The Moon-ruled month of July is the most emotionally volatile month of the year. Though researchers have recently reported that crying is actually a spiritual discipline, we learned this long ago from Joni Mitchell, who wrote: “Laughing and crying, you know it’s the same release.”
Combative Mars in Leo opposite controlling Saturn in Aquarius at the Last Quarter Moon in Aries July 1 sets the stage for an epic battle of wills and clash of egos. The emotionally vulnerable should take cover July 2-3 with Mars trine Chiron and square Uranus; fireworks, surprises, and sudden shocks are guaranteed. Venus in Leo runs to play catch-up July 6-8, blowing kisses and dispensing Band-Aids on the smoldering battlefield Mars passed through the previous week. New Moon in Cancer July 9 is looney with Moon-madness—humor diffuses tensions just in time for Venus, Mars, and the Moon to meet in Leo for a passionate embrace July 13. This is possibly the hottest day of the year for melodramatic romance, theatrical love-making, and hyperbolic declarations of everlasting devotion.
By July 17 at the First Quarter Moon in Libra, equilibrium is either restored or so damaged that the Sun’s opposition to Pluto completely severs the status quo. Full Moon in Aquarius July 23 reveals the dynamic tension between individual desire and communal responsibility. Retrograde Jupiter returns to Aquarius July 28, where he’ll be through December, giving another chance to refine idealism into a viable option for reality. By month’s end both Venus and Mars are in calm, cool-headed Virgo, and some will be denying promises made in the heat of passion. Last Quarter Moon in Taurus July 31 brings calmness and equanimity, and maybe even a chance to laugh at ourselves. Laughing and crying, it’s all the same release—choose whichever makes you feel better.
This article appears in July 2021.
