This month begins with an opportunity for insight and illumination and completes with the start of a new cycle of deep emotion and devotion.
July 1-12
This is a rare opportunity for insight, with four planets either exalted or in their own signs. Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn are all powerfully disposed, making this a 12-day period of intelligence regarding the issues ruled by these planets. Communication, relationships, higher purpose and meaning, and concentration / commitment towards our goals are all moving forward and being illuminated now.
July 1-3
We may feel a bit stuck on communication and future changes, as Mercury turns stationary and direct in Gemini, after being retrograde since June 8. We are in transition with our inner dialogue and recent adjustments, both inner and outer. There may be new ways of doing business or communicating that have not yet taken root. Pay close attention to your instincts and notice how the voice in your head has subtly shifted since this time last month.
July 4-10
This may be a challenging time emotionally, with the Moon either debilitated or associating with the challenging energies of Mars, Saturn, and Rahu. It will be important to stay grounded and connected to the heart at this time. Watch your instincts as well as your tendency to react angrily July 4-5, then fearfully July 6-8, and with a lot of imagined fears and projections July 9-10. Now is a great time to really test the newly exalted “Jupiter in Cancer” discussed last month. Connect to God’s grace, service, and higher teachings now.
July 12
Today is the best day of the year to feel Guru’s grace in your life with the Full Moon in Sagittarius. This particular Full Moon is also called Guru Purnima, the Full Moon of the Guru. It is no coincidence that these two things line up, with Guru Purnima also being the Full Moon in Sagittarius, as this is the most powerful sign for Jupiter (called Guru in Sanskrit). Today is a day when you can feel, deeply in your heart, the truth of your teachings and beliefs. This Full Moon will be aspected by Saturn, introducing determination and inner silence into the mix
This Full Moon happens in Purva Ashada Nakshatra, ruled by the God Apas, the God of the ocean and the sacred waters, representing the devotional quality of Sagittarius, where love overflows all distinction and doubt. Yet we must guard against fanaticism and corrupt teachings at this time.
July 14
Mars and the Nodes both change signs. The Nodes moving into the Virgo / Pisces axis means a shift of priorities away from relationships and personal desires, and more toward personal service and sacrifice, aligned with higher/metaphysical causes for the next year and a half.
Mars shifting into Libra will join Saturn, and double down the intensity around adult relationships and defending our personal space (as if we needed more of that), for the next month and a half. Expect more relationship intensity.
July 17-18
The Moon in Pisces joined Ketu, the South Node, is a time of creative expansion, and perhaps mystical experiences. Pisces is the sign in which we feel that transpersonal, cosmic pulse running through us. Ketu Is the most transpersonal force in the astrology chart, and literally the part of us that is not of this world. We may also feel kind of spacey and may even indulge in drugs or alcohol at this time. Be careful; instead, connect to that deep inner space.
July 26
Today begins a new cycle of feeling and emotion with the New Moon in Cancer, compelling us to illuminate the heart/emotional process. Typically we ride up and down on the waves of emotion, through attractions and versions. The deeper lesson is to penetrate below the turbulent waves into the silence and peace of the heart. This new moon will be closely joined exalted Jupiter, making it a very special and devotional time.
This New Moon is in Pushya Nakshatra, related to the mother’s breast milk. The true love in our heart is deeper than personal likes and dislikes, just like the mother’s love. Ponder this now.
Sam’s Astrology Report for August will be available at Layoga.com on August 1.
Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses for students at all levels visit: samgeppi.com
Sam Geppi (Sadasiva) is the author of Yoga and Vedic Astrology and The Ascendant—108 Planets of Vedic Astrology. He is the founder of the American Academy of Vedic Art and Science which offers three levels of certification programs in Vedic Astrology. Currently the Academy has more than 120 students enrolled. Visit Sam’s website at: vedicartandscience.com.