The Karmic Tools Weekly Forecast covers the current planetary transits which affect people in different ways and to various degrees of intensity.  Take notice when it is a Personal planet (Sun / Moon / Mercury / Venus / Mars) interacting with a Social (Jupiter/Saturn) or Collective planet (Uranus / Neptune/Pluto).  And pay extremely close attention when it is a Social planet interacting with a Collective planet because that means something *big* is brewing that will move large groups of people along their evolutionary paths. Tuning in to the energy and rhythm of the planets can serve as a useful *guide* as you move along your Individual Path.  It also helps to understand your place within the context of the larger Social & Collective Story. Below, you will find out how these energies tend to manifest, as well as guidance and direction.

*NOTE*  There are some days when there are NO CONTACTS (besides the Moon), please note that there are no missing entries, we just list the actual Activations of each week + the day they happen.  

Weekly Forecast: July 3 – 9, 2016

7/3 ~ Sun (authentic Self) ~trine~ Neptune (intuition):

This energy triggers your idealistic, altruistic inclinations, but remember that help has to be invited. But if you have the energy to share & to spare, then dedicate your Self to something greater than you. Choose a cause to support or help those less fortunate for the sheer pleasure of giving. If your energy is low at this time, it is better directed inward. If you can, take some extra time in intentional solitude, praying, meditating and connecting to Spirit this week, you will be rewarded with deep revelations & mystical discoveries within you. It’s a great time to do divinations, ritual or ceremony if you’re into that. Your intuition is heightened also, so pay attention to any ‘messages’ that come through or to you. Try to use this energy to reflect on where you are and dream a little about where you want to be, mentally, spiritually and physically in 6-months to a year from now.

7/5 ~ Mercury (ideas) ~trine~ Neptune (dreams):

This energy activates your creative process & intuition. You may catch yourSelf unconsciously drifting aimlessly but a better use of this combination is to open to the other realms for ideas & information and play with it, free flow, see where it leads. It is not the time for pragmatic analysis, but more a time to explore the infinite possibilities available to you, as well as what’s going on in your own consciousness. You may be more sensitive than usual, opening yourself to information or awareness that isn’t always that readily available. Remember, to keep good boundaries when *opening* like this and if you have to be around people, try to maintain the mystical, creative vibe this energy is best for.

7/6 ~ Venus (feminine & receiving) ~trine~ Mars (masculine & giving):

Venus rules your values & priorities where relationships with love & money are concerned, your inner Divine Feminine that innately knows how to co-create with nature, what to cultivate and nurture to full development. Mars rules your desire nature and your inner Divine Masculine, which is responsible for maintaining your personal boundaries, getting your ideas into the world and negotiating on your own behalf. When you are channeling both through you in a balanced way, what you create and how you move through the world becomes a beautiful dance or interesting story. The trine is a blessing of ease & grace, an easy-going energy that paves the way for balance & reciprocity and encourages independence within the context of relationships. Communication is usually smooth at this time and exchanges can be mutually beneficial. Any relationships started under this influence have a good chance at success whether personal or professional.

7/6 ~ Mercury (communication & self-expression) ~conjunct~ Sun (core essential Self):

This energy will compel you to express yourself on many levels. Communication will be a focus, just make sure it is reciprocated. You will have access to some powerful energy that can (and probably will) make quite an impression on others (if you need to). This is a good time to travel if possible too. However, if not physically, than mentally and certainly within your own area, you will take in more information per square inch than usual. Pay attention! You may even gain the much deserved recognition from others that you have worked so hard for.

7/7 ~ Mercury (communication & self-expression) ~oppose~ Pluto (purification & transformation):

*NOTE* I recommend reviewing Dec/Jan 2016 Weekly Forecasts, when Mercury Retrograded through Capricorn, linking up with Pluto 3-times over. This was a tremendous recalibration of your thinking and a lot of what I said then, applies now. However, this current activation (6/30) is about 6-months later, when you’ve had time to integrate or adjust to what was revealed back then.

This opposition is between your ideas, thoughts & concepts and our unconscious drives, supporting some deep-digging into the power of your mind and thoughts. How has your thinking shaped your choices over the last 6-months? Are you still operating from an old paradigm of thought? Any opposition is a chance for true integration and we will always have to work at balancing our conscious and unconscious thinking as it affects our day-to-day choices. This could be a good time to consult with a trusted advisor or wise friend to clarify what is coming into your conscious awareness about your own self-sabotaging ideas, thoughts or concepts. This activation supports pulling it out by the root. Often, we address the symptoms rather than the true cause of our discomfort. Pluto won’t allow that. It’s time to go deeper and recognize your own power, the power of your heart and mind, and find that middle ground that allows you peace within and effectiveness without.

7/7 ~ Venus (love, finances & relationships) ~square~ Uranus (sudden change):

This is a test to grow that you cannot plan for. Venus rules your values & priorities and an activation with Uranus signifies something sudden and seemingly out-of-the-blue. Of course, this isn’t true, but it can feel that way. The truth is, it is time to do something “different” where your love, finances or relationships are concerned. Making a conscious effort to do things in a completely new way will be rewarded with a lesson and a blessing you would’ve never considered. Due to new revelations happening within you, the immediate response will come from those closest to you. If you’re in relationships (personal or professional) that have reached a point where they have to change or end, this is a good time to try to discuss it openly and with as much detachment & objectivity as possible.

*Uranus is in Aries right now so self-preservation is high on the list these days and we are all finding radically new ways to maintain our independence as well as our connection to the whole. Flexibility of mind, body & spirit will help soothe any harshness associated with this combo.

7/7 ~ Sun (source & essential Self) ~oppose~ Pluto (purification & transformation):

This energy can/will create very intense encounters with others, possibly revealing things about you which you may not have been aware of, misunderstood or have chosen to ignore thus far. This energy provokes power struggles and/or challenges with authority figures where you may have to stand up for yourself. It can also may make you more aggressive, intense or over-bearing than usual, creating or attracting these kinds of situations. If there are any problems within a relationship (personal or professional), this energy will force things out into the open. It will be much easier on you, if you can open a dialogue with the express purpose of clearing the air and proceeding to a new level in your relationship, by choice. Any aspect of your life that you have been “just getting by” will now DEMAND attention; you won’t be able to do anything less than a complete overhaul or replacement (this can be ANY area of your life but the Capricorn House in particular during years 2008-2024 due to Pluto’s extended stay). Let’s put it this way, any time Pluto is involved, there is usually complete destruction of the current (x-y-z) to make room for the new and improved. This will be by the Universe’s definition, but you get a vote, you can consciously choose too. Ultimately, this is a good, growth  & development type of energy/activation, pushing you to the next level … ready or not, here you come so use the energies available to strengthen, fortify & prepare for your own personal transformation. Also consider your drives & direction about 6-months ago, and where you want to end up 6-months from now. This is an integration, that means a time when the depths of your Soul Self can commune & bond with your surface, personality, conscious Self. Like the conjunction (1.5.2016) about 6-months ago, this is about how you direct your personal power on your own behalf, and often, breakdowns precede breakthroughs.

7/8 ~ Mercury (your voice) ~sextile~ Jupiter (expansion):

Where the upcoming (Sun sextile Jupiter on 7/10) is more about YOU, this activation is more about your consciousness, ideas, thoughts & concepts (Mercury), which Jupiter expands in some way, helping you to ‘think bigger’, edit your personal Story and step up your game in some way. This is also a great energy to work with if you are in school, learning something new, expanding your knowledge base or gather new tools & information to support your goals. Your dreams are tapping you on the shoulder, demanding some attention. Mundane issues are not your concern right now, you want to figure out how to create the life you’ve been imagining. This energy also provokes within you the awareness & understanding that being generous naturally attracts generosity to you. The big picture and overall patterns which have led you to this point are being brought into the light. Feeling clear, sharp, alert and optimistic, you begin to realize that anything you can imagine (or remember), you can achieve.

We have a helpful shift in cosmic energies in July, thanks in part to the action planet Mars going direct this week and a new more positive momentum beginning to unfold. Stay tuned for some different opportunities coming your way!

In this article I give you an overview of this coming month and how to work most productively with our shift in energies. As you read, invite your intuitive knowing to connect you with what is most relevant to you.

Remember that anytime we have a change in energies it can take a bit before we see the full impact. Therefore, stay present and patient during the first half of July as the helpful energies build. Trust that even in a building phase, much can be happening behind the scenes.

Your task this month is to remain in balance and in your heart, even as the world continues its crazy dance of disharmony and disunity. Don’t be surprised if the tempo of disruption quickens, or if the parade of untruths continues. The majority of humanity is operating out of fear. As increasing numbers of disenfranchised people get caught up in fear, it’s going to get loud and messy.

Staying in Balance So You Can Soar

Think of July as a foundational ground for anchoring more of your heart felt wishes into physical form. This could be brand-new things, stalled projects, or even innovative directions you haven’t yet envisioned.

Staying in touch with your heart will help you stay on track. Keep in mind that some of your heart’s wishes may still be a mystery to you. Why? It could be because you either haven’t heard them or you haven’t thought big enough to get the whole picture.

Your heart is not linear – it is quantum. The ideas and things your heart wants are fueled by spirit. That brings a whole new energy and potential to your life and your purpose for being here now. With this energy at your back, you indeed can soar and create incredible miracles.

Using the Chaos as Positive Fuel

An interesting way to look at our current chaos is to realize that you can use it as positive fuel for your own spiritual growth and forward momentum.

How do you do this?

One way is to build more inner strength and more self-trust. An uncertain world tends to bring up fears and concerns about what will happen next. Each time you encounter this, challenge your response. Go deep within to your core, the part of you that knows truth. Ask for validations from your outer world – including from those you feel aligned to work with – showing you the amazing strength you naturally house within.

A second way is to reframe the chaos you see in the world. This happens when you step back long enough to remember the larger picture of polarity and power mongering. These themes have been with humanity for thousands of years. Does this mean people are incapable of love and co-existing on Earth? No, of course not. You know this instinctively because you are consciously moving through the planet’s rebirthing – and you hold a vision of a much different kind of world. Come back to that vision daily.

A third way you can advance despite the chaos is to dive deeper into self-reflection. Learn more about your larger purposes for being alive now. There are countless methods for doing this. One very useful tool is to explore your personal astrology and see how it lines up with collective themes. Your astrology, including your birth chart as a map to unique features of this incarnation, can help you broaden your sense of self. Knowing what harmony you have to work with for your life path is an essential piece of self-discovery. Understanding where you have the most power, too, can help you define your life path.

A fourth way to advance during chaos is to be aware of world events without getting drawn into the drama. The world needs your compassion, your neutrality, and your continual striving to be loving. Stay informed, and do what you can daily to add your light to the dance of change. Examples of events unfolding in July on the world stage: Brexit (the June 23 decision in Britain to leave the European Union), the US political conventions (Republican July 18-21 in Cleveland and Democrat July 25-28 in Philadelphia).

July Moon Watch

Moon cycles can catalyze spiritual openings, involve amplified energy, and fuel emotions.

July 4 – America’s Independence Day – is a Cancer New Moon.

July 19 is a Capricorn Full Moon, likely to shed light on needed changes.

Signs and Reminders to Ask For Now

Ask your higher self to help guide you in preparation for your next big leap. Ask for signs and reminders that keep you focused and on track. Examples are below.

Show me signs something new is percolating.

Give me validations about people key to my path.

Remind me when I get ahead of myself – so I can be “in time” and receive the fruits of the now.

You Can’t Shake Hands With A Clenched Fist

You Can’t Shake Hands With A Clenched Fist: July’s Cancerian New Moon – Lynda Hill’s Sabian Symbols

You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist. Indira Gandhi

It is easier to point the finger than to offer a helping hand. Anon

The lonely one offers his hand too quickly to whomever he encounters. Friedrich Nietzsche

The world can only be grasped by action, not by contemplation. The hand is the cutting edge of the mind. Jacob Bronowski

Nothing up my sleeve! Magician’s Saying

Spiritual love is a position of standing with one hand extended into the universe and one hand extended into the world, letting ourselves be a conduit for passing energy.Christina Baldwin

I hate the giving of the hand unless the whole man accompanies it. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The fingers must be educated, the thumb is born knowing. Marc Chagall

If my hands are fully occupied in holding onto something, I can neither give nor receive.Dorothee Solle

July’s new Moon in Cancer occurs on July 4, which is Independence Day in the United States. This is rather interesting in the light of what’s happening not only in the US, but in the United Kingdom and all that is going on there with the Brexit vote and it’s manifestations. This new Moon is conjunct (together with) Mercury, and the Sabian Symbol for Mercury speaks about new beginnings and the need to mold and shape things so that they turn out to be the best they can be. We need to nurture these new developments, much as a diamond cutter needs to be careful of where to make the next cut. This new Moon is conjunct Sirius, and this can show a very strong spiritual drive and a need to reach for higher realms in our lives.

The new Moon is also in a very nice trine aspect with Neptune, and this can have us aligning more and more with our creative and spiritual aspirations. Pushing us to be even more, to do more, to reach further, etc, is the opposition of the new Moon to Pluto. This can show many changes coming in our lives. We may choose to walk away from some situations, relationships, belief systems, etc, in order to enact a revolution in our lives. It can also show rather monumental power battles, and, we may have to choose our battles wisely.

This is most definitely a transformative new Moon, but, it is likely that there will be some frustrations. Mars is just getting going after a long retrograde and stationary period in Scorpio, and, Mars is in a somewhat difficult quincunx aspect with Uranus. I call the quincunx The Itch That Is Hard To Scratch. So, it pays to measure three times before cutting the cloth – especially as the new Moon is in a quincunx aspect with Saturn. We need to be sure of our direction, and, if necessary, this could mean holding back on some decisions that need precision. If a decision is final, and there will be quite a few situations of people walking away from things that may have meant a lot to them, the decision probably comes as a complete full stop. Pluto can see to that, as can the placement of Chiron on the People Going Ahead With Their Different Projects degree.

The Moon’s nodes are also nicely aspected by this new Moon. All in all, this is a transformative lunation and one that can be liberating, interesting, intense and definitely meaningful.

In general terms, the new Moon each month marks a time of new beginnings and realisations. It’s like a birth after a time of gestation or being ‘in the womb’. Here, the light begins to return and we can see new beginnings and possibilities. A new Moon means that the Sun and the Moon are both together – bringing a synergy of their energies together. The new Moon is a perfect time to set your intentions for the future. This period is wonderful for planting seeds of whatever kind. What do you want to manifest in your future? Whether you write it down, sing about it or just hold the thought forms in your mind, doing this at the new Moon can realise some fabulous results around the things that you want to draw into your life.

The New Moon is on Cancer 13: A HAND, WHICH IS HELD OUT RECEPTIVELY, IS REMARKABLE FOR THE SUGGESTION OF CHARACTER IN ITS PROMINENT THUMB – the following is from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees Of Wisdom –

Commentary: ‘A Hand, Which Is Held Out Receptively’ implies reaching out to others. The ‘Prominent Thumb’ implies a strong will. This image infers a “handshake” of some kind. A “handshake” can bridge differences and gaps between people, bring them closer together and also show that one doesn’t have (or shouldn’t have!) a hidden agenda. The person reaches out to others showing their strong ‘Character’. Palmists say the ‘Thumb’ shows the predisposition of a person’s future and state of health.

Oracle: Although a degree of flexibility needs to exist in this situation, it will, inevitably, be strength of ‘Character’ and a willingness to extend one’s self to others that will enable you to succeed. Being in control of oneself and one’s environment is an effective and lasting expression of power. It is also important to note that this Symbol is about strength of will and character, and that being receptive does not weaken this. In fact, it is by being receptive that we can truly be powerful and have a positive influence on those around us. The ‘Prominent Thumb’ can show a strong sense of determination and a desire to impress others. However, if this sense of strong determination does not come accompanied by the ability to compromise and listen, it will only create the potential for problems. This can also apply to groups of people and also to elements of your inner self. Reaching out and extending your ‘Hand’ ‘Receptively’ to others may be what’s required. Show that you are approachable and caring, and you’ll most likely see the situation resolve itself naturally. When the time is right you will be able to “grasp” what is needed.

Keywords: Openness and willingness to extend oneself to others. The handshake and the need for it. Being approachable and friendly. Palmistry and palm reading. Having a firm will. Introductions. Strong character. Flexible behavior. Hitchhiking.

The Caution: An aggressiveness and overbearing nature. Feeling that one is better, or stronger, than others. The smooth handshake that manipulates to impress one’s personality. Unbending and dominant behavior. Taking over situations regardless of what others want. Defensive, insecure, unsure, introverted. Blocking human exchanges.

The Quest Degree for the Moon is Cancer 14: A VERY OLD PERSON FACING A VAST DARK SPACE TO THE NORTHEAST – this is the degree of the Sun in the Sibly chart for the USA.

This Symbol shows that you may be looking for some help or spiritual guidance, but it may be difficult to find through the usual channels. As we become more enlightened there is a greater ability to see spiritual truth in unexpected places. There needs to be a trust and courage that your inner wisdom is in touch with the higher truth. The ‘Vast Dark Space to the Northeast’ is often the direction one looks for this spiritual guidance and looking towards that direction in the sky can bring an influx of creative and spiritual energies. Further, this symbolizes the desertion of native people’s by their governments.

Keywords: American Indians and other native peoples that have been left in the dark. Losing faith in the future. The dying out of cultures or languages. Washington DC. Staring into a void. Blindness. Searching for answers. Sirius—the Dog Star. Magnetic shifts. Compass directions. Stargazing. Navigation. Faith. The earth’s poles. Astronomy. Vast dark arenas. Wisdom that comes with age. Feeling old before one’s time. Seeking purpose and direction.

The Caution: Seeing nothing. A lack of purpose. Abandonment, rejection, loss and darkness. The exploitation and abandonment of native people. Myopia. Voids. Emptiness.

The Moon symbolizes: Emotions, moods, mother, family, clan, domestic issues, relationship to home and country. Feelings, sentiments, nourishment, emotional nurturing, monkey chatter mind, lunar and menstrual cycles, clarity of emotions or lunacy. Female energy – yours and others.

 Mercury is on Cancer 10: A LARGE DIAMOND IN THE FIRST STAGES OF THE CUTTING PROCESS

This Symbol implies the beginning stages of things that are becoming something wonderful, useful and worthwhile. Things are always growing and perfecting and it seems that your position is just beginning to take shape and the potential is enormous, but there needs to be care and accuracy taken or all the work to date could be lost or spoilt. This situation has taken a long time to develop and comes from a deep organic essence. Keep cutting away the unnecessary and the flawed and you’ll emerge with a wonderful gem as this Symbol implies riches and talent and beauty.

Keywords: Coming to terms with inner worth. Emerging perfection. Beauty that is still a bit “rough around the edges”. Naivety. Beauty that is within, even if it has flaws. Potential. Chopping and grinding away to get to the essential. Being almost, but not completely, perfect. Reserving judgment. Self-development courses. Knowing where to start or finish. Craftsmanship. Finding the best in everything.

The Caution: Leaving an important job unfinished. Seeing the flaws not the inherent beauty. Being afraid to take the first stab at something. Being overwhelmed by importance and value. Being overprotective or insecure. Not seeing the whole picture. Things unformed and incomplete. A “diamond in the rough”, someone lacking social polish.

Mercury symbolizes: Mind, thought, communication, memory, expression, intelligence. News, exchanges, chatting, conversations, short journeys, connections with others, telephones, emails, siblings, neighbors, the reasoning mind. Day-to-day activities. Cars, keys, small animals.

 Venus is on Cancer 21: A PRIMA DONNA SINGING

This Symbol speaks of talent and the ability to use it and bring it out into the open so that others may enjoy. The Prima Donna is number one at her art: she gets center stage and fills people with joy at the sound of her voice. You, too, may want to use your voice or talents to sway your audience or those listening, although you could find that others may brand you as demanding attention. You could find that your talents will be tested to their extreme, but, if you can open your heart and let your inhibitions go, then you will please your audience and fulfill yourself. Where there’s a lot of voices, yours probably will be the one most listened to.

Keywords: Powerful voice. Emotional dramatizations. Talent. Taking center stage. Messages that need to be heard for social reasons. Playing out the myths of society. Makeup, hairstyles, wigs and costumes. Feeling important and special. Singing and performing. Opera and drama. Fame and fortune. Charisma and presence. Commanding attention. Having control and good timing. Flowers or brickbats. Years and years of training or improvising on the spot.

The Caution: Overplaying one’s role. Displaying noisily. Driving people to distraction. Refusing to keep quiet. Demanding to be heard. Wanting everyone to listen. Overreacting. Throwing tantrums. Not knowing when to stop. Passions worn on the sleeve. Showing off.

The Karmic Degree for Venus is Cancer 20: VENETIAN GONDOLIERS IN A SERENADE

This Symbol speaks of the pleasure of romance, singing, being serenaded – although a cliché in its form, it is still often special for the individual. This speaks of the ability to break out from the constraints of social expectations and to let your self float on the pleasure of romance. This is about finding ways to relate that satisfy emotional requirements. Don’t let doubts get in the way of sincere emotions. This is not exactly a time for seriousness; however don’t be fooled by insincere charades; employ the ability to see behind the charades that people sometimes play.

Keywords: Romantic fantasy. Singing and music. Performance. Public speaking. Impressing people with joy, romance, fun and the wonder of life. Venusian displays. Issues of the truth. Ease of communicating. Working to win people over. Appealing to the beloved. Elegance. Floating on the emotions. Festive atmospheres. Nostalgia. Boats. Water.

The Caution: Insincere charade masking what’s real. Retreating into one’s self. Saying what others want in order to get the right response. Superficial displays. Misplaced trust.

The Quest Degree for Venus is Cancer 22: A YOUNG WOMAN AWAITING A SAILBOAT

This Symbol shows someone who feels that there is a strong sense that the ideal will come if one just waits long enough. The waiting can lead to a pleasurable expectation, but it’s important not to become dependent on unreliable expectations. If you are constantly looking out, then you are not giving enough time to looking back or inward at the things you already possess or have ready access to. How long are you prepared to wait on the dock for your ship to come in? Has it already come in but you’ve not even noticed? Are you waiting in the right places?

Keywords: Waiting for one’s ship to come in. Escapist fantasies that rob everyday life. Travel and the longing for escape. Living in the future vs. being in the here and now. Nervous anticipation. Leaving things to chance. Believing that things will come eventually. Opportunism. Rocking someone’s boat. Expectant waiting. Constant looking to the horizon. Boats. Tides. Creating a safe harbor.

The Caution: Longing for fulfillment that may never come. Hoping that things will one day ‘happen’. Missing opportunities through emotional inaction. Rocking someone’s boat.

Venus symbolizes: Relatedness, cooperation, what attracts you. The experience of sweetness, beauty or delight. Social interactions, love, friends, how you reach out to people. Feminine persona, relationship with mother and females. Money, possessions, sense of values.

 Mars is stationing direct on Scorpio 24: CROWDS COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN TO LISTEN TO ONE INSPIRED PERSON – Mars will be on this degree until about the 11th July. It seems that there might be a lot of ‘voices’ going on – each vying for our attention.

This implies having a message or the voice that others flock to in order to listen. Whether you are the “One Inspired Person”, or someone in the audience, you may feel that you have had some wonderful realizations after hearing inspired messages, from within yourself or from an external source, and now you need to bring these lessons or understandings down to an everyday level in order to integrate them into everyday life. People will have different responses to the messages given. Not all will be responsive, but the message will resonate with those that are meant to hear it. What will be done with this information and how far will it spread?

Keywords: Power to sway the feelings and thoughts of many. The ability to draw a large audience. The Jesus story. Giving one’s power away to those who apparently have more authority. Charisma. Having a large audience. The minds and the ears of the many. Oratory skills. Gurus. Listening. Ascending the mountain to achieve a purer state of being. Lecturing.

The Caution: Naiveté, gullibility Feeling like someone else holds all the answers. Wanting everyone to listen regardless of their input or needs. Demanding centre stage..

The Quest Degree for Mars is Scorpio 25: AN X RAY PHOTOGRAPH HELPS WITH THE DIAGNOSIS

This Symbol shows being able to see into areas or realms that others generally don’t take any notice of. You may find yourself looking for a deeper understanding of situations and you need to peel away the layers in order to get to the truth of the matter. You may need to employ both the emotions and the intellect. Ask yourself: what do you want to find and what is being done to reveal the structure or the nitty gritty of situations? Looking inside for clues. Being able to see through layers into the reality of things helps you to be able to make a “Diagnosis” – dia which means “by”, and gnosis which means “knowledge”

Keywords: Penetrating insight. Piercing through external appearances. Pure understanding. Incredible insight and revelations. Having the eyes to see. X-ray machines, spying, detective work. Reaching conclusions. Evaluations. Photographs. Negatives. Radiation. X-ray vision. Expensive and up-to-date equipment. Chemotherapy. Mammograms. Scanning equipment. Finding causes. Paparazzi.

The Caution: Disregarding the truth. Invading people’s mental, physical or psychic space. Being intense and meaningful. Not knowing when to relax. Undressing others.

Mars symbolizes: Drive, determination or agenda, how you get to your goals. How you express and handle anger, ambition, assertion of self and ability to step forward. The male principle, sexuality, the ability to step up to the plate when one needs to. Fight or flight.

 Jupiter is on Virgo 18: TWO GIRLS PLAYING WITH A OUIJA BOARD

This Symbol can show a desire to contact deeper wisdom, within your self or from outside forces. It often shows up in situations where intuition or clairvoyant energies abound, but it can also show immature, inquisitive energies that want to delve in deeply or to know about everything. The “Ouija Board” is a tool that gives assistance to focus on messages coming through. Of course, many different tools are available in the form of tarot cards, I Ching coins, etc. Youthful attempts at using these energies to discover the deeper meanings of life can bring surprising results. However, sometimes there can be little control over what is coming through from “the other side”.

Keywords: Immature curiosity leading to messages and inner guidance. Listening devices. Tuning into possible meanings. Ouija boards. Séances. Clairvoyant abilities. Spirits of the departed. Contact with the “other side”. Messages coming through from unknown sources. Spiritualism. Ectoplasms. Concentrated attention. Poltergeists. Haunted houses. Cold energies. Bringing spirit through. Moving furniture. Phenomena. Weird and spooky. Seeing ghosts. Being a channel.

The Caution: Dealing with situations beyond your maturity. Continually looking for information.

Jupiter symbolizes: The big picture, expansion, exploration, aspirations, religious and philosophical ideals, issues to do with traveling, foreign lands, people and traditions, culture, education, generosity, luck, abundance, support, optimism. Insight through knowledge and wisdom.

 Saturn is retrograde on Sagittarius 11: IN THE LEFT SECTION OF AN ARCHAIC TEMPLE, A LAMP BURNS IN A CONTAINER SHAPED LIKE A HUMAN BODY

This Symbol implies seeing the body as being ones “Temple”; something to be honored and given respect, exercise and good nutrition. It also pictures linking the spirit and the body. Logic is not always involved in this equation – this mostly speaks of emotions, spirit and physicality. Sometimes we need to remember to be ‘in our bodies’ and this shows the rewards that can come from regarding our body as our temple. There’s a need to sleep and exercise when we need to, to eat when we need to; to be alive and happy. However, if taken too seriously, one can forget to nourish their mind, preferring to concentrate on physical attributes and forgetting about other possibilities.

Keywords: Connecting the left and right sides. Working out, physical fitness and exercise. Yoga. Grounding reality. Sexuality. Realizing that body is the same as spirit. Remembering to be in the body. Light workers. The acceptance of the body and its functions. Sport and its physical rewards. Metabolic rates. Oil burners. Gas lamps. Aladdin’s lamp. Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Albert Schweitzer

The Caution: Being caught up in the illusion of the “physical self”. Worshipping the physical body at the expense of the intellect, psyche or spirit. One’s fire going out.

Saturn symbolizes: Authority, rules, discipline and obligation The heavy stuff. What we fear, loss, karma, aging, the establishment, orthodoxy, tradition, status, the concept of time, walls, boundaries, limits, older people, restrictions, patience, conquering difficulties.

 Uranus is stationing and about to go retrograde on Aries 25: A DOUBLE PROMISE REVEALS ITS INNER AND OUTER MEANINGS

This Symbol shows that what at first appears to be may reveal itself to actually be something else. Simple promises can be more complicated than first thought. The rational and emotional responses can conflict with each other; one wants something, the other wants something else. However, this can be the way to really view things, from an inner and outer perspective. Also indicates the choice that arises – of the heart and of social obligation. Realize the implications of expectations and promises.

Keywords: Rewards, but what do they bring with them? The possible implications of or reasons for any promises. Something that may look good on the outside, but prove to be difficult. Looking for consensus. Possibilities and promises. The ins and outs of situations. Not turning up. The need to look at situations from all sides. Internal vs. external realities. Catch-22 situations. Contracts.

The Caution: Fickleness, insincerity and two-facedness in human relationships. Promising more than can be delivered. Not turning up. Having hidden agendas.

Uranus symbolizes: The unexpected, things that are individual or ‘different’. Charged, energetic dynamics, electricity, light, lightning bolts, sudden changes, those who live on the fringe of society. Sudden turns and twists of fate. Rebellion, surprises, liberation, freedom.

 Neptune is retrograde on Pisces 12: AN EXAMINATION OF INITIATES IN THE SANCTUARY OF AN OCCULT BROTHERHOOD

This Symbol shows passing the tests that life, other people, spirituality or karma throws at you. You are likely to find at times that you are being judged by those above or around you. It is difficult to see what their qualifications to judge you are, but this is often the nature of progression through the ranks. People being critical of one another can lead to better behavior, better performances or the like, or it can lead to feeling judged, violated and intruded upon. It can seem as though our lives are like lessons; we are periodically “Examined” to see how we are doing on our course. Be careful not to shut yourself away to avoid being seen or having to endure criticism.

Keywords: The ordeal that comes to any initiate for entrance into higher realms of being. Hermits. Tests, examinations, having to prove oneself. Being judged or being judgmental. Being cross examined. Rarefied atmospheres that demand personal sacrifice. Initiations. Proving courage and purity. Trials. The attainment of knowledge. Apprenticeships. Being a candidate. Finding out how and where one fits in. One-eyed dedication. Trial by media. Cults. Rituals.

The Caution: Refusing advice. Arrogance. People saying ‘I told you so’. Invading other’s space. People assuming they know the truth about someone. Failing. Scandals. Stories.

The Karmic Degree for Neptune is Pisces 11: PEOPLE TRAVELING A NARROW PATH, SEEKING ILLUMINATION

This shows having a quest, “Seeking Illumination”, having a “Path” and staying on it regardless of what life throws at you. Sometimes the search for high ideals and understanding places us at odds with the more conservative social expectations of others. It is the ability to persevere with the search, regardless of the cost, that marks the sincerity of any path or journey. You may, at times, have to go without some comforts or stick to a rigorous agenda. Most times this quest is very illuminating, sometimes it’s confusing. You will need to reject that which is unworthy, while staying true to your objectives in order to stay focused on the goal.

Keywords: People “on the Path”. Sticking to one mindset, diet, regimen or habit. Having a cause to follow. Not looking sideways. Awakening one’s base senses in order to progress. Physical ecstasy. Being in the now. Going towards the light. Staying true to self. The promise of light at the end of the journey.

The Caution: Being blinded by the light. Not knowing where you’re going. Denial of physical pleasure. Puritanical and one-eyed. Distractions. Narrow minded. Disillusionment.

The Quest Degree for Neptune is Pisces 13: A SWORD, USED IN MANY BATTLES, IS NOW IN A MUSEUM

This shows knowing when to stop battling in life, when to lay down one’s “Sword” and take up a higher position that reflects a more intelligent or spiritual way of being in the world. Sometimes, when reminded of the battles of the past, we are influenced towards actions that ensure peace. We are uplifted by the symbolic memory of past deeds of valor, although stings of defeat may be part of the story. You may be faced with the choice of fighting or reasoning which is confused by your lack of training or experience in the ways of “Battle”. Don’t go down with the ship. It helps to lay down one’s ‘sword’ – not in order to surrender, but to stop the ‘warring’

Keywords: Willpower. Martial arts. Putting aside thoughts of vengeance and revenge. Hanging up or laying down one’s ‘Sword’. Trophies of conquest that remind us of the past. History. Aging and maturing. Retirement. Remnants of battles. Souvenirs of the past. “Words as swords”. The Spear of Destiny. The Sword Excalibur. Disarming weapons. The search for truth and justice. Suits of armor. Peace at last. Sexual impotence.

The Caution: Lack of sensitivity. Pretense of one’s abilities. Falling on one’s sword from defeat. Sexual impotence. Domestic violence. Giving up. Grudges. Wanting to go into “Battle”.

Neptune symbolizes: Mystical, “out there,” spirituality and con artists. Dreams, mysteries, mystics and religious issues. Intuition, clairvoyance, seeing into the invisible. Addictive, chaotic, charming, deceptive, illusory, co dependent, sensory awareness.

 Pluto is retrograde on Capricorn 17: A YOUNG PERSON SURREPTITIOUSLY BATHING IN THE NUDE – Pluto here could be suggesting that we may need to be a little cautious in how much we reveal of ourselves to others. Although we may want to ‘strip off’ external layers, we may also find ourselves rather vulnerable if we go too far. A little self-disclosure can be very useful now, but, we may want to make sure that we protect our boundaries.

This Symbol shows getting rid of the restraints imposed by social conditioning and inhibitions; to strip down to bare essentials and not be ashamed of it. The “Young Person” is enjoying the feeling of not having clothes or costume to constrain or cover them. They are also letting the sun and the air contact their skin which is very healthy and revivifying. Although there may be some feelings of being ‘exposed’, really letting go and not worrying about being ‘seen’ can lead to feelings of freedom. This applies to a freeing up or exposing on a spiritual and emotional level as well, it’s not confined to physical realities.

Keywords: Confrontations with one’s self. Reconnecting with nature. A desire to “reveal” oneself mentally, physically or emotionally. Issues with weight. The manipulation of the female form in the media. Exhibitionism. Learning to let go of extraneous things. Confronting puritanism. Being at one with the environment. Releasing inhibitions. Stripping. Streaking. Sun lotions.

The Caution: Suppression of natural attitudes. Bondage to inhibitions. Exhibitionist. Revealing too much. Showing off. Lack of concern for others’ feelings. Sexual exploitation..

The Quest Degree for Pluto is Capricorn 18: THE UNION JACK FLIES FROM A NEW BRITISH WARSHIP – this degree reflects not only on what is going on in the United Kingdom with Brexit, it also speaks of issues like building the Mexican ‘wall’, etc. It can also show how we need to look after our own borders, to keep those who may pry into our lives out of the equation.

This Symbol talks about supervision, border protection and control. There can be a feeling of having to oversee a large ‘empire’ where reliability and leadership are vital. This can be a tiring responsibility, but there can be an awareness of the protection of ‘all who went before’. However, political and social restraints from the past could be causing you to feel that you’ve somehow got to ‘wage war’. Issues to do with the government can come up, whether you agree with what they do or not. You may be confronted with having to make your presence felt and guard your territory. Effective supervision will help you to relax.

Keywords: Colonialism. Protectionism. The government, big business and the media. Class-consciousness. Power and political displays. Displays of “law and order”. Border patrols and protection. Strength and might. Nationalism. Royalty. The ruling elite. Supervision. The armed forces. Patrols. Pitting people against each other. Empires. Victory bringing riches. The mother country. The struggle against decline. Flags. Imperialism. The Commonwealth. The rule of law.

The Caution: Artificial shows of strength. Being armed. Strong-arm tactics. Flags. Republics. Issues of statehood. Getting out the big guns. Rebellion. Social disintegration.

Pluto symbolizes: Unconscious motivations, depth psychology, history. Sex, procreation at a deep level, intensity, profound emotions, taking hold of one’s power. Being king or queen of one’s underworld. Strength, survival mode instincts. Big money. Big power. The Plutocracy. Power vs power struggles.

Chiron is retrograde on Pisces 26: A NEW MOON REVEALS THAT IT’S TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR DIFFERENT PROJECTS

This shows being able to see, or to accept, when it’s time for people to move on or to part from each other. They need to “Go Ahead With Their Different Projects” – their focus has changed and, quite possibly, they’ve parted ways. There’s a picture here of new beginnings. People will have their own response to situations – not everyone will react in the same way. It can be a good idea to direct some energy into your desires or projects at the time of the new moon. Light a candle and state your intentions with honesty and love.

Keywords: Diversifying. Applying talents in a different direction. People splitting up and splitting off. New opportunities and potentials. The beginning of a new age. Letting go of the old and outworn. Separations. Embracing one’s future without the need for others. Coming to a fork in the road. Divorces. New jobs, directions and destinies. The dawning of a new era.

The Caution: Not giving emotional support. Feeling split off and alone. The fear and loathing of separation. Failing relationships. Overthrowing the old too quickly. Fickleness.

The Karmic Degree for Chiron is Pisces 25: THE PURGING OF THE PRIESTHOOD – Chiron will be transiting back over this degree. It is very interesting in the light of all that’s going on on the world stage, along with those things that are happening in our personal lives.

This shows seeing through those who hold important positions yet abuse trust or those who make great claims but don’t live up to them. At this time, you’re likely to find yourself leaving others behind, kicking them out, or experiencing falls from grace. Periodically, there is a need to examine moral and spiritual sincerity. It is easy to allow those who don’t really belong to stay because of familiarity or habit. We can lose sight of the ideal through our rationalizing intellect, ego and emotive passion. There is a need to cleanse and purify your life, leading to better spiritual values. What side of the “Purging” are you on? Are you the one with the ‘right motives’? Who’s in charge?

Keywords: Revealing the truth of people for who and what they truly are. Cutting people off. Throwing out things that don’t measure up. Forced retirement and redundancies. Payouts at the end of employment. Dismissals. Opting out for moral reasons. Being fired. Holes left where someone took up a lot of space.

The Caution: Battles over spiritual direction. Abusing authority. Whistle blowing. Damning others. Deceiving, lying or misleading. Corruption and scandals. Burning books.

Chiron symbolizes: Our wounds, Chiron is known as The Wounded Healer. The wounds are The Stories That We Tell Ourselves, it is where we have to focus on healing, it can show things that are out of shape or misplaced or in need of repair.

The Moon’s North Node is on Virgo 15: A FINE LACE ORNAMENTAL HANDKERCHIEF

This Symbol speaks of emotions and the delicacy of feelings and a preparedness to show one’s emotions. Often, the “Ornamental Handkerchief” shows someone who has issues or problems with being emotional, letting go or crying. It can, however, show a person who is always there, at the ready, for people who need a shoulder to cry on or a kind ear to listen. Sometimes the smallest tokens of our past, like a “Fine Lace Handkerchief” can bring us a sense of security and joy. The scent of the “fabric”, the care and loving in the crafting of things of beauty give a sense of security and being loved.

Keywords: Delicacy of feeling. Attention to detail. Winning awards through valor. Hypersensitivity. Looking but not touching. Overdressing. Appearing too delicate to truly enjoy life. Makeup and accessories. Fragility. Old things of lace and beauty. Refinement. Small gifts given with deep feeling.

The Caution: The artificial sob-story. False sympathy for others. Things from the past. The need for everything to be perfect all the time.

The Quest Degree for true Node is Virgo 16: DELIGHTED CHILDREN CROWD AROUND THE ORANG UTANG CAGE IN A ZOO – I feel that this hardly needs an interpretation with all that’s going on, particularly politically.

This Symbol shows the fun and delight that can come from observing and being a part of nature. There often needs to be a primitive, yet childlike response to situations. Facing the baser instincts of oneself and others brings a fresh, new approach to life. Building cages and fences keeps others from being able to relate in a carefree way. Separations can come from seeing others as being different or apart. Seeing the common factors that unite us can be very informative about our own emotions, as well as our shortcomings. Also, you may feel like some are from a different species, a different planet or live in a zoo.

Keywords: Karmic confrontations between the creatively integrated and the unevolved. Objects of derision, fascination or worship. Showing off or acting to get a reaction from others. Trying to relate to others that don’t understand. Feeling like one is in a zoo. Observing others. Curiosity. Crowding around. Everyone wanting to have a look. Going by instincts. Television shows such as Jerry Springer. News networks. The media. Lack of social inhibition.

The Caution: Egoistic feelings of being better or in a higher state of evolution. Making fun of others. Lack of privacy. Fences and barriers.

The Moon’s North Node symbolizes: This is known as quite a ‘karmic point’ (although all planets and points in a chart can be ‘karmic’). One’s destiny in this life. The things you are meant to integrate, move towards, become. Destined relationships and relationship issues can show up here.

 The Moon’s South Node is on Pisces 15: AN OFFICER DRILLING HIS MEN IN A SIMULATED ATTACK – as this is the south node, this Symbol can show us where we need to let go of ‘the sky is falling’ attitudes and to stop feeling wound up about what is, or what could be, going on.

This shows being well rehearsed, prepared and ready for anything that life throws at you. When you’re well rehearsed, you are able to spring to attention when situations warrant it. You may feel that you need to rehearse or prepare for difficult situations. There is wisdom in practicing to reduce the chance of error or failure. However, are you going over and over possible positive or negative outcomes thereby losing the joy that can be found in relaxing and letting down your guard? Sometimes the things we think are going to happen don’t happen at all. Choosing where, when and how to be ready and willing to go for objectives is half the battle.

Keywords: Taking orders to better respond to situations. The higher self training the lower self. Exercises. Marching and going through the motions. The need for defense. Seeing ahead. Planning strategies. Fire drills. Smoke alarms. Being prepared. Issuing orders and expecting them to be followed through. Discipline. Martial arts of all kinds. Going over and over possible outcomes. Safeguards put in place. Gas masks and bomb shelters.

The Caution: Rigid routine for no real purpose. Overreactions. Seeing threats or attack everywhere. Going over things too much. Not knowing what to do or how to act. Drills.

The Moon’s South Node symbolizes: Past karmic patterns to be overcome, can be habits that are good, but can describe things, relationships, issues that you need to let go of, or, hold you back from manifesting your true destiny. Relationships that feel karmic and difficult, memories from the past.

Cosmic Weather – New Moon in Cancer: The depth of feeling, healing and one big love

Hello friends. The energies have certainly been interesting lately. As we often have several planets in water signs in July, with this new moon we will have 7 (Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Neptune and Chiron.) That’s a lot of depth! It’s also a lot of healing potential. That is, if we don’t let emotional traffic jams get the best of us.

The New Moon arrives on Monday on the tail end of some interesting opposition energy and well as a lovely Neptune trine. This means that the general vibe has been anything but static or ordinary. Based on a session with Guidance last night, I was told that this new moon carries a powerful stargate/portal type of energy. We will be having these little upgrades all Summer – on the road to the Fall (Spring) Equinox in September. One of the main focuses of this New Moon portal is: INTUITION. That is, learning to work with it more deeply and to trust it. It’s not a matter of letting the heart override the head so to speak these days, but activating what the Keepers have called the “wisdom eye” of the higher heart chakra, which is an accurate internal GPS system of its own.

Interestingly this new moon falls on Independence Day in the US, this of course has plenty of personal and collective implications. With two attacks that took place in Orlando and Turkey in the past three weeks wounds to the collective and vulnerability are still apparent, especially energetically. So what is the antidote? We keep our own shadow material in order by not offloading it and we add our love to the Grid. In this portal especially, the group power of Love and Compassion will have an especially potent impact.

The Universe seems to beckon, “Just how big and open can you get your heart?” “Can you be vulnerable and trust me and yourself?” Those are good questions and highly relevant at the moment. This is also a good time to practice “being with what is.” If that means having a good cry, primal scream or pillow throwing session, so be it. This is certainly no time for emotional repression.

I’m going to be honest with you this isn’t a particularly easy energy for Empath/Sensitives, but there are some good coping strategies available: limit news and negative media input, tend to your own self-care intently, avoid interpersonal drama and keep yourself attuned to the higher octaves through prayer, ritual and/or meditation.

Love, compassion and sensitivity are the natural states of Cancerian energy. Though Cancer is known for its sweetness and light it also can have a fierce side, especially when it comes to protecting its family, friends and “soul posse.” It is also a Cardinal sign which is dynamic and contains an executive type of energy, although with Cancer it may not be as readily apparent as with Capricorn or Aries, for example. It is also known as the “natural psychologist” of the Zodiac, due to the deep insight into the character and motivations of human beings that it possesses. Many Sun/Moon/Ascendant in Cancer people will tell you that they are the among ones with the most “TMI” stories from parties and other social events. We can use this depth of insight into our own “stuff” for our benefit. We also have the support of Chiron and Neptune (both Retrograde) to support inner journeys. As I mentioned in my monthly snapshot, one known benefit of these energies is much greater ACCESS to disowned or hidden psychological material. This is very appropriate in this “9” year energy which is about surrender and letting go of that which no longer serves us.

Bright Side Application: Love, Compassion (for self and others,) Healthy Boundaries, Emotional Honesty, Creativity, Self-Care, Family Harmony, Surrender and letting go.

Shadow Side Application: Irritability, Over-Sensitivity, Poor Boundaries, Passive-Aggression, Family Drama, Stubbornness.

And I guess I’m taking my chances, giving up the ring, throwing in the gloves. Then I guess I’m taking my chances, trading in my things for a couple of wings on a little white dove. And one big love. – Patty Griffin

You are deeply loved. It has been said that if you knew just how much you were truly loved, you never fret or despair again. And not only are you love – you are Cosmic Love embodied! – The Keepers, Cosmic Love, page 17

Happy New Moon friends! We need another “Summer of Love.” I suggest we all do our part to create one. To quote RCHP, “There’s never been a better time than right now.”

NOTE: The New Moon in Cancer is 7/4/16 4:01 am PDT/7:01 am EDT.