This month might look like we’re getting a reprieve, but looks can be deceiving. This year has had such powerful aspects occur, that there really isn’t any reprieve coming anytime soon. I’m sure all of you can attest to this in your own personal lives, and I’m certain we can all see it in world events. 2020 sucks, and it sucks because the reach of some of these aspects is still with us even though they occurred in January.
That said, this month does look to be slightly less chaotic, but I hesitate to even say that because of the nature of this year. I don’t like to be such a jaded astrologer, but this year has taught me not to be so ‘Pollyanna’ about severe aspects. If it turns out better than I state—Yay!!! But, I feel forewarned can only be a good thing.
So, let’s get to it. You’ll notice I have referenced some things that have occurred earlier in the year. I felt I had to remind everyone of what’s still impacting us now, even though it’s not occurring in July.
I really do hope this is helpful.
7/1/20-7/12/20 Mercury continues to be retrograde in Cancer, and will leave its post-retrograde shadow on 7/26/20. So, if you continue to feel ‘like Mercury is still retrograde’, it might be that you are sensitive to the shadow periods. Don’t worry, it will pass by the 26th.
As a reminder, Mercury retrograde are key to developing an accurate picture of our inner life, the manner in which we analyze things, how we look at them, how our minds communicate to us about the environment, and most importantly how we interpret what we see and hear. All of this is the domain of Mercury. We feel scattered and even out of control of the most basic of functions — communication. Unfortunately, this is normal for this period. We might hate it, but it is normal.
It is a time to reevaluate what we think about, how we think, and why we think about it. All of this leads us to a better understanding of who we really are. The 3 retrogrades each year offer us short period of time to do a reality check with our inner self using the mental body as a tool to do the evaluation. It can be a mini intensive of therapy or it can be your worst nightmare. It all depends on your actual state of mind and the environment you find yourself in. Whatever the experience is, know that it is a short period of time and that “This too shall pass”.
7/1/20 Saturn re-enters Capricorn as part of its retrograde cycle: I always feel that when a planet re-enters a sign as part of its retrograde it is like “once more into the breach”. In this case, it’s almost as if there was something Saturn forgot to do while in Capricorn and he must now go back and take care of it. For 2020, that means going back for one last contact with Pluto. Specifically, they will make contact again 9/1/20-10/28/20, but their influence will begin to be felt as of Saturn’s re-entry into Capricorn. As a recap here is what to expect from this contact:
Saturn conjunct Pluto represents a complete re-distribution of power. Spiritually it represents a rite of passage for each individual. This re-distribution is representative of a change in how we all turn personal resources into productive and societal good. We’ve veered into ‘abuses of power’ in our world, and Saturn and Pluto are demanding [and will cause] these abuses to be magnified for all to see, and insist on their destruction [creative destruction]. This aspect will cause many to become aware of power, its abuses, and will gain the skill to manage such power not only in the world, but in each of our lives. There will be an increase in skill to use power and resources.
Globally, Saturn conjunct Pluto will equal a re-alignment of power that will have long lasting effects on our world. These changes will take hold and will be permanent for at least a generation [or until the next Saturn conjunct Pluto in 2054. Which let’s face it, most of us won’t live to see.
This aspect alone requires that we all try and do the right thing regardless of how difficult or painful it might be. Both Saturn and Pluto have Karmic implications, and the Mars aspects will bring karmic retribution swiftly to those that ignore these warnings. This is not the year to tempt fate. I don’t mean to be overly dramatic here, but this won’t be an easy year, and can only be modified by doing the best you can for as long as you can. Karma is real. Abuses of personal power or cultural power will not fare well during 2020.
One last word on this aspect, try to consolidate both wins and losses. It is not the year to go out on a limb financially, emotionally, or physically. It is not a year to take any unnecessary chances. Plans that anyone has been making, or instigating before 2020 can proceed, but only with caution. New plans must be approached cautiously. As I’ve said preciously this is a re-alignment of power. The way you have been doing things, is not the way to proceed in 2020. You must take heed, learn your lessons, and take a new approach based on the re-alignment itself.
You can branch out, increase your presence in your field, accomplish much this year, but you must heed the changes in approach and learn how your power has been modified. Doing what has brought you success in the past, may no longer be the best approach. We must all learn from the failures as much as from the successes.
Pay attention.
Do the right thing.
Forge ahead even when it is painful. Do all these and the year will not destroy you.
7/6/20-7/9/20 Jupiter conjunct Pluto @ 23 degrees Capricorn: Jupiter Conjunct Pluto really cannot be looked at without also looking at the Saturn influence. Because of this, the year itself takes on some special significance. Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn transiting through Capricorn will bring lessons of maturity and responsibility cultivated through acceptance of natural cycles of change.
The combination of Jupiter and Pluto can incite extreme ambition for personal power, yet their transit through Capricorn along with Saturn means that we will need to adjust aspirations to contend with the limitations we face concerning material resources and available time and space. The difficulties or crises we endure will bring revisions in what needs to be nurtured and developed—and what needs to be shed and let go will also be expanded. Depending on how you handle power itself, will dictate the results of your efforts. This is a karmic year of sorts, and doing the right thing matters. If you are kind and ethical, Jupiter will bring kindness and moral results. If you act in a ruthless, extreme, self-righteous or obsessive way you are likely to face powerful forces acting against you. This could include trouble from superiors, government authorities, or the law.
This could be a time of large-scale achievement and success that makes you happy and content well into the future—if you conduct yourself ethically and morally. You face various forms of destruction if you act immorally and unethically. This is not the year to tempt fate. Remember that.
7/22/20-7/23/20 Mars in Aries hits critical degree @ 13 degrees in Aries. Mars in Aries hits critical degree @ 13 degrees in Aries. I’ve written extensively on Mars in Aries, and you can find these descriptions on my site [astrocait.com], but for the most part, when any planet hits a critical degree it becomes ‘more important’. In the context of 2020, be careful on these dates. Please. Wear your masks, be sure to use social distancing on these two days. Think before you act. It’s only 2 days. Anyone can follow some precautions for 2 days.
This Mars transit through Aries is going to be a long and somewhat chaotic trip. Remember Mars will be in Aries until January 2021.
7/23/20 The Sun enters Leo: The ruler of Leo is the Sun. On entering the sign Leo, the Sun is said to exemplify cosmic splendor. The meaning attached to this seems to be that both the good and bad characteristics associated with Leo are perpetual. Through the ages, Leo has signified the coming of the high growing season and thus reflects the abundant generosity of life. In this aspect Leo is seen as the ordained provider.
The Leo is a dominant, spontaneous, creative and extroverted character. They possess grace, dignity and an expansive personality. The lion is king of the animal kingdom, and an appropriate symbol for Leo who tends to dominate his environment. Ambitious, courageous, strong willed, positive, independent, self-confident are all words that describe Leo traits.
Leos were born to lead and are most effective when in a position of command. Leos are straightforward, uncomplicated individuals who know what they want and pursue it with enthusiasm and a creative spirit. Leos possess a strong positive nature and do not shrink from adverse circumstances. They are not easily daunted and will persist through the most formidable circumstances.
Leos are proud people, with an idealistic and human nature. They are basically outgoing, happy, kind and generous. Self-expressive, intelligent and broad minded, they are philosophically inclined. They tend to be stubborn, and will hold onto a belief, or stick to a course of action through thick or thin. They are direct and to the point and lead with their emotions. Because of their positive nature, they tend to expect the best, and when things don’t turn out as they had expected, they react immediately and badly. Quick tempered, blunt and nasty when they have been affronted, they are deeply hurt by malice or hostility. Although, they may suffer from short bouts of depression when life doesn’t meet their expectations, they bounce back quickly and move on with their normal cheerful and demonstrative nature. Leo walks forward always, head held proudly and face turned towards the sun.
In personal relationships, Leo is open, sincere, genuine, trusting and generous. Although outgoing, spontaneous, warm-hearted and straight forward, a tragic flaw in Leo is gullibility. They are too trusting and generous to people they like and love. They are not good judges of character and are inclined to treat those close to them as if they were perfect beings incapable of wrongdoing. Because no one can possibly live up to this kind of expectation, Leo is often and devastatingly disappointed. They do recover quickly however and may have numerous love affairs. Their love of pleasure and beauty, and their expectation of perfection drives them from one attractive partner to another.
That’s it for July. Please, everyone stay safe!!
~ Cait