Horoscopes

Astrology Aspects by Tina Propp

ZODIAC TRUTHS: Three people you should never hate: Aries, Libra, Pisces. They are the best. Three people never to violate: Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn. They are honest and true. Three people never to let go: Virgo, Sagittarius, Scorpio. They can keep secrets and see your tears. Three people you should never lose: Leo, Gemini, Aquarius. They are real friends.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING JULY 1 THROUGH JULY 7: A sign change for Mars and the Capricorn Full Moon are the two celestial events that set the tone for this week, and both events happen on Tuesday. Mars moves into Libra, a difficult placement for Mars, for the next six weeks. Assertive Mars finds it harder to take action when in Libra, because Libra insists on balance and fairness. If this is a time you are trying to jockey for a new job or negotiate a legal settlement, it's better to wait until August when Mars has left this tricky spot. Later that same night, the light of the Capricorn Full Moon reveals another energy shift. Like all Full Moons, this is a reminder that the next couple of weeks is the best time to complete unfinished projects, and end unresolved relationships, or anything else left hanging in the balance. Because this Full Moon occurs on the night before July 4, it also emphasizes the Cancer Sun's love of women, home, family, and country.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING JULY 8 THROUGH JULY 14: It may be hard to get things done this week because both Uranus and Mercury will turn retrograde on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Because the Uranus retrograde will last until the middle of December, its effect is longer lasting and more serious. If you are contemplating a breakup, a job change, or any kind of separation, this four-month period that begins on Friday is not the best time to do it. At the same time, this retrograde is a good time to go back over your life, to renew old friendships, or to review your personal and professional associations. The lesser challenge of retrograde Mercury means that Mercury will extend its particular brand of mischief in Leo from three weeks to six instead. However, it is the perfect time for a major re-do in other areas in your life, such as a makeover, a refinance, or a retreat. In terms of the 2012 presidential election, Mercury can cause a larger-than-usual dose of mis-understandings, mis-spoken words, and mis-placed drama (Leo) that will be broadcast over the airwaves (Mercury). Because it occurs in Leo, this Mercury retrograde will have the strongest effect on Sun-sign Leos (President Obama).

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING JULY 15 THROUGH JULY 21: This week contains some anxious moments that are off set by a calm New Moon. The tension revs up on Tuesday when Mars enters the ring and gets into the slugfest that has been in progress between Uranus and Pluto since last month. This entry of Mars (god of war) into the battle between change (Uranus) and the powers that be (Pluto) could be the match that ignites this already difficult configuration. Since all three planets are in cardinal signs, (the energies that are the movers and shakers of the zodiac), this Mars-Uranus-Pluto trio is a signal of deep transformations that start with minor confrontations. Watch for upheavals that result in changed relationships between people and nations. The good news is this influence will reach its greatest intensity in the next two weeks. There is some comfort to be had on Wednesday from the Cancer New Moon when the Moon rises and sets with the Sun. Since the New Moon is the emotional low tide in the lunar cycle, it mirrors a time of peace and tranquility. Because the Cancer New Moon highlights women's issues, home sales, family centers and health care, this is a time when the actions of a very powerful woman could make the front page and help to calm the storm.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING JULY 22 THROUGH JULY 28: The major news this week is a sign change for the Sun. On Sunday, after a month in the emotional landscape of Cancer, the Sun will pass into proud and playful Leo. This sign change means that for the next month the focus is on being the special person you really are! Although Leo is not the type of energy that encourages being a team player, this is a time that you will love being quarterback. Plan for a fun month -- take a vacation, enjoy the fruits of your labors, and express yourself in all your glory. The only shadow in this week's sunny picture is on Saturday when the Sun merges briefly with retrograde Mercury. Because the combination of the Sun and Mercury retrograde is one of those times when Murphy's Law (anything that can go wrong, will go wrong) comes into play, consider this a gentle warning to expect upsets and dramas around travel plans, unscheduled delays, or cancellations, as well as missed communications and various snafus with electronic equipment.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING JULY 29 THROUGH JULY 31: Two pairs of planets in harmony with each other and an auspicious Full Moon make this a week to relish. On Monday the fiery Leo Sun kicks off the week by forming a perfect trine with Uranus. This opens a door for anyone who likes to think outside the box, especially Leo Sun-Uranus types, like astrologers, artists, high-tech inventors, scientists, freedom-seekers, and rebels. The next day, Venus and Saturn move into position to make the same well-matched trine. Even though they are in complete agreement, Venus (flirty and a bit impulsive in Gemini) and Saturn (boundaries and limitations on relationships in Libra) still make a conservative couple. This is a good week to add some fun, romance, and glitter to otherwise serious efforts underway to build rock-solid foundations and make long-term commitments in your relationships, creative projects, or portfolio.

AFFIRMATION FOR JULY: I trust my intuition to guide me, when my intelligence fails.

GENERAL OVERVIEW FOR JULY: On July 3, the action planet, Mars, will enter Libra, where it will remain until August 23. Mars represents energy, courage, and aggression.

Libra is associated with all kinds of relationships, whether emotional or professional. During this period, people close to you may be difficult or have desires that are different from yours. To avoid problems, you'll have to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of your associates, especially when you are doing things that can affect them.

The location of transiting Mars in your chart pinpoints the area of your life where you are most likely to assert your needs. As Mars travels through your chart, it prods you to take the initiative, attack problems, and turns desires into actions. You can create the kind of life you want by working on one area at a time as Mars moves through the signs. To increase your chances for success, time your moves to take place when Mars supports your efforts.

The Capricorn Full Moon on July 3 urges you to get serious about your ambitions. If you don't have specific goals, you are likely to drift along without achieving anything worthwhile. Take the time to figure out what you want out of life, then get started. The July 18 New Moon in Cancer sets the tone for the next few weeks. People may be emotionally sensitive or self-protective.

Uranus turns retrograde on July 13, continuing in that direction until mid-November. Use this time to think over, and make adjustments, to bold plans that you have been working on. Errors and misunderstandings can occur while Mercury is retrograde, July 14 through August 6. Examine all documents for possible mistakes. If you plan to travel during this time, confirm and double-check reservations.

WARNING FLAG: You may want to circle July 18 on your calendar. On that date, a volatile Mars-Uranus opposition occurs. This aspect warns of possible mishaps, fires, or attacks. Be careful around cars. Avoid high-crime neighborhoods and people who have been abusive.

ATTENTION GEMINI: Swift Mercury, your planetary ruler, opens the month in Leo, in your communication sector. This fiery influence of this sign can add warmth, drama, passion, and determination to your thought processes and communication style. Your decisions may be affected by pride. Mercury is traveling direct the first two weeks, making self-expression easy and exciting. After Mercury turns retrograde on July 14, concentration and communication are more difficult. You need to examine documents for errors. If you plan to travel while Mercury is retrograde, be sure to confirm the plans early in July.

The July 3 arrival of Mars in Libra, your pleasure zone, awakens your physical appetites. You want to enjoy your life. During the next seven weeks, you may be socially active or even find love or a new interest. Some Gemini people will be involved with a pregnancy.

After the Sun enters Leo on July 22, the spotlight is on your communication style. You can connect with people and learn new things. Siblings, neighbors, phones, or vehicles may have your attention during the four weeks the Sun is in Leo. Avoid heavy physical work on July 9, 17, 18, and 30; challenging aspects are in effect. Be creative and open to new ideas.

JULY 1: As July begins, expect romantic troubles very early. Our need for warm, safe relationships conflicts with the attitude we adopt when we feel insecure. A bit later, Moon-Uranus brings creative ideas to help motivate us this Sunday. Retire early tonight.

JULY 2: The new week begins with a patient, stable outlook. Much later Monday take care in situations where accidents are possible. Moon enters Cardinal Capricorn -- slow down for a time. Hunches appeal.

JULY 3: Full Moon Tuesday begins with several mildly negative aspects. It's not a day to expect good luck or useful information to share with others. Make plans for the future instead. Close friends are cool but as the morning advances we get along well with casual peers. Mars moves into Libra, not a favorable place according to tradition. Avoid carelessness, haste with Moon-Uranus. Full Moon affects emotions.

JULY 4: We are more successful if we spend some time alone figuring things out this morning. Moon-Saturn spells delay and some discouragement later. Conscious analysis isn't much help Wednesday morning. Rely instead on friendship for a time. Later, make your own decisions. At midday new ideas appear and are very useful, so pay attention to these. Moon in Aquarius, a strong place for Uranus and Saturn, gives us special practical insights. We are easily entertained as the evening hours appear.

JULY 5: Thursday begins with several positive aspects that affect nature as well as ourselves. Our ideas are most useful at mid-morning and begin to lose their quality as midday approaches. If you need to take action today, use the morning hours for it.

JULY 6: Friday our insights in the very early hours are clear and helpful. Later, we work effectively with Moon-Saturn. Moon in Mutable Pisces expands our sympathy for others. Nighttime hours are very calm.

JULY 7: Saturday we begin the day with mixed feelings. Although our intuition is sound, we tend not to choose the right action. We're in a low mood for a time. Late afternoon is not a friendly time. Since this is true, it's a good time to be alone to think things through. Avoid haste and the chance of accidents later.

JULY 8: Early Sunday morning is quite an active time. Moon-Sun favors pleasant weather and successful events. Early this afternoon slow down. Avoid problems in physical activities as well as hunches that appear at first to be helpful. In the late evening hours trends change, new ideas surface.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: Sun exactly square Saturn toward the end of this week, and just a few days after Last Quarter puts some pressure on you to assess a cherished project you've been meaning to get a start on. Part of you wants to jump-start it and move ahead as quickly as possible, but your Saturn inner voice tells you that more planning is needed. Part of the concern is probably money, or lack of it, so caution and a balanced approach are called for.

JULY 9: A friend or colleague from a group or organization is on a mission and moves faster than a bullet train. Stop them at your own peril; it's best to keep out of their way.

JULY 10: We feel friendly and romantic very early Tuesday. We are interested in sharing ideas with those close to us. Last Quarter Moon is a time to contemplate events. Don't rely on Neptune's insights later today.

JULY 11: Delay, frustration go with Moon-Saturn early Wednesday. Don't expect to achieve major goals now. Moon in Taurus gives us useful assistance.

JULY 12: Moon-Neptune shows us a helpful path to follow as Thursday begins. Later, refrain from taking dangerous physical steps. Advice from those in charge is helpful. Moon-Pluto offers public benefits. There are emotional benefits today. Mentally, we're not very sharp. Friendship, love are on our minds later.

JULY 13: Uranus stations retrograde Friday morning. Uranus is the refusal to submit to any master except the one personally selected. We're most active earlier today, the best time to go to work.

JULY 14: Moon enters Mutable Gemini, a strong place for Mercury, Saturday morning. We make very effective plans for the day's activities. Early this afternoon don't rely on hunches. Conscious thinking as well as friendly advice are more helpful. We're active tonight, though Mercury stations retrograde. There is a personal slowing down of communication, which is often accompanied by confusion.

JULY 15: Early Sunday Uranus gives us positive ideas for the day ahead. Weather appears to be pleasant now, and our conscious plans are helpful. Later this morning get in touch with friends, loved ones.

JULY 16: The new week begins with the calm Moon-Saturn trine, so we are willing to work steadily today. At midday there is some conflict between ideas and physical action. Moon in Cardinal Cancer benefits emotional life. Natural balance is strong today.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: At the New Moon on July 18 you may be ready to throw caution to the wind, but with an extra dose of patience you can hold on until July 21 and thereafter, when the conditions for making decisions involving money may be better. Jupiter sextile Uranus on July 21 may bring backing from close acquaintances and professional colleagues for just about anything you want to do. The Sun in your communication sector on July 22 helps you seal the deal.

July 17: Confrontations may come to a head on the playing fields, but your optimism holds firm. Risks and speculations are tempting prospects but the stakes are very high.

July 18: The New Moon in Cancer sets off events in your house of income, assets, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. A major purchase takes center stage.

JULY 19: Moon moves into positive Leo as Thursday begins, so we're genial, friendly. Later, our insights are unclear. This evening we are most fortunate if we don't rely on the advice of others. It is a fairly positive time, one that favors consulting new ideas, plans. We are quite active even in the late hours. The main concern is clear thinking as day ends.

JULY 20: Moon-Mercury is positive for learning. Hunches are rather blurred now.

JULY 21: We feel calm, even-tempered this Saturday. It is a fairly nice day as to the weather. Early afternoon is a good time to take a break and rest for a while. Moon enters Mutable Virgo, so use your critical ability this afternoon. The emphasis is on conscious thinking, not intuition today. Expect important insights later.

JULY 22: Sunday begins with a suggestion to avoid physical stress. Visits to public places are favored. Save new plans and ideas for another time. There is little to expect from gambling or unexpected fortune this morning. Sun enters fiery Leo early this morning. Activities that are based on good plans are most successful this morning. Be sure to pay attention to creative ideas. Much later, friendship lets us down.

JULY 23: Monday morning the pace is slow but steady. Don't make physical changes late this morning, as judgment is poor. Moon enters Cardinal Libra, a strong place for Venus, late this afternoon, and we enjoy the artistic side of life. Weather is rather mild later today. Evening ends with failed intuitions and hunches.

HERE'S HOW THE FOLLOWING WEEK PLAYS OUT FOR GEMINI: The caution and balance of earlier weeks gives way to a link between Sun and Uranus that could allow you to take bold action on something dear to your heart -- except for one thing. If you've been coveting a leadership role in an organization you belong to, though it's okay to try for it, your forward-looking ideas may be too much for fellow members. They will catch up to your thinking eventually, so if you try for the top, at least you will have sown some seeds.

JULY 24: The pace is, again, slow Tuesday morning, reminding us to work steadily. Important news events attract attention. Avoid taking physical chances this morning. In general we are fairly lucky today, but need to rely on conscious ideas to be successful. We are active early this afternoon and rely on the Mercury-Jupiter blend of positive ideas. Later, relax early and avoid dwelling on negative psychic imagery.

JULY 25: Wednesday begins with a friendly outlook, and we look forward to a good day. Insights are useful as the morning advances. With Mercury-Uranus our ideas are creative. Social, mental trends are mildly negative this afternoon. As Moon enters Scorpio, be energetic.

JULY 26: First Quarter Moon day begins with useful insights. There is a need for action at First Quarter Moon. Conscious ideas are not useful later this morning. The series of quincunxes suggests that we be careful and more observant than usual as trends are somewhat confusing. As the day comes to a close, mild physical exercise is useful.

JULY 27: Friday we prefer to be alone as friends are not interested in us now. Wait for another time to plan social events. Weather is rather disturbed this morning. We make useful plans at midday and tend to work steadily as the afternoon begins.

JULY 28: Moon enters Mutable Sagittarius, a strong place for Jupiter, very early Saturday. We begin the day hopefully. Psychic insights are clouded, so we do best to rely on conscious thinking. Late morning aspects benefit general goodwill and learning. Early afternoon favors public contacts, visits to public venues, and our thinking is original, creative. Share ideas. Save long-term ambitions for another time.

JULY 29: We are alert, active very early this Sunday. Early this afternoon we tend to stay away from social events, and favor making plans for ourselves later in the day.

JULY 30: Monday begins with modest hopes for the day. We feel that it makes more sense now to work on our own as others are unusually busy. Moon enters Cardinal Capricorn, encouraging steady work for the day. Our conscious ideas are not very useful late this morning. Cooperation with our peers is helpful this afternoon, but weather is not very helpful to our plans. Avoid taking physical chances in dangerous situations. Save important aims for later.

JULY 31: Sun-Uranus favors creative projects. Make your own decisions early today. Friendships with older as well as younger people are favored. There are romantic difficulties early today. Early this afternoon the weather continues to be unpleasant, so indoor activities are best. The pace slows tonight, a good time to take an early break to seek entertainment and relaxation.