Lunar and Solar Eclipse Intensify Energy Before Mercury goes into Retrograde

YOUR WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST FOR JULY 1 – 7

The Solar eclipse July 2 at 10:38 Cancer is this week’s cosmic highlight, to be followed by a Lunar Eclipse July 16 at 24:04 Capricorn. These are potent eclipses tied in with Saturn, Pluto, and the nodes. We never know what eclipses will bring, but the energies intensify, and it is best to slow down and keep things simple. Mercury turns retrograde on Sunday, July 7th for three weeks until July 31. If you have contracts to sign, travel plans to make, or agreements to negotiate, get them done before next Sunday. The week ahead is a potent, volatile holiday week. After Monday, take the rest of the week off if you can, and go slow and easy. Enjoy the fireworks!

Begin the week with some solitude before the holiday

Mars enters sunny Leo on Monday, lifting our spirits, and urging us toward play and creativity for the next seven weeks until August 18th. The Moon is void of course from 2:48 p.m. through 6:24 p.m., and then it moves into Cancer, calling us home for a comfortable dinner and evening with family. The Moon is dark, just before the New Moon Solar Eclipse on Tuesday. Draw inward and take some solitude.

Tuesday holds the New Moon that also forms a Total Solar Eclipse at 10:38 degrees of Cancer. Planets Saturn and Pluto are connected to the eclipse, adding gravity to the powerful alignment. If we look within, we may find shadows that keep us from shining our light in the world. This intense energy is best handled by keeping things simple, and moving slowly and carefully. As the Independence Day holiday is two days away, wind down your work and commitments, and spend time with family.

Strong effects of the Solar Eclipse are still with us on Wednesday, magnified by lunar oppositions to Saturn and Pluto. A lunar trine to Neptune softens the rough edges. Venus moves into Cancer until July 27th, opening our hearts. This ingress into water sign Cancer means that there are no planets in air signs, making it more difficult for us to think things through and detach from our experiences. The Moon is void of course all day on Wednesday from 7:25 a.m. until 8:19 p.m. During this time it is difficult for things to come together. Meetings do not result in definitive results, and decisions about things like purchases, appointments, or travel are not sound, and often result in later changes. Take this day off before the holiday, if you can. Work in your yard and garden, clean your email in box, or cook for your 4th of July gathering tomorrow.

The week ends with celebration

Independence Day Thursday has some cloudy skies (Saturn conjunct the South Node), even though the playful, courageous Leo Moon shines sunny and bright. A lunar square to Uranus may steer the day different than planned. A lunar trine to Jupiter fosters joy and good feelings as we watch the sparkle and awesome visual displays of celebratory fireworks. With the intense eclipse just behind us, and Saturn conjunct the South Node, be cautious about alcohol consumption and driving, or any risky behavior.

Friday is yet another full day with the Moon void of course. Stick to routine, insignificant tasks rather than meetings or activities calling for decisions. The planetary energy this week, including Friday, support a long holiday week. Take your children or grandchildren to the beach, and enjoy summer fun in the sun.

Get organized over the weekend and prepare for the mercury retrograde

This weekend is framed for organizing and attending to many small tasks that need to be done. The Moon shines in Virgo, symbolizing the drive for self-improvement, order, and good health. Make exercise and healthy eating a priority. The Moon makes benefic aspects to the Sun, Venus, and Uranus. A lot can be accomplished with ease. We are ready and willing to make positive changes.

Mercury turns retrograde for a three-week backward spin until July 31. During the retrograde it is good to re-work, re-think, and re-do. The Virgo Moon is void of course for a long period from 9:50 a.m. through 11:07 p.m. Use this earthy, put-things-in-order Moon period to clean house and get organized. This is not a day for weekend shopping. Stay focused on matters at home that need attention.

The Week in Short

Monday: Dark Moon just before the solar eclipse. Take some solitude.

Tuesday: New Moon Solar Eclipse. Intense energy abounds. Keep things simple.

Wednesday: Strong energy of the solar eclipse lingers. Moon VoC all day from 7:25 a.m. though 8:19 p.m. Stick to routine tasks, and start your holiday early if you can.

Thursday: Independence Day is buoyed by a playful Leo Moon, but  difficult aspects may bring some challenges. Keep things simple and be responsible.

Friday: Full day with Moon void of course. Extend your holiday another day and complete routine tasks.

Saturday: Get your life in order—after you get some exercise. Complete travel plans and other commitments before Mercury goes retrograde tomorrow.

Sunday: Mercury turns retrograde and the Moon is void of course from 9:50 a.m. through 11:07 p.m. Continue to attend to routine tasks.