Astrological Forecast for July & August 2012

The fast pace of 2012 continues through the summer, with an especially hot (in a cosmic sense) July and a humid August. The Uranus-Pluto square, exact in June and September, is directing the flow of our attention to deep transformation through the summer months.

We start off with the Full Moon in Capricorn on July 3rd. As with any Full Moon, issues are brought to light and we may feel compelled to act. With the Moon just a few degrees away from Pluto on the eve of the United States’ birthday, we can expect a charged week on the social and political scene. Economic news is likely to be the catalyst for increased polarization of political views, and with the Sun in Cancer we may tend to default to the need to feel secure.

Easy aspects among Mercury, Venus, and Uranus on July 4th suggest that we can work things out, at least on a personal level. Try something new, breaking the holiday routine – you may discover an entirely new type of fireworks to celebrate the day.

It may be more than a week later, but the 13th should have some fireworks of its own as Uranus, the planet associated with revolution and independence, stations to retrograde. Uranus stations incite us to try something different, and encourage novelty for its own sake. While breaking up our usual patterns can open us to exciting new possibilities, patience usually runs pretty short at these times. Do honor your need to be yourself and rebel against constraints, but don’t burn bridges just to spite the past. It’s really more of a time to experiment than to commit to something new.

In fact, the brilliant ideas that emerge around the 13th might need some revision and reconsideration over the next month, as Mercury retrogrades from the 14th through August 8th. The usual Mercury retrograde caveats apply: try to avoid signing contracts, buying electronics and software, and all things automotive. While Mercury retrogrades can be a bit of a headache in our technology-driven world, we are likely to feel this period more acutely, since the brakes are going on just as we are cruising at a fast speed from all the other astrological energy.

Speaking of putting on the brakes, the Sun squares Saturn on the 15th. This is another aspect that is likely to slow down the pace of things, but we may trip over our feet as we stop short. Egos can get a bruising with this aspect, as personal preferences are challenged by social mores. With the Sun in protective Cancer, it may be hard to let go of the quest for security. Although we can feel this on a personal level, look for security issues to emerge in the collective around this time – you may be surprised just how much fear you can sense on both sides of any issue.

Part of the intensity behind the Sun/Saturn aspect comes from charged aspects among Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Pluto on the 17th and 18th. This bubbling cosmic soup will bring up the power struggles of the Uranus/Pluto square, and could make for some very difficult days for some people. The need for change is apparent, but so is the deep resistance to it. There are no easy answers, but with Mars in the picture the inclination is to act.

With all the activity in the days before, the New Moon on July 19th won’t be the quiet time we usually associate with the dark time of the month. Try to take some time to back away from all that’s going on and gain some perspective. Assess what needs to change, and make a plan for it to happen.

As we emerge from the New Moon on the 20th, the Sun moves into Leo and we have a constructive Jupiter/Uranus sextile in the sky. When these two planets are in harmony, we tend to get progressive social changes as well as technological innovations. Given that both Mercury and Uranus are retrograde, it may be a few months before the bugs get worked out, but something new could be in the air. Look for news about internet regulation and freedom around this time, too.

As Mercury retrogrades in aspect to other planets around the 24th and 25th, we may have to revise ideas and plans that first emerged around mid-to-late June. While it might be a pain, don’t assume that the idea was bad or that the plan won’t work – it’s more likely that it needs to be retooled than dumped entirely.

Some harmonious aspects finally arrive in late July. The Sun and Venus both make constructive trines between the First Quarter and Full Moon (July 31st is the day they are exact). We can build our personal and relationship potential around this time. To the extent we have cleared up issues during the busy first part of the month, this could be a good time to reap the rewards for our efforts. Alternatively, it could be a good time to take a vacation and back away from the ongoing whirlwind of our lives.

August isn’t quite as charged as July, but with the Full Moon in Aquarius on the 1st, it will begin with a kick. This Full Moon is sociable and friendly. The Sun in Leo shines on Luna, encouraging fun and good times, while the Moon in Aquarius makes room for everyone to join in the party. A nice aspect between the Sun and Jupiter the next day further suggests inclusiveness and the ability to come to an understanding about things.Venus, planet of love and relationship, is busy through mid-August. A nice trine to Neptune on the 9th suggests that we can engage in a little romantic fantasy - which is often the precursor to romantic reality. This aspect opens us up to possibilities, even as it softens the glare and dulls the sharp edges of our critical thinking.

The energy of the 15th is very different, however, as Venus opposes Pluto. This passionate aspect can bring up emotional charge where you don’t expect it, and issues that you may have thought resolved can reemerge. To the extent that you’re on solid ground, this aspect can be about getting closer, but weak spots in partnerships (of all kinds) may be revealed. With Mars meeting with Saturn on the same day, there is a make-it-or-break-it quality to this time that may be hard to avoid – this is a time for relationship decisions.

Just a day later, Venus squares Uranus. While this aspect is great for encouraging us to try something new in a relationship (or just try a new relationship), it doesn’t usually imply a lot of patience. The thing about relationship energy at this time is that we want to act and we want to make decisions – but we aren’t necessarily feeling all that sentimental, and may be more inclined to cold calculations than compassion where our partners are concerned. Whatever the outcome, use the time around the New Moon on the 17th to get in touch with your deeper feelings and set your intentions for the future.

A nice aspect of Mercury (direct since the 8th) to Uranus on the 18th may finally get plans back on track. Communicate new ideas and share your perspective with others.

The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, marking the final month of summer. Already the days become noticeably shorter and we begin to sense the oncoming autumn. The middle of August is relatively mellow, so this is another time when we may benefit from a bit of a vacation, literal or figurative.

The Sun opposes Neptune on the 24th, the day of the active First Quarter Moon. This cosmic energy suggests taking some time to get in touch with our spiritual side. Inspiration can run high at this time, but the practical applications may not be what we think they are. It could be best to bask in your dreams and intuitions for a while, then look for ways of manifesting them in the world later in the month.

Neptunian compassion remains a factor at the of end of August, with the Full Moon in Pisces on the 31st. Just a day after a Sun-Pluto trine, we can begin to see how our best intentions can best become reality.

It’s a high-energy summer in the skies, and we’ll be trying to keep up here on the ground. Be sure to use what down time you have to collect yourself and get in touch with your deeper purpose. Even when we’re moving very fast it’s easier to steer if you have a direction.