Lunar Living Astrology

It is Strawberry Full Moon time! This full moon in Capricorn opposes the Sun's transit through Cancer, which, of course is ruled by the Moon. The Moon's opposition to its ruling sign is always ready to teach us a few lessons about feelings. The full moon is T-square to Neptune in Aries, adding another layer of challenges for us to navigate. If we have any addictive traits, or other unhealthy behaviors that we have tried hard to over come, we may feel a bit of a back slide unless we take conscious measures to avoid it. Being aware is the first real act of avoiding the issues.

Neptune is also in a sextile-trine scenario with Pluto retrograde in Aquarius and Uranus in Gemini. These are the three slower moving planets that will hold this pattern together over several months. So it isn't a quick fix combination, nor a quick tragic event that we need to transition fast in order to work through. Don't get fooled, since there can be sudden events that catch us off guard, but typically, it is a situation that has been building over time to the point of an explosive type of outcome. We see it all the time. For example, we know we need to do maintenance on the car, change the oil, replace the headlights, put in a new windshield that has a crack, fix the brakes that are sticking, fix the transmission that is slipping, and rotate the tires. But, we don't have the money or the time to get them all handled at once. So we may fix one, but not all. The others are that ticking time-bomb of potentiality. Sometimes, it is not something we even have any control over. For example, the business down the street may use toxic chemicals. They know they have a small leak in the valve of the tank that they store the chemicals in, but the leak is so minor, that it's not a real danger to anyone. But, over time, they forget about the minor leak until it results in the tank imploding. In other words, when the three slower moving planets are working together in this type of alignment, it is also indicating that we need to start doing the work that we have been putting off for way too long.

Mercury's retrograde transit in Cancer will move back through the sign until July 23. Expect that communication will feel messed up, legal transactions or documents will have errors that have regretful consequences, travel is painfully confusing, and, well, electronic glitches will begin to feel like a common frustration. The true solution to a Mercury retrograde is within our control: patience. Yes, taking the time to recheck, thinking ahead, and proactive anticipation of potential problems are also helpful. Watch for the Cazimi (inferior conjunction) as Mercury and the Sun conjunct the day before the next new moon. A Cazimi brings moment of clarity in the middle of all the retrograde confusion. Alas, it is temporary, but it might just bring up an epiphany.

Venus in Leo is trine to Saturn in Aries. This can be one of the best connections between planets in ways that we don't always get to enjoy. Venus advances our skills and abilities, while Saturn acts as a starting point for building anew. We can take this opportunity to develop new skills, or build new strengths with the talents we already possess. It's a small window, so take advantage of it in the next day or two to sign up for lessons/classes that we have an interest in developing.

Also, a note about Venus for the near future. Notice that Venus is transiting a full sign ahead of the Sun? When this happens, it is indicating that Venus will be transiting retrograde in the near future. At this point, not too soon, but in October. Yet, it is not too soon to start thinking about the potentials of Venus' retrograde in Scorpio and back into Libra. Um... finances, relationships, values, and our skill base. All these areas in our lives can take a hit at that time. Just Say'n.

Mars recently ingressed Gemini, and is tied into the sextiles and trine along with Uranus in Gemini. Mars has a tendency to add a bit of zest and vitality to situations that are already being highlighted. Not in a bad way, in this situation, but we may feel a bit more passionate about the issues we are dealing with relative to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. It might be a good time to become proactively involved.

Jupiter is moving through the anaretic degree of Cancer and will soon be in a solid aspect pattern with Pluto, Neptune and Uranus (tomorrow). Jupiter's influence today will be on the jittery side. Tomorrow, Jupiter will ingress over the cusp of Leo and add a lot more focus to the other planets. Today, Jupiter is not in the right sign to add to the dynamics of the other planets. Tomorrow, all types of influence from Jupiter will expand possibilities and options. Well, except to Pluto, since Pluto is retrograde and opposing Jupiter. But, nonetheless, there will likely be a significant shift in attitudes, opinions, and observations after Jupiter moves into the sign of Leo while opposing Pluto, sextile to Uranus and trine to Neptune.

Those who watch Chiron's transit, Chiron is now in Taurus.

Over all, another decent chart of aspects and planetary placements. The placements can help us to navigate the challenges without too much distress. Six planets in masculine signs balanced equally between Fire and Air signs. Four planets in feminine signs, three in Water and one in Earth. These can help us to stay motivated but with humility at the same time. Six of the planets are in the Cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, and Capricorn, with a nice balance of Fixed and Mutable placements that help to guide yet restrain at the same time. We definitely can use this full moon to our advantage in spite of any challenges that might spring up.