July represents a fresh start.
In some ways, the momentum and potential of 2014 has been in a holding pattern until now, and it’s from this month that energy shifts, the pace picks up and life starts to unfold.
The first half of 2014 had an unusual succession of personal planet retrogrades.
One way or another, one of our usually fleet footed planetary guides was off their game.We had a grand total of 26 days between January – June on which all three personal planets were direct.
The astro calendar looked like this:
January – Venus retrograde until the 30th
February – Mercury retrograde between the 5th – 27th
March/April/May – Mars retrograde between March 1 – May 19
June – Mercury retrograde between the 6th – 30th
To contrast this, consider how the second half of 2014 looks in terms of personal planet retrogrades.
July – none
August – none
September – none
October – Mercury retrograde between the 3rd – 24th
November – none
December – none
A rather different picture indeed! Between July – December there are just 24 days when there is a personal planet retrograde. This creates a different feeling and tone to the later part of 2014, and it will come with a much wider range of possibilities.
Generally speaking, this means there is more flow and increased potential for progress in the second half of the year.
More Mars in Libra – Personal Reflections
The extra long Mars retrograde cycle, which meant Mars has been in Libra for 6+ months, may have created an extreme focus or obsession around a particular issue or topic. This may have been exacerbated by delays or frustrations that forced a rethink of your plans, or asked you to consider an alternative strategy.
If you’re familiar with your own chart, consider the topics associated with the house ruled by Libra. For me , Libra rules my 8th House, which is symbolic of taxes, debt, investments and shared finances (like couple or family money).
My 8th House Mars-in-Libra mini obsession has been about consolidating joint debt and investments and all the research, debate, discussion and to and fro that goes into that. What’s the best rate? What are the consequences? All this sharing! What will we save and how much will it cost?
It was an intense process that triggered some emotion and I am glad that in the weeks since Mars has gone direct decisions have been made and plans put in place. Now this topic feels sorted and it can go back on the shelf.
Perhaps you too have had an all consuming topic or concern that’s occupied much of your time and energy through the first half of the year? If so, please share in the comments!
Moving Forward with Mars
Mars will spend time in some of his favourite signs in the coming months, and you may be especially motivated, driven or determined when:
– Mars is in Scorpio, July 26 – September 13
– Mars is in Capricorn, October 26 – December 4
These can be great periods to push forward, express desire or reconnect with motivation to push for progress.
Connecting with Venus
Venus also gets a look in, and lights up one of her home signs, Libra, between September 30 – October 23.
This period can bring support for Venus things, like love, working with others and money or luxury.
It can also provide a soothing balm or reward for efforts or challenges dealt with during the Mars in Libra period, as Venus will essentially take over the part of your chart/life that was influenced by Mars in the first half of 2014.
Logistics, Chat + Learning with Mercury
Mercury too is more productive, in that he covers almost half the Zodiac, moving from Cancer through to Capricorn, with an extended retrograde stay in Libra.
Mercury’s best period will be when he moves through one of his home signs, Virgo, between August 15 – October 2. Use this detailed energy to make plans, schedules and generally add order or organisation to life.
How are you feeling about the second half of July, especially in comparison to the first half? Did you too have some kind of particular obsession or all consuming issue in the first half of the year?