According to Vedic Astrology, this Summer brings in some powerful shifting energies related to the full and new moons of July and August. If we spend the time cultivating discernment in our practice, we have the opportunity to develop emotional maturity and to work toward goals that are greater than ourselves. Take the time to awaken your sense of wonder, nurture yourself and your family, and cultivate goals with higher purpose.
July 4
There is a New Moon in Gemini today, which begins a 30 day cycle of greater intellectual curiosity, playfulness, and humor. This should feel like a welcome change to some of the recent heaviness we’ve experienced. However, the greater promise of Gemini is not just amusement and fun, the energy of Gemini encourages both comprehension and discrimination. We are all curious about who we are and why we are here and how the universe works. This curiosity comes from Mercury, who is the ruler of Gemini. For the next 30 days awaken the childlike wonder in you.
This New Moon happens in Ardra Nakshatra, ruled by Lord Shiva himself. It shows the quality of Gemini to destroy our preconceptions and challenge blind faith.
July 19
There is a Full Moon in Capricorn today. This Full Moon is opposite the Sun in Cancer. Capricorn serves as the practical counterbalance to the emotionally subjective sign of Cancer. Today is a great day for introspection and solitude, but you may find this difficult due to a longing to merge and feel whole — which are the main attributes of Cancer and the Moon. This Full Moon will be aspected or influenced by Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn, who emphasizes the unflinching march of time and the need to establish the connection to our Self. Be aware of feeling punished and mistreated now.
This Full Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Uttara Ashada, ruled by the universal gods according to Vedic Astrology. The more you are able to honor time, action, and truth, the more your life will bear that fruit. Your maturity around these universal truths will be revealed today.
August 2
Today there is a New Moon in Cancer, and the beginning of a 30 day cycle of connecting to the heart. Usually we connect to our emotions and mistake that for the heart. This is why Cancer cycles can be painful. You will become aware of your emotional maturity, or lack thereof, now. Most of us are emotionally immature, expressing issues of codependency and unhealthy attachment. Cancer cycles make us aware of these tendencies. Rather than cycling through the same old “nobody loves me” stuff, go deeper and realize how much you really love others. Go deeper and realize how much emotional pressure you put on others. Honesty around these themes bring a deep sensitivity to others and connection to your true heart.
This New Moon occurs in Pushya Nakshatra, an archetypal quality symbolized by the udders of a cow—so this section of Cancer is related to selfless love and nurturing. Just like a mother only wants to nurture her children and asks nothing in return, this nurturing divine principle will be important for the next 30 days.
August 12
Today, Jupiter moves into Virgo after being in Leo for the past year. This represents a major shift in our priorities and what inspires us. The previous year we have seen the rise of many new political ideologies and philosophies, as shown by Jupiter in Leo. Now, we will be scrutinizing these leaders and figures, and governments and ideologies with more precision. On a personal level, since last summer when Jupiter moved into Leo, you have been seeking more consistent inspiration and purpose. For the upcoming year, there will be more of an emphasis on precision, detail, and daily application.
August 14
Saturn goes direct in Scorpio, after being retrograde for the last several months. Saturn in Scorpio has been challenging us to relinquish emotional control of situations and gain emotional control of ourselves instead. Now is time to let go of certain rusty old patterns and emotional habits and to commit to what inspires you. This is time to commit to whatever is more more eternal than our fears and everything in our life that we cannot control.
August 18
Today the Moon is full in Aquarius. This Full Moon is a harmonizing point of the Leo Sun cycle. Now is the time for you to serve that which is greater than just your own personal strength (represented by Leo). The power of the kingdom must be connected to citizens or it will rot from the inside. We’ve been seeing this on a global scale for the last year, as government institutions and alliances around the world are in chaos. Of course, this also challenges us as individuals to serve something other than our own personal needs and wishes. Now is the time to Be the Change.
This Full Moon happens in Dhanishta Nakshatra, related to Lord Shiva and his drum of creation as described in Vedic Astrology. There is enormous wealth and personal prosperity now, but also spiritual growth and a deeper awareness.
August 21-25
Mars and Saturn are in exact conjunction in Scorpio so expect some emotional upheavals and be careful of battles with lovers, partners, or other intimates. Especially be careful of suspicion and paranoia However, this is also an excellent time develop more emotional control through meditation.
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.