Let things take their natural course.
Scorpio: This Full Moon is the perfect time to act on any impulse to improve your self and status. The eclipse may find you making plans to take up some study or make a journey. Even just mixing with people who are culturally different to you or exploring new ideas will prove worthwhile. A career opportunity or the chance to impress someone of importance is likely during this phase. Giving extra attention to details and keeping up with everyday business could be time consuming but you can make the small things add up to contribute to the larger plan. Feeling good about yourself and what you are doing with your time enhances your sense of wellbeing.
Sagittarius: The July Full Moon eclipse is a time for getting on with important business. It’s a good time to put the past behind you, as you’re likely to be less sentimental during the next weeks. Keep moving onwards, concentrating on the things that matter. Strip away and discard non-essential items, memories and old habits. The drive to improve your finances and material security is strong. The desire for autonomy makes you reconsider areas where dependence on others may no longer serve the original purpose. You could find some welcome inspiration for a new direction or opportunity you hadn’t previously considered.
Capricorn: A strong desire to express your unique personality becomes a priority. Relationships are meant to be a two-way flow but this Full Moon eclipse will find you wanting the ball firmly back in your court. Your basic energy and drive are strong so if you can avoid being directly confrontational you will soon manage to charm even the most obstinate. How you respond now could largely shape the direction of an important relationship. If you achieve a new intimacy or understanding, enjoy it. It’s hard to keep that level of focus going but the message underneath is sincere and needs to be taken seriously.
Aquarius: You’re sifting through the experiences of the last several months, in preparation for making a new start in some area of your life as you move forwards after this Full Moon eclipse. Discrimination and self-examination show you that living the ordinary life is not the whole story for you now. You want to contribute something worthwhile and you’re happy to take on extra responsibilities. Additional support will be offered by friends or your community if they see your true intention is sincere. Taking care of your needs both spiritually and physically is a balancing act that you strive to achieve now.
Pisces: You can always bring an unexpected twist or insight to anything you set your mind to. This Full Moon eclipse brings the opportunity to improve or make the best out of a current situation. Your recent creativity and increased sense of enjoyment is enhanced by a sincere appreciation coming from others. You can reap the rewards from past efforts whilst there’s strong support for your ambitions and goals. Remember though that not everyone is ready to make those moves at exactly the same time as you. Your vision is probably far reaching and others may not see the bigger picture exactly as you do.
