July 2024 Vedic Astrology Forecast
Get ready for a fresh start as we shake off negative energy and begin a new month!
If you like my writing, feel free to click the ❤️ or 🔄 button on this post so that more people can discover it on Substack. 🙏
July whispers secrets of adventure on the winds of change. (anonymous)
Did anyone else have a challenging time in May and June? If you felt stuck, frustrated, or anxious during the past two months, you're not alone. I've been an astrologer for decades, and the cosmic conditions in May and June were some of the most stagnant and arduous planetary positions that I've ever seen.
Fortunately, the celestial energy will loosen up and improve as July begins. Let's look at the major astrological events that will bring us a fresh start and some big changes this month:
June 29 to July 19: Mercury in Cancer - Increased Creativity and Sensitivity
We begin the month with Mercury having just come into Cancer on June 29. Mercury will remain in this sign until July 19. Mercury's transit through Cancer represents a period of heightened intuition, creativity, and emotional sensitivity. This is a special time to tune in to the deep rhythms of Mother Earth.
July 2: Neptune Stationary Retrograde - Time to Confront Certain Harsh Realities
Neptune, planet of mysteries, art, music, spirituality, secrets, idealism, lies, and deception, will station retrograde at approximately six degrees of Pisces on July 2. This is an annual cycle for Neptune when it retrogrades for about five months, in this case, until December 7 when it will station direct at about three degrees of Pisces.
Retrograde Neptune cycles (and particularly the 10 days either side of its retrograde or direct stations) are generally a period when we have to confront certain harsh realities. Around the retrograde station itself (10 days either side), we often see the world more embroiled than usual in mass confusion and misunderstanding.
If you have any planets or chart points located in range from one to eight degrees of Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Gemini, then this Neptune retrograde cycle may affect you with a wake-up call related to a matter you may have previously been unaware of, or that you ignored or denied. Not to worry though…just be aware that such Neptune retrograde transits can be managed well when we face up to the truth, take responsibility, and establish healthier emotional and interpersonal boundaries.
July 2 to 5: The Balsamic Lunar Phase - Time to Take a Break, Look Within, Rest, and Rejuvenate
The Balsamic Moon phase will begin on July 2 and will end at the New Moon on July 5. This is the Waning Crescent phase when the illuminated surface of the Moon is just a sliver. The term “Balsamic” refers to the healing energy that comes during these last few days of the diminishing lunar cycle.
The Moon’s energy at this time can help us clear, release, and heal as we prepare for the new lunar month ahead. Although the energy will support dreaming and meditation, we might feel a bit exhausted during this phase. This gives us even more reason to use this time to take a break, look within, rest, regroup, and rejuvenate!
July 5: The New Moon in Gemini - Positive Energy for Positive Change!
The New Moon will occur on Friday, July 5 at 6:57 PM EDT (10:57 PM UTC), and in the playful and communicative sign of Gemini (at 20 degrees of longitude). This area of Gemini falls in Punarvasu nakshatra, whose name refers to beginning something again, or also, the “return of the light.” The New Moon in this nakshatra will bring a sense of contentment and enjoyment. It is also auspicious for writing, speaking, travel, healing, gardening, creativity, activities with children, and meditation.
Through a special conjunction with Venus, the New Moon will receive an added boost of creative, loving, peaceful, and harmonious energy. In addition to Venus, the New Moon will also conjoin the fixed star Sirius at 20 degrees of Gemini. This powerful conjunction signifies a turning point leading to a positive change.
July 5: The Annual Opening of the Sirius Gateway - Showering Us With Grace and Blessings
The Sirius Gateway (also known as the Sirius Star Portal) opens annually in early July, and this year it will occur on July 5 at 7:12 PM EDT (11:12 PM UTC). This date changes every year but always occurs within the range of July 4 to 6 at this time in history. This cosmic event occurs at the astronomical alignment of Sirius with the Earth and Sun, and when the Earth is at aphelion (its furthest point from the Sun). At this time, the Sun in its orbit aligns in the same longitude as Sirius (20 degrees of sidereal Gemini).
As the Sirius Gateway becomes activated, the solar logos receives a regenerating boost, and the hierarchy of great divine Ones who guide humanity's evolution come to shower the world with grace. At aphelion, the Earth is 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 recent article titled The Annual Opening of the Sirius Gateway.
July 6: Transiting Saturn Aspects Transiting Mars - The Warrior Under Pressure
On July 6, Saturn in Aquarius will exactly aspect Mars in Aries by its third (sextile) aspect. These two planets will also be within an effective orb of aspect from July 1-13. In its lower expression, Saturn can excessively fan the flames of Mars. This can manifest in extremely hot weather patterns, fires, willfulness, impatience, anger, negative attitudes, violence, and sudden explosive events.
The higher expression of Saturn’s influence on Mars can manifest in a strong impulse to succeed. This aspect can indicate tremendous drive, discipline, determination, will power, productivity, hard work, and endurance.
July 6 to 31: Venus in Cancer - Emotional Sensitivities May Heighten
Venus will transit in Cancer from July 6 to 31. Venus in Cancer can be kind, loving, emotionally sensitive, nurturing, open-hearted, and constructive in communication. This combination occurs in the astrological charts of several clients as well as public figures in my database. These individuals are all characteristically conservative, patriotic, ethical, circumspect, frugal, prudent, and dignified. This is because Venus in Cancer values safety, security, tradition, home, and family.
July 10: The Venus Combustion Cycle Finally Ends - Bringing a Relief from Past Pressures and Conflicts
Venus will finally leave its state of combustion on July 10. This shift could bring a relief from pressures or conflicts that began at the start of the Venus combustion cycle in April.
As its combustion cycle ends, Venus will return from its journey to the underworld. It will reappear near the western horizon after sunset in mid-to-late July. After this point, Venus will spend about eight months as a brilliant light in the evening sky.
The reappearance of Venus as the beautiful Evening Star is symbolic of the resurrection of the divine life force which brings a greater sense of tranquility, compassion, and hopefulness.
July 12 to August 26: Mars in Taurus - Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Mars will transit in Taurus from July 12 to August 26. Mars can be motivated and ambitious here in the sign of the Bull. In addition, it can provide a sense of strength and stability. The key expression for this placement is “slow and steady wins the race!” Mars in Taurus has a powerful drive for material security. It also has an interest in the natural world and in all human endeavors. The lower expression of this placement tends to manifest in stubbornness, inflexibility, self-indulgence, and relationship conflicts.
Mars in Taurus points to the everyday struggles and conflicts that affect all of us in our ever-changing world. Specifically, this transit can represent losses on the stock exchange, financial panics, and bank failures. The threat to human lives and the depletion of worldwide resources due to involvement in wars and wasteful government spending of public funds becomes ever more real and threatening during this transit. Mars in Taurus can highlight serious issues with jobs and wage growth, supply chains, food and agriculture, and the auto industry.
Mars will be in Krittika nakshatra from July 8-26. Krittika is ruled by Agni, the God of fire. This will be a heightened period of fiery energy, including with literal fires. We can expect a fiery year in general too as I discussed in my Vedic New Year chart analysis:
Mars and Saturn will have an especially strong impact on the world during the next year. Mars will be the King of the Year. Mars is King because it is the lord of the day (Tuesday) on which the first tithi of shukla pratipada appears before sunrise after the New Moon in Pisces. Mars as the Lord of the Year is associated with wars, fires, crime, suffering, and heated conflict among the people and their leaders.
July 12: Venus-Pluto Opposition - Potential for Turmoil
Every 12-14 months, transiting Pluto and Venus form an opposition with each other. This year, the opposition will occur on July 12, with Venus at six degrees of Cancer opposing Pluto at six degrees of Capricorn. This aspect will be within a two-degree effective orb from July 10 to 13.
Pluto opposing Venus can indicate intense passions and control issues. There may be extreme emotional reactions that can trigger all kinds of pressures and upsets. Now is not the time for risk-taking, as Pluto influencing Venus can bring out the darker side of life. On the global level, Venus-Pluto oppositions are often associated with debt crises, violence, insurgencies, floods, mass disasters (especially near waterways), and devious power plays in business and politics.
July 15: Mars Conjoins Uranus and Algol - A Rare Conjunction and a Time to Be Aware and Mindful
On July 15, Mars will conjoin Uranus at two degrees of Taurus. These two planets will also be in a conjunction with the fixed star Algol (the Demon Star). This conjunction will be within a three-degree effective orb from July 10 to 19. Although a Mars-Uranus conjunction occurs every two years (approximately), it is rare for these two planets to conjoin Algol at the same time.
The fixed star Algol (Beta Persei) is a rare 2.1 magnitude eclipsing binary star located in the Medusa’s Head which is held by the warrior Perseus. The longitude of Algol is two degrees and eighteen minutes of sidereal Taurus.
Mars in conjunction with Uranus is a classic signature for seismic events, rebellion, accidents, and other kinds of sudden, shocking events (such as a dangerous national security crisis). Something that has been held back might come to a head during this time. This is even truer due to the intense conjunction with Algol, which by itself is associated with power struggles, corruption, sorrows, tragedies, and disasters.
Your natal chart house placement of Taurus will determine how this conjunction impacts you on a personal level. If the conjunction closely aspects any of your natal planets or angle cusps in the first couple of degrees of Taurus, Scorpio, Leo, and Aquarius, it may be significant.
In its lower expression, the Mars-Uranus-Algol conjunction can indicate upheaval, danger, and mishaps. In its more positive manifestation, this intense combo can be rousing and illuminating. Either way, the nature of this conjunction tends to be erratic and unexpected, so please be aware and mindful.
I have been wondering if this conjunction will be the trigger for the eruption of the Blaze Star (the T Coronae Borealis nova) which scientists say is imminent! Read my previous article about this if you missed it before.
I searched back to 1700 and found three previous similar instances of this conjunction. What I discovered was fascinating:
In early June 1774, Mars was conjoined Algol in early Taurus, with Uranus close by at about eight degrees of Taurus. At this time, the Coercive Acts of 1774, known as the Intolerable Acts, were passed. These acts were a series of four laws passed by the British Parliament to punish the colony of Massachusetts Bay for the Boston Tea Party. The fourth act, which passed in June 1774, was the Quartering Act. This law required that British soldiers be quartered at the colonists’ expense. The colonists responded to the Intolerable Acts by convening the First Continental Congress to discuss and negotiate a unified approach to the British. These acts ultimately inspired the American Revolution.
In early May 1857, Mars and Uranus were conjoined Algol in early Taurus. The Indian Rebellion (also known as India’s First War of Independence) began on May 10. This was a widespread but unsuccessful uprising against the rule of the British East India Company, which had up to then functioned as a sovereign power on behalf of the British Crown. This unprecedented event was a watershed moment in the history of India, as the British East India Company subdued the revolt with great force, thus paving the way for India to become a British colony.
In February 1942, Mars and Uranus were exactly conjoined Algol in early Taurus. This occurred during World War II during the catastrophic fall of Singapore to the Japanese. At this time, the war also escalated in Australia, and the allies further failed to prevent the Japanese attack on Java. Interestingly, the Battle of Los Angeles also took place in February 1942. During this battle, American military forces fired a barrage of anti-artillery fire at an unidentified object in the sky. They believed that the object signaled the start of a Japanese invasion. It was soon revealed that this was not the case. Non-military witnesses described a large orange object that moved slowly for 30 minutes over the coast between Santa Monica and Long Beach, and then disappeared. The Army issued a War Department report which indicated that between one and five unidentified objects had flown over Los Angeles.
July 16 to August 16: The Sun in Cancer: A Time To Nourish Mind, Body, and Spirit
The Sun will transit into Cancer early on July 16 at 1:49 AM EDT (5:59 AM 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 key expression of the Sun in Cancer is “I feel." This statement reflects 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 Sun’s transit in Cancer. This gentler energy will 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. As the Moon and Cancer represent the public and the collective unconscious, propaganda may be heightened when the Sun is in Cancer. In addition, the public might be more easily manipulated at this time.
July 16: United States Pluto Return Activation Point - Revolutionizing the Social and Economic Fabric of a Nation
The United States Pluto Return will be in place for all of 2024. During this time, transiting Pluto will conjoin Pluto in the United States birth chart three times. The second conjunction will occur on July 16. Within several weeks before and after this conjunction, a national setback or darkening of the public mood could occur in the United States. Please see my most recent article about the United States Pluto Return for more information.
July 17: Mercury Pre-Retrograde Shadow Period Begins - A Glimpse of What’s To Come in August and September
Mercury will retrograde in Leo back to Cancer from August 5 to August 28. The pre-retrograde shadow period will occur from July 17 to August 5. Mercury will retrograde in Leo back to Cancer from August 5 to August 28. The pre-retrograde shadow period will occur from July 17 to August 5. During this time, we may begin to witness or experience some of the main themes that will be playing out in our lives and in the world during the Mercury retrograde cycle (Stay tuned for more on this in my August report.)
July 21: Full Moon/Guru Purnima - A Day to Honor the Divine Light
The Full Moon will occur on Sunday, July 21, at 6:17 AM EDT (10:17 AM UTC). Use the World Time Buddy to find the exact time if your location is different. The Full Moon will occur at five degrees of Capricorn. This mysterious and magical sign exemplifies the highest manifestation of Spirit in matter.
Within Capricorn, the Full Moon will fall in Uttarashadha nakshatra, the “Universal Star." The Full Moon will additionally be in Aquarius navamsa, the sign of the universal life force. As a result, this lunar event will allow us to celebrate the divine light that exists within all of life. This Moon will be a great time to pause and enjoy our blessings and achievements.
On the day and night before every Full Moon, maximum sunlight pours forth onto the Earth. This is like sunlight that is coming through the Moon. The light of the Sun is symbolic of the highest divine light ~ As Above, So Below ~. The intense spiritual light explains why the Full Moon is one of the best times of the month for meditation, healing, and spiritual practices.
This Full Moon is even more auspicious than usual as it coincides with Guru Purnima, the Vedic Full Moon celebration that occurs every year in the lunar month of Ashadha (which extends from July 5 to August 4). Guru Purnima is one of the best days of the year in which to begin a new spiritual or educational practice, to honor and propitiate our preceptors, and to commune with the Divine Teacher who exists within us and within all of nature.
July 26 to December 30: Chiron Retrograde in Late Pisces - Reality Check
Chiron will retrograde in Pisces from July 26 to December 30. It will transit from 29 degrees back to 25 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 any unresolved wounds and issues that we need to face and transform. As Chiron retrogrades, it might take us back to some unfinished business that we must address.
With Chiron retrograding in late Pisces, the core wounds to be addressed include the loss of trust and faith, a struggle with idealism, and the need for a reality check. In the United States birth chart, Chiron is conjunct the IC (fourth house cusp), which represents the underpinnings of the nation and its citizens. Chiron Return is in place now until 2026, and it marks a time of tremendous disunity and crisis for the United States. However, it also offers the potential for an awakening of consciousness.
As a Neo-Vedic (East-West) astrologer, I use Chiron in my astrological consulting practice with my clients. The placement of Chiron has a significant influence in the natal chart, where it represents a core wound that can ultimately become one’s greatest gift when it is addressed, healed, and integrated. Through the house and sign in which it is transiting and the aspects it makes during its retrograde cycle, Chiron will reveal where certain opportunities for growth and healing exist in various aspects of life.
July 31 to August 24: Venus in Leo - Time to Celebrate Life!
The annual transit of Venus in Leo will occur from July 31 to August 24. How this transit will affect you depends on the house occupied by Leo and the houses that Venus rules in your astrological birth chart, and any aspects that Venus will make when it is in Leo.
Generally, Venus in Leo heightens creativity and passion, and tends to dramatize emotional experiences. This placement in its higher expression brings a sense of dignity, loyalty, warmth, and kind-heartedness, along with a love of socializing, entertaining, and the arts. I think of this transit as a time to celebrate life!
However, Venus and the Sun (ruler of Leo) are enemies according to Vedic astrology, so this placement it its lower expression can reflect self-absorption, conceit, indulgent behavior, ailments of the heart, back, or reproductive system, and personal or business reationship conflicts.
The influence of both Venus and the Sun (Leo) extend to the Ananhata chakra, our energetic heart center of compassion, connection, peace, and universal love. Therefore, the best remedy for this placement natally or in transit (if it is manifesting through its less positive expression) is heart chakra healing. One excellent remedy for this is Rose Quartz, either in the form of a gem or gem elixir:
Rose Quarts is a universal heart harmonizer. It balances the emotional body and sooths deep-seated scars and traumas. It assists the heart chakra to expand opening to the universal flow of giving and receiving love. Resolves issues of anger. During transformational healing processes, Rose Quartz Crystal facilitates clarity and integration on all levels. (Planetary Gem Elixirs: Ambassadors of Cosmic Light)
July 31: Lammas - The Magical Cross-Quarter Point Between Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox
Lammas will begin at sundown on July 31 and will extend to sundown on August 1. This is the ancient Gaelic pagan loaf festival that commemorates the early harvest. Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) occurs at the mystical cross-quarter point between the summer solstice and autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere. We should pause on Lammas to take stock of our lives and express gratitude for all of our blessings and gifts. (In the southern hemisphere, this will be the Imbolc festival, when the seeds of spring are beginning to stir in the belly of Mother Earth).
Creator God
who breathed this world into being,
who is discernible within
the harmony of nature,
the perfection of a butterfly's wing,
the grandeur of a mountain range,
the soaring eagle and humming bird,
thank you for this world
which you have created.
Thank you for summer sun,
which reminds us
that your creative breath
is still alive and active.
Thank you for the warmth of your love,
sustaining this world, your garden. (Breath of Summer, Author Unknown)
As my update shows, July will be full of strong Cancerian energy and major lunar shifts. The opening of the Sirius Star Portal and an auspicious New Moon in Gemini will bring a positive start to the month. As we move deeper into July, we will experience a rare conjunction of Mars, Uranus, and the fixed star Algol that may bring surprises and challenges. Fortunately, the Sun in Cancer and the Full Moon in Capricorn should lift our spirits and send us some nurturing energy. Finally, the month will end on a magically upbeat note with the festival of Lammas.
I hope you can feel a loosening of spirit and a renewed sense of lightness and joy during the blessed month of July!
I really appreciate the depth of knowledge and research you put into your posts: thanks Juliana!
Thank you! 🙏☀️💛