July 2025 Vedic Astrology Forecast
The opening of the Sirius Gateway, the holiest month in the Vedic calendar, four planets retrograding, and much more!
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Welcome to my July forecast! So much is happening in the sky mirror this month, with four planets retrograding, the opening of a spiritual gateway, and much more.
Since I can't write about every astrological transit in this article, I encourage you to follow me on Notes. This is Substack's built-in social network. On Notes, I post regular updates and more details about transits and events that I couldn't fit into this article!
I also have added a podcast option for those of you who prefer to listen instead of read. You can hear my son Jared (who studies Vedic astrology and often helps me with my work) reading the July forecast here.
OK then, letโs get started!
July 3-7: The Annual Opening of the Sirius Gateway - Showering the Earth With Grace and Blessings
The Sirius Gateway (also known as the Sirius Star Portal) always opens annually from July 3-7. This cosmic event occurs when Sirius is aligned with the Earth and Sun. At this time, the Sun will conjoin the fixed star Sirius which lies at 20 degrees of sidereal Gemini. Concurrently, Earth will be at itsF furthest point away from the Sun, an annual astronomical event known as aphelion, which will occur on July 3 at 4 PM EDT (8 PM UTC).
As the Sirius Gateway becomes activated, the central force of life within our solar system will receive a regenerating boost. The hierarchy of great Divine Ones who guide humanity's evolution will come to shower the world with grace. At aphelion, the Earth will be moving slower in its orbit around the Sun than at any other time of the year. Therefore, it's an important time for all of us to slow down, tune in, and recharge. For more information about this sacred event, please check out my article titled The Annual Opening of the Sirius Gateway.
July 4: Happy Birthday to the United States - And a Word of Caution
Americaโs Independence Day will occur on July 4th. In the transit chart for this day (below), we see some tense and challenging aspects, including several squares, oppositions, and quincunxes (6/8 aspects). A yod or finger of fate is also in place, involving Saturn and Neptune, Venus and Uranus, and the Moon. Therefore, I advise everyone to remain alert and cautious around the Fourth of July holiday.
July 4 to December 10: Neptune Retrograde - Reassessing Our Goals and Dreams
Neptune will station retrograde on July 4 at 5:34 PM EDT. Every year, Neptune goes retrograde for about five months. In this case, it will be retrograde until December 10. It will station retrograde at almost eight degrees of Pisces, and will station direct at five degrees of Pisces. Around the retrograde station itself (and ten days on either side of it), confusion and misunderstandings may intensify.
The entire retrograde Neptune cycle can be a creative and contemplative time for some, but for others it can bring out deep fears or depressive feelings. It is generally a period in which we have to face up to reality in some way, especially for those who have been unrealistic or who have avoided taking action on an important matter.
Neptune will retrograde back to the zodiac position where it was transiting in March of 2025. Any unsettled matters that began around that time may be brought into new light to be resolved during Neptuneโs retrograde period. This cycle is also an opportune period in which to reassess oneโs current situation and future plans, and to make any necessary adjustments along more practical lines.
The impact of this retrograde cycle depends on the house position of Neptune in Pisces as well as the aspects it makes to the natal chart. This is something I am currently discussing with my clients in consultation.
July 10: Guru Purnima and the Full Moon in Sagittarius - Divine Grace and Celestial Boons
Guru Purnima will be observed around the world on July 10, 2025. This Vedic holy day occurs annually on the first Full Moon after summer solstice in the Ashadha lunar month, which will extend from June 25 to July 24 this year. Guru Purnima is the most auspicious Full Moon of the year. It is a time when the whole world becomes more receptive to divine grace and celestial boons.
Guru Purnima occurs during the Full Moon in Sagittarius. This is the sign of knowledge and wisdom which is ruled by Jupiter, who is known as Guru in Vedic astrology. The Sanskrit term โGuruโ broadly means teacher, but more specifically refers to one who sheds light and removes ignorance. โPurnimaโ is the term for Full Moon, so Guru Purnima is the full Moon of the Guru, or the Full Moon that dispels darkness. Itโs a fascinating synchronicity that the planet Jupiter will come out of its recent combustion cycle on this date, so that very soon, we will be able to see Jupiter low above the northeast horizon in the dawn twilight.
Guru Purnima honors Veda Vyฤsa, the legendary rishi and author of the Vedas, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, some of the most important works within the Vedic tradition. Also known as Vyฤsa Purnima, Guru Purnima commemorates Veda Vyฤsaโs birth and the day when he organized and divided the Vedas into four parts. Lord Ganesha is also honored on this day because he is the true embodiment of wisdom and was also Veda Vyฤsaโs scribe.
On Guru Purnima, it is customary to show appreciation to our preceptors, those who help to illuminate our paths, dispel the darkness within, and guide us toward spiritual liberation. This is a wonderful occasion for spiritual contemplation and celebration. It is also considered a favorable day on which to begin a new spiritual, educational, or healing practice. Devotees traditionally make sacred offerings of food to the needy (annadanam), or sponsor pujas (or yagyas) which include charitable giving.
July 13 to November 27: Saturn Retrograde - A Time to Reevaluate, Modify, and Refine Our Commitments
Saturn will begin its annual retrograde cycle on July 13 at 12:08 AM EDT (4:08 AM UTC). It will remain retrograde until November 27. Saturn will be transiting at around eight degrees of Pisces when it stations retrograde, and will be transiting at close to one degree of Pisces when it stations direct on November 27.
Saturn symbolizes the focus, discipline, and determination we need to face problems and reorganize our lives in order to make improvements. Thus, Saturnโs retrograde cycle can be an especially important time for all of us to reevaluate, modify, and refine our goals and commitments.
When any planet retrogrades, it traverses a specific range of the zodiac for a sustained period of time. As it moves backward, it will go through the portion of the zodiac through which it had previously transited. This is known as the shadow. The planet will cover this area once again when it moves forward.
The current Saturn transit may be very significant in natal or mundane horoscopes with planets and important chart points occupying (or in aspect to) the first ten degrees of Pisces (known as the first drekkana of Pisces). This is because Saturn, the planet of transformation and manifestation, will be making contact with this area several times over the course of a year.
Saturn is the lord of Vayu, the wind or air element. As a result, during the ten days before and after Saturn stations retrograde or direct, we may experience extreme mood shifts, anxiety, shocks and surprises, intense meteorological (air and weather) patterns, or seismic events. Saturn retrograding back through the first drekkana of Pisces may also generally emphasize high anxiety and restlessness throughout its retrograde period.
Saturn is conjunct Neptune (which retrograded earlier on July 4). They will be transiting together in retrograde through August. This may have the effect of intensifying the multiple economic, political, and social crises already occurring throughout the world.
July 16 to August 16: The Sun in Cancer - Nourishing Body, Mind, and Spirit
The Sun will transit into Cancer early on July 16 at 8:02 AM EDT (12:02 PM UTC). It will remain in this sign until August 16. You may start to feel a subtle shift as the Sun moves out of fast-paced Gemini into the more restful sign of Cancer.
The Sun in Cancer brings an emphasis on social, spiritual, and creative interests and activities. Some areas of the world may experience wetter and cooler weather related to the softer lunar energy of the Sunโs transit in Cancer. This gentler energy may calm some of the heat of the Sun and provide sustenance for our trees, plants, and wild creatures.
And for us humans, this is a wonderful time to nourish mind, body, and spirit. You can honor this season by spending time in nature, and by taking time to enjoy pleasant activities and nurture your fondest relationships.
That said, the Sun in Cancer can be moody, suggestible, and self-protective. It is very concerned with stability and security. Both the sign of Cancer and the Moon, its ruler, have a strong connection to the public and the collective unconscious. Therefore, propaganda may be heightened now, and the public might be more impressionable and easily manipulated.
July 18 to August 11: Mercury Retrograde in Cancer - Heightened Sensitivities Require Mindful Attention
Mercury has been transiting in Cancer since June 22, and will remain in this sign until August 30. Mercury will station retrograde on July 18 at 12:45 AM EDT (4:45 AM UTC). It will remain retrograde until August 11, when it will station direct at 3:30 AM EDT (7:30 AM UTC). During its retrograde cycle, Mercury will move back from 21 degrees of Cancer to ten degrees of Cancer.
This transit may sensitize the mind with deep feeling. It also can bring buried memories to the surface, which could be either pleasant, painful, or neutral. Although this transit can spur intuitive insights, it can also lead to intense emotional reactions and slower than usual intellectual functioning. Here, we may be challenged to harmonize the mind and the heart, to balance emotions with reason.
Mercury rules wind and weather, so heavy rains and floods might also be a concern in some locales during the retrograde transit of Mercury in Cancer, since Cancer is a water sign.
Please stay tuned for my forthcoming Mercury in Cancer article and sign-by-sign forecast which I will soon be publishing for my paid subscribers.
July 20: Mars and Ketu in Exact Conjunction - Extreme Fire Energy
Using the true node calculation, Mars and Ketu will be within an exact conjunction at 25 degrees of Leo on July 20. Using the alternative mean node calculation, they will conjoin at 26 degrees of Leo on July 22. The effective orb for this aspect will extend throughout the whole month of July. This conjunction occurring in a fire sign (Leo) reflects extreme fire energy, such as we would experience in very hot weather, or in explosive events, structure fires, and wildfires.
This extreme fire is also related to the fire element that exists with all of us, which can manifest as ambition, drive, creativity, enthusiasm, and passion; or, inflammation, stress, irritability, frustration, anger, zealotry, volatility, and militancy. This extreme fire energy can be destructive or constructive. For some, this conjunction may be overall positive. For others, it could be problematic. Either way, the extreme fiery signature may have a powerful transformational effect.
Mars and Ketu conjoined in Leo have in times past been associated with eruptions of anger and violence, civil unrest, revolutions, seismic events and storms, accidents (including air disasters), terror attacks, political plots, assassinations, cyber attacks, and military conflicts. On a more positive note, this conjunction in Leo has also occurred during times of technological and scientific advancements.
As an example, Mars was conjunct Ketu in Leo from July 24 to September 9, 1989, when two gaming devices came out (Game Boy and Sega Genesis). Also occurring at this time were the Revolutions of 1989, also known as the Fall of Communism or the Autumn of Nations. These were a wave of liberal democracy movements that led to the fall of most Communist governments in the Eastern Bloc and in other parts of the world. In 1989, the first computer virus was released, and also, the intentions of the terror group Al Qaeda were initially formalized.
Before that, Mars and Ketu came together in Leo from August 23 to October 9, 1970. In September 1970, President Nixon ordered 1,000 FBI agents to be brought in for an armed presence at college campuses in the wake of several anti-Vietnam war protests. Going back much further, Mars and Ketu were conjoined in Leo in 1914 when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sarajevo, a pivotal event that was the immediate catalyst for World War I.
Paramahansa Yoganandaโs advice for challenging times seems especially appropriate for this intense conjunction of Mars and Ketu:
Never let life beat you down. Beat life! If you have a strong will you can overcome all difficulties. Affirm, even in the midst of trials: โDanger and I were born together, and I am more dangerous than danger!โ This is a truth you should always remember; apply it and you will see that it works. Donโt behave like a cringing mortal being. You are a child of God!
July 21-24: The Balsamic Moon Phase - Pause, Reflect, Rest, and Heal
From July 21-24, the Moon will be in its Balsamic phase. This is the time of the month for cleaning, clearing, resting, meditating, healing, and renewal. During these days, we should envision what we want to manifest more of in the near future as we approach the New Moon of July 24.
July 24: The New Moon in Cancer - Time to Set New Intentions
On July 24 at 3:11 PM EDT (7:11 PM UTC), the New Moon will occur at almost eight degrees of Cancer. This New Moon will have a spiritual, nourishing, and healing quality as it occurs in its own sign of Cancer and in Pushya nakshatra.
The New Moon always sets the stage for new beginnings for the new month ahead, so it is an important day to be strong and clear in our intentions. We should also focus on maintaining a strong inner anchor, connected to divine energy. This will create a sense of unity within. This in turn will help to engender more ease, calm, and peace no matter what's happening โout thereโ in this crazy upside-down world.
The New Moon in Pushya nakshatra is generally benign except when it is afflicted, as it is now in its exact opposition with Pluto. This could suggest a tendency for familial or marital conflicts. It could trigger fanaticism, prejudice, pride, power struggles, paranoia, and violence.
July 25 to August 23: Shravana Maas - The Holiest Vedic Month Dedicated to Lord Shiva
Shravana Maas is the fifth month in the Vedic lunar calendar. It typically begins in mid-to-late July and ends by mid-to-late-August. The month of Shravana is very important for the Indian sub-continent as it is related to the arrival of the southwest monsoons.
This year, it will be celebrated in some parts of India beginning at the New Moon in July and ending at the New Moon in August (around July 25 to August 23). In other parts of India, it will be celebrated beginning at the Full Moon in July and ending at the Full Moon in August (around July 11 to August 16). The difference is that there are two lunar calendars, one that ends at the New Moon day, and one that ends on the Full Moon day.
During the Shravana month, the universe is rejuvenated by the Shiva Tattva. This is the highest, purest, transcendental essence of nature, which purifies body, mind and spirit. Various rituals are traditionally performed to Lord Shiva and Parvati now. These include fasting, mantra japa, prayer, pujas, reading sacred scriptures, taking holy baths, and giving to charity.
July 25 to August 20: Venus in Gemini - A Lighthearted and Creative Period
Venus will be in its annual transit in Gemini from July 25 to August 20. This is generally a sociable, communicative, curious, creative, and lighthearted placement for Venus. That said, this placement can also indicate a tendency to be indecisive or fickle when it comes to love matters or making choices based on worth or value. In August, Venus will conjoin Jupiter in Gemini, a lovely transit I will write about next month.
July 28 to September 13: Mars in Virgo - Productive, Practical, and Resourceful
Mars will transit in Virgo from July 28 to September 14. In its higher expression, Mars in Virgo can be quite industrious and resourceful. It ramps up our capacity to get things done effectively and efficiently. It also gives a strong impetus to make practical improvements, especially in matters related to health and work. That said, and as always, the specific impact of this transit will depend on how Mars in Virgo influences each particular birth chart.
Mercury, the ruler of Virgo, shares some enmity with Mars. As a result, this placement can trigger physical illnesses. It can also be perfectionistic, critical, competitive, and impatient. As Mars in Virgo reflects some propensity to find fault, and also reveals some potential for irritation, one would be well advised to keep it cool now, and avoid expressing negative words, thoughts, and emotions.
July 29: Nag Panchami - A Special Day to Honor Lord Shiva and the Nagas
The Vedic holy festival of Nag (or Naga) Panchami will occur on July 29. This is a day to pay homage to the sacred โNagaโ power which exists within all of nature as the primordial cosmic power. This power is expressed as the mystical serpent energy or kundalini shakti. Nagas are further defined as interdimensional elemental entities who reside primarily within the subtle dimensions of our Earth, as well as within and close to bodies of water. Lord Shiva is honored on Nag Panchami, as Shiva rules over the kingdom of the Nagas. It can be very helpful on this day to do special prayers and mantras invoking Lord Shiva.
Various forms of worship and celebration are performed on Nag Panchami according to various cultural traditions and depending on oneโs preferences. These include pujas, ritual offerings, fasting for some. For others, this day can be about eating special foods like rice dishes or laddus, which are also offered to and said to be enjoyed by the Naga spirits.
For those who have astrological afflictions of the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu (which also represent the serpent power), it is especially auspicious on this day to propitiate the Nagas. Specific pujas are performed in Hindu temples for this, such as the Kala Sarpa Puja, or the Nag Panchami Puja.
July 30, 2025 to January 2, 2026: Chiron Retrograde - Opportunities for Growth and Healing
Chiron will retrograde from July 30, 2025 to January 2, 2026. During this time, it will transit from approximately three degrees of Aries back to 28 degrees of Pisces. Chiron is classified as a minor planet and a comet. It is located between Saturn and Uranus. Wherever it transits in a natal or mundane astrological chart, Chiron reveals deep wounds and issues that we need to face and transform. As Chiron retrogrades, it can take us back to make amends with the past.
Chiron will retrograde back over the tumultuous edge between Aries and Pisces, known as a gandanta in Vedic Astrology. This section of the zodiac can relate to emotional upheaval, unresolved conflicts, and dramatic events.
This Chiron transit is profoundly affecting the United States birth chart which has Chiron at 29 degrees of Pisces in an out-of-sign conjunction with the IC (imum coeli), which is at two degrees of Aries. The IC is the fourth house cusp, known as patala lagna in Vedic Astrology. The IC represents the underpinning of the homeland and the impact of the nationโs past as it shapes the present and the future.
The Chiron Return is in place for the United States chart from around March 2025 until March of 2026. A planetary โreturnโ occurs when a planet returns to the same zodiacal location it occupied at the birth of a person or another entity, such as a nation. In other words, transiting Chiron will return to the same area of the zodiac that it occupied when the United States became a country.
In addition to the Chiron Return, Chiron is also transiting back and forth across the United States chartโs IC since March 2025 through February 2027. Both of these transits emphasize a time of tremendous disunity and crisis for the United States.
With the United States chartโs Chiron Return in Pisces conjunct the IC and in the fourth house, the nation as a whole is being compelled to address various core wounds. This could amount to a national identity crisis. This may also include the loss of spiritual faith, innocence, trust, safety, and security; ideological battles and extreme polarization; economic, social, and political turmoil; chronic disease, mental illness, and substance abuse. On the positive side, the Chiron Return may also offer the potential for some healing and awakening of consciousness.
July 31-August 1: Lammas - The Gaelic Festival of First Fruits
Here we are on the precipice of change as Lammas will begin at sundown on July 31. It will extend to sundown on August 1. This ancient Gaelic festival of โFirst Fruits,โ is celebrated in the northern hemisphere at the cross-quarter point between summer solstice and fall equinox.
According to tradition, this day marks one of the yearly turning points on the Great Wheel. It commemorates the first harvest and also celebrates hard work and artistry. Traditionally on Lammas, revelers bake loaves of bread as a holy offering to the Grain Mother โKerโ who is said to unfurl her golden cloak across the land to bring an abundant early harvest.
On Lammas, we should take some time out to appreciate the beautiful gifts of our life. Spending time in nature and perhaps swimming in natural waters or soaking in hot springs could be a wonderful way to celebrate. Most importantly, cultivating and expressing gratitude is the best practice to empower us at this time.
Instead of celebrating Lammas, our friends in the southern hemisphere will be marking the Imbolc cross-quarter point. This is the pre-spring celebration of growing light when Mother Earth begins to stir after the harshest days of winter.
July 31: Mercuryโs Inferior Conjunction - A Turning Point in the Retrograde Cycle
Retrograde Mercury will exactly conjoin the Sun at 15 degrees of Cancer on July 31. This is known as the inferior (or interior) conjunction, and represents a turning point in the retrograde cycle. Around this date, we may tap into some important information and guidance and can begin to metaphorically plant seeds for something new to develop in our world. What is revealed at this time is likely to emerge around Mercuryโs direct station on August 11. The last twelve days or so of the retrograde period (after the inferior conjunction) are about deciding and preparing to take new action. But usually, we still need to wait until after Mercury goes direct to make any life-altering decisions or to initiate anything significant.
As you can see, there will be a lot going on in the cosmos as we move deeper into summer! With four planets retrograding, the Mars-Ketu conjunction, and Chiron also making big moves, this could be another dramatic month. Fortunately, we will also have some lovely lunar energy and the Sirius gateway to bring us some joy and positivity. I hope this report is useful, and I wish all my dear readers a lovely July!
Many of my followers have asked me to include a Buy Me a Coffee button in my articles so that they can offer support and appreciation without having to commit to a paid subscription. So to all of you, thanks so much, and hereโs the button!
Any other Leo risings in here? This glorious mars + ketu conjunction is happening 2 degrees from my ascendant.
I think the world will get more weird. I also have a feeling we will have breakthroughs individually and as a collective. Based on nothing other than a feeling ๐ and also, when mars transited my natal ketu two weeks ago, it was one of the greatest, brightest days I've had all year. more of that = hell yeah. I'll be mindful to not behave like a loon though.
Thanks Juliana! This is a greatly comprehensive list and very, VERY helpful.
As usual, it took me more than one read to get some understanding of all that Juliana is saying in the July forecast. July looks to be a pretty intense month. What I really appreciate is that Juliana always inserts so much wisdom in her writing that regardless of what is happening, I always have hope for humanity. I am always appreciative of not only Juliana's basic honesty but her wisdom as well. I am so grateful I found this substack! Thank you Juliana!