Stars Over Puna July 2024

Revolutionary Political Moments Ahead

Americans look forward to July 4^th, the patriotic holiday of the year, when families and communities celebrate with fun, food, and fireworks. This year the New Moon is July 5^th so it will be a nice dark sky for fireworks. This is Cancer season, the sign of home, family, and the national birth sign of the United States. Venus is still near the Sun adding a sentimental theme to the holiday this year.

In the days before the holiday several aspects happen all at once following Saturn’s station retrograde on June 29. This is a very political season, and many cross messages are flying over party talking points. In the closing phase of the Lunar cycle, the dark of the Moon, things go on unseen, ‘unbeknownst’ to us citizens. 

Mercury, the messenger, is in early Leo, a sign of drama, big displays, and leadership, facing off with Pluto on July 2, and a trine to Neptune, as Neptune stations retrograde. These planets suggest enormous power deals, and indeed Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive, “breakthrough” treaty on the Summer Solstice. That seems very symbolic of the energy of the recent Jupiter/Uranus joining on April 20 that brings an expansive promise of uniting Empires to help in trade, military training, and expansion of mutual protections. Pluto is about power and domination, operating as the overarching control through financial dominance. Neptune is associated with oil, and both outer planets have an association with nuclear and fusion power, bioweapons, and war-at-a distance, or at sea. Russian ships have arrived in Cuba, during this same time. 

The focus of attention this Summer in America is the Fall Presidential Election. The second week of July starts with a large amount of commercial airtime is now the inundation of political sales campaign as Jupiter and Mercury send good vibes to each other in polite conversation that could be stretching the truth, exaggerating the facts, telling big stories. Influencing voters with impressions. At the same time, the language of the advertising homes in on the message of protecting what you love and aligning with others with shared values and ideals for change and even revolution of old systems. Repeated verbiage is intended to excite and influence through the feelings generated by strong group enthusiasm for one cause or another. Propaganda, promises, and questionable advertising campaigns will have many people swayed for or against. July will be full of showy, and verbose displays of “what you need to know to make a choice.”

The Republican National Convention happens in Milwaukee, WI on July 15 to 17. The important aspect at the start of the Convention is the Mars conjunct Uranus in Taurus. My favorite reference for planet combinations is Reinhold Ebertin’s, (1972 ed.) Combination of Stellar Influences which says: The combination of Mars-Uranus is “freedom fighters”, a sudden urge or expression of independence, will, and determination, trait of not being subdued to another person’s will”. 

The conjunction of these planets at 26 Taurus falls just past Donald Trump’s Midheaven, the position of public reputation, honors, and prestige, which gives Mr. Trump a huge boost in his worldly visibility and potential advancement. Jupiter is now in Gemini and follows Mars-Uranus. Expect “over-the-top” speeches full of exaggerations of adulation as Jupiter in Gemini can take on inflated emotional causes like a rising hot-air balloon. 

The Sun is still in Cancer and the Moon will be in Scorpio the 15^th and 16^th, which will be very emotional for all people. Add Saturn, the planet of tradition, duty, commitment, long-standing expectations and ‘society’s rules,’ which is now retrograde in Pisces, only 10 degrees from Neptune at 29 Pisces. This energy is extremely watery and emotional for these two days for everyone. Give love to those people around you who express feeling trapped and extra depressed. And if you are feeling this way, reach out for help and ask for what you need. These few days are best used for creative pursuits and reverent reflections in nature to rejuvenate the spirit.

Mercury is on the Ascendant of the Opening of activities, using 8 am, initiating the intention of making a big choice. The Sun, symbol of leadership, will be at the degree of the USA Mercury, 24 Cancer, highlighting the process of Statesmanship and giving voice to the Democratic process.

 Donald Trump’s natal Saturn and Venus are at 23, and 25 Cancer. This will bring on the star-struck worshipers swayed by very loud and emotional promotions of his supporters. By the end of the Convention, the Moon will be at the degree of Trump’s own Moon, suggesting he secures his popularity with the public.

The same aspect falls in President Biden’s 6^th house of work, acute health, and accidents, and in opposition to his personal planets, Mercury, Sun, and Venus in his 12^th house. The potential for him is less exciting. Mercury goes retrograde on August 4 at 4 Virgo, going back into Leo crossing 29 to 21 degrees, then turning direct on August 28. This transit is in President Biden’s 9^th house of legal matters and will square is personal planets just mentioned. Square aspects are challenges, forcing us to work with difficult issues, and 12^th house matters are secrets. 

The Full Moon is Sunday, July 21^st, at 29 degrees of Capricorn, with Pluto at 0 Aquarius 55 retrograde. The Sun enters its domain of Leo at 9:44 pm and immediately opposes Pluto. This is a powerful combination and Pluto will receive a trine with Mars entering Gemini, while Mercury squares Uranus, stirring up a lot of drama, questions, and challenges that will carry into next month. The Political party lines are strongly drawn. Watch what happens over the next two weeks. Nothing is written in stone.

Mercury is the planet of mental acuity and communication, how we think, and how we make choices and decisions. It rules the Media and the message. When Pluto is involved there is Propaganda and oppositions can stimulate a war of words. Over the third week of July, 21^st to 25^th, Mercury is transiting 25 to 29 degrees of Leo where ideas revolve around personal desires and ambitions. Mercury enters its own sign Virgo just after noon on July 25^th. For 10 days we might start to think more critically and rationally in the Virgo mode of analysis. This is a particularly suitable time to tackle jobs that take a detached attitude to complete.

Mercury’s retrograde period runs August 4 to 28, through the time of the Democratic National Convention, in Chicago, IL on August 19 to 22. 

Remember that our Hawaii Primary Election is on August 10. We will have a better sense of the Presidential race next month. Think for yourself.

Voting is Your American Freedom