DAILY ASTROLOGY: AUGUST 1-4

NEW MOON IN LEO from 9:12pm EDT on Monday August 1 until Thursday August 4 at 0:13am EDT. (Moon is VOID OF COURSE from 8:44pm - 9:12pm on Monday August 1. SEE APRIL 7 POST for information on V/C Moons. The NEW MOON is EXACT at 10 degrees Leo at 4:44pm EDT on Tuesday August 2. Ruled by the Sun the Leo Moon holds both the Masculine and Feminine archetypes. It's not easy for the Feminine Moon to be in a Masculine sign (Leo) but this Fixed Fire Moon does carry the inherent wisdom of how to resolve these fundamental opposites - to reach the basic astrological goal of wholeness. SEE MARCH POST: THE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF OPPOSITIONS. This Moon period is a time to Create Passionate Playful Projects of the Heart! Leo is the child of the zodiac and loves to entertain and express himself dramatically. The New Moon finds both Sun and Moon together in this regal sign, so it's time to Begin a New Chapter in style! Best time to begin is soon before the New Moon is exact on Tuesday.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Conjunct Venus at 0:13am EDT on Thursday August 4. We can't imagine any time better than this to begin a New Chapter of Love in your life. Whether it's a brand new relationship or finding an innovative way to be with the grand ole' love of your life, initiating Creative Acts of Love, Beauty and Money (Venus) are likely to have EXCELLENT results at this time. Take advantage of this very special opportunity...mama said there'd be days like this, but she didn't say how rarely they show up!

 

SCENE OF THE DAY: The Graduate, 1967; Director: Mike Nichols. Finding passionate love stories where Venus conquers all was not difficult. The final scene of The Graduate, though, has to top my list for young, passionate and even playful Leonine romance! Talk about Drama... Dustin Hoffman, Katherine Ross and Anne Bancroft light up the screen during so many classic cinematic moments in this film... not to mention the unforgettable amazing soundtrack!

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 30 - AUGUST 1

MOON is VOID OF COURSE from 7:46am to 5:09pm EDT on Saturday July 30. A whole day spent with a V/C Moon would be best served by working on creative work and/or taking care of your inner life - quietly meditating or analyzing your dreams. It is a weekend, so there's a chance you'd actually have some free time for this! These types of activities would tend to have EXCELLENT results. Schedules, agreements, initiating projects etc. will tend to have CHALLENGING results, however. This is a dreamy kind of day where as hard as you try to accomplish something, the hours just seem to slip away. Instead, enter the dreamtime and go with the flow! SEE APRIL 7th POST for more information on V/C Moons. 

MOON ENTERS CANCER at 5:09pm EDT Saturday July 30 and remains until 8:44pm EDT on Monday August 1. The Moon is in her natural sign during this period, so her inherent qualities feel very comfortable expressing themselves. This is a sensitive time, where we tend to feel thin-skinned and emote at the drop of hat. We may take things too personally and fall into moods that are hard to shake off. Women are highlighted as the Moon rules The Feminine Archetype. Our receptive, nurturing traits may have us being willing to house, cook and care for others this weekend. Home and family are the focus.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Mars in Scorpio at 8:44pm EDT on Monday August 1. We may have some conflict during this homey scenario, some harsh words to rock the houseboat. Mars in Scorpio may even start a war - on the subject of family expenditures, for example. The receptive watery Moon and aggressive firey Mars are difficult bedfellows, even at the best of times. The harmonious Trine angle, however, should find you experiencing GOOD results after the storm. We know how important it is not to repress our feelings and that resolution is often only found by airing our concerns and differences of opinion. Repairing the house with strenuous work (Mars in Scorpio) would be another GREAT way to use this energy. It is a weekend...
 SCENE OF THE DAY: Pride and Prejudice, 2005; Director: Joe Wright. Adapted by Deborah Moggach from Jane Austin's novel. Here the Feminine Moon, Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly) is fired up in defense of her family which is under attack by Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden). One suggested reason is that a suitor's wealth might be the motivation for her sister's interest (Mars in Scorpio). Emotions rise until their true mutual magnetic pull confounds the tension and they are almost visibly repelled. But just for now...It's not much of a spoiler to acknowledge that this classic story has a happy ending! The beneficent Trine at work again.

DAILY ASTROLOGY: JULY 28-30

MOON VOID OF COURSE from 11:13am until 2:17pm EDT on Thursday July 28th. Actions concerning creative work, inner life, dreams and the imagination initiated at this time will tend to have GREAT results. Important practical actions, projects or agreements will tend to have CHALLENGING results. SEE APRIL 7th POST for more info on VOID OF COURSE MOONS.

MOON ENTERS GEMINI 2:17pm EDT on Thursday July 28th and remains until 7:46am EDT on Saturday July 30th. This is possibly the most exciting few days of the month to initiate projects! Ruled by Mercury, the Gemini period offers us GREAT mental and communicative resources. It also rules short distance travel and is perfect a time to begin a summer trip. Remember this Mutable Air sign is the Messenger of the Gods and has wings on his feet. We have to be careful we're grounded and dependable and don't change our minds too often. Our words must have substance so others can count on us. In sports like tennis and golf (I'm in Florida at the moment), it's all about the follow-through! Attention might also be on siblings at this time. Check in with them - a hello can go a long way now.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Gemini Moon Sextile Uranus in Aries at 7:46am EDT on Saturday July 30th. This aspect reflects the spark of inspiration, if not genius, that is available to us! Actions aligned with the above description are likely to have EXCELLENT results. Writers, especially if you're working electronically and sending manuscripts out on-line, make sure you take advantage of this time. Mind processes, logical as well as leaps of imagination, should be on fire now. Again, this is a GREAT time for short distance travel, speaking engagements and even social conversing. The caution is to watch the gossip, stay grounded and dependable and try to be aware when the Trickster is having a go at you! Even if there's some momentary barriers to the result you want, things will tend to work out very well.

 

SCENE OF THE DAY: Proof, 2005; Director: John Madden. Adapted by playwright David Auburn from his stage play. This extraordinary film contains another one of my top five AHA moments! Harmonious Last Aspects to Uranus are affording us this exciting window of time for these experiences. Brilliant mathematician Catherine, poignantly and powerfully played by Gwenyth Paltrow is torn between acknowledging her own talent and stealing the limelight from her famously brilliant mathematician father Robert, played by a nothing short of brilliant Anthony Hopkins. In this scene a proof is discovered, the creator of which is in dispute. Robert's student Hal, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, brings the proof to other mathematicians to evaluate the authorship, while we witness the true author in action. This scene so perfectly captures that moment when the inspiration hits. Gemini brilliance met by the spark of genius inspiration Uranus. The Sextile or 60 degree aspect (angle) that the Moon makes to Uranus reflects the opportunity available.

         

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 26-28

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 2:18am until 11:37am EDT on Tuesday the 26th. In general, important practical actions initiated during the VOID OF COURSE MOON will tend to have CHALLENGING results. Creative and inner work will likely have GREAT results. SEE APRIL 7th POST for more on VOID OF COURSE MOON.
MOON ENTERS TAURUS at 11:37am EDT on Tuesday the 26th and stays until 11:13am EDT Thursday July 28th.  Ruled by Venus, the Law of Attraction comes into play on many levels at this time; this includes Love, Beauty and Money. More specifically for Taurus, it concerns What we personally Value, Sensuous Love, Our Own Resources and Providing Security for those we care about. Issues of Land and Property also fall into the arena of this Fixed Earth sign. Taurus is the Master Builder and with slow and steady work, he creates material possessions of Beauty and Value. Taurus can be the Bully so we are asked to find our flexibility at this time and not let stubbornness get the better of us.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Taurus Moon Opposite Scorpio Mars at 11:13am EDT on Thursday July 28th. Your values - material, emotional and/or philosophical - are likely to come into conflict with another's during this time. It's quite possible that actions initiated during this period will have CHALLENGING results. As always The Opposition carries the great advantage of offering alternatives that can bridge the differences. Look for them. This is an opportunity to identify what you truly value and find ways to negotiate and compromise your way to resolution. Remember the paradox: Both ends of the opposition may be True or Valid and they require you to honor them both. SEE the MARCH POST: "THE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF OPPOSITIONS." SCENE OF THE DAY: Indecent Proposal, 1993; Director: Adrian Lyne. In this classic scene, billionaire John Gage, played convincingly by Redford, tests the values of Money and Love. He offers a lifetime of security to a couple in debt. Young architect David Murphy (Woody Harrelson) and his wife Diana (Demi Moore) are about to lose the land on which they intend to build a career-launching home. This offer may save them - but is the price too steep? (Taurus Opposing Scorpio). The situation sets up a Mars in Scorpio conflict of anger and resentment between the couple.

DAILY ASTROLOGY: JULY 24-26

MOON ENTERS ARIES at 3:06am EDT on Sunday July 24th until 2:18am EDT on Tuesday July 26th. IN GENERAL: The first sign of the zodiac, Aries reflects a time for new beginnings. Ruled by Mars this Moon period is best utilized by being physically active and asserting one's will in a conscious and creative manner. Courage and leadership are also indicated here so don't be afraid to show how capable you are! Be careful, though, of being so self-oriented and impulsive that you are not aware of how your strong energy might read as arrogant and insensitive to others' feelings. Find your grounding (eg. support from earth signs), get a reality check and steady your pace before you act.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Aries Moon Conjunct Uranus in Aries at 2:18am EDT on Tuesday July 26th. This PARTICULAR Aries Moon will tend to carry some unexpected, perhaps upsetting/perhaps enlightening circumstances along with it. There may be an unusually strong need for freedom and independence at this time. Try not to confine others or try to bend them to your will. This would likely result in a revolt followed by a full-scale revolution and the result would be CHALLENGING. The best way to use this energy is to be innovative and creative, especially using technology (Uranus). The imagination would be strong...so the BEST-CASE SCENARIO would reflect a time of an Aha Moment (Uranus). There's a lot of physical energy available to us - make sure you tap into it and use it cautiously! As I write this, the day before the Aries Moon, there's a thunderstorm (Uranus) crashing outside - the heat of Mars meeting the cool of Uranus. Just thinking about all this appears to invoke the willful expression of the gods! SCENE OF THE DAY: Contact, 1997; Director: Robert Zemeckis; Story by Ann Druyan and Carl Sagan; Based on the novel by Carl Sagan. One of my all time top 5 Aha Moments in film! Courageous and willful astronomer, Dr. Ellie Arroway (played by the amazing Jodie Foster) is determined to discover intelligent alien life. When a message from the star Vega is deciphered and blueprints result in the building of a transport system into space, she is determined to be the one to pilot the craft. This scene portrays only part of the the totally thrilling and strikingly unexpected vision and new awareness (Uranus) she experiences in her travels. If you haven't seen this film, it is a visual wake-up call (Uranus) - an example of two people (agnostic scientist Arroway and religious author Palmer Joss, played authentically by Matthew McConauhey) finding their way to a bridge between science/technology and the divine. If ever there was a film to inspire us now, it would be Contact. Indeed... 'they should send us poets!' This post is dedicated to my favorite poet, Patrice.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 22-24

MOON IN PISCES at 4:35am EDT on Friday July 22 EDT until 3:06am EDT on Sunday July 24th. Ruled by Neptune, dreamy Pisces reflects the drive for Unity and Divine Perfection - All is One and One is All. It represents the Cosmic Ocean, Divine Consciousness, The Sea and the Collective Unconsciousness. Neptune is the great Dissolver, disappearing distinctions and boundaries. Therefore it reflects Illusion, Confusion, Deception, Glamour, Cinema, Photography and Acting. As Neptune is the higher resonance of Venus, Pisces in its drive for Divine Perfection, also reflects Art and Music. In general, Pisces Moon can be a time of great creativity, great confusion or incomplete truths. It's a GREAT time to be at the Sea or swim in any bodies of water - including the bath! Tapping the unconscious mind in Dreams should come easily during this time so make sure to keep a journal by your bed to record symbolic images.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Mars in Scorpio at 3:06am EDT on Sunday July 24th. This particular Pisces Moon should be activated by the physical energy of Mars. Actions initiated during this Moon period should have GOOD results. As we know by now, Mars in Scorpio is potentially volatile, often sexually driven and extremely creative. The harmonious relationship of the Trine indicates that this is a GREAT time to initiate Artistic endeavors and any creative project. There's always a caution with Moon/Mars aspects - even the positive ones. The Pisces Moon may reflect that we're not paying attention to details and we get stung by this Scorpion Mars. But we should have the endurance to persevere through momentary setbacks to achieve the desired results. 
  SCENE OF THE DAY: Stage Beauty, 2004; Director: Richard Eyre. Adapted from the stage play by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher. Based on real-life characters, this is the story of the first British stage actress in 1629, known as Mrs. Margaret Hughes. She is played here by pre-Homeland Claire Danes. She is portrayed as the dresser for actor- of-the-hour Ned Kynaston, played by a remarkably versatile Billy Crudup (Almost Famous). In the 1600's women are not allowed on the British stage, so the female roles are played by men/boys. Hughes memorizes all the lines, takes Kynaston's props and after hours performs the role  under a pseudonym on a tavern stage. In this scene we witness King Charles II, with whom they each have a connection, hear about this illegal performance. Though the actors (Pisces) all encounter setbacks - not the least of which are sexual derailments (Mars in Scorpio) and deceptions (Pisces Moon) all's well that ends well (Trine) in this masterfully executed and delightfully comic tale. 

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 19-21

MOON IN AQUARIUS from 11:10pm EDT on Tuesday July 19th  until Thursday July 21 at 9:56pm EDT. Ruled by Uranus this Moon period is likely to be electric. The principles of Uranus are separation and sudden change. It rules the electronic and electric arena and, having a high vibration, can reflect higher consciousness or other peak experiences. It also rules science and technology and reflects a futuristic orientation. We can imagine that the beginning of our descent from the Capricorn Full Moon will be full of surprises and unusual circumstances. A Fixed Air sign, emotions may be expressed rationally, objectively and feel rather distant or detached.


LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Mars in Scorpio at 9:56 EDT on Thursday July 21st. We have two Fixed signs, Aquarius and Scorpio, digging in their heels mentally and emotionally respectively- squaring each other on two divergent planes of perception. Mars is driven to act passionately and willfully, perhaps jealously, as it attempts to control power while the Moon just wants to logically figure the situation out. Mars is stronger than the Moon in this case as it is the traditional ruler of Scorpio. In the end it's possible to have a stalemate, but more likely a strong action will take place that will catch us off-guard. Actions initiated during this time will probably have a CHALLENGING result.

SCENE OF THE DAY: Eye in the Sky, 2015; Director: Gavin Hood. An electronic drone is guided into a house to confirm the identity of a known terrorist. A dilemma ensues when Colonel Powell, played by Helen Mirren, is determined to change a capture order to a kill command. Military orders fall in the territory of emotionally-detached expressions while in this case holding an enormous power - choices of life-death - Scorpio territory. She comes up against representatives of the State who block (square) her passionate aggressive will (Mars). This is an unusual and important film. It's dialogue-heavy, to which I'm not usually drawn, but there are more important things to consider. The drama is concise and powerful. It's intention is to have a meaningful conversation about the moral issues of modern technological warfare. We become privy to behind the scenes military discussions about which values to honor. The film draws a stellar cast including Alan Rickman in his last dramatic role, Jeremy Northam and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad). (This a 10 minute scene, so it's divided into two Parts.)

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 17-19

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 4:57am EDT until 3:33pm EDT on Sunday July 17th. When the Moon is VOID OF COURSE, it's best to focus on inner creative and intuitive work rather than beginning practical projects or making important agreements. SEE APRIL 7th POST for more info on VOID OF COURSE MOONS. Practical Actions initiated during the VOID OF COURSE MOON tend to have a CHALLENGING result.
MOON ENTERS CAPRICORN at 3:33 EDT on Sunday July 17th and remains until 6:56pm EDT Tuesday July 19th. Ruled by Saturn, the Capricorn Moon is generally a seriously ambitious period and reflects a practical time when we can work on projects and accomplish goals. It is, however, a time when we tend to be emotionally contracted and not likely to express our feelings. 
The FULL MOON IS EXACT AT 6:56PM EDT on Tuesday July 19th. The Full Moon period is a time of culmination and climax. This particular Opposition aspect reflects the Masculine principle of the Capricorn Moon opposite the Feminine Principle of the Cancer Sun. Consequently, this is a double whammy of an opportunity to marry this fundamental polarity - to know wholeness/unity/completion. The tension of the Opposition requires resolution.
 
LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Opposite Sun at 6:56pm EDT on Tuesday July 19th. The Full Moon is actually the last aspect so the whole moon period in Capricorn is an EXCELLENT opportunity to find where the masculine and feminine principles are at work in your life and Honor Both. Find the paradox and know that both seemingly opposite forces are true and vital and require your acknowledgment. For example: home life (Feminine principle) and career (Masculine principle) Mother/Father etc. need to be addressed equally. Negotiate, compromise and spread your time equally on both fronts. If you focus on one and neglect the other, the repressed area will most likely find you and pay you back! The gods must exact their due. Actions not in alignment with this goal will tend to have CHALLENGING results.   
SCENE OF THE DAY: ORDINARY PEOPLE, 1980; Director: Robert Redford. This scene is an example of a gentle nurturing Father (Masculine principle expressing a Feminine/Cancer quality) opposing a stern controlling Mother (Feminine principle expressing a Masculine/Capricorn quality). Interestingly, both Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland who portray the Mother and Father are cast against type. We knew Moore as the light comedian from her TV series and Sutherland as the serious authority figures from films like Klute and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978). Amazingly Moore is a Capricorn and Sutherland is a Cancer! Not against type after all! This film shows us one unusual way to resolve the tension of opposites and wins three Oscars, including Best Picture, for its its creative success in doing so. The gods so decreed!

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 15-17

MOON IN SAGITTARIUS from 5:14am EDT on Friday July 15 until Sunday July 17 at 4:57am EDT. Ruled by Jupiter this Moon period highlights growth, expansion, adventure and wisdom. Sagittarius is the Truth Seeker, looking towards philosophy, religion and spiritual experiences for the bigger picture. He loves a foreign journey which fulfills a meaningful purpose. The major challenge for Sag is not to get caught up in his own arrogance, believing he knows best and will tell you the way it is. He is even likely to publish his point of view so it is available globally. He also tends to overdo things. He lives large - for all its advantages and pitfalls. He's so optimistic and forward looking, though, he might just glide right over the traps like Costaneda's Don Genaro! In fact, the anthropological series about the Yaqui shaman Don Juan is a perfect example of this Moon period's energy...there should have been a film!! (If you're inspired to read the books, it's best to begin with 'A Separate Reality' - the first book, 'The Teachings of Don Juan' is very informationally-tedious and Costaneda begins again in a more reader-friendly style in his second book.)

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Uranus in Aries at 4:57 am EDT on Sunday July 17. This could be an exciting time, especially if you're a Truth Seeker yourself! The harmonious aspect to Uranus could reflect an 'aha moment' of understanding a philosophical or spiritual truth. This would be a GREAT time to embark on a long-distance adventure! Any action along these lines would tend to result in an EXCELLENT result. There may be some Uranian surprises, changes or upsets involved, but it should end well. This is a time to think about the big picture, imagine your future and what your ethical values are. If you're a writer, this is The BEST time to send your manuscripts to publishers. Pop them in the mailbox or push that Send button! Jupiter rules abundance and Good Fortune!

SCENE OF THE DAY: The Bee Season, 2005; Directors: Scott McGehee and David Siegel; Adapted from a novel by Myla Goldberg. This precious film, features Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche, Max Minghella and Flora Cross as a family in need of a major transformation. Berkeley Theology professor Gere coaches his young daughter Eliza for the National Spelling Bee and introduces her to mysteries of the Kabbalah. She carries the shadow of the family disfunction and with subtle and poignant urgency turns to the sacred text for guidance. Sometimes the teaching can be shocking...but healing can come in mysterious ways. One of my all time favorite films.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 12-14

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 11:01am until 4:52pm EDT on Tuesday July 12. SEARCH VOID OF COURSE MOON on APRIL 7 POST. In general, actions initiated during a VOID OF COURSE MOON tend not to work out as planned. It's a GREAT time for inner creative work!
MOON ENTERS SCORPIO at 4:52pm EDT until Thursday July 14 at 6:22pm EDT. Ruled by Pluto this tends to be an intense time when emotions run high and thoughts go psychologically deep. The issue of resources may come to the foreground and overwhelm us. This fixed water sign rules life, death, regeneration and sexuality. It is one of the most creative signs - in a primordial way. Pluto goes to the depths to transform from the roots and foundation. He rules the underworld which reflects secrets that may be withheld consciously or unconsciously...or finally revealed. He rules, therefore psychotherapy. Scorpio is the only sign with three glyphs: the Scorpion, the Eagle and the Phoenix - the surprising sting, the high-flying overview and the hard-won resurrection. At what level would you choose to play?

LAST ASPECT OF THE MOON: Moon Conjunct Mars in Scorpio at 6:22pm EDT on Thursday July 14th. Mars is considered the traditional ruler of Scorpio - before Pluto was discovered in 1930. Consequently it's alignment with this Moon is particularly strong and significant. The above description would be intensified, especially considering Mars recently turned direct (June 29th) and is re-gathering its speed and archetypal strength. Pluto and Mars archetypes both reflect sex, willfulness and power and conjoined can evoke the image of a volcanic eruption. Actions initiated during this Moon period would carry this strong quality and would tend to have CHALLENGING results. There may, however, be abundant energy for a long-sought-after transformation, perhaps involving the roots of one's sexuality. Try to imagine the least aggressive way to express your possible Mars-ruled anger - remember my Lama story and, perhaps, go outside and yell at a rock! You just may release a old crystalized emotion and have a profound psychological realization.

SCENE OF THE DAY:A Dangerous Method; 2011; Director: David Cronenberg. This intense film, adapted from the stage play by the playwright himself, Christopher Hampton (and based on the non-fiction book of John Kerr) follows the relationship between psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender). The plot focuses on a forbidden relationship Jung develops with his patient, Sabina Spielrein played by a risk-taking Keira Knightly. The interesting casting is just the beginning of this edgy film which goes to Plutonic depths in its portrayal of 'the Talking Cure' as healing vehicle for sexually wounded real-life Spielrein. In this scene we witness, perhaps uncomfortably, Knightly twist, thrust and jut out her jaw as she digs deep into her psyche for the raw material that yields her eventual transformation - she, herself becomes one of the first female psychoanalysts. Of many published papers, her most influential was entitled: "Destruction as the Cause of Coming into Being," 1912. It doesn't get more Plutonic than this! Pardon the French subtitles.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 10-12

MOON IN  LIBRA from 4:32am EDT Sunday July 10 until Tuesday July 12 at 11:01am EDT. Ruled by Venus, Libra reflects what we Value. The glyph or symbol for this sign is the Scales of Justice, so Balance, Equality and the Law are integral to its significance. Relationship and Beauty are inherent to the Venusian myth and have a lot to do with the concept of Balance. Understanding how and when to give and receive, speak and listen, act and witness with your partner helps keep the union stable. This Cardinal Air sign depicts a time when the Other becomes prominent in our thoughts and will require our attention. Take that crucial moment to listen to what is requested, see what is needed. Art and other creative endeavors are also highlighted. Though there is a sense of Social Grace, Gentleness and Sweetness associated to Libra, don't be fooled; Libra is a Cardinal sign and therefore has the power to initiate great creative acts - though she may need support in completing them. Be careful, however, that the nice demeanor you experience is true and does not cover a passive aggressive nature, a down side of the sign. Libra has a talent for Negotiation, Compromise, Conflict Resolution and the Balance of Opposites - remember to draw on these strengths!

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Mercury in Cancer on Tuesday July 12 at 11:01am EDT. This hard angle to Mercury suggests that actions initiated during this time will tend to have CHALLENGING results. The issue is likely to be in some form of communication or agreement that was made. Or perhaps some mode of travel will have complications. Words may be spoken that don't connect or are confrontational - too emotional meets too rational. Pure Libra has the ability to objectively negotiate through the conflict if we don't cloud the issue with Cancer's too-subjective a perspective. But Libra also needs to listen to the authentic emotions of the Other.
  
SCENE OF THE DAY: The Insider, 1999; Director: Michael Mann. Looking at the legal element of Libra, here's a scene from an important film based on a true story about whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand. The plot focuses on the tobacco industry's misuse of power and Lowell Bergman (60 Minutes producer played by Al Pacino in his stride) who draws Wigand, a chemist and VP of a big tobacco company, out of his comfort zone to reveal company secrets. In this scene we see Bruce McGill play an aggressive lawyer trying to get damaging testimony on the record during a deposition. He's Amazing - the lawyer you want fighting for you! On the witness stand is an almost unrecognizable Russell Crowe in a brilliantly played and against-type role. Though Wigand does finally get to testify, as a result of his statement his personal life becomes a nightmare. Mercury in Cancer becomes a literal significator for the danger of cigarettes as "a delivery system for nicotine."

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 7-9

MOON IS VOID OF COURSE from 8:06am EDT on Thursday July 7 until it enters VIRGO at 6:41pm EDT on until 11:28pm EDT on Saturday July 9. SEARCH APRIL 7th POST for more information on VOID OF COURSE MOON . In general, important practical actions initiated during a Void of Course Moon tend to have CHALLENGING results. It's a GREAT time for inner creative work. Your Imagination will take you amazing places! It's also a Good time for doing things over again that didn't work out the first time. MOON IN VIRGO (after 6:41pm EDT on the 7th) is ruled by mentally driven Mercury. We tend to have a more reserved demeanor, analyzing and evaluating everything that comes our way. This kind of critical thinking is wonderful for logical/rational projects but may get in our way for relationships. There is the drive for Perfection at this time, so remember we're all human and that flaws can become endearing too. This is the time to Organize...anything! Continue spring cleaning into summer. Mercury, the Messenger highlights writing, speaking, mind processes - all forms of communication.  And Travel - It's a GREAT time to begin a trip...just be careful your preparation doesn't get stuck in the picky details which can derail you from actually getting on the road!

 

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Sextile Venus in Cancer at 11:28pm EDT on Saturday July 9. We may observe our very verbal analytically-expressed emotions at this time and how they might affect our relationships. The sextile aspect would indicate that we have opportunities to communicate with the Other details about the relationship that will benefit both participants...if we avoid the critical tongue!  Find the positive framing - compliment your partner for what you love about the union as well as what might not work. Suggest possible alternatives that would serve both of you. For WRITERS and other CREATIVE Artists: watch thoughts come through as if they're being channeled from beyond. Keep a journal nearby and record ideas - there may be too many to remember! Venus will make sure that Beauty is created, whatever your medium. Actions initiated at this time will tend to have EXCELLENT results - and may bring financial reward! (Venus rules money - 'what we value') Send those grant applications and other submissions in NOW!

SCENE OF THE DAY: Pride and Prejudice, 2005; Director: Joe Wright. Writer Jane Austen creates highly verbal characters! In the first scene observe Elizabeth Bennett, played by diction-perfect Beauty Keira Knightly, lambast reserved Mr. Darcy, played by wonderful Matthew Macfadyen, until that magical moment when they become magnetically drawn to each other. Though they go through more critical moments together they finally come to resolution in the last scene when Venus has her way! The photo-graphy (writing with light) is true to its definition as the sunrise landscape is captured at cinema's magic time (dusk or dawn) and becomes a reflection of their hard-won new love.

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 5-7

MOON IN LEO from 12:28pm EDT on Tuesday July 5 until 8:06am EDT Thursday July 7. Ruled by the Sun, the Fixed and Firey Leo Moon reflects a passionate drive for self-expression. We find ourselves wanting to not only create the drama but play the leading role as well! The Moon in the Sun's natural sign and the Sun in Cancer, the Moon's natural sign, gives us what we refer to as a Mutual Reception between the Sun and Moon at this time. Masculine and Feminine principles are in sync and all feels right with the world. Do remember that, especially while the Sun is in sensitive Cancer, Leo's need to express himself may be over-the-top, ego-wise, for some. Try to witness him as the 'innocent' Child of the zodiac that he is and applaud his performance; his true aim is to entertain, inspire us to feel love and to lighten us up! All we want while Leo is center stage is to be acknowledged and loved. Tell a Leo (or anyone during a Leo Moon period) he/she is Beautiful and appreciated and his generosity will know no bounds! Leo rules the Heart and the Back; pay attention to and nourish both at this time.

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Trine Uranus in Aries at 8:06am EDT Thursday July 7. This is an especially creative time so follow your imagination wherever it leads. Leo and Aries together can ignite a flame and keep it burning, reflecting a passion for life and alternative lifestyles. Be inspired to try something new, fully express yourself ... surprise yourself! Even though unexpected and possibly upsetting circumstances may present themselves, the end results of actions initiated during this Moon period should be EXCELLENT. Innovative and transformational Uranus making a harmonious aspect to dramatic Leo, supports exciting and new activities - we may even encounter unusual situations that afford new understanding - aha moments.  
SCENE OF THE DAY: Finding Neverland, 2004; Director: Marc Forster. Playwright James Barrie, played by a shape-shifting-into-a-rare-conventional-role Johnny Depp, creates the innovative and exciting stage drama Peter Pan. His forbidden romantic interest, Mrs. Sylvia Llewelyn Davis, played by the no-words-to-express-the-emotional-depth-and Beauty Kate Winslet, cannot attend the opening night performance with her children - so Barrie brings it into her livingroom. The unusual and unexpected Uranian drama affords her an enlightening transition into the next world - a world of Beauty and inspired Imagination! Even Sylvia's controlling mother, played by legendary and luminous Julie Christie, manages to lighten up during the event. Maybe miracles can happen now!

DAILY ASTROLOGY IN FILM: JULY 3-5

NEW MOON IN CANCER from 9:20am EDT on Sunday July 3 until 2:29am EDT on Tuesday July 5th. When the Moon joins the Sun in the same sign, we have the New Moon period. It is exact at 12 degrees at 7:01am EDT on Monday July 4th. This is a generally a time to Begin new projects. The Feminine/Mother Archetype of nurturing, providing a safe container, food and the emotional life is center stage now as the Moon comes Home to its own sign of Cancer. It is likely to be a sensitive time where feelings are expressed and issues of home and family come to light. We tend to take things more personally now, looking at life purely from our own point of view. Try to step outside your perspective where feelings may be hurt, to see what the Other is experiencing or what emotional lens they are looking through. The women in our lives play an important role at this time. Honor them by listening. Witness your feelings and honor them. Great food, an emotionally satisfying movie at home and a good heart-felt talk are always healing devices for what ails us during this moon period!

LAST ASPECT OF MOON: Moon Square Uranus at 2:29am EDT on Tuesday July 5th. Once again we have the sensitive Cancer Mother Moon up against the upsetting sky god, Father Uranus. This recurring theme of late may be opening our eyes to what it takes to heal a broken home and heart. The Home, as protective container, can be split apart in some way, reflected by the hard Square to the Uranian archetype of Separation. Do we need to toughen up our soft skinned feelings or use T'ai Chi as a metaphor for moving with the blow to regain our worthy sense of self?  The Kabbalah refers to a concept of Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World. After the world is shattered by a separation of divine Masculine from Feminine our life work is to make it whole again through kindness, generosity and however our imagination can find ways to marry the Masculine and Feminine archetypes. This is reminiscent of the Alchemical conjunctio, the Marriage of these same Opposites, of which I've written and spoken many times. Examples of this merging might be: Building/manifesting (masculine) a Home (feminine); Creating the Garden; Female Authority; Conscious expression of Emotion. Interestingly, the Sun (Masculine Principle) in Cancer (Feminine Principle) inherently carries a Marriage of Opposites. We might be able to witness natural merging of masculine/feminine principles this month. Whatever we consider our Home to be, our work is to continually repair it, make it whole so those who abide within may have a foundation on which they feel confident to stand, in which they feel loved and able to flourish. This Moon time would be used wisely by noticing where your expanded Home might be in need of repair and set to work. Start a New (Moon) Chapter. Otherwise, in general, actions initiated during this Moon period will tend to have CHALLENGING upsetting results.
  
SCENE OF THE DAY: Chocolate, 2000; Director: Lasse Hallstrom. This magical morality fable starring High Priestess of Chocolate Juliette Binoche, Grande Dame Judi Dench, Pirate gone River Rat Johnny Depp and Alfred Molina as controlling town Mayor, brings so many Cancer/Uranian qualities to the screen it was hard to choose one... unusual, nurturing chocolates teasing town folk during Lent, mothers and grandmothers - all carrying great upsets - and the challenge of finding Home. In this scene, we witness a conversation between two outsiders (Moon/Uranus), Vianne and Roux (Binoche and Depp), about how hard it is to move from home to home. Perhaps being at home within ourselves and wherever we are is a way to be whole in a mobile world...we can carry our Cancer/Crab homes with us!