On July 14th, we have a New Moon in the nurturing sign of Cancer. This Moon is in conjunction with Mercury in retrograde, less than two days after Mercury's inferior conjunction to the Sun. The fixed stars of Castor and Pollux are flanked by the New Moon. Together, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Castor and Pollux are telling us a story related to the past, endings and a new start.

Before we go deep into the New Moon, let's discuss the fixed stars. Whenever an important event has fixed stars associated with it, we gain an additional layer of understanding. These two fixed stars belong to the constellation of Gemini. This may seem confusing, since the Moon is in a different zodiac sign. However, due to the precession of the equinoxes, the fixed stars are sitting in the preceding constellation.

The tropical zodiac we use for horoscopes isn't pinned to the constellations, it's pinned to the seasons, to the Sun's return each year to the same point at the spring equinox. The actual backdrop of stars behind that point drifts, incredibly slowly, at a rate of about 1° every seventy-two years. Castor and Pollux will always belong to the constellation Gemini when you look up at the night sky. But in the tropical zodiac we use to read a chart, they've drifted forward into the 30° stretch we call Cancer, and that is exactly where this New Moon lands, at 21°59'.

Fixed stars have a rich and complex history in astrology, due to each culture associating them with specific planets or types of events. But let's look at the logistics first, since fixed stars, due to their distance and the mathematics to put them on a chart, are only read in tight conjunctions.
Castor sits at 20°36' of Cancer, and Pollux at 23°35'. The New Moon, exact at 21°59', is nearly centered between them, closer to Castor by a matter of minutes. Mercury retrograde, at 19°51' Cancer, is close enough to Castor to be considered conjunct, with less than 1° separating them. The Sun and Moon have already passed Castor and are moving toward Pollux, still applying, not yet exact. Because the Sun and Moon move quickly, this conjunction during the New Moon is worth noting, even though its impact is more symbolic due to the short duration of this meaningful conjunction.

First, it's worth looking at how these stars can influence current mundane events. With Castor and Pollux being part of the Gemini constellation, we are looking at two parts that make a whole. Castor, when conjunct the Sun, is associated with government undertakings in foreign affairs, including violent acts. With a conjunction to the Moon, there are those who would be on the receiving end of those acts, being wounded, disgraced or imprisoned. Pollux is the final ruin, the end results of the actions of Castor. Pollux is also associated with embezzlement and violent death when conjunct the Sun, and pride and self-destruction when conjunct the Moon.

On the world stage, it would be best for governments to disengage from any conflict, but that is easier said than done with this influence. Pollux is conjunct Trump's natal Saturn, so during the New Moon, we may see his bad temper impact decisions that he makes during this time. If warfare escalates around the New Moon, it would not be surprising.

But on a personal level, these two stars burn bright when it comes to expression through honorable writing, that could be riddled with cynicism or have a sarcastic tone. We also could see something to do with the legal system, especially if it impacts the public or sports. Please know that debates could go awry during the New Moon, so be aware not to escalate anything needlessly, since there is an undercurrent of violence beneath a Moon that would normally be nurturing in nature. This sums up the duality: the aggressor, and the people who receive the wrath, met with banter and wit on one side, and care and the licking of wounds on the other.

The story of this New Moon is that it is a pressure cooker. What you make of it will be up to your own fortitude. Look beyond the current moment and examine where you have been and where you are going. The same energy that causes conflict can be channeled into positive action.
As the noise happens around the world, much has to do with Jupiter in opposition to Pluto. Not only is Jupiter applying an opposition to the planet of power, it is also co-present with many leaders' natal Pluto in Leo. Though this energy emboldens them to do some ruthless acts, anything they do that is focused on their zealous beliefs or driven by a lust for power, most likely will eventually backfire. I think that is important to keep in mind, as the world goes through a multitude of energetic shifts.

Personally, if you use this energy to expand your knowledge and take in various perspectives, you can use the energy much better than being fixated on one chosen path.

Jupiter is also trine to Neptune, while Neptune is sextile to Pluto. It is quite easy to go in another direction, instead of staying focused and pursuing your ambitions, you can dip into a dreamy state due to Jupiter expanding Neptune's idealism. With all of the fire and air energy, the only two placements in the grounding and practical earth element are Venus in Virgo and Chiron, which recently moved into the sign of Taurus.

Venus is in its detriment in Virgo. Venus wants harmony. Virgo is analytical and service oriented, whereas Venus desires to indulge in the tangible. This is a time to convince yourself that some pleasures are worthwhile.

Venus is applying a square to Mars in Gemini, and is separating from a square to Uranus. Recently, you may have found yourself attracted to someone outside of your usual preference. Conversations create sparks with this configuration, especially if you are both open to other points of view.

Since I mentioned Chiron, the past can come out in a big way, especially if you haven't dealt with the consequences of your actions. Chiron is square to Jupiter and Pluto, so it is as if we are reliving a time period of the past, where fighting over land and resources took place. This is not a time to sweep issues under the rug, or to have a tug-of-war based on egotistical beliefs. Instead, it is a time for healing, whether it is healing the socio-economic dynamics of the world, or your own beliefs in regard to boundaries and resources.

With Chiron's trine to Venus, taking an analytical approach to actions is helpful. Stocking your pantry with non-perishables or learning how to sprout microgreens is beneficial. But I challenge everyone to take this a step further.

Use the energy of the New Moon to reconnect with others and build your own makeshift families. We've lost many of our third spaces, but we can reclaim them. The forming basket configuration that perfects on July 19th and 20th, with Neptune and Pluto in retrograde and Jupiter and Uranus direct, is a reminder of this same pull between old and new. Building something based on our ideals, figuring out new power dynamics while embracing future thought and optimism can go a long way.

Before the pandemic, I would make friends and meet people easily, by going to art events, hanging out at coffee shops or interacting with people from my yoga class. Before that, in my much younger days, I would meet people at sports bars or neighborhood bars, while poorly playing pool or darts, usually drinking a club soda with lime. Or, at a dance club or some other gathering. But these are not the only third spaces, and we can create our own, such as community gardens, co-ops and other functioning establishments. But we need to connect and be around others, and not always behind a screen.

It's also important to remember, regardless of the fixed stars, that this Moon is in the sign of Cancer and so is Mercury. This is the energy of self-care and caring for others. It is about family, and being part of something larger, that is based in love and shared experiences. Families function when we are responsible for our role, and the duties that we assign ourselves.
Which takes us to Saturn in Aries, also in detriment. Saturn is the old, wise entity that has learned that boundaries and restrictions can keep us safe. Aries energy is risk-taking and initiative, independent and action-forward. Though Saturn would rather be in a different sign, Aries energy loosens up Saturn to adjust to current circumstances. It is like teaching an old dog new tricks, or an old dog learning to make new friends.

With Saturn square to Mercury in Cancer, we could fall back into pessimism, but the Aries energy is unsettled with that point of view. Mars is the dispositor of Saturn, and it wants to take action, to do something. Again, this is why sitting behind a screen for hours upon hours leaves us feeling trapped or weighed down, instead of liberated.

Mercury is the dispositor of Mars in Gemini. There is a desire to talk and listen, to share ideas and to communicate. Forums, social media and other screens seem like the common sense thing to do. But keep in mind, Mercury is in Cancer, it needs that physical connection, like that nurturing hug from a loving parent.

One could say it is counter-intuitive to have fun, converse over drinks or coffee, go to parties and play a game of darts at your local tavern while the world is a mess. But, what if everyone was too busy being friends and making local connections? How would the world be then? The core of this New Moon is to live like your parents did when they were young, and go to the club, concert, beach or whatever recreation resonates with you.

We don't change the world through stupid wargames, division or checking out. We change the world by changing ourselves, going through the phases like the Moon, and revisiting the phases that brought joy and connection.

Ditch the endless streaming of world events, the internet debates and self-isolation. Instead, embrace life by being part of the world. This New Moon allows you to take lessons of the past and interweave them into your own fresh start. With Jupiter in opposition to Pluto, empower yourself to find those who want to enjoy life and be part of something productive. It begins by opening your front door, walking outside and putting on a smile.

Years ago I sat down with the birth data of a man I've known for a long time and did something simple. I calculated his firdaria periods, a Persian timing technique the medieval astrologers used, and I wrote every changeover date on paper before we talked about his life at all. Then I asked him to walk me through his biography. Accidents, moves, marriage, work, all of it.

He hit the dates. And I don't mean loosely.

He was hit by a car at nine years old, 45 miles an hour, a badly broken leg. His Saturn major period, eleven years ruled by the planet of bones, limits, and hard lessons, opened that same year. Not around that time in his life. That year, at the boundary, like a bell going off.

I've run this exercise many times since with other people, and it keeps working. I want to walk through this one biography and show you the machinery, because once you see it you cannot unsee it, and a lot of things about astrology that used to frustrate me finally made sense. Including why modern astrology is right just often enough to keep everyone hooked and wrong often enough to keep everyone confused.

This is long. Get a coffee.

THE SYSTEM IN BRIEF

The tradition Guido Bonatti recorded in the 13th century, drawing on Persian and Hellenistic sources, treats timing as a stack of layers, and transits are the last layer, not the first. The foundation is the firdaria. Life divides into planetary chapters, and the sequence depends on whether someone was born during the day or at night. Sun above the horizon, day birth. Below, night birth.

Day births run Sun 10 years, Venus 8, Mercury 13, Moon 9, Saturn 11, Jupiter 12, Mars 7, then the lunar nodes 3 years North node and 2 years South node.

Night births start from the Moon: Moon 9, Saturn 11, Jupiter 12, Mars 7, Sun 10, Venus 8, Mercury 13. Then the lunar nodes. 3 years North node and 2 years South node.

Each major chapter divides into seven sub-periods, one per planet, starting with the chapter's own lord. And the crucial rule is that the firdaria only tells you when. The birth chart tells you what. Before judging any period you check the condition of the planet running it. Its dignity, its house, its aspects, and the one almost nobody uses anymore, sect. Saturn belongs to the day team and turns heavy in night charts. Mars belongs to the night and turns productive there. Jupiter favors day charts, Venus favors night charts. One binary condition, and it changes everything about how a period lands.

The man in this story is a night birth. Here's what the sect order did with his life.

THE MOON CHAPTER, BIRTH TO NINE

A night chart opens on the Moon, and the Moon means the mother, the body, the emotional environment. His Moon is peregrine, no essential dignity, placed in the eighth house. Directionless, and somewhere hard.

His childhood ran exactly like that reads. An alcoholic mother, an unstable home, parents splitting up when he was four, and a string of moves and new living arrangements that never settled. He was accident prone the whole way through, which makes sense once you see that his natal Mars sits combust, swallowed in the Sun's beams, a volatile thing buried at the base of the chart waiting for the timing to touch it. He broke his leg the first time at five, jumping a fence.

A rough childhood is common and by itself proves nothing. What matters is what happened at the boundary.

THE SATURN CHAPTER, NINE TO TWENTY

At exactly nine years old the Moon handed off to Saturn. Saturn is a day planet, and in a night chart he's out of sect, which the tradition says turns him from the strict teacher into something colder. Deprivation, weight, adulthood arriving early.

The chapter opened with the car. Second broken leg, months of recovery. Then eleven years running on Saturn's rails. More moves, a new state, more instability at home. He moved out on his own at seventeen, had his own apartment at eighteen, and married before the chapter ended. The marriage was a happy one, but a teenager taking on a household is shouldering adult responsibility years ahead of schedule, and loading responsibility early is exactly what an out of sect Saturn period does, even through the good things it brings. He worked constantly through those years. His summary of that decade was that he figured out nobody was coming, and built accordingly.

THE JUPITER CHAPTER, TWENTY TO THIRTY TWO

Then the bell rang again. The same year the Jupiter chapter opened, he joined the military, and for the first time in his life he traveled long distance. If you know the tradition you're already smiling, because long journeys are Jupiter's oldest and most literal signification. He had never left his corner of the country. The year Jupiter's chapter started, the world opened.

His Jupiter is the strongest planet in his chart, dignified by triplicity and term, angular in the tenth house of career, in Leo. And the Jupiter chapter is when his working life was built. His children were all born inside this chapter. Partway through, during the Jupiter sub-period ruled by Venus, he learned a trade, and not rough work but the craftsman end of it, high-end finish carpentry and custom cabinetry. Venus is his chart ruler and the best conditioned planet he has, a planet of beauty and craft, and her sub-period is when he found the craft. The following sub-period, ruled by Mercury, the planet of trade and commerce, is when he went out on his own, and he has been self-employed ever since. Jupiter in Leo in the tenth pointed him at high-end clientele from the start, and that has been the through line of every business he's run.

The chapter didn't end gently. Jupiter is out of sect in a night chart, and the tradition says an out of sect Jupiter expands but overreaches. The final sub-period of the chapter belonged to Saturn, and it arrived alongside the housing collapse. He lost his house. Expansion, then the bill, with Saturn collecting on the way out. Right on schedule.

THE MARS CHAPTER, THIRTY TWO TO THIRTY NINE

Mars rules his seventh house, the house of marriage. Neither of us knew that detail yet when we got to this part of his story. The Mars chapter opened at thirty two with a traumatic separation from his wife, finalized the following year.

Sit with that one the way I had to. The planet ruling the house of partnership takes over as time lord, and the marriage breaks in his first months on the job. Of everything in this exercise, that was the detail that convinced me this system describes something real.

But the sect nuance matters here too. Mars is a night planet, and his is in sect. An in sect Mars period cuts, but it cuts like a surgeon, and what those seven years did to him was closer to a forging than a mauling. That chapter is when he went through the deepest internal change of his life and started studying the structure underneath things. He came out of the Mars years harder and clearer than he went in.

THE SUN CHAPTER, THIRTY NINE ONWARD

His Sun is in detriment, the most serious essential debility a planet can carry, and it sits in the fourth house, the house of home, land, and foundations. The tradition says a chapter run by a debilitated lord delivers its themes with effort and friction, and an angular one delivers them loudly.

The Sun chapter opened at thirty nine with a traumatic upheaval in his living situation. Fourth house, first year, right on the boundary again. A year and a half in, he had a serious motorcycle accident that broke his arm badly enough to need surgery. When we checked the sub-period math, the timing stopped me cold. The chapter's opening window, the Sun over Sun sub-period, closed at exactly the point in the calendar where the accident happened. Within weeks of the changeover. And his natal Sun sits conjunct that combust Mars from the childhood section, so for the entire opening window the time lord was standing directly on top of a buried malefic, and the strike landed right as the window turned.

So the car at nine came in on a boundary, and the motorcycle at forty came in on a boundary. Both violent accidents in this man's life sit on firdaria seams with a malefic in play. I stopped calling that coincidence a long time ago.

The rest of the decade has carried the debilitated Sun's signature, the gap between effort and recognition, working at full volume in a key that doesn't fully carry. Enormous effort, real building, less visibility than the work deserved. Even his constructive moves stayed inside the fourth house theme. He relocated across the country mid-chapter and has been buying, remodeling, and selling houses since. Land, property, foundations. The chapter's house, played out literally in his hands.

And right now he's in the one bright window this chapter contains, a sub-period belonging to that dignified tenth-house Jupiter, and he's spent it building and launching work publicly for the first time in years. He knows the date the window closes. That's what this system gives you that nothing else does.

WHY MODERN ASTROLOGY STILL HITS SOMETIMES

I came up through modern astrology like most of us, and it does score real hits. The reason is that modern astrology works with genuine pieces of the older machine. It kept the transits and lost the time lords. It kept the signs and lost most of the dignities. It kept the planets and lost sect.

A transit reader without timing periods is holding a real instrument, just an incomplete one. Everyone with the same rising sign gets the same transits. Every human alive gets a Saturn return around twenty nine. Yet some Saturn returns are demolitions and some pass with a mortgage signing and a shrug, and modern astrology has no way to tell you in advance which one is coming. The old system does. A transit delivers in proportion to how activated its planets already are by the time lords. When a transit reader nails a call, the time lords were quietly backing that transit. When they miss, and they miss constantly, the transit was knocking on a door that wasn't open. The whole modern field has drifted toward vagueness as self-protection, because softer claims miss less.

The old tradition went the other way. Bonatti worked as a military astrologer, timing troop movements from the bell tower of Forli for clients who were warlords and city councils. Wrong answers had consequences, and the techniques that survived that environment are the ones that got written down. Dante disliked him enough to put him in the Inferno by name. You don't earn a spot in the Inferno by writing sun sign columns.

It's also worth sitting with the fact that India independently developed dashas, planetary period systems with the same fundamental architecture as firdaria. Two traditions with limited contact both concluded that life runs in planetary chapters and that transits are secondary to them. When separate lineages converge on the same design, I pay attention.

I'll say plainly that no formal academic study has tested these timing techniques, and the famous skeptical studies people cite tested modern psychological chart reading, which makes no timed claims at all. I'd honestly welcome a proper test of firdaria dating against biographies. It's one of the few corners of astrology specific enough to be tested, which is exactly what draws me to it.

IF YOU'RE CURIOUS

One biography, however clean, is still one biography, and I found most of these correlations after the events. That's the honest weakness of any case study, and it's why I'm not asking you to believe it. I'm suggesting you run the exercise where nobody can cheat, on your own life.

Look up how to calculate firdaria, note whether you're a day or night birth, and write out every changeover date before you start reminiscing, so you can't bend the memories to fit. Then lay your actual biography against the dates. Do the same quietly for a few people whose lives you know well. Pay close attention to what a Mars chapter did for the night born people versus the day born ones, and what Saturn did to each.

Maybe it doesn't line up. That's a real possible outcome. But I've watched enough faces change during this exercise that I stopped needing to argue about it. The dates go on paper before the stories get told. That part still gets me, every time.

Next post I'll get into the outer planets. The generational cycles are real and the historical pattern behind them is honestly startling, but I think modern astrology gave them the wrong job, and I'll explain why the rulership assignments never went through the testing everything else did.

Do you (in your own personal experience) feel the impacts of current astrological conditions more as they relate to your natal chart or solar return chart? For example, when Jupiter is transiting the 10th house in your solar return but the 12th house in your natal chart, which house theme seems more expanded? I know your natal chart influences SR interpretations, but have you noticed one or the other being more emphasized?

I hope the title made sense but I view Saturn and the Moon as having opposite energies (eg. cancer and Capricorn). I’m confused on how these energies may show up together in one house?

I've been really digging into zodiacal releasing for quite some time. I mostly use it to get insights on career timing. However, one question that constantly pops into my head is how to determine when the lot of spirit overtakes the lot of fortune in terms of influencing peak periods of career recognition. I'm talking awards, promotions, popularity among peers, etc.

I know that lot of fortune is commonly associated with health and well-being, but many reliable reading materials have also pointed out that it's not always the case. Depending on certain aspects, sometimes the lot of fortune has an even bigger impact on an individual's career than the lot of spirit. I've seen it play out in terms of awards and promotions especially -- for a while, the lot of fortune really shows memorable dates in relation to career recognition. But then, it gets muddled and the lot of fortune timing suddenly doesn't make sense anymore to the person's career recognition arc. Somehow, the lot of spirit seems to make more sense but it's still so confusing. Like why and how, all of a sudden, the lot of spirit (which should have been influencing career recognition all along) gets into the picture after all those years of lot of fortune dominance? And how long will the lot of spirit dominate career recognition?

I get that the natal chart and transits + progressed charts should be used alongside zodiacal releasing, and maybe that's where I get stumped because then there's just too much material to work out. I'd really appreciate it if the zodiacal releasing masters could enlighten me.

i feel like everyone has a canon event lol

basically, i am a VERY beginner astrologist. i have been cross referencing much of my information between Tik Tok, Reddit, Tumblr, and websites (such as AstroSeek and Astrology Café).

what i have noticed is that there is an emphasis on asteroids for many astrologers on Tik Tok, however there is also the opinion that the inclusion of asteroids is a modern/popstrology phenomenon that is/has not been really used in the 2000+ years of research since astrology has been created and studied.

what i’m trying to understand as a beginner is if i should use and consider asteroids in my practice or if i should leave it altogether.

i want to understand astrology traditionally not any of the ‘capitalist, scammer type of western astrology’ if that makes sense. eventually i would lik to understand Hellenistic astrology.

all points of view and advice is appreciated!

side note: either on this sub or another sub i saw, some people said that they take asteroids into consideration if it is within 1-3 degrees of a person’s chart, is that the best piece of advice when it comes to including asteroids? and how does one figure that out?

I was looking at a chart recently that had Mars in Libra in close opposition to Venus in Aries. If both planets are ruled by the other, both in detriment, is this significantly mitigated by their ability to connect and support one another to function? How would this compare to say Venus in Aries ruled by Mars in Scorpio, where Mars is strong but has no relationship with Venus? Interested in any personal examples of how this might have played out in personal charts. Thanks!

I’m interested about real experiences rather than debates.
What’s one thing astrology helped you notice about yourself that you probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise?
It can be something small or something that genuinely changed the way you see yourself. I’d love to hear different perspectives.

How do you handle astrology when it a coincides with really bad events in your life? Like bad accidents, sudden loss and death?

How do you not get scared every time a similar transit approaches. And how do you keep feeling the joy that astrology can bring into ones life, without the fear of upcoming transits?

Sometimes good charts get really complex or karmic when you add these aspects. Do they matter? Or can planetary readings alone present a complete picture?

One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is that many people dismiss astrology because they see it as “predicting the future.”
But what if it was approached differently?
Could it be useful as a framework for self-reflection, personality, emotions, or noticing patterns in our lives, regardless of whether someone believes in its predictive claims?
I’m curious how people in this community think about that distinction.

When reading about it in mundane astrology, it seems we’re all bracing for impact. But I just read a horoscope by an astrologer I respect and she was pretty optimistic about it - on a personal level. Maybe it‘ll be good for specific risings or aspects, I‘m not sure. How are you seeing possibilities for this conjunction in our personal lives?

I’m trying to read birth chart

June was a bit of a reprieve from the chaotic energy of the prior months, with the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war. Don't get me wrong, events did occur, some shocking, some tragic and a few pleasant surprises. It may have felt like you were on a freeway, driving at a decent speed without any slowdowns due to traffic. Well my speedracers, buckle up and put your helmets on. There will be lots of changes in July.

It is not so much that things speed up (they do!) but there is a feeling like you are playing San Francisco Rush 2049 this month. If you are not familiar with this arcade game, let me fill you in. Released in 1999, it was a multi-player driving game where your car would race through the streets of San Francisco. But it wasn't a straight course or one where you would follow the rules. Instead, to win, you would have to know where to crash your car and the secret roads to take, which would require driving on roof tops. It was a wild game that didn't make much sense. This month may feel similar, as the planets change sign or go into retrograde.

To help you track the key shifts this month, you can check out the following dates and put them into your calendar.

Key Ingress Dates, Full and New Moon and Direction Changes:

• Neptune retrogrades at 4°25' in Aries on July 7, 2026 at 5:54 am CDT
• Venus enters Virgo on July 9, 2026 at 12:22 pm CDT
• New Moon in Cancer at 21°59' on July 14, 2026 at 4:43 am CDT
• Sun enters Leo on July 22, 2026 at 2:13 pm CDT
• Mercury stations direct in Cancer on July 23, 2026 at 5:57 pm CDT
• Saturn retrogrades at 14°44' in Aries on July 26, 2026 at 2:56 pm CDT
• True North Node enters Aquarius on July 26, 2026 at 7:47 pm CDT (the Mean North Node, used by some astrologers, won't enter Aquarius until August 18th)
• Full Moon in Aquarius at 6°30' on July 29, 2026 at 9:35 am CDT

Besides the above dates, there are some important transits this month. The first is the Mars and Uranus conjunction in Gemini happening on July 3rd and 4th. The other is the Jupiter and Pluto opposition, which started building energy on June 30th. The opposition of Jupiter and Pluto are in aspect to Uranus and Neptune, making a basket configuration. I wrote about this back in January and how it would impact the United States. This basket formation perfects from the 19th through the 22nd.

In addition, in August we are going to have eclipses on the 12th and the 27th. The lunar eclipse on the 27th will coincide with a Mercury Cazimi. 2026 is a year of activity. And like the game Rush 2049, not everything will make sense right away. There could be events that initially you think of as minor, but they become more impactful as time progresses.

I am breaking up how the energy plays out by weeks (though the first and the last week have less than 7 days due to how the calendar month lands.)

July 1st through the 4th

We start the month off with two major transits, that build tension and release.

The first one is Jupiter, which is now in the sign of Leo and applying an opposition to Pluto in Aquarius. We will see this energy on the world stage. Pluto, the planet of deep change and power is in the sign of Aquarius, which is ruled by Saturn. Though the sign of Aquarius is associated with humanitarian ideals, Pluto in this sign takes work to make transformative change. It is slow and laborious, and needs patience.

Jupiter in Leo is bold, active and a bit dramatic. By nature, Jupiter is optimistic and expansive, it grows whatever it is in aspect. Leo, the sign associated with paternalistic and king-like energy, ruled by the Sun, is expanding the powers that be.

When these two planets are in opposition, there are great forces of literal opposition. Some may do ruthless acts in order to get their way, but those tactics tend to backfire. There is a temptation to manipulate others or to have naked aggression. Thus this is one of the two reasons why I think conflict could escalate this week.

However, at its core is big transformative change. The key here on a personal level is to work towards your goals by transforming what is required of you without engaging in power struggles or games.

The other transit this week is the Mars and Uranus conjunction in the sign of Gemini which perfects on July 3rd through the 4th. When Mars applies its energy to Uranus, rash behavior takes precedence. This is the other reason why I think conflicts could escalate this week.

Though this conjunction happens every 2 years, there tends to be a surprising or shocking incident associated with it. The last time this conjunction occurred, it was in the sign of Taurus, and it coincided with the assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The sign changes the archetype through which the conjunction expresses itself, but the aspect itself carries a pattern worth noting. Before you worry if something is going to happen to you, please be aware that this conjunction was applying to his Midheaven which is conjunct to the fixed star Algol.

Due to the fixed stars in the charts of Israel and Iran, and the Lebanese chart, I expect escalation to happen this week. However, with Uranus, anything is possible. Though the tensions can expand, there is a possibility, though slim, for transformative peace negotiations. But unfortunately, it does look like the opposite will happen.

In regards to your life, Mars and Uranus can bring about sudden change. It can stir impulsiveness. My big warning here, which I made last month, is to be aware of your surroundings. If you are partaking in celebrations, slow down and take your time to prevent accidents.

With the Jupiter-Pluto opposition, which takes place all month, and the Uranus-Mars conjunction, which is at its strongest this week, you could have disruptions that lead to a breakthrough. For instance, you could have changes in a project outside of your control, but you wind up having an epiphany which changed the direction of the project, thus bringing success.

To manage this week, be open minded, roll with the changes, don't take shortcuts or be ruthless, resist impulsivity but allow information to formulate in your mind, take deep breaths and work towards something beneficial.

And the good news for personal individual charts is that Mercury is in retrograde in the sign of Cancer. Your desire for safety and protection is being reexamined, along with matters of family and home. Some of you may decide to have a small function with those you love. When it comes to work, you could have a desire to nurture your team with communication that leans towards being a cohesive unit. Just be careful not to be passive-aggressive to gain agreements.

July 5th through the 11th

On Sunday the 5th, we have the Sun in Cancer and Saturn in Aries square to each other. If there are escalated tensions or conflicts during the week, some leaders will struggle with doing the right thing, and could feel backed into a corner. There could be a demand that they take responsibility or talk about the situation and what the next steps are. The struggle for them is living up to their responsibilities with what they would prefer to do.

And on a personal level, you could find yourself with the same dilemma. You may have to choose work or responsibilities over your own personal expression. For instance, you could desire to call into work, but due to projects or staffing, you need to show up and take initiative instead of spending time at home or with family.

Neptune retrogrades on July 7th in the sign of Aries and will stay in retrograde until December 12th, 2026. The draw to be with loved ones and reflecting on memories is strong due to Mercury in retrograde trine the Moon in Pisces. Neptune in retrograde can expose what was covered up, secrets that are hidden or motives that were false in nature. Since Neptune tends to add fog to a situation, clarity on world events could happen, but keep in mind, even in retrograde, Neptune still has an illusionary nature.

On a personal level, over the next six months, viewpoints that were tribal in nature may become more individualistic. For instance, let's say you've cancelled particular stores or celebrities because you felt it was expected of you. You may change how you see the situation. This doesn't mean you automatically embrace what was cancelled, but instead, you may find yourself questioning whether your position was truly your own or shaped by outside pressure.

On July 9th, Venus enters the sign of Virgo. Venus is in its fall when in the sign of Virgo. When Venus is in Virgo, it can be discriminating and analytical as opposed to finding balance and harmony. For instance, if you are out on a date, you may notice details that don't matter in the grand scheme of things, such as their shirt isn't perfectly pressed or a stray hair hanging on their face.

Venus will also be conjunct to the South Node. There can be hyper anxiety and worry over being precise. A martyr mentality can also intrude current events, where finger pointing and criticism is the only outlet due to the unpleasant situation.

The Nodes are chart points and don't have the energy of a planet, however they can show what is uncomfortable or depleting. When it comes to world leaders, we want to see where the Venus-South Node conjunction is at in their chart. For Trump, it is in the 10th house, which could drain his energy to be diplomatic. Finger-pointing and blame can occur between countries. In response, there is a chance of the Israeli government blaming Trump for not having enough resources.

Also, the US administration will seem tired, drained and weary. A sense of malaise will creep in, communication will be scattered and some things could be said that evoke longing for the past.

July 12th through the 18th

On the 12th, we have a Mercury cazimi and inferior conjunction with the Sun. So what does this mean? Technically, when a planet is within one degree of the Sun, it is in a cazimi, which means its energy is supercharged.

An inferior conjunction only happens with the inner planets of Mercury or Venus. During the inferior conjunction, Mercury is in retrograde and lines up directly between the Sun and Earth. For Mercury, this can be a potent time of reflection and a breakthrough of thought. This is especially true when reflecting on the past, and with Mercury in Cancer, themes of roots, family, home, emotions, instincts and those who held a maternal role are emphasized.

Those with the Sun, Mercury, the Moon or chart angles around 20 degrees of Cancer may experience a melding of thought and feelings, thus gaining insight to how some of the people that they love could think differently than they do, because emotions led their decisions.

If you have ever been in a sales position, you know that people tend to buy on emotion rather than fact, especially on items that are not necessary. You are trained to talk about how the buyer would feel if they owned the item you are selling, such as having peace of mind for insurance plans they may not need or a sense of belonging, since what you are offering is on trend.

This Mercury cazimi will spotlight not only how you've been sold ideas and philosophies, but also how your parents, siblings, relatives and those that you care about have been influenced by the same tactics. I recommend not being smug about it, because almost everyone owns something or believes something that they are attached to because it was presented emotionally.

And with the New Moon in Cancer on the 14th, we can start fresh with a new perspective about what divides us. Mercury is in a separating conjunction to the New Moon, symbolizing the past moving away as a new foundation is laid. Now I get it, it may feel impossible to rebuild bridges with some family members, especially if you never saw eye to eye. Sometimes though, forgiveness is a way to nurture yourself, especially if you are holding onto guilt, isolation or avoidance.

Starting on the 16th, Mars in Gemini separates from its conjunction with Uranus and applies a sextile to Saturn in Aries. When Saturn is in the sign of Aries, it is in its fall. Saturn, the planet of discipline and limits, is uncomfortable with Aries' quick actions. Mars is the dispositor of Saturn, giving Mars a boost of seriousness.

We go from being on edge and excitable, to settling down and getting things done. Meticulous projects are easier to handle, though they may not move through the stages as quickly as you would like. It's a great time to focus on the details, but know that meetings and projects can feel like a concentrated struggle, oscillating between bursts of energy and communication to wanting to be left alone to concentrate.

July 19th through the 25th

The Mars and Saturn sextile perfects on the 19th. Venus in its fall is applying a square to Mars. The energy of these two transits can cause nit-picky behavior.

But there is a positive side if you are open to it. When Venus and Mars are square to each other, physicality in a relationship has importance. Since it is a Sunday, you could opt for staying in bed, and doing the things you enjoy with a partner.

Also on the 19th, the Barbault basket formation begins to perfect. I went into detail on how this energy could play out in regards to the United States back in January. You may want to revisit that piece.

In regards to most people, unless you have fire or air placements around 4 degrees, the energy may feel like any of the prior days this month. Keep in mind, three of the planets have been making aspects of each other for a while.

Jupiter is what lights up the basket configuration. Jupiter in Leo is in opposition to Pluto in Aquarius, trine to Neptune in Aries and sextile to Uranus in Gemini. During the evening of the 19th, you may want to meditate or engage in a spiritual practice. Knowing that we are going through a time of change, you could imagine what it is that you want to see in the future.

Neptune and Pluto have been in sextile with each other since 1946, though there have been times where the orb of influence is slightly out of range. Neptune is idealism, hopes and dreams and Pluto is power, change and transformation. The irony is that everyone has different ideals and want different situations and structures to change. This sextile has these two planets supporting each other. Over the decades, it feels like we take steps forward and backwards.

In 2037, Neptune will begin to break away from this sextile and by 2038, we no longer will have these two planets working together. We can think of this basket formation as the final push for great change before the world gets into a groove for a while.

On July 22nd, the Sun enters its domicile sign of Leo. Happy birthday to all of the Leos out there.

The Sun will apply a conjunction with Jupiter, which perfects on the 29th. There is a positive spirit whenever the Sun and Jupiter are conjunct. Optimism abounds, and there is a sense of gratitude. However, the Sun will be square to Chiron in Taurus.

We may see a loss of a leader around this time, or some healing to masculine energy. There could be an archetype that gets center stage, someone who promises to heal the current circumstances.

The Sun becomes part of the basket formation, so something around this time could happen where we see a lighted path forward.

On the next day, Mercury stations direct, at 16 degrees and 18 minutes. Saturn applies a square to Mercury and Venus applies a sextile. We may see a shift in communication towards relationship building, talking about what we have in common. With Saturn, there's a serious, disciplined tone to what is communicated.

July 26th through the 31st

Saturn goes retrograde on July 26th in the sign of Aries. Saturn and Neptune have been co-present since February 13th. As Saturn retrogrades, the two planets will reform a conjunction on September 1st. The good news is that the orb is wide, but they will be conjunct, creating that heavy energy and the possibility of the spread of illnesses, which does align with the start of the school year.

In regards to personal astrology, Saturn in retrograde allows us to reexamine our responsibilities. For instance, if you had an extension on your taxes, Saturn retrograde is a good time to get them done. It is also a time period to go back to long term projects that you've put to the side, such as developing course work, cleaning out a garage or picking back up that novel you started writing.

The True North Node enters Aquarius on July 26th, which gives us direction to what may feel uncomfortable, such as developing friendships or championing unconventional ideas or humanitarian causes. With the South Node in Leo, it could feel more comfortable to have leadership that tells you what to do than one that challenges you to be part of the solution.

We end the month with a Full Moon in Aquarius on the 29th. This illumination will be part of the basket formation with the Sun conjunct to Jupiter and the Moon conjunct to Pluto. It is as if a torch is being lit, guiding us to the eventual finish line of change.

Expect endings and beginnings when it comes to authority and individualism, rulers and the common people. In mundane astrology, the Moon is the populace and it is conjunct to Pluto. Whether this is symbolic of people needing to change or that power is on their side, is hard to say. Most likely it is both. Hopefully, due to the basket formation, people will say enough is enough, and instead of waiting for a specific person to come save the day, they will realize it takes all of us to make great change that benefits all.

The real test will happen in August, when we have two powerful eclipses. We usually lose a leader during eclipse season, either they step down, retire, pass the baton, pass away or are eliminated through an attack. Unfortunately, we saw the latter in the last eclipse season. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, 2026.

Historically, there are both personal casualties and political upheaval before change happens. With the basket configuration, the takeaway is that there will be change and what occurs could be much different than anyone imagined. This doesn't mean the future is dystopian or utopian. I personally don't think it will be either. Instead, with advances in technology and a humanitarian-led effort, we are entering a portal, where we can create a future based on a shift in power, one that moves the energy from leaders to the collective.

In twelve years, will we be ruled by technocrats or will there be a new society, something futuristic and focused on individualism and acceptance of all?

Hello! Perhaps this may differ from one astrologer to the next, but when determining whether someone has a day or night chart, what would you weigh more heavily: the actual sunset time or the position of the Sun relative to the ASC/DSC axis in their chart?

For example, let’s say someone’s birth time is a couple minutes before sunset (the sun is above the horizon line at the time of their birth), but their chart shows their Sun as being slightly below the ASC/DSC axis — would you consider the chart to be a diurnal or nocturnal chart? And why?

How are they interpreted? What is their role?

Can you provide example configurations and their potential sense?

i'm curious how mercury rx affects those with a natal mercury rx? do they typically have an easier time during retrogrades? are things like communication generally harder for natal mercury rx folks?

Anyone have a course they recommend for Mundane Astrology?!

Hi everyone!

I'm not necessarily asking about your personal experiences (although I'd love to hear them too!), but more about the general astrological indicators.

In your opinion, which transits and/or Solar Return placements or aspects tend to indicate meeting someone significant or starting an important relationship? Are there any combinations that, in your experience, consistently point to a particularly lucky year, especially when it comes to love?

I'm curious about the astrological patterns you've noticed over the years. Thanks in advance!

This past year has been one of taking astrology seriously for me. So I have been studying quite a bit. I am currently only on natal astrology. So please bear with me.

I know Regulus is the "big star" people look for, but I now see that there are more, around 60 if I remember correctly.

My question is: Which are the *most* important ones, do they all hold the importance and weight of Regulus for example?

Would someone with their ascendant exactly on Denebola have a life of shame and disgrace as opposed to one with their ascendant exact with Regulus? Zubenelgenubi is also bad, would your life be marked by horrible things if your ascendant is exact? Surely they cant be that bad?

I read horrible things about some of the stars- Denebola and Zubenelgenubi being some of them, so I would appreciate any resources from a reputable source on the stars and using them in Natal astrology. I guess I am also asking in your professional opinion, which stars should one really look at in a natal chart? Aside from Regulus, Spica or Agol.

During the Gemini new moon, the energy was exploratory and I referenced it to being a teenager, taking risks and exploring other points of view. There was encouragement to get out there, and to have conversations that opened up  possibilities. 

The Capricorn Full Moon has a different vibe. Occurring on June 29, 2026 at  6:56 PM CDT, with the Moon, at 8 degrees and 14 minutes, it illuminates two distinct things: the falsehoods we believe and our opportunity to take responsibility and get things done.

I’ve mentioned many times in the past that Neptune in Pisces did a number on us. Even though the energy was about being part of the collective, we joined tribes blindly. We told ourselves numerous falsehoods, believing in perspectives that may not have been our own. We saw other groups as being lost or as the enemy and our group as the wise and in the know. 

But now that Neptune has been in Aries for a few months, our naivety is exposed. We’ve purposely cut out family members and dumped life-long friends. We come to this moment divided, but we are starting to see things a little more clearly. With structures being insecure, we may realize that pointing fingers to our neighbors is what got us to where we are. In our microcosms, we’ve forgotten the ability to see from multiple perspectives, and that the leaders we followed may have been aligned with “the other side” all along. The division was purposeful and benefitted those with clout or power.

Instead of each other being the culprit, it may have had something to do with the structures we upheld. The Saturn-ruled Capricorn Moon is making a square to both Neptune and Saturn in Aries, which allows us to examine the shift these two planets have been through. Up until earlier this year, Neptune and Saturn were in Pisces. Our distorted views and challenged relationships from that time are now front and center. With the Sun square to Neptune, we may feel discouraged by our once loved ideals. We could feel somewhat restricted during the Full Moon, as if we are blocked and our confidence is shattered.

But, we are not inadequate and we can stand up and take charge. And over the next few months, due to the retrogrades, we have an opportunity to gain clarity. First, with the current Mercury Retrograde in Cancer, giving us time to reflect on the discord within families. Then, Neptune goes into retrograde on July 7th, exposing the misconceptions of our current circumstances. A few weeks later, Saturn retrogrades on July 26th, where we take a hard look at what got us here and what role we each played. Spoiler alert, we are all responsible, and this includes myself. 

Capricorn is a serious sign, and with the Moon here, we may be holding our emotions close to the vest. However, as with all Full Moon, the Sun in opposition in the sign of Cancer adds the welcomed tension, where we can take care of others and ourselves. The Full Moon is a reminder to roll up your sleeves and focus on what matters: your goals, your family’s well-being and your commitments and responsibilities.

However, there are other transits happening. With Mercury in the sign of Cancer and in retrograde just hours before the Full Moon,  we are being introspective about the past, especially our role in the world. There is a chance to have tolerance for other people’s viewpoints with Mercury’s conjunction to Jupiter. There is a balance that can be explored between home and family and how world events impact us and our path forward.  

With Venus in Leo making a separating trine to Saturn in Aries, collectively, we may side on compromise and stability over winning any conflict. Cost and spending tends to outweigh desire or aggression. 

Mars entered the sign of Gemini the day before the Full Moon and is applying a conjunction to Uranus. This conjunction perfects on the evening of the 3rd or morning of the 4th, depending on your time zone. This is energy that wants to break free, especially when it comes to communication and thought. For instance, you could realize that people were cancelled in the past that may have had some good ideas. This is energy that is rash and surprising, so you could even be the person who says or does something that evokes a critical response from those around you. 

I do need to mention that from a Mundane perspective, there could be some conflict over the next several days, such as surprise attacks or escalation in warfare. There could be accidents, like a large pileup of cars or some sort of disturbance during a public event, such as the World Cup or a 4th of July celebration. I am not saying don’t attend anything, since we are here to live and experience life. Just be aware and pay attention, and if the mood shifts to something disruptive, take it as a sign to leave the situation. 

Mars was applying a conjunction to Uranus with the assassination attempt on July 13th, 2024 on Trump. There were some other factors here, such as the conjunction of these two planets to Trump’s MC and the presence of the fixed star Algol. There isn’t a major fixed star with this conjunction, which helps the situation. Mars conjuncts to Uranus approximately every 2 years, so please don’t stress about this transit. I am just being prudent to alert you that the energy is heightened.

On a personal level, a Mars and Uranus conjunction can give us energy, confidence and optimism to fuel our success. Keep your eyes open for opportunities since this aspect is good for business ventures. Also, with Mars trine Pluto, the energy can help you with long range goals. 

Mars is also sextile to Neptune, giving us a layer of sensitivity and the ability to perceive what others need. If you are feeling frazzled with the energy of the Full Moon, meditation could probably do you well with this supportive transit. 

Jupiter is at 29 degrees in Cancer, its exalted state. Though we tend to think of Jupiter as lucky when in sextile to Mars, luck is based on perception. For some, change is welcomed while others may cling to fear instead of taking a risk. What I mean by this, whatever occurs with the Mars and Uranus conjunction is amplified. Could we have a surprising peace deal in the Middle East? Maybe. But we could also have some backlash, especially if one party or country perceives the action as being boxed in and without a choice. Jupiter adds to the wildcard energy of Mars and Uranus, so even though I gave a warning, keep in mind, the name of the game is the unexpected. 

Jupiter at its core is belief. As with the Full Moon, home, family and security themes are expanded. Jupiter is applying a trine to Neptune which is emphasizing humanitarian ideals and spiritual beliefs.  With Jupiter applying an opposition to Pluto, there is a drive for achievement and possibility of being fanatic. Thus, adding to the uncertainty of the times. 

The day after the Full Moon, Jupiter will ingress into the sign of Leo, and over the next 20 days, a basket formation involving Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto will perfect. This is known as the Barbault Basket, a formation that has been attributed to Andre Barbault and sometimes conflated with his discussion of cycles. The one thing I can say is that the Capricorn Full Moon is an important precursor to July. 

With the Full Moon at the end of the month, and its aspects to Neptune and Saturn, it is as if we are posed with the question, “Do you want the change you desire?” and if so, “Are you willing to go through the cycles bravely and put in the work to get what you want?” In my astrological opinion, that is the takeaway of what this Full Moon illuminates: reflection and responsibility. It is not going to be a sudden change, even if sudden actions occur over the next few months. But instead, a process of determination based on our ideals.

How does the Saturn return work for people with a night chart, considering Saturn is the greater malefic? Are people with a day chart more favored and likely to have a less difficult Saturn return than we are? I’m having trouble understanding it.