Astrological Forecast For July & August 2018

It’s another hot summer, with not just two, but three eclipses. With Mars retrograde all summer, Mercury taking some time off to backpedal in the skies at midsummer, and Chiron, Jupiter, and Uranus all changing direction, there’s hardly a break in the celestial action from July 4th to Labor Day weekend. We may find that these summer days are more crazy than lazy and hazy - offering opportunities for needed change to some of us, while simply disrupting the status quo for others.

July

The action starts on July 5th, when Chiron stations to retrograde. The Wounded Healer has been in Aries since April, but he’s headed back to Pisces later this year for another tug at our emotional heartstrings. Right around the station, take note of feelings that come up in terms of your ability to assert your independence: do you feel free to be yourself, or are you more inclined to feel pressure to conform? With Mercury opposing retrograde Mars on the same day, we may be driven to say what’s on our minds, and wounds could be opened by cutting words, perhaps hidden behind somewhat oblique language.

Jupiter stations to go direct on the 10th, giving a boost to our ability to open up about our emotions. Having helpful Jupiter turn around in the sky should also be good for financial matters, and dealings with banks and similar power brokers may go more smoothly once Jupiter gets moving up to speed. With Venus trine Uranus just a day later, we could be willing to try something (or someone) new in our relationships.

The first eclipse of the season is a solar eclipse on July 12th, at 11:01 p.m. (not visible in the Wisdom area). This eclipse is closely opposite to Pluto, suggesting that the generally implosive energy is intensified. The need for change, and the resistance to it, are going to be running high at this time, especially at the collective level. Keep an eye on the news for power struggles that simmer - but may not boil just yet.

Venus is busy in mid-July, helping our relationships along and perhaps creating a little summer fun (even if the goddess of love is in reserved Virgo). Look for an emphasis on home, family, and tradition in partnership around mid-month (a more conservative tone than just a few days earlier). A week or so later, around the 21st through the 24th, a more romantic tone prevails. It’s a great opportunity to spend time with a loved one, and to engage in creative activities. Enjoy this emotionally flowing time, but don’t assume that everything you see is real as Venus aspects Jupiter and Neptune.

The 25th through the 27th promises to be a wild ride, as the Sun squares Uranus and opposes Mars, Mercury turns retrograde, and we have a lunar eclipse (this is a daytime eclipse, not visible in most of North America). With Mars triggered on this eclipse, we may find that the fireworks have come at the far end of the month, rather than on the 4th. While retrograde Mars doesn’t express himself that easily, this could be a time when issues that started boiling at the solar eclipse reach a peak. What isn’t released now is likely to come up in September, when Mars travels across this point once more.

Mercury is stationing to retrograde as the intense full moon lunacy begins, so we may see some folks flying off the handle based on misinformation, or we may be confused by explanations for events that occur. Step back from things and reserve judgment – unless you have to act in an immediate situation, you’ll want to wait to see what the real story is.

August

Egos could get a bit out of hand at the beginning of August, as Jupiter opposes his wife, Juno on the 3rd and then goes on to square the Sun on the 6th. In a reversal of their mythological roles, Jupiter in Scorpio is looking for depth and commitment, while Juno in Taurus would like a more sensual good time. You may play either or both roles in your personal relationships around this time. Sun/Jupiter contacts can help us to have faith and courage in ourselves, and that’s great, but some folks will have more than their fair share of self-assuredness – avoid blowhards and dogmatists.

On the 7th, Uranus stations to retrograde in Taurus. We’re just getting a look at Uranus in the sign of the bull, where he’ll be until 2025 (minus a brief run back to Aries later this year and into early 2019). Changes in our currency and food supply are two things to watch, along with our connection to the body in general. Keep an eye on the station to see what manifests for you and for all of us. As usual, Uranus stations tend to make some folks restless, and with the Sun/Jupiter aspect still warm, the time between the 5th and 7th could be volatile in some quarters.

Relationships can be a bit challenged around the 8th as the Sun and Mercury square Juno (the asteroid most associated with marriage) and Venus opposes Chiron. Partnerships on solid ground should be fine, but those in a more vulnerable place may feel the strain. As Venus squares Saturn on the 9th, we may come to a decision about how to repair things (or decide not to try). With the new moon eclipse just a couple of days away, some people will feel it’s time to end things rather than reinvest.

That partial eclipse is on August 11th at 5:47 a.m. EDT, too early to make much of an impression throughout most of North America. Perhaps significantly, it does cross the Korean Peninsula. This eclipse accompanies Mars as he crosses the degree of his square to Uranus on May 16th, so keep an eye out for issues that were prominent around that time to re-emerge, in your personal life and in the collective.

On August 19th, Mercury stations to turn direct. Don’t rush out to sign a contract, buy a computer, lease a car, or do other Mercurial things, however - it will take the Cosmic Messenger a few days to get up to speed, and it’s right around the stations that Mercurial Mishaps tend to multiply.

Freedom and integrity are themes as August draws to a close. The Sun knits together a grand trine with Saturn and Uranus on the 25th, activated by the full moon a day later. These aspects are urging us to be true to ourselves and act in accordance with what we want to build in our lives. With Venus square to Pluto and Mars stationing to turn direct on the 26th and 27th, it’s very likely to be a volatile full moon.

The last few days of August, from the 24th onward, are a great time to implement decisions you’ve already made and to devote yourself to a goal that you’re sure of. On the other hand, free-floating energy could find a cause of the moment that leads to trouble. Act if you’re sure, but don’t let impulsiveness get the better of you.

Armand M. Diaz, Ph.D. uses an intuitive and heart-centered approach to astrology to help his clients. Armand has practiced divination for more than twenty years, working with the I Ching and Tarot in addition to astrology. He has published in various astrological journals, including The Mountain Astrologer. Armand’s most recent book, Separating Aspects: The Astrology of Breakups, Divorce, and Other Partings, is available through Amazon and on Kindle. He can be reached through his website at www.ArmandDiaz.com.