The Sun now is in the sign of backyard barbeques and pool parties which puts focus to matters of tribe and sustenance. Cancer is the Pooh bear of zodiacal signs underneath a sometimes distant exterior. They have a talent for making themselves and everyone else feel ‘at home’. Their unassuming manner and 'down to earth' wisdom make them a popular friend. Whether we feel understood, loved, and valued for who we are, rather than for what we do, is of greater significance now. The lack of planets in earth signs for most of the month can affect pragmatism making the Moon’s movement through the earth signs of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn key to physical manifestation.

The week of July 3^rd has Mercury the planet of communication and contractual matters in a crawl as he prepares to turn retrograde on Tuesday the 4^th. Mercury’s retrograde motion until July 28^th allows us to catch up on projects that have fallen by the wayside, particularly those that create greater domestic harmony and security. This is generally NOT a good time to buy appliances, computers, or motor vehicles, nor is it considered a favorable time to sign contracts. If you must do so read the fine print. Wednesday has action orientated Mars in Leo opposing illusory Neptune, indicating projects started on this day may face unimagined difficulties. On Thursday the 6^th, Venus squares Uranus bringing out the eccentric in some of us, as Jupiter the planet of professional vision turns to direct motion completing its journey through Scorpio over the next 5 months. Friday’s Sun is in a trine to innovative Uranus supporting invention and teamwork.

The week of July 10^th finds Mercury re-entering sentimental Cancer as the Sun and Moon oppose one another. The Full Moon at 9:03 pm MDT on Monday evening carries the sensitive, melancholy energies of Cancer and Capricorn. Venus’s trine to Neptune adds an element of dreaminess to the Full Moon energies, favoring romantic, artistic and mystical endeavors. The Moon traveling through Aquarius from Tuesday through Thursday helps with clarification and teamwork. On Friday the 14^th, Mar’s trine to Pluto can provide tremendous drive and focus to transcend hurdles and manifest what is most desired today and through the weekend. Venus the Goddess of relationships opposes Pluto at this time, so success will be linked to a balanced approach. The planetary combination of these three planets Saturday and Sunday allows us to transform and surpass even the most obstinate obstacles.

The week of July 17^th has the Sun and Mercury in a combust aspect stimulating matters of the mind and heart. The confident Aries Moon in a grand trine with Mars and Pluto on Monday furthers creative drive and courage. Venus moves into sweet romantic Cancer on Tuesday evening, favoring affairs tied to home and family for the next 3 weeks. The Taurus Moon on Wednesday allows for realistic assessment of expenditures and steady accomplishment. The Gemini Moon on Thursday afternoon and Friday is a great day to catch up on correspondence and be with the neighbors. On Saturday the 22^nd, Mars enters the discerning earth sign of Virgo lending some much-needed grounding to the planetary energies motivating us to put affairs in order or be of service. On this same day the Sun enters extravagant and boisterous Leo adding a desire to make fun a priority this weekend.

The week of July 24^th features the Leo New Moon on Monday evening at 10:31 pm MDT. Leo is the sign associated with generosity, drama and impressiveness. This New Moon encourages the inner child in all of us; activities that provide for pleasure and entertainment are highlighted. Take advantage of this New Moon to start something so exhilarating that your heart swells and you just have to smile. Midweek, Venus creates a fortunate and lucky trine to Jupiter, favoring affairs of the heart and finances. On Thursday evening Mars can be seen just below the crescent Moon while on the 28^th and 29^th, if you are up in the wee hours, you will see meteors from the Delta Aquarids. On Friday, Mercury again resumes direct motion at 21 degrees of Cancer allowing us to resolve the minor obstacles that slowed us down over the previous weeks. Sunday the 30^th has a social and creative trine aspect from Venus to Uranus occurring, while the midnight hours have the Capricornid meteor showers joining the Aquarids, providing more "fireballs" for viewing.