Lunar Living Astrology

The new moon of Leo is opposing Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. Basically a wake up call for breaking free of manipulative tactics. If we are the manipulator, be aware that others have an open window into our tactics. If we are the manipulated, then we are being encouraged to recognize the situation and make a decision about what to do about it. The power that others have over us may, very well, be all in our heads, but regardless, proceeding with caution is essential. The new moon is tied into a cradle aspect to Saturn retrograde and Neptune retrograde in Aries, along with Uranus in Gemini. These, if used wisely, can help us to move forward to break loose of outdated ideas or beliefs that are holding us back. Again, with caution, as we need the time to reflect on where we want to go with these changes.

Mercury stationed direct on July 18, and will move back through Leo until August 11. Mercury's retrograde through Leo tends to highlight confusion in respect to loyalty. We can expect to mull over our choices at least until Mercury moves past the point of the retrograde station of Leo 15° (August 24), but the period between August 11 and August 24 will give us more information about our position concerning that loyalty. Of course, this will be one of many factors we will face while Mercury's retrograde forces us to readdress situations that we may have failed to consider before heading into the latest Mercury retrograde season.

Venus in Gemini is square to Mars in Virgo. Affairs of the heart may take a hit, or two. Slow down before deciding whether it is time to cut and run, or is this relationship something that just needs a few tweaks to get back on track. Consider the fact that both Gemini and Virgo signs are ruled by Mercury, and with Mercury currently in retrograde motion, we may need some quality communication to sort out our differences. On the other hand, we will need to recognize that talk, alone, will not fix all mistakes. Reflect on the new moon's ties within the cradle aspect. All these planets are sending us a message and the information may be more subtle than we are accustomed. Again, it may simply be a wake up call, to give us time to reflect on the situation. Not necessary a call to take action today. Actions will have a ripple effect, and let's not forget that we are heading into the eclipse season soon enough.

All in all, we are able to see opportunities lining up for us. The difficulties confronting us are what to do with them. There are eight placements in Masculine Signs, with only two in Feminine. So we are challenged to make the right decisions in the middle of some confusing information. We could burn ourselves out before we ever figure it out, considering that there are five placements in Fire Signs that have us excited to act as soon as possible. The balance of this chart is found in the Qualities (Modalities). There are three planetary placements in Cardinal (taking action or initiating ideas), four placements in Fixed (finding the endurance or motivation to sustain the activities needed in our daily lives), and three placements in Mutable (finishing or coordinating a successful outcome). In other words, we are expected to find the balance of our actions and outcomes, beyond simply initiating a change.