MONTHLY SINCE 1999
ISSUE #125
LIVING BY STARLIGHT
AN ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
JULY 2009
AUTHORÕS NOTES:
Jupiter went retrograde on June 15th,
the very day the stock markets turned negative, as I predicted in last monthÕs
newsletter. Although for the past few days they have been floundering in a
half-assed attempt to turn positive, they would need to push through June 12th
close before this would represent another move up. Saturn is heading towards 18 degrees Virgo
to conjunct Mars in the NYSE chart in the 3rd week of July, and
the astrology signals are pretty much all bearish. If a substantial new high is
made in the coming weeks, I would have to reconsider my position. I doubt that
will be the case.
Jupiter will conjunct Neptune again this month, while they both are retrograde. Confusion abounds in many areas of our world. The election in Iran took place during this conjunction. The attempted power grab and ultimate mess in Albany is also a Jupiter – Neptune issue. And what is at stake for New York State is far greater than most realize. If the Republicans do win control of the Senate it will add one more nail to the coffin of rent stabilization. The result of a continued Republican leadership in the state senate will have disastrous effects for the already shrinking middle class in this city. Jupiter will conjunct Neptune one more time on December 21st. After that last pass we can begin to see things in a more realistic perspective. Any lingering effects of the swine flu will become obvious around that last conjunction.
We will have back-to-back eclipses in July. First there is the Full Moon lunar eclipse on July 7th. This will be followed by the New Moon solar eclipse on July 21st. Expect July to be an intense month with many hidden agendas (eclipses block the light and keep things in the shadows). DonÕt take things at face value. Many people will be keeping their true purpose secret until it can be acted upon. Expect surprises. This will be true in our financial markets, world governments and institutions as well as for the individual.
Since the Saturn-Uranus opposition first made itself known last fall we have all been so concerned with the financial meltdown and our own security that we have overlooked some of the positive aspects of this transit. Every time Saturn and Uranus create a hard aspect to each other there is a period of unsettledness and an economic pullback. These periods are fraught with fear and instability. Yet, it seems that it is only in bad economic times that we even seriously consider making changes in our ongoing society. The collective acts much like the individual, as Carl Yung was fond of pointing out. And just as the individual tends to resist change until circumstances force the issue, so it is with humanity on a large scale. The last time this opposition completed was in 1965-7, and some of the manifestations of that aspect included L.B.J.Õs war on poverty and the implementation of the so-called entitlement programs that have helped keep the bottom from falling out for millions of Americans. Now, as this aspect completes once again, we are seeing an attempt to redistribute the wealth and to implement some other much needed changes in our society. Will they all work? Of course not. And some of the ideas floating around could actually create more havoc than solution. But the fact that our culture is willing to consider some radical revisions to the way we do business is a good sign. But these aspects affect the entire world, not just America. In the late 60Õs we had many uprisings and reversals of power in the world. The present situation in Iran is an excellent example of what this powerful transit can do. There will be other challenges to the status quo elsewhere in the world. Some revolutions will be successful, others may not. But in many places the act of rebellion is in itself a radical change that will seep into the consciousness of the population and ultimately should lead to further changes down the road, especially when these two planets square each other beginning in 2021. That is when you will see the outer manifestation of some of the changes taking place now.
NEW MOON:
The New Moon falls on Monday June 22nd
at 3:35 P.M. EST at 1 degree Cancer 30 minutes. We will be seeing a true blue moon
this month, as we have two New Moons in the sign of Cancer. The next New
Moon falls on Tuesday July 21st at 10:35 P.M. EST at 29 degrees
Cancer 27 minutes. The implication is that whatever we are dealing with
under this lunar cycle will continue into the next. We have some important
lessons to be learned regarding this most emotional and nurturing of signs.
This month is all about family, and you should try to spend time with your
closest people. But it may have a lot to do with the family of man and how we respond to each
other on a global scale. Many of us will be more concerned about our past than
our future. This month will be a time of testing, both personally and
communally, and the equity markets will get their share.
THE SUN OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Tuesday June 23rd at 3:39 A.M. EST this heavy-handed aspect completes. People will be compulsive and possibly rather aggressive today, so pay attention. The desire to uncover hidden agendas is strong, and the truth will come out. Pluto rules death and rebirth. Sometimes this aspect represents the demise of the stock markets, other times a rejuvenation. If the economy is in as bad a shape as I believe, we will see this market react in a severely bearish manner. With this aspect coming so close to the New Moon, this will have a defining affect on this coming month. There will be any number of psychological Ņdeaths and rebirthsÓ throughout July, both on the world stage and in our personal lives. It is a time to clean out the decay and prepare for new growth.
MERCURY SQUARES SATURN:
On Friday June 26th at 4:32 A.M. EST this unpleasant and difficult transit completes. People will be frustrated and irritable, and problems with communication and travel will abound. This is often the harbinger of bad news, or at the least, a realistic attitude. It is hard to ignore reality when Saturn is involved. Mercury has much to do with the bond markets, so this could be a pivotal day for them.
URANUS RETROGRADES:
On Wednesday July 1st at 3:37 A.M. EST the planet of exploration and experimentation begins its yearly retreat until December 1st 2009. Personal freedom will be more of an internal struggle for the next few months as we decide where our boundaries truly lie. Is it really better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven? And how do we all define those ethereal places, anyway? Uranus has domain over all things electronic or technological. As such, it rules the Nasdaq. Watch how this market responds in the first day or two of this aspect. This could represent a strong pull back.
VENUS SQUARES NEPTUNE:
Also on Wednesday July 1st at 4:01 P.M. EST this confusing aspect will complete. Expect to be a bit bewildered in your romantic encounters. Confusion about romance and money are common. The desire to overindulge, especially in rich foods, alcohol and drugs is often triggered by this combination.
MERCURY TRINES NEPTUNE AND JUPITER:
Also on Wednesday July 1st at
4:48 P.M. EST and 9:35 P.M. EST we will have an opportunity to get in touch with
the ethereal side of life through our intellect. This trine offers the chance
to explore religious and philosophical ideas without constraint. This can be a
very hopeful and optimistic day, and people will be fairly cheerful and
outgoing. But it isnÕt based too much in reality. Once this passes we will be
approaching Mercury square Uranus, and the energy will change radically.
MERCURY SQUARES URANUS:
Also on Wednesday July 1st at 10:13 P.M. EST this difficult and at times disturbing transit will come along. People will be nervous and irritable. Accidents are very common, and if this sets off a sensitive place in your chart you must use extreme caution. Tensions that are not expressed can cause all sorts of problems. Expect the unexpected, and donÕt hold too tightly to your status quo. If you go with the flow, so to speak, you can avoid much of the potential difficulties associated with this aspect.
VENUS SQUARES JUPITER AND SEXTILES
URANUS:
On Thursday July 2nd at 12:24
A.M. EST and 1:42 A.M. EST this combination of aspects completes. Both of
these are fairly easy –going energies, and the main concern has to do
with a lack of discipline. There is a tendency to overindulge, so keep an eye
on things. This could represent the beginning of a new romance that is quite
different from your usual connections. But give it some time to prove itself
before committing too much. Uranus tends to bring unstable and erratic people
and ideas into our lives.
MERCURY ENTERS CANCER:
On Friday July 3rd at 3:20 P.M.
EST the planet of thought and communication enters this most emotional of
signs. People will be talking in a more heart-felt way. This doesnÕt mean that
they have all become nicer people, just that the method of communications is
becoming less intellectual and more emotional. You may find yourself thinking
about the past quite a bit. Seek out your old friends or reconnect with your
family. It will be very rewarding.
MERCURY OPPOSES PLUTO:
On Saturday July 4th at 11:28
A.M. EST this intense energy comes along. People will be speaking from a
deep place. Conversations will be penetrating and the desire to uncover the
truth will be very strong indeed. This is a good day for any kind of research
or for important conversations. Just be prepared to hear things you may not
wish to. All fa¨ades will be stripped bare.
VENUS ENTERS GEMINI:
On Sunday July 5th at 4:24 A.M.
EST the planet of love and money enters this sign of the twins. You can
expect a certain amount of duality in romantic ventures. Women in particular
will tend to be more intellectual in their responses. A clever idea or witty
reply will be further than flowers and chocolate for the next few weeks.
MARS SQUARES NEPTUNE AND JUPITER:
On Monday July 6th at 10:43 A.M.
EST and 4:49 P.M. EST this pair of Mars aspects comes due. The early part
of the day will be quite difficult. You may find it hard to assert yourself or,
and may encounter overly emotional reactions from those around you. Egos will
be fragile and misunderstandings quite common. But once the square to Neptune
passes Mars will apply to Jupiter, a much different energy. Later in the day
you can expect an overabundance of ego energy and some inappropriate
aggressiveness. Try to keep thing in perspective and donÕt overstate your case
or act in an arrogant manner. Most likely you will be more than assertive
enough to make your point.
MARS SEXTILES URANUS:
On Tuesday July 7th at 3:46 A.M. EST this positive and useful transit will present itself. Look for unusual and creative ways of expressing yourself. This is an energetic force, so look for ways to use it.
FULL MOON:
This monthÕs lunar peak occurs on Tuesday July 7th at 5:21 A.M. EST at 15 degrees Capricorn 24 minutes, and it is a lunar eclipse. This sign is interested in building things of a lasting quality. Stability and structure are the key phrases, and that is what we will all be seeking for the next few weeks. Anything that has a strong foundation will be appealing. There is a tendency to be overly critical, so try not to nit-pick. Although this is usually a quiet energy, show this Full Moon the same respect you would any and pay attention to what you are going. Because this is an eclipse its power will be amplified, and the effects will last until the next eclipse on July 21st. and if it hits a sensitive point in your chart there could be a positive or negative manifestation. Which it is would depend upon many things, including how your chart is set up and where your consciousness is at this moment.
THE SUN SEXTILE SATURN:
On Thursday July 9th at 3:10 A.M. EST this useful transit
completes. There will be a feeling of balance and stability in the air. This is
a good day for any paperwork or for clearing out your life. It is also a good
time for examining your projects and direction. Any changes you wish to make
will be easier now than at other times.
JUPITER CONJUNCTS NEPTUNE:
On Friday July 10th at 5:08 A.M. EST this interesting aspect completes for the 2nd time. Once this begins to separate we should see reality returning to the forefront. Things that have been unbearably confusing such as the political mess in Albany will begin to clear up. Reality will return to the equity markets, and they will respond more predictably to news, both good and bad. The swine flu should recede into the background for several months, but it will poke its curly little tail back into our consciousness in the late fall, early winter.
MARS ENTERS GEMINI:
On Saturday July 11th at 10:56
P.M. EST the god of war enters this mercurial sigh. An escalation of verbal
warfare is on the horizon. You can expect more heated debates both on the world
stage and in your own personal play. Try to think before you speak. There is
much ego energy being asserted into conversations, and you may not realize how
you sound.
THE SUN CONJUNCTS MERCURY:
On Monday July 13th at 10:16
P.M. EST this moment of willfulness will present itself. With Mars in
Gemini people will already be rather aggressive in their communications. This
will add more fuel to that, so do use caution. This transit usually represents
a turn-around in the bond markets, and the soybeans (which historically seem to
act conversely to each other more often than not).
MERCURY ENTERS LEO:
On Friday July 17th at 7:08 P.M.
EST Mercury enters the fixed fire sign. As if there wasnÕt enough power
behind our words, the winged godÕs travel through this sign will add even more
oomph to your thoughts and speech. For the next few weeks people will continue
to be assertive and outgoing. After its journey through emotional Cancer,
Mercury wants to express itself in creative and self-assured ways. At least
most things will be out in the open and there will be less subterfuge to deal
with.
THE SUN TRINES URANUS:
On Saturday July 18th at 8:36
P.M. EST this positive aspect completes. This is a day to explore the
universe and take advantage of any possibilities that present themselves. DonÕt
stick to your usual routine. Do something different. Go to an amusement park,
meet some new people or listen to some music that is different from your usual
taste. ItÕs time to open your consciousness to unusual and exploratory things.
VENUS SQUARES SATURN:
On Tuesday July 21st at 4:06
P.M. the aspect completes right on the Dark of the Moon. This wonÕt be a
very peppy or exciting day. I wouldnÕt plan a party or agree to meet new people
until after the New Moon. This aspect tends to be extremely critical,
especially of those closest to you. Sometimes this can manifest by ending a
relationship or creative project. If so, it had outlived its usefulness in your
life and it is better to let it go.
DARK OF THE MOON:
The next New Moon falls on Tuesday July 21st
at 10:35 P.M. EST at 29 degrees Cancer 27 minutes. The day or two leading up to
it will be a particularly low energy period. If you tend to be emotional this
may be a very trying time each month. I have found that people with
prominent moons or a Cancer Sun, Moon or ascendant respond to the cycles of the
moon more intensely than others. Spend this time finishing up anything
that is incomplete, donÕt try to initiate new projects on a waning moon, it
just wonÕt work out. Once the New Moon hits you begin new projects or attempt a
new approach to an existing problem. If you have been living in a situation or
involved in a relationship that is intolerable or has outlived its usefulness
this would be the proper time to move on with your life. If you have been
working on a project that is almost complete but you seem to lack the energy
for the finality, you must push during these low energy days to end the matter
once and for all. If you donÕt, when the New Moon arrives it will bring this
ŅdeadÓ energy along with it and conflict with the newer force being presented.
Each month we are offered a chance to clean house, so to speak.
Note: All aspects are most powerful and
effective as they apply. Once the transit has completed, its force is lessened.
The further it separates the weaker it becomes.
Below is a list of times this month
when the Moon is Void of Course and neither important decisions nor purchases
should be made during these periods. The Void of Course Moon is a time when we
should try to center ourselves and deal with spiritual matters not
materialistic ones. Any decisions made on the VC Moon will not turn out the way
we had expected.
The Moon is Void of Course from the time it makes its last major aspect in a sign until it enters the next sign. For example, if the Moon squares Mars at 27 degrees Aries and then has no more aspects until it enters Taurus it will be Void of Course for three degrees or about 6 hours. The aspects used are the conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition.
All times are Eastern Daylight:
June 24th 7:24 A.M. – 12:50 P.M.
June 26th 8:28 A.M. – 1:47 P.M.
June 28th 11:26 A.M. – 5:24 P.M
June 30th 5:59 P.M. –July 1st 12:19 A.M.
July 3rd 6:03 A.M. – 10:11 A.M.
July 5th 3:17 P.M. – 10:07 P.M.
July 8th 5:43 A.M. – 11:03 A.M.
July 10th 10:17 P.M. – 11:44 P.M.
July 13th 4:03 A.M. – 10:40 A.M.
July 15th 11:08 A.M. – 6:30 P.M.
July 17th 4:48 P.M. – 10:41 P.M.
July 19th 6:12 P.M. – 11:51 P.M.
July 21st 10:35 P.M. – 11:28 P.M.
Mitchell Scott Lewis
June 2009
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2009
All Rights Reserved