The Summer Solstice Provides a Turning Point In Our Lives

THE SUN ENTERED the sensitive, feminine, water sign of Cancer, initiating the Summer Solstice on June 21. Marking the beginning of the Summer season, the Solstice happens when the sun reaches its farthest northern point, creating the longest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere before it begins its gradual decent. It is, in essence, a "turning point", and provides a catalyst for important changes or realizations in our lives. Meant to be a time of reflection, the Summer Solstice provides the energetic framework for insight and clarity in our life-direction, but it also is a catalyst to action. While the sun is in Cancer, from June 21 until July 22-23*, we become especially aware of our own, and our loved one's physical and emotional needs. We tend to business involving home and family.

Moon-Ruled Cancer Combines Strength and Sensitivity

Cancer is intuitive and caring, and people born with the sun, moon or rising sign in Cancer are usually aware of other people's pain or challenges, often finding themselves in the position of counseling or consoling others. Because of Cancer's great sensitivity, they feel vulnerable, and tend to build a protective shell around them, which can make them seem less open and available to others. Those born with the sun, moon, or rising sign in Cancer need time to feel secure with people in their lives before they will reveal their great caring and intuitive wisdom. Although they can be easily hurt, the moon-ruled Cancer person has a deep inner strength, and is someone who absolutely will be there for you in a crisis.

The Full Moon Highlights Our Principles and Values

On June 30, we had a full moon in Capricorn, opposite the sun and Mercury in Cancer, bringing to light the themes of heightened activity that were initiated at the Summer Solstice. The planet of action, Mars, promotes effective planning and implementation of current goals as it moves in Taurus at the full moon, helping us to slow down enough to get in sync with existing creative possibilities. Some rather important concerns must be addressed at the beginning of the month as Venus and Saturn join in Leo, opposing Neptune in Aquarius. The planet of love, beauty and values, Venus, plunges us into a deep look at how we are doing in living up to our higher principles and values. The question is: "Are our values simply a mental construct, or do we indeed live our lives in alignment with our beliefs and values?"

Old Business Is Completed, Freeing Energy For New Experiences

Through the first week of July, Mercury continues in retrograde (apparent backwards motion). Retrograding in the sign of Cancer since June 15, Mercury bids us to evaluate the condition of our home and family lives, as well as our inner, emotional life. Often, new decisions follow a retrograde period, but sometimes we merely need to complete some unfinished business. Either way, our energy is free for new creation as Mercury returns to direct motion on July 9, and especially after July 24 as it picks up speed. Mercury represents the human need to interact with others and our environment, and, when Mercury is moving at normal speed in direct motion, it facilitates contacts, transportation and communication, which furthers every area of our lives.

New Moon Helps Us Strengthen Family Connections

On July 14, we have a new moon in Cancer that lays the foundation for a new, 28-day cycle, giving us an opportunity to strengthen our family connections and connect more with our feelings. The planet of revolution, Uranus, forms a favorable triangle to the new moon, suggesting that we make some significant, positive changes in our emotional and family lives. As the same time, the planet of love and relationships, Venus, forms a powerful aspect with transformative Pluto, giving us the green light to make fundamental changes in our way of relating with family members and lovers.

A Full Moon Highlights a Review Of Our Love Life

The sun completes its journey through Cancer, entering playful Leo on July 22-23*. Taking us into the domain of self-expression and creativity, the sun in Leo brings focus to our own personal lives, opening us to our aspirations, desires and dreams. On July 27, Venus, the planet of love and relationships, turns retrograde in Virgo. Lasting until September 9, Venus retrograde brings a review of our most significant relationships, giving us a window of opportunity for completions. It is time to "clean out our relationship closets", letting go of any relationships that no longer serve our wellbeing, and completing any promises or agreements that need completion. This may be a time of healing misunderstandings, or following through with shared experiences and mutual ventures. Venus retrograde can also bring a review of the state of our finances; again, to bring us current and re-establish monetary health. The month comes to an end with a full moon in Aquarius, opposite the sun in Leo, and in favorable aspect to jovial Jupiter, bringing some lighthearted play.

* The sun leaves Cancer on July 22 in the continental US, and on July 23 for Alaska, Hawaii and beyond.

S U N   S I G N S
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	The new moon mid-month activates your home and family life, and may bring some surprising but pleasant changes. Monetary issues continue to be a concern, but once you face the underlying issue, you will find that the pressure is released, and your future looks brighter. Allowing your creative inspiration free reign will bring much pleasure this month.
	The planet of action, Mars, transits your sign in July, energizing you to take action and make important changes. You may also make new friends as you involve yourself mid-month with group activities that focus on bringing positive changes to society. Spend valuable time with loved ones; your home and family life needs attention.
	Your finances are energized by the new moon mid-month, and you may have a new career opportunity that brings an increased flow of money while challenging your existing schedule. Friends and relatives make a positive contribution, adding much value to your life. Recent stresses in your love life have resolved, leaving your relationship stronger than before.
	The new moon in your sign mid-month energizes you to take action on travel or educational plans that you have been contemplating for some time. A new outlook may prompt you to make changes in your long-term goals. You feel more connected to your life purpose and inspired to try some form of creative expression this month.
	The new moon this month activates endings or completions. You may be letting go of a friend or loved one, or simply a cherished idea, but know that letting go will pave the way for new creations. The dilemma that has been present for some months in your most personal relationship begins to find resolution now, and as your love life transforms, you feel a surge of creative energy.
	Your goals and long term plans are highlighted this month, and you may be making some changes in the light of new information. Friends and group activities are a source of great pleasure, bringing balance to your somewhat hectic life. Recent relationship issues begin to resolve mid-month, and you find that you have learned much about yourself through the past challenges.
	The new moon activates your career mid-month, bringing new energy and perhaps some innovations in your work. The changes have been brewing for some time, but now that you have made them, you can truly appreciate their necessity. You are now able to do some long term planning with confidence.
	New educational pursuits or travel plans are on the agenda for the middle of the month. Creative ideas are flowing and you feel aligned with your purpose as you allow your creativity to get expressed. Much of the hard work is behind you now, and the renewal of your career life continues with greater ease.
	Jupiter in your sign continues to bring expansion into many areas of your life, particularly philosophical exploration or spiritual understanding. Beginning a new exercise or dietary routine will be supportive of your health. The new moon mid-month stimulates positive changes with shared resources or investments, and family members will benefit.
	The new moon highlights your partnerships, bringing positive changes that follow good communication with loved ones. You have experienced much transformation in your way of relating, and this has stimulated a positive flow of energy with shared resources, as well as creating deeper intimacy.
	New health and dietary routines help you to make the positive changes you have been envisioning in your life. Your self-esteem has improved, and you have more energy and enthusiasm for your work. Relationship issues resolve mid-month, and you are once again able to harmoniously make future plans.
	The new moon mid-month stimulates creative expression and pleasurable pursuits. Issues in your professional life begin to resolve, leaving you freer to enjoy your work. Sharing inspiration with your friends is fun, and helps you to feel more aligned with your spiritual purpose.

© Carola Eastwood, 2007

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carola Eastwood is a professional astrological consultant, counselor, and teacher with over 22 years experience providing insight and guidance for clients throughout the world. Carola has appeared on national TV, hosted radio shows, spoken at national conventions, and presented classes and workshops to numerous audiences.

Your astrological chart is your "blueprint" for this lifetime. A personal session with Carola is a journey deep into the heart of your being, a look at your entire lifetime, and a remembrance of your spiritual purpose. For more information, or to schedule a session with Carola, call Earth Star Consulting Services 1 858 - 259-1590, or email to estar@greencafe.com.

You can also visit Carola's website at www.earthstarconsulting.