As we head into the long weekend, the New Moon in Cancer, happening around 6 pm Central time, Friday is closely aligned with Venus, the planet of love, affection, friendship and pleasure. This makes for an excellent time to gather with those you love and enjoy a meal. The nature of Cancer is caring, nurturing, and supportive particularly with family and close friends, and most Cancers love both eating and feeding folks. Five planets in this new moon chart fall in the water signs of Cancer and Pisces, adding an emotional note to your weekend. All ten planets fall within 180 degrees of each other, being led by Mercury the planet of communication. Expect lively conversation, laughter and fun.
The only sign of trouble is Mercury, in early Leo, opposing Pluto. Oppositions often signify external conflict and Mercury will always want to communicate, while Pluto likes to keep things under wraps. This creates the potential for some outspoken conflicts, particularly for any troubles or resentments that have been buried or suppressed. This would be particularly true for people born with planets within the first 10 degrees Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius.
On July 17th the Mercury Retrograde shadow period begins. Mercury enters Virgo on July 26th, then on August 4 begins retracing its steps into Leo. Mercury turns backwards or retrograde from August 4-27 traveling in both Virgo and Leo, but we will begin to experience some miscommunications and problems with technology when it touches 21 degrees Leo, the final degree of the retrograde. Often these shadow periods are uneventful, and other times they feel just like the retrograde period.
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Many of you know that I have been offering “Death Chart Sessions” on my webpage for clients struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. These sessions focus on ways to reframe and hopefully integrate the loss, so you can find resolution. This is a new field of astrology I am researching and hoping to introduce to the larger astrological community through my soon-to-be-finished book: Death Charts; A Gift to the Bereaved. If you are interested in learning more, please enjoy this podcast.