Shadows of Mercury
Overview
Pluto retrograde lingers in the doorway to Aquarius, as the Sun in the opposition and Mars trine is a fitting opening to the power plays that follow. The Moon travels from Pisces to Gemini, and Mercury ingress to Virgo on Friday. Mercury will turn retrograde on August 5th. This week we are in the “pre-shadow” phase. Mercury will retrace its path when “retrograde,” a phenomena of apparent motion from the vantage point of earth, and ingress Leo on August 16th, then return to direct transit on August 29th and is then it its shadow until reaching the degree of its position when it turned retro at the 5th degree Virgo again on September 12th. Fittingly, the processes of reorganizing political campaigns takes place during this retro and shadow phase of Mercury.
Looking ahead
| August 4 | — | New Moon in Leo |
| August 5 | — | Venus ingress Virgo |
| August 5 | — | Mercury turns retrograde |
| August 16 | — | Mercury ingress Leo |
| August 19 | — | Full Moon in Aquarius |
| August 22 | — | Sun ingress Virgo |
| August 27 | — | Ceres turns direct |
| August 29 | — | Mercury turns direct |
Summary of major and minor aspects of the week
Wednesday July 24th — The Sun in Leo is doubly separating opposition aspect to Pluto retro in Aquarius, also sextile aspect to Mars in Gemini. Mars is doubly separating from a trine aspect to Pluto so this structure is weakening, while Mars sextile to the Sun is partile early today. The impasse that has blocked rapid progress has been overcome, while Mars represents invigorating energy working with the leadership for advancement. The Moon in Pisces square aspect to Jupiter in Gemini doubly approaches the conjunction aspect with Saturn retro in Pisces, making partile early afternoon US time zones as grandiose emotions are limited. The Sun is sesquiquadrate aspect to the Moon and Saturn retro with power to reverse and reform with a creative upset. Mercury in Leo approaching quincunx aspect to Neptune retro in Pisces, as information obtained could be corrupted.
Thursday July 25th — The Moon in Pisces makes a conjunction aspect to Neptune retro, both Moon and Neptune quincunx aspect to Mercury in Leo, as secretive information is now able to be extracted. Hidden motivations are revealed, with Mars in Gemini sextile aspect to the Sun in Leo. The Moon ingress to Aries 14:53 UTC; 10:53 EDT; 17:53 EEDT. The Moon makes a trine aspect to the Sun and sextile aspect to Mars in Gemini, Mars sextile aspect to the Sun. Mars is the dispositor of the Moon, Mercury the dispositor of Mars, and the Sun is the dispositor of Mercury, as focused, rational efforts to achieve goals are implemented. Venus in Leo doubly approaches a quincunx aspect to Saturn retro in Pisces, as ingrained fears are encountered. Mercury ingress to Virgo, with more practical approaches and analysis of matters of the day. Neptune retro and Pluto retro remain is a sextile aspect, as the overall structure of power and government is undergoing a historic transition. The Moon transits Rahu in Aries (north lunar node) overnight US time zones, Friday morning in UK, EU, and ME as we gain a better sense of the changed environment.
Friday July 26th — The Moon in Aries makes a square aspect to Ceres in Capricorn early today, then a sextile aspect to Jupiter in Gemini, possibly an increased effort to release hostages by force. Mercury in Virgo makes quincunx aspects to Neptune retro and Pluto retro, the two outer planets in sextile aspect, for a Yod formation of protected fortune, as new leadership roles evolve. Mars in Gemini makes a sextile aspect to the Sun in Leo, as shared energies promote action. Therefore, the Mercury quincunx aspects to Neptune retro and Pluto retro today will again be in orb on August 15th, and a repeat of the Yod formation [see chart insert]. Preparations for future programs, future situations are favored. Much work needs to be done. Venus in Leo quincunx aspect to Saturn retro in Pisces, challenges a lethargic status with enthusiasm, replacing the outworn with a fresh view. The Moon makes a trine aspect to Venus, encouraging a forward thrust, while the sextile aspect to Jupiter expands the influence, encouraging rapid development. The Moon is also semi–sextile aspect to Saturn retro as old methods are rejected.
Saturday July 27th — Pluto retro at 0 deg Aquarius makes a trine aspect to the midpoint to Uranus in Taurus and Mars in Gemini, galvanizing the transformation by drawing Mars and Uranus into one sphere that unites goals with resources. Venus in Leo in a doubly separating quincunx aspect to Saturn retro in Pisces, fire signs may energize the critical complaints of the doubtful status Saturn retro in water sign Pisces represents, leveraging a renewal. The Moon is semi-sextile aspect to Uranus in Taurus and semi-square aspect to Jupiter in Gemini, as minor difficulties pile up. The Moon ingress Taurus 17:24 UTC; 13:24 EDT; 20:24 EEDT, square aspect to Pluto retro in Aquarius and trine aspect to Mercury in Virgo, seeking ways to facilitate the transformation, Mercury quincunx aspect to Pluto offers creative solutions.
Sunday July 28th — The Moon in Taurus makes a trine aspect to Ceres retro early today, pushing for practical solutions for the abductees, and for disenfranchised youth worldwide. A semi-sextile aspect to Jupiter in Gemini may give hope amongst the ruins. Pluto maintains the trine aspect to the midpoint of Uranus in Taurus and Mars in Gemini, forcing reconciliation between enemies or opponents. The Sun in Leo makes a sextile aspect to Mars in Gemini, as alliances are formed. The Moon sextile aspect to Saturn retro in Pisces later in the day, Monday morning hours in UK, EU, and ME and square aspect to Venus in Leo, accepts critical issues addressed to candidates.
Monday July 29th — The Moon in Taurus reaches the conjunction aspect to Uranus, triggering explosive issues or events. As the Moon ingress to Gemini 21:29 UTC; 17:29 EDT; 00:29 EEDT. Tuesday morning trine aspect to Pluto retro at 0 deg Aquarius, indicating an acceptance of a transformed political order. Mars in Gemini makes a sextile aspect to the Sun in Leo. The Moon makes a square aspect to Mercury in Virgo. Mars is disposed of by Mercury , and Mercury is in the sign of rulership, dispositor of the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter in Gemini. The exchange of vital information influences policy (Jupiter) with critical applications.
Tuesday July 30th — The Moon in Gemini transits the conjunction aspect with Mars early today, invigorating emotional support and Mars sextile aspect to the Sun in Leo as resolutions are pushed forward. Venus in Leo is trine aspect to Chiron in Aries as artistry and wisdom merge. The Moon transits to the conjunction aspect with Jupiter in Gemini giving education the spotlight, with promised funding. The Moon/Mars in conjunction aspect and Sun are quincunx aspect to Ceres retro in Capricorn, a Yod formation, with some access or release of living hostages a possibility.
Have a great week!
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Reminder: While lunar aspects are in effect only for only a few hours, the aspect of the outer planets can last days and weeks. I post a reading for a day in advance to give a preview, also because the aspects may be in effect a day prior to the exact partile degree.
Hope you navigate the week successfully and share the joy! Thanks for reading.
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Gimelstar
July 23, 2024
Jerusalem, Israel
