Just as the months of summer can be a time of increased warmth and intensity, some of the Vedic astrology aspects active in July and August also reflect the energy of combustion and heat in various parts of our lives. Be aware of your triggers, slow down and be more intentional with your words, practice discernment, and find meaning in the repetition of mantras. Dedicate to your higher purpose in all areas of your life.
Vedic Astrology July and August
July 1-August 31
Mars is combust during this time. Combustion happens when the Sun is very close to another planet, in this case to Mars. Combustion shows a frustrated, perhaps even hostile expression of energy associated with that planet’s nature.
In the case of Mars, it is already the planet of aggression, so this could be a time of increased agitation, frustration, and even battles. We may see this in the world and in our personal lives so it will be important for all of us to watch our triggers and hot buttons.
July 8
The Full Moon occurs in Sagittarius, as the Sun in Gemini is opposed by the Moon in Sagittarius. This is a time when our focus on rational thought (Sun in Gemini) is harmonized with devotion and higher purposes.
This particular Full Moon is also the most celebrated day for all spiritual aspirants each year, called Guru Purnima. This is the most auspicious day of the year to worship and acknowledge your spiritual teachers and gurus.
This Full Moon happens in Purva Ashada Nakshatra, ruled by the god Apas, known as the god of the divine waters or the waters of devotion. This energy has the effect of reaffirming your personal devotion to your teachers. Remember, to harmonize that devotion with the practice of discrimination and make wise choices.
July 11
Mars is debilitated in Cancer until August 27, which can set up emotional frustration and potential turbulence. Expect some unpredictable emotional outbursts, especially considering that Mars is also combust, as discussed earlier. The biggest issue when Mars is in Cancer relates to discipline. Be aware of sliding on your spiritual practices. Make sure to be consistent with your yoga and other meditations and spiritual practices.
July 23
The New Moon is in Cancer, which brings together the Sun and Moon. For the next 30 days there will be a heightened focus on emotions, feelings, and sinking deeper than the surface—to the heart of devotion and divine love.
Too often we get tossed about on the stormy seas of emotion, rather than connecting deeply to the heart. For the next 30 days it will be important to connect with family, loved ones, and even pets and animals. Selfless love and nurturing will be important.
This New Moon happens in Pushya Nakshatra, which is a time that is related to the breasts and that associated archetypal energy of giving to and feeding others. Now’s the time to find traditional, stable situations where you can feel and express love selflessly rather than passionately.
August 7
The Moon is full in Capricorn today. This Full Moon is in opposition to the Sun in Cancer; the practical, rational sign of Capricorn provides the perfect harmonic balance to the impractical and emotional cycle of Cancer.
Often we are overrun by emotions and passion, yet now we can feel the traditional, and practical qualities of Capricorn as a stabilizing influence. Be aware of this polarity as it may feel severe and restrictive.
This Full Moon happens in Shravana Nakshatra, where the practical energy of Capricorn becomes rooted in creativity, the repetition of mantras, and spiritual expression.
August 13
Mercury goes retrograde in Leo for the next several weeks. This is a time that supports reflecting on our communication style and bringing more skill and precision through our words and actions.
Leo is a Fire sign; the energy of this can be rapid as well as cutting. Take the time now to slow down and reflect on your words in order to take care to express words that are more warming than cutting.
August 21
The New Moon/Solar Eclipse is in Leo today. This Solar Eclipse represents a major shift and shake up for this year. Our relationships with power, duty, and responsibility will be at the forefront for the next several months. We may be preoccupied with authority figures, the government, and other power structures in the world.
Besides that, now is the time to connect with the true source of your power—beyond this world and its dramas. Connect to a higher purpose and give generously. Create your own personal beautiful kingdom, not a dictatorship.
This Eclipse happens in Magha Nakshatra, the heart of the lion. This energy connects us to our family, lineage, and divine ancestors. We must be aware of disputes with family members; cultivate harmonious relationships.
August 25
Saturn turns direct in Scorpio after being retrograde. Since April we have been reflecting on our duties and commitments, which have been brought to the forefront by retrograde Saturn. Now is the time to refocus on what inspires you the most.
Saturn initially went retrograde in Sagittarius, the sign of hope and inspiration. Since the end of June, Saturn has been in Scorpio, which is the sign of our fears and emotional worries. Reconnect with your teachings, gurus, and practices now. By the middle of October you will be re-inspired and ready to dedicate yourself to your higher purpose.
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.