July is the second month of summer and the beginning of what was commonly known as the “dog days of summer.” I used to think this was a reference to the intense heat of mid-summer, which was not fit for a dog, creating feelings of lethargy.
I’ve come to find out that this term actually refers to a particularly bright star that rises and sets with the Sun during this time of the year and is known as Sirius or the Dog Star. This star is responsible for the expression “dog days.” It is also extremely interesting to note that Sirius was the name of the dog of Orion, the mythical hunter, who has his own constellation, and reinforces the Dog Star’s association with dogs. The Dog Star is the second brightest star that can be seen by the naked eye, so take a look up at the night sky between July 3rd and August 11th to see this shining star.
Let’s take a look at what is happening during this sultry month of July. On July 2nd, Neptune Retrograde begins. We now have two planets, Saturn and Neptune, in retrograde motion and both in the sign of Pisces. Saturn stationed retrograde on June 29th until November 15th, and Neptune is retrograde in her own sign until December 7th. What does this mean and how do we move through this with a higher awareness?
First of all, Saturn represents perseverance, discipline, and following the rules. This is the planet that sets boundaries and limitations. He shows us where we need to be responsible and make mature decisions in our life.
Pisces is the sign of compassion, intuition, and spirituality. This a very watery and imaginative energy. When Saturn is in this sign, it can create situations in which you are less confident, perhaps even a bit fearful and self-conscious about making the right decisions. However, what Saturn really is encouraging us to do is become serious about what we have been dreaming of and to use that powerful Pisces intuition to lead us forward. To embrace the softer and more sensitive energy of Pisces as you plan your next move.
What we need to do during the Saturn Retrograde period is connect more deeply to the areas of intuition, spirituality, imagination, and creativity that Pisces brings to the table. It can allow us to bring more structure and idealism into these areas of life. This is the time to re-evaluate our personal ambitions, as well as our professional and social decisions, so that we can restructure and rebuild the things that are no longer serving us. We have the time to slow down, reflect, and decide if our activities are working in our best interest or if we should change direction. We need to take a look at our past behavior and our past decisions and see what comes to light so that we can bring our actions into balance and make things right in our life. As Neptune closely follows Saturn in retrograde motion, there is a continuation of the themes of introspection and reflection concerning our lives. Since Neptune is the ruling planet of Pisces, he can express himself to the fullest. He loves being in this sign and feels completely comfortable and in harmony with this energy.
Here’s the thing about this trickster Neptune. Yes, this is a very compassionate, spiritual, and inspiration planet. However, Neptune is also famous for creating illusion, self-delusion, and fantasy. This is an extremely watery planet that can sometimes cloud our minds with a mist, creating uncertain thoughts and misunderstood perceptions.
At times he encourages us to put on our rose-colored glasses so that we don’t have to face things or see things as they really are. It is a protection mechanism for when the realism of life is too harsh. As far as the spiritual component, for many of us, spirituality and our spiritual beliefs are often hidden, yet Neptune is the planet that provides us with faith in all we cannot see or touch. This is the work of Neptune. He gives us our imagination, creativity, sensitivity and governs our dreams.
The interesting thing that happens during a Neptune retrograde is that you will see things more realistically and with greater awareness. Almost as if a veil has been lifted. It will be easier for you to see situations more clearly. This time period encourages you to view the most difficult aspects about yourself, your life, and your relationships with others, with no blinders on.
During this time, it is particularly important to stay true to yourself, trust your instincts, and follow your intuition. Your intuition will never steer you wrong. Neptune’s retrograde inspires creativity and helps you to better understand your hopes and dreams.
Throughout this time period, I encourage everyone to delve into the more hidden characteristics of self and engage in strengthening your spiritual side by starting a solid meditation practice, take classes that interest you in more metaphysical areas of life, take part in intuitive healing energy work, spiritual counseling or retreats, or gaining clarity through soul guidance. These types of activities will greatly help you weather both the Neptune and Saturn retrogrades.
Mercury moves into the sign of Leo on July 2nd as well. Mercury will remain in this sign until July 25th. This combination brings a dramatic flair to our communication style. We become more confident in our thoughts and in how we are planning our next/next. Take advantage of this energy by communicating from your place of truth. Leo is the sign of creativity, so do not be shy about envisioning what you want in the grandest way possible. The details can come later.
On July 5th there will be a New Moon in Cancer. The Moon is in her rulership in Cancer, so expect your emotions to be heightened during this New Moon. You may be feeling extra emotional or extra sensitive, or your feelings may see-saw a bit. However, this is a wonderful time to build close and meaningful relationships, not only with your family but also with others who you are in personal, professional, or business partnerships with. Issues of sharing, partnership, cooperation, and compromise are highlighted during this New Moon. This is when we envision how we would like our relationships or partnerships to grow and what we would like to create in this area of life. Tune into your inner self by meditating on your wishes or write in your journal about what you would like to generate in terms of personal relationships. Reassess your personal needs and work through issues of your own individuality and those of the important others in your life.
Adding to the energy of this particular Moon, Venus then conjuncts the Moon on July 6th. Venus brings in a lovely, calm, harmonious element with this transit. It can provide you with the ability to connect on a deeper level with others, and at the same time, allow you to explore your own emotional world and understand how to navigate relationships through understanding and compassion.
Then on July 13th we become better equipped to understand what we need to do to move ahead with our New Moon intentions when the Moon transits into Libra and the 1st quarter lunar phase. This is the phase when the Moon is in a square aspect to the Sun. Some see a square aspect as a negative time, but really this is the time of great vitality. It is a very energizing time to get things going and start to take decisive action. You may not have all the moving parts in place, but you begin to put your energy into it. Usually 2 days before and 2 days after this phase you will feel an expansion of this energy for growth and development. This is the turning point when things start to develop significantly. Use your intuition when establishing the groundwork of whatever it is you are doing. Be courageous and take at least one fearless step forward in the process.
On July 20th, Mars, the planet of action, assertiveness, ambition, and drive enters the sign of Gemini. This energy takes us straight through the summer until September 4th. This combination will help you to advance forward on your journey. It brings vitality to the mind, providing you with a ton of ideas and the ability to stay active and engaged with your plans as we move toward the Full Moon. You may find you have very strong opinions and a creativity that helps you in communicating your truth to others and is a great time to plan and strategize for those future goals. Just make sure to keep your focus where it needs to be because Mars in this sign can cause you to scatter your energy in too many directions.
Right on schedule, the Moon moves into her Full phase on July 21st. This is a Capricorn Full Moon. I love how the Universe works. When the Moon is in Capricorn it brings a stability to our emotional life. We want less drama and will be more cautious with our personal attachments. It also brings awareness of what we have achieved or are about to achieve during this lunation cycle. We are provided with focus and self-discipline and an ability to see all with complete illumination.
Here is the most amazing part. This is the 2nd Full Moon in a row in the sign of Capricorn this summer. Yes, on June 21st the Full Moon was in Capricorn and now on July 21st the same. This is a really rare occurrence. Each brings a different flavor and energy to the cycle. The June Full Moon occurred at the beginning of Cancer Season, and the July Full Moon occurs at the end of Cancer Season. The June Full Moon was at the first degree of Capricorn, while this July Full Moon falls at the last degree of the sign. This suggests a mastery of the knowledge being imparted to us and what we are supposed to have learned as a result. We have been given the opportunity to do some deep work here and to learn about the responsibilities we have to both ourselves and to others. If we can understand ourselves with compassion on a deep level, it then allows us to share that truth with others and perhaps help them with their own healing journey.
During this time period, make self-care a priority. Commit to a daily practice of reflection or meditation, be productive in your daily routines, honor your emotions and learn to listen to what your mind, body, and soul need. Take the opportunity to release anything that is keeping you from your true purpose and remember what your goals and wishes were at the beginning of this entire process.