July, 2019
The Starshine Two Eclipses, Retrograde Mercury and a Black Moon!
By Dikki-Jo Mullen, Astrologer
Turning the calendar page to unveil a new month is a ritual. This reveals a block of time which is like a blank canvas. Will it be painted in colors bright and beautiful, mysterious or dark and even sinister or tragic? Much can happen in a month. As an astrologer I encourage free will within limits. The messages sent by the planets, Sun, Moon and stars offer a road map for guidance. “As above, so below”, they say. Considering how best to use the celestial energies which affect an individual’s birth chart at a given time holds the secret to following the cosmic truths in the highest and best manner. The goal is to manifest the best possible destiny. That is what the thousands of years old craft of astrology can offer. Some months are more eventful than others for some of us. Then there are those occasional months with so much happening in the heavens that life on Earth overall could evolve, morphing into almost anything. Looking at my astrology calendar, July of 2019 promises to be such a month. Two eclipses, five retrograde planets, including a retrograde Mercury cycle, some intense and heavy duty aspects with a rare Black Moon as the finale summarize the July story in the sky. Eclipses tend to break up the status quo and affect the weather. Eclipses are fire crackers occurring at New or Full Moons, usually in groups of two, about two weeks apart. It all begins with a solar eclipse at the New Moon on July 2 at 10 degrees Cancer 38 minutes. Patriotism, family dynamics, security issues, food and water supplies as well as emotional concerns are the keynotes. The Sabian Symol for this degree is “A clown making grimaces”. Tentative, uncertain with something masked is suggested. The Sun and Moon conjoin at the solar eclipse and both luminaries will be applying to oppose both Saturn and Pluto. Select associates with care. Be aware of how places might affect you too. There can be much controversy expressed. The USA’s National Horoscope is affected profoundly. The two week period until the next eclipse occurs promises several important events. Be flexible and aware of how the world is changing in order to make the best of this trend. Mercury will go retrograde at 7:15 pm EDT on July 7 until July 31st in Leo and Cancer. It will join retrograde Jupiter (in Sagittarius), Neptune (in Pisces), Saturn and Pluto (in Capricorn). If traveling, return to familiar places. Family ties can be reviewed. Reunions can be influential. Vacation plans are subject to change. Postpone moves and job changes, use care in signing contracts or making promises. Double check facts. Dreams can be vivid and puzzling. History repeats itself. On July 16 the Full Moon is a lunar eclipse in Capricorn at 24 degrees 04 minutes. It (occludes) conjoins both Saturn and Pluto. Meeting obligations, expressing opinions and seeking the heart’s desire concern individuals. Authority and power overall will be in flux. Weather and other natural conditions can affect many. The Sabian Symbol for this degree is “An Oriental rug dealer”. Values are woven into the fabric of how deals and negotiations made. Avoid trivialities and look at the overall point of things under this trend. Observe how some people and corporations treat others. For deeper personal insight, consider where these eclipse degrees fall in individual horoscopes. The influences generated by eclipses can unfold over the year ahead at 90 day intervals. That points to October, 2019 etc. as the “after shock “ cycles. The Black Moon is the rare second New Moon within a single calendar month. Perhaps the phrase “Once in a Blue Moon” , which refers to the serendipity of a second Full Moon in a single month, is more familiar. Blue and Black Moons usually occur once in about every 2 ½ years. The Black Moon of 2019 will be on July 31 at 11:12 pm EDT, at 8 degrees Leo 17’. The Black Moon has deeply mystical attributes. It has been linked to the fey ones, the wee folk who share the world with us. Think of parallel universes and alternative realities. The Sabian Symbol for this lunation’s degree is “glass blowers”. Deftness at turning base materials into something beautiful is the message. This July 31, 2019 Black Moon is unique in that it coincides with the festival of Lammas, a pagan and Wiccan celebration of the early harvest. Plan to enjoy the magic. Perhaps by writing a wish list or setting intentions through meditation and affirmations. (As an intriguing afterthought, Mercury will turn direct on July 31, 2019 at 11:58 pm EDT .) What all of this means remains to be seen. It certainly promises to be an interesting month.
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