Thank God!
I am ready for things to get moving. Retrograde is a nice little excuse in a way because you know that things are going to be stalled. I prefer to see retrograde as that time where things are incubating, percolating, and marinating. And now that we're reached full marination, it's time to cook the meat!
I love food.
One of the things that stuck out to me from last night's tarot card reading was that I don't celebrate myself or realize what I have. This is something that I've been working on for a while. Somehow I can't appreciate what I have and how far I've come. All I feel is stalled, when the Universe is trying to tell me that I'm closer than ever. Why is that?
I remember reading The War of Art by Steven Pressman years ago and he talks about I this idea of resistance. When you are close to a goal, resistance revs up its efforts. The cards told me that I'm close to having everything I want. Everything in the cards last night seemed like a validation of this journey I have been on for the past two and a half years. It told me that I had taken time off and that it was long overdue. I was amazed at how on point the reading was.
There are times when I feel like I have been indulging myself too much by taking this time away from the rat race. But hearing that it was long overdue just made me realize that my instincts have been correct. I have been holding strongly to this notion of needing to stay in this place for a bit longer and do some more exploration. A lot of the cards were Kings (or Shamen in this case) which are at the end of the arcana and which mean that I'm at the end of this cycle and about to start something new. That sounded encouraging and it also feels instinctually like what I already know. Just the fact that the cards were specific, but telling me stuff I already knew are a reminder that I need to plug back into my instinct and intuition and let that guide me. Anything that doesn't support that needs to be stripped away or at the very least re-evaluated.
The cards also stated that I have been on a spiritual journey for the past few years. That couldn't be truer. The fact that this journey has dictated most of my life for the past few years is significant. An important key to something that has made me feel stalled is the idea that I'm passionate about what I'm doing, but I'm not in it for the profit. However, this has made me feel blocked because I want to move past the place I am in in my life and that involves advancing career wise. And that involves making more money. But if I'm not in it for the money, then I am blocking myself. But the cards said I need to start thinking about money in terms of energy. Where am I putting my energy? And if I end up putting my focus somewhere guided by my passion and that makes me money, then I'm putting even more energy towards that pursuit. It is giving it power and importance and then it essentially creates a rechargeable battery of passion and profit and it gives my passion energy.
The reading also said that I need to focus my efforts on what I am working on specifically.
Susan said I need to mediate and visualize more. I need to mediate and visualize that. The cards also said that I would be traveling for work or that an upcoming trip would be important for work. She felt that this upcoming trip I'm taking to Portland where coincidentally a theatre festival was happening that weekend would be important. I was only going to go to three out of the four readings, but maybe I need to go to all four readings. After all, readings have been very fruitful for me.
I'm going to reprint Susan Miller's horoscope for Aquarius, which we read out loud last night, giving it energy to send more energy in the metaphysical realm.
You are about to become very busy at work this month, so put off taking a vacation until late September or mid-October to be sure you can get everything you need to do done. You are about to enter a period where you will have some of the juiciest assignments in the department, and you may be the envy of others who work there. No matter, just smile - you've proved yourself and this is reward time. If you are self-employed, you will find that business is brisk - so good in fact that you may be contemplating recruiting more workers to handle the demand. You may work in a seasonal business, because this month your services seem to be very much in demand no matter where you work, and that is a very good feeling indeed.
The reason for this lovely turn of events is Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, has now moved into Cancer late last month, on June 25. In the next twelve months, until July 16, 2014, the date Jupiter will leave for the next sign, you will have an opportunity to prove, once and for all, that you have the right stuff to make it onto a VIP short list of bright stars to watch and reward by being groomed for bigger and better things.
The last time Jupiter was in Cancer it was mid-2001 to mid-2002, a very long time ago. Can you remember any assignments that you had that garnered you lots of attention? You may get a clue of what is to come by looking back. Other planets will have since moved into other signs and places in your chart, of course, but you still may be able to glean a certain theme to that period, which may be repeated now, this year. (A production in New York of my short plays, thesis play in grad school which garnered a lot of attention)
Ancient astrologers always wrote that Jupiter is exalted when it tours the cardinal sign of Cancer because it is a water sign, allowing for intuition to enter the realm, uniting the left and right brain. Cancer is also cardinal, a sign that would push the energy out to all four winds, to allow for the greatest growth possible. Cardinal signs define direction, for they mirror the points on the compass (north, south, east, and west).
In coming months, you will show just how efficient and organized you can be. You may move to new headquarters, or be able to redo the design of your office. The workload will be heavy - especially this month - but with beautiful surroundings, it seems less arduous. You won't feel like you are in a sweatshop of the turn of the century, with dreary conditions and people sitting so close that it's hard to concentrate. No, your surroundings are likely to become quite sleek. (Paramount)
You may get new computer equipment, new apps, and software to help you do your job faster and more easily. You will also find that you can find qualified candidates to hire. Many small businesses report hiring qualified, skilled, experienced, and affordable people is their number one challenge. That won't apply to you, dear Aquarius. In the coming year, your database of possible workers will grow impressively. Even if you work in a big company where the salary you can offer a candidate is not your main concern, you will still be able to hire candidates that work out to be gems for you.
Moreover, people will get along with one another in a very smooth and supportive way, so you won't feel going to the office is like landing in a real-life soap opera each day. Instead, you will feel like you fell in a parallel universe where everyone is happy to see each other and glad to help each other with their workload. At times you may feel like you're in a Disney movie, where everyone seems to be smiling and humming, "Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work we go..." Don't question this happy circumstance, enjoy it! Jupiter can create magical situations!
Mercury will be retrograde all month, until July 20, a holdover from last month, having started June 26. This will add a slight complication in that you should not hire anyone (or accept a new position yourself) until after the retrograde is over. It is also not the time to buy new computer equipment or anything with moving parts, like a car. Mercury will retrograde in Cancer in your work sector, so you may see a project come back to you for corrections. (new play) Everyone will be in the same boat, so just take these delays with a shrug and a smile.
The solar sixth house where you will host Jupiter from now until July 16, 2014, is also the house of health, and rules all the good things you do for your body to keep it in peak condition. That includes all the things that you would expect, such as eating right, getting enough exercise and sleep, and scheduling all the annual exams you know can keep you running in top condition. Remember to see the dentist and eye doctor, and all those other doctors you know you need to see for an annual checkup. In the coming weeks, you may go back to the gym, or if you have been going, meet a new trainer who inspires you. Or, you may start a new sport you enjoy so much you do it all the time.
I have found a remarkable bonus to having Jupiter in the sixth house, one you might not expect. Every time I have had Jupiter tour my sixth house I have lost weight. Now, that's just opposite of what I expected. Jupiter is supposed to expand everything it touches, not reduce the size of one's body! However - Jupiter, as the great healer, can teach you to eat sensibly, to eschew junk food, and give up things like too much coffee that only lowers your blood sugar and makes you hungry later. Let me know how Jupiter in this period works out for you in months ahead. (losing weight has been on my mind for the past several months)
If you have a chronic problem that has perplexed most doctors you've consulted, having Jupiter in the sixth house for the first time in a decade will help you locate an excellent doctor who understands your condition. The medical practitioners and technicians you encounter during this phase are apt to be quite distinguished. Of course, like anything else, you will have to do your research and also get recommendations from friends. You may find out that you can take advantage of a new procedure or medicine that has received encouraging results in thorough lab tests, and that your doctor feels is worth trying with you. Getting more information and knowing your options are always the first steps in any process.
Having Jupiter at your side, as you see, is a big plus and can bring progress where you have seen none, especially in regard to health and work projects. However, without a new moon, Jupiter has no way to make his gifts accessible to you.
How wonderful to report you will HAVE that new moon in Cancer on July 8, and it will arrive with Mercury, and later, on July 13 to August 27, you will have Mars. Mars is the action planet, so this almost guarantees the feathers will fly at work, with plenty to do and everyone there concentrating hard. The whole theme that I have been talking about in your report of Jupiter in Cancer will kick off on Monday, July 8.
In regard to work, I want to make clear that the sixth house is not like the tenth house of honors, awards, achievement, and fame. Actually, in that house you currently have Saturn, teaching you to learn the ropes in a new realm for several years (until September 2015). (the cards kept talking about a new way of working, a new area) Certainly you are edging up the ladder of success with each project you turn out. Saturn will turn out to be a key player this month, so stay with me.
For now, know that Saturn will go direct on July 8, having been retrograde since February 18. Once Saturn goes direct on July 8, he will not go retrograde again until March 2, 2014. Saturn is in your house of career status, so this is important to note. (I have all this on my annual calendars that I offer here.) Whenever a planet turns from retrograde to direct, watch those days that tightly circle the date (in this case July 8) for subtle clues of positive changes to come. Those changes may happen quite suddenly, too.
Just to help you clarify things in your mind, the solar sixth house represents the work you do on a day-to-day basis, not the promotion or status you receive. The tenth house will give you that - and actually will be energized this month by Saturn. The sixth house, where Jupiter is based, will give you the right kind of projects that have legs and will lead you to a new level in your industry.
Now I get to tell you some truly extraordinary news. (I have been bursting, wanting to let you know all about this!) This month will bring into view a beautiful sparkling triangle of planets in the heavens, linking Jupiter in your solar sixth house of day-to-day work projects, to Saturn, in your solar tenth house of honors, awards, achievement, and fame - the house that is capable of giving you the big promotion, where everyone reads about you and knows your name - and to Neptune in your house of salary. This is a cosmic expression of pure harmony, where things should work so nicely that it surprises you. (this does apply to me and does make a lot of sense)
Each of these planets will move toward perfect calibration at 5 degrees of a water sign, each 120 degrees apart, forming a configuration of perfect harmony! Work leads to reward and status, and to more money in your paycheck, dear Aquarius (Money as energy which reflects my passion) The day they meet in ideal formation is July 17, although July 18 and 19 are impressive runner up dates, too. This behooves you to do something special for your career on July 17 or 18, like have a performance review, to ask your boss for a promotion in the near future, or to interview for a very responsible, powerful new job.
When you realize it takes Neptune 165 years to circle the Sun, and it takes Saturn twenty-nine years to make the same journey, and Jupiter takes twelve years, you can readily see how hard it is to get these planets together to create a formation of this power and beauty. In life, it's hard to get three busy people together to have dinner!
The full moon this month will be in Aquarius 0 degrees, so if you were born on January 20 or within five days of this date, you will feel the effects of this full moon more than most. A full moon can affect you for four days before or after the day it occurs. This month's full moon will give you an answer on a matter that is dearly important to you - so personal to you that I cannot see what it is from where I sit. Saturn will be in hard angle to the Sun and new moon, so the topic of the day may be your career or an important, close relationship, such as the one you have with your mate or business partner / collaborator. (the sketch project I'm working on with my best friend about our childhood in Downey)
Next month, on August 20, we will have another full moon in Aquarius at 28 degrees. This is a rare occurrence, as we rarely see two full moons in a row that in the same sign. That full moon next month will highlight Aquarians with birthdays of February 17.
Romantically you will do best in the beginning of the month, even though Mercury will be retrograde. Venus will tour Leo, a special spot for you if you are attached, as Venus in Leo will smooth your relationship.
If you are single and hope to meet someone new, or attached and hope to rev up your current relationship, go away over the brilliant weekend of July 6-7, when Venus will be in ideal angle to Uranus, your ruler and planet of surprise. The surprises you experience then will be sweet ones.
I regret to tell you that the Fourth of July, a big holiday in the US, will have some very harsh aspects associated with it - Uranus in hard 90-degree angle to the Sun. This is likely to bring sudden, jarring news out of the blue. If you are not in the US, you may still feel this on July 3 or July 4, because it affects everyone, worldwide. Uranus is based in your short-distance travel sector (third house), and Mercury will still be retrograde, so make sure your car is in good working order. Have a tune-up before you get on the road. It may be alternatively that you and your sibling will have a roaring argument - again, say nothing controversial and try to keep to yourself.
Uranus may have a physical or emotional manifestation on July 3 or July 4 - you may encounter an angry man on July 3-4 (the Sun is always read as "male.") In all, you may want to plan to stay home over Independence Day in the US and go instead over your joyous weekend July 6-7.
Another angry aspect will occur at month's end. On July 31, Mars will taunt Uranus, and again, angry outbursts or mishaps are possible. (Look where you are going, dear Aquarius.) This will be a hard day, so keep your head down and out of the line of fire. Again, your ruler, Uranus, is involved in this aspect, which may affect you more than most.
While we are on the topic of hard days, add July 27, when Saturn will be in hard angle to the Sun, making you feel completely overworked in your career. You may not get along with one of the top partners of the firm either, and although this is a Saturday, you will likely feel the nerve-jangling effects on Friday, July 26, too.
Now, before I leave, I want to tell you about a day, July 29, which some astrologers are raving about. It does have many lovely communications among the planets in a rather rare formation. (Those are called sextiles, 60 degrees apart, denoting opportunity.) They say you will find July 29 even better than July 17-19. I don't believe this is true. I feel you will find July 17-19 stronger because I feel all big days require a new moon to make their energies accessible, or a full moon to enlarge what is on tap - July 29 has neither.
I could be wrong about this, so please come to Twitter on my account
@AstrologyZone on August 1, after both these aspects are over, and post a note about which part of the month, July 17 or July 29, was better for you. I would love to get your feedback. When you post, please use the hashtag #July29 (no space) so that others can see your post too, and all the readers who came to my account can be sorted and assembled together in a flash.
Summary
You'll have a lot of projects to complete both at work and at home in July. Keep an eye on the detail, lest an error slip through and spoil the accuracy of the work - and your reputation. You may feel you have to hire recruits, but in that regard, go slowly. Although you will have fantastic luck in finding the perfect candidates for you, keep in mind that Mercury will be retrograde until July 20, so you will have to expect changes and delays. Don't try to speed the slow pace that Mercury will create, for the very delays that you encounter and that will frustrate you will actually work to your favor. The surprising truth is that new and even better options are likely to come up just after Mercury goes direct after three weeks, on July 20.
An intense interest in improving your health and fitness may also come up this month, just after the new moon, July 8. It's the right time to have annual medical and dental exams, for you will be able to find the time and have the motivation to get them all done. You may now turn over a new leaf to better nutrition and to have regular sessions at the gym. Some people make resolutions about health in January, but your important new moon for fitness comes now - use it, see results and start to look and feel better quickly. Jupiter's presence in your sixth house will help you lose weight the right way - and you'll look radiant.
One of the best aspects of the month will occur on July 21, involving a sparkling link from Mars (action) to Jupiter (good fortune), when you may have to go out of town to see a client. You both will be on the same page at this time, so you should be able to forge an agreement quickly.
At the same time of the month, the full moon will be in your sign, Aquarius, on July 22, and will bring something of vital importance to culmination. This full moon will be doubly strong if your birthday falls near January 20. Saturn will be in hard angle to that moon, so you may have to face a certain reality that seems harsh in regard to your career or your closest relationship. Your partner may feel you spend too much time at work, but your boss may feel the opposite way, that you have been valuing your personal life at the expense of your professional commitments. This is a tricky full moon, and there will be no way to avoid this clash of conflicting demands. Open your eyes and ears, and be sympathetic and understanding to those who are upset, and together find a good solution to defuse heightened emotions.
Conflict may occur when Mars challenges Uranus, your ruler, on the last day of the month, July 31. Whatever comes up, it won't be something you expect, so you may be caught off guard. Knowing this might occur, you may need to keep your antenna up for clues if something is amiss. Get others to open up about feelings they've not expressed but that need to be discussed. Earlier in the month, July 3 and July 4 are not your best days either - Uranus will challenge the Sun, and the results are jarring. On both these days, you won't be able to predict where things will go, so you're best to avoid all conflict.
Romantically, your very best days will extend from July 1 to 12, while Mars tours Gemini and your fifth house of true love. At almost the same time, love-planet Venus will tour Leo and your house of marriage and commitment, from July 1 to 22. Lucky you, single or attached, the universe has you covered.
One outstanding day that gets four gold stars: July 7, when Venus and your ruler, Uranus, combine to make a gorgeous, surprising day, especially if you are single, but attached should find this day quite delicious, too.
Dates to Note: Aquarius
Most romantic dates: July 4, 5, 9, 10, 18-19, 22, and 23.
Note, July 22 and dates surrounding this date - the full moon - could bring events that can only be called a wild card - either thrilling or very upsetting.
Work will be hectic. Many new projects will come up after the new moon July 8. You will like the assignments and they will add to your growing reputation.
Saturn goes direct July 7, having been retrograde since February 18.
Mercury will be retrograde until July 21. Look over your work before you hand it in to be sure all work is accurate.
This will be a great month to improve your health and fitness. Begin your new regimen just after July 8.
The full moon in Aquarius will bring a matter to culmination. This full moon will be especially strong for you if you were born near January 20.
Uranus, your ruler, will go retrograde on July 17 until December 17. For now, focus on the projects you have on your desk, and wait until year's end to develop new ones.
A relationship will be your big focus - it appears your long hours at the office have made your partner feel neglected.
Expect a tough day, when ruler Uranus will conflict with Mars, July 31.
Mars will enliven your fifth house of true love from July 1 to July 12, marking your best time to find new love. Venus will tour your house of marriage and commitment from July 1-22
One of your best days for love will be July 7 when Venus and your ruler Uranus will combine forces.
Will you enjoy July 29 above all others, due to the rare configuration of planetary sextiles occurring then? The jury is still out, so I need to hear your experience after the month is over, on August 1. Please compare July 17-19 to July 29 and tell me which day turned out to be the happiest or luckiest time of the month for you. Just go to Twitter (you need only give your email and choose a name for yourself to have an account) and post your experience. Please add hashtag #July29 so we can all see your feedback easily - Twitter will group all the comments together for easy searching.
