AN ASTROLOGICAL NEWSLETTER
BY MITCHELL SCOTT LEWIS
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Last summer I lectured at the Princeton Club in New York City at the invitation
of SIRE - the Society for the Investigation of Recurring Events, on the topic
of Saturn's transit of Cancer for the first time in 28 years. Its journey through
each sign lasts 2 ½ years. Saturn rules the opposite sign of Capricorn,
and is said to be in its determent while in Cancer. This is a brief synopsis
of what I discussed.
The last three times Saturn was in this sign there was the slaughter of millions of Armenians by the Turks in 1917, the European Holocaust in the 1940s, and the murder of millions of Cambodians by the Pol Pot regime in the 1970s. This time the world is sitting by complacently while the Sudanese government sanctions the murder of as many as one million black Muslims. It isn't just the mass murders that seem to coincide with this aspect, it is the lack of concern that the rest of the world seems to feel while each of these holocausts has occurred. Other governments were well aware of the events leading up to the massacres of 1917 and the 1940s and did nothing to stop them.
As our power of instant communication increases more of the population becomes
aware more quickly. Now our knowledge is almost instantaneous. There is no excuse
for complacency. Saturn is a very harsh and unbending energy. Cancer rules
our emotions. While this planet transits this sign every 28 years the world
seems to get a little colder. The human family feels the brunt of this chill
and turns a blind eye each and every time. What is the lesson here? Are we to
simply continue to repeat the same atrocities over and over again with no clear
understanding of our responsibilities? Saturn is the planet of responsibility
and maturity. Cancer rules family and home. The human family gets an opportunity
to mature and take responsibility for its members once every 28 years. Wouldn't
it be nice if we got it right this time and didn't have to go through this again
in 2032?
Saturn was in this sign during the 1st and 2nd World Wars, and the "Viet Nam police action". It takes a group of coinciding negative aspects to create any war. But to have conflicts as large and long lasting as our World Wars apparently needed the coldness of Saturn visiting humanity right in our own home.
Every time Saturn has transited this sign in modern history, we have suffered inflation. The first two times during the 20th century, we had war-related inflation, a common occurrence, as a result of the 1st and 2nd World Wars. The 3rd time was in the Nixon administration during the winding down of the Viet Nam War when prices should have stabilized, but didn't. This time we are seeing the same pattern repeat once again. The price of oil, which I predicted would set new records, is doing just that. Gold priced have climbed over $100 an ounce in price in the past 2 years to temporarily settle around the $400 mark. And the cost of everything seems to be spiraling out of control. This will continue for at least another year as Saturn continues its journey through this sign. If we don't get a handle on it now, it will set the financial pace for the next decade or more.
The only thing unwavering throughout has been the housing market, which is ruled by Cancer. Saturn rules structure and stability, and while it is in this sign, it is in the home that most of our nation's financial stability it placed. It has been a long time in coming, but the interest rates will soon be forced up as a result of the inflation, and many people will not be able to afford the price of their mortgages, especially those with a second home. You will find many banks in the house owning, rather than mortgage holding, business, something they do not do well. This may not happen until Saturn leave Cancer in 2005, but it's on the way.
Saturn doesn't like change. It would prefer to stay in an uncomfortable situation than move on to newer, unknown circumstances. This is especially true while in the sign that rules America. (We were born on July 4th 1776 at 5:12 P.M. in Philadelphia, Pa.) This is one of the many reasons why I believe the Republicans will keep the White House this year. We re-elected Nixon in 1974, with Saturn in this sign, then threw him out when Saturn left Cancer.
NEW MOON:
This month New Moon falls on Saturday July 17th at 7:24 A.M. EST at 25 degrees
Cancer 13 minutes. The Cancer New Moon is extremely family oriented, and
events, projects or trips planned this month should involve family or friends
to be enjoyed to the fullest. Next month's Leo New Moon is more romantic and
playful. Expressing your feelings towards others will be easier than usual now.
Just don't let your emotions runaway with you if you tend to be overly sentimentality.
Because the New Moon is so late in the sign it immediately goes Void Of Course
afterwards. This has been true of the New Moons for several months and will
continue until September when the pattern is broken. When the New Moon is Void
of Course it throws off the energy into a sort of unattached place, making it
difficult to stay on track and complete things. If you have been feeling frustrated
for the past few months, as though everything you attempt seems to go astray,
that is the effects of this aspect. Since we can't live in a vacuum, we must
deal with this effect. A great deal of concentration and effort will help offset
this. However, if you go about your business in your usual undisciplined fashion
you will find your plans and projects either incomplete or else heading in directions
not foreseen, often leading nowhere.
VENUS SQUARES JUPITER:
On Tuesday July 20th at 4:57 A.M. EST the lower and higher benefic planets
create a 90 degree angle, and unlike most squares this can be a pleasant aspect.
It does leans towards lethargy and overindulgences, as Venus loves stuff and
Jupiter overdoes everything. Don't expect to get a lot of work done today, but
if you can relax and avoid the pitfalls this can be a restful time. Just don't
over eat or drink.
If you meet someone now you could fall head over heels in love on this aspect.
It tends to make us optimistic and expansive, just make sure your paramour is
who and what you think. Under this aspect you could fool yourself into believing
whatever you wish. Self delusion in love is not a pretty picture.
I wouldn't try to redecorate or design anything under this aspect. Your ideas
could be too outlandish, and your sense of boundaries out of whack.
THE SUN ENTERS LEO:
On Thursday July 22nd at 7:50 A.M. EST we enter the fixed fire sign and
the month of games and romance begins. Take advantage of this energy to enjoy
yourself and explore your romantic life. If you are in an ongoing relationship
you should plan a frisky, romantic vacation. If you are single you might want
to travel alone. Romance is harder to attract when you are in a crowd. Leo is
the fixed summer sign and this month is the most summer-like of all, so play
and enjoy the best season of them all. This month you should plan a vacation
without the extended family, if possible. Take your spouse or lover on a love-filled
roller coaster ride. Just make sure you strap yourselves in.
MARS TRINES PLUTO:
On Sunday July 25th at 5:49 A.M. EST these two similar energies produce
a very useful and productive aspect is created. When the two co-rulers of Scorpio
work together there is much that can be done, especially involving other people's
resources. If you are planning to work in a group project or using monies held
jointly with another, this is a perfect time to begin. Anything started with
this aspect in the chart will do well particularly if it isn't a solo venture.
This is also true of romantic relationships. There is sexual compatibility in
the air, and those lucky enough to connect with this aspect in orb have the
potential to build a strong sexual bond.
MERCURY ENTERS VIRGO:
Also on Sunday July 25th at 9:58 A.M. EST the planet of communication and
travel enters this critical earth sign, and people will be paying much more
attention to detail. Any papers or contracts written during the past month while
Mercury was in Leo should be scrutinized now. You will find plenty of errors.
People will tend to be a bit more critical and picky than usual. Watch your
own tongue. You may be acting this out more than you realize.
VENUS OPPOSES PLUTO:
Also on Sunday July 25th at 10:55 A.M. EST the planet of love opposes the
ruler of the underworld, and any problems in relationships will be exposed around
this time. Be careful of acting compulsively and if you begin a new coupling
you should expect a certain amount of struggle and intensity. The affair will
tend to be rather black or white; an all-or-nothing sort of thing. Be careful
of digestive problems if this aspect sets off your natal chart.
This combination of aspects might represent a problem in the financial markets.
With the Full Moon approaching, I wouldn't be surprised by a building up of
tensions in the world markets this coming week. If you are trading, watch your
positions carefully.
VENUS SEXTILES MARS:
On Tuesday July 27th at 4:31 A.M. EST the male and female planets create
this positive aspect and the two sexes will have an opportunity to communicate
on a common ground. Venus is transiting Gemini and wants to talk. Mars is in
Leo and feeling its Cheerios. Allow the female side space to speak and the male
side room to strut and roar, and you will find things getting along swimmingly.
Any affair begun now will have a strong sense of its sexuality and communicate
well on that level.
FULL MOON:
This month's lunar peak is on Saturday July 31st at 2:05 P.M. EST at 8 degrees
Aquarius 51 minutes, and it's a traditional "Blue Moon"; a second
Full Moon within a calendar month. All Full Moons must be respected, and the
Aquarius one can be exceptionally explosive, so use extra caution, especially
while traveling and around electrical devices. You may have some difficulty
with electronics or computers. Make sure you back up everything important on
your hard drive! The Moon opposes Neptune at 10:37 P.M. EST and its added confusion
could be enough to create a situation.
MERCURY OPPOSES URANUS:
On Sunday August 1st at 6:50 A.M. EST the two octaves of the mind are in
opposition, and this can very easily lead to accidents, verbal outburst, or
even explosive situations, particularly involving travel vehicles. It is possible
we could see a problem of some magnitude involving planes, trains, or automobiles.
Drive defensively and avoid potentially unstable circumstances with people or
inanimate objects. Of course if you've been in a relationship for any length
of time it may be difficult to tell the difference between the two.
SUN OPPOSES NEPTUNE:
On Thursday August 5th at 11:08 P.M. EST this confusion and at times debilitating
aspect completes. This adds to my suspicion that there could be a major dip
in the stock markets during this period. Neptune isn't interested in material
things and often ignores our pleas for stability and sanity in exchange for
enlightenment. Unfortunately we do live in the material world, so don't let
Neptune's fog confuse you into making bad choices. Much of its power comes from
the ability to bewilder us. If you try to make important decisions during any
Neptune transit you may not choose the best option. The energy level will be
particularly low today so I wouldn't plan any strenuous activities.
JUPITER SQUARES PLUTO:
On Friday August 6th at 5:22 P.M. EST this compulsive and at times, overwhelming
aspect completes. Some people will lean towards obsessive behavior if this sets
off a sensitive part of your chart. Ambitions are high, so don't be surprised
if someone, even you, demonstrates a strong desire to get ahead. Just don't
let that drive replace common sense. And watch out for a ruthless side showing
itself.
VENUS ENTERS CANCER:
On Saturday August 7th at 7:02 A.M. EST the planet of love enters this family
oriented water sign creating the potential for close, emotional encounters.
There is sensitivity in this sign that affects whatever planet is transiting
at the time. When it is Venus, we tend to look for warmth and companionship
in our relationships, rather than fast times and promiscuity. Don't get me wrong;
with Venus in this sign relationships between partners can be quite remarkable.
It's just that Cancer requires some degree of emotions to complete the coupling.
If you are not the romantic type and prefer quick liaisons, this is not the
month for you. Wait until Venus enters Leo on September 6th.
MERCURY RETROGRADES:
On Monday August 9th at 8:33 P.M. EST our trice a year mischief maker starts
going backwards. From now until September 2nd our lives will be topsy-turvy
as communications and transportation problems abound. Since August is a high
level travel month we can expect more than the usual anecdotal events. You must
leave plenty of extra time while journeying and triple check all plans. Most
of the fun occurs while the planet is first retrograding and when it is getting
ready to turn back around in September at the end of this transit. You may find
problems with computers, cell phones, cars, walkie-talkies, etc. Try not to
purchase any item involved in communications or transportation, including those
items mentioned above as well as TVs, VCRs, etc. while this is going backwards.
You should avoid signing any contracts. Once this changes direction you will
find the mistakes you missed before.
But as all aspects have a positive side this one makes our conversations, once
we can connect, very deep and revealing. In fact secrets have a nasty habit
of coming out on the retrograde or right afterwards.
MARS ENTERS VIRGO:
On Tuesday August 10th at 6:14 A.M. EST the god of war and ego enters this
most critical of signs. After its outlandish behavior in Leo, this planet could
use a little self-critique. Rather than roaring out their disapproval, people
will be more subtle, though no less aggressive. Watch your tongue. It will be
easy to show displeasure without realizing it. And try not to be so critical
of yourself or others. You will no longer be able to bully your way through
situations. Details will be noticed and we will be called upon to account for
our actions.
SUN TRINES PLUTO:
On Wednesday August 11th at 8:16 P.M. EST this very positive and useful
aspect occurs. If you need other people's resources today is the day to ask
for them. Projects involving partners or groups will fair well, and anything
requiring a long range projected plan should be started now. If you are involved
in any sort of cognitive therapy you could have some important insights.
VENUS TRINES URANUS:
On Friday August 13th at 6:55 A.M. EST another positive and quite exciting
aspect comes along. If your love life has been dull or routine lately, this
could stir things up; either with a new lover or a bit of innovation in an existing
relationship. No matter how strong a love is, there are times when anything
can become boring. Look for unusual entertainment today, and plan something
out of the ordinary. If you do feel a bit jaded in your romance it is up to
you to spice things up, and this aspect will give you the right energy for just
such a change.
DARK OF THE MOON:
Because the New Moons have been late in each sign the past few months, the period
before has been rather extended and more intense than usual. From Friday August
13th until the New Moon Sunday August 15th at 9:24 P.M. EST will be a low
energy period. Spend this time finishing up anything that is incomplete, don't
try to initiate new projects on a waning moon, it just won't work out. Once
the New Moon hits you begin new projects or attempt a new approach to an existing
problem. People often misunderstand this time of the month. 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 don't, when the New Moon arrives
it will bring this "dead" energy along with it and conflict with the
newer force being presented. Often people, ideas or situations remain long after
they have outlived their usefulness in our lives. Each month we are offered
a chance to clean house, so to speak. Take advantage of it by finalizing anything
in your life that needs completion.
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:
July 17th 7:24 A.M. - 4:56 P.M. *** moon is void all day
July 19th 2:50 P.M. - July 20th 3:44 A.M.
July 21st 5:48 P.M. - July 22nd 12:39 P.M.
July 24th 5:54 P.M. - 7:08 P.M.
July 26th 6:48 A.M. - 10:48 P.M. *** moon is void all day
July 28th 11:06 A.M. - 11:57 P.M. *** moon is void all day
July 30th 7:21 A.M. - 11:54 P.M. *** moon is void all day
August 1st 4:51 P.M. - August 2nd12:34 A.M.
August 3rd 10:58 P.M. - August 4th 3:59 A.M.
August 6th 9:59 A.M. - 11:26 A.M.
August 8th 8:46 P.M. - 10:33 P.M.
August 10th 3:59 P.M. - August 11th 11:20 A.M.
August 13th 6:17 A.M. - 11:30 P.M. ***moon is void all day
Mitchell Scott Lewis
July 2004
New York City
(212) 726-3814
Copyright 2004
All Rights Reserved