Dear Ones,
Recently I took my electric mower to a thick patch of grass and got to pushing. My eye caught a glimpse of a little feather; its filigreed beauty at great risk as it lay in the path of the mower. I bent to pick it up and held it safe. As I added it to my solstice bundle, I marveled that sometimes unbeknownst to us, we are in danger. And also in our ignorance we are rescued and protected. This little delicate feather, so light, in the mower’s cutting path gave me an understanding of grace.
July is a good month for grace. Once in a while we are both squeezed and pulled away from our tight perceptions and hardwired notions. July is one of those times. As I study the movement of the planets I see a full time ahead of us. The challenge will be how to expand our capacities. What aspects of your awareness can you increase and how will you do that? My yoga teacher (a poetic soul) asked me how to bring balance to our lives during the fiery energy of July. That’s an important question. The trick with the month of July is to stay attuned to your shadow nature. No projections! Own your own stuff. Avoid excessive emotions. Creatively plan for the long term. Things really are changing, deep underground and sanity is returning. So, stay grounded, and protect your mental and spiritual health. Laugh, a lot, especially at yourself. Have fun!
Are you more auditory? Then listen here: KAFM radio interview.
It’s a great month to read my book Bodysense. Readers are writing me that they love the book. Please write a review on Amazon! It will be available on non-Amazon platforms by summer’s end so your local bookstore can order it for you. And if you put Heartfelt or Bodysense by Dulce Bell-Bulley in your search engine you’ll find my books in all kinds of places, like Thrift Books.
Pick one up at Meditation Spaces in Montrose, and as soon as I get to Fruita, it’ll be available at Lithic Press too. I’m currently making an audio version which will be out soon. Meanwhile, on Saturday August 15th, I’ll be at the Sophia Center in Palisade starting at 10 am to read from Bodysense and to enjoy meeting readers. We’re going to indulge in wide ranging discussion on the themes in the book from astrological and psychotherapeutic perspectives. Snacks and coffee too!
Okay – back to July!
July is hot, risky, and somewhat confusing. Part of this is due to Mercury’s retrograde (until the 23rd). The heat comes from abundant Jupiter, newly in fiery Leo. Jupiter will be in Leo until late July 2027. The Sun adds to the fire on July 22nd when it leaves watery Cancer for Leo. The risk comes when Mars and Uranus (two wild cards) conjunct on July 2nd.
The Sun in Cancer invites us to tend to our homes and our loved ones. It’s the time of year when we focus on the basic structure of our lives – where we live, how we make our money, our feelings and commitment to our country. America is a Cancer country.
Jupiter, newly in Leo, brings valor and heart to all we do. Courage and creativity are bold banners on the scarred land of war. But in dramatic Leo, proclamations of bravado could be over the top. Jupiter has a twelve-year orbit around the Sun. What was going on in your life in 2002–2003 and 2014–2015?
One of my favorite astrologers had this to say about this Jupiter cycle: “The difference this time is that Jupiter will align with the South Node in Leo beginning July 26. This invites a closer look at our actions: Are we acting from ego or from a need to sustain it? South Node alignments often bring karmic hubris to the surface. With the North Node moving into Aquarius at the end of July, the emphasis shifts toward community…” Georgia Stathis.
Jupiter opposes Pluto and squares Chiron all month long. Jupiter represents our beliefs and opinions. It’s also associated with our ideas about leisure and expansive relaxed states of being. In opposition with Pluto there’s a strong need to look very closely at our shadows – both personal and collective. Jupiter is in square with Chiron. Chiron is newly in Taurus indicating that food production, climate change and all things associated with our planet must be addressed. We’re going to hurt if we don’t face the obvious.
Jupiter trines Neptune all month long too. This is a hopeful, dreamy, inspired connection. Look for new creative ideas related to water and fuel. Perhaps this may signal a genuine resolution to the shipping crisis related to the Strait of Hormuz though I doubt it.
As I mention later in this column, there’s a remarkable astrological configuration this month. It’s the connection between Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto as they connect at 4 degrees. Further, Saturn will be on the same side of our solar system as the other four. This is known as the Barbault Basket. A French astrologer by the name of Barbault felt that this phenomenon is beneficial and reveals the beginning of a new collective sanity. So, though things look very hard out there, we are actually at a luminous fresh start, dear Ones. Do not lose heart! Read the excellent Substack article.
July 1st, expect push back. The month opens with Jupiter in opposition to Pluto, along with the Moon, no less. The king is being challenged! Jupiter remains in opposition with Pluto for the entire month and we see this from the get-go.
July 2nd, Mars meets Uranus! Eeeck! This is a highly unpredictable energy. On the plus side, stagnant blocks suddenly burst free. Something that has been held up may suddenly end. Men, specifically young men, act out. Gender issues predominate – Gemini is blissfully androgynous. On the negative side, careless risky action occurs. Hopefully they keep his bruised fat hands away from the big button! Mars and Uranus stay together through July 4th. During this time be prudent around sharp objects and explosives. Be mindful when driving and stay away from aggressive persons.
This over-the-top Gemini energy suggests we need to keep our lungs healthy. As I write this, the sky is thick with smoke from several nearby fires. The sun’s light is obscured and the temperature has dropped. It’s best to stay indoors near an air filter. And in keeping with Chiron in Taurus we may ask how can food be grown in these circumstances?
July 3rd, the Aquarian Moon opposes Venus before it enters Pisces that evening. Don’t get pulled into divisiveness but consider this… who controls the money in our country?
July 4th brings mixed energy. Mars aligns perfectly with Pluto while hanging out with Uranus and all of them connect with Jupiter. The solar return (birthday chart) for the USA shows a focus on finances with deep systemic changes afoot. We must be mindful that the very rich (Venus in Leo at the base of the chart) have their hands on our collective assets. Sane rebellion is also represented in this chart. The Moon is the highest planet in the birthday chart – the Moon represents the people. The Moon rules Cancer – America is a Cancer country. The Moon is tender in gentle Pisces in the USA birthday chart but it is persistent as it trines exactly with our Cancer Sun. Keep calling your representatives! This is OUR country – WE THE PEOPLE!
July 5th, the Pisces Moon brings much needed relief.
July 6th through most of July 8th, the Aries Moon brings new energy and some limitation. Commit to that which is best and long lasting, especially on the 7th when the Moon meets Saturn. I’m wondering if we’ll see even more fires during this hot period.
On July 8th, the Moon meets Chiron bringing a tenderness to the day. Take care of yourself. Remember, Jupiter is squaring Chiron all through the month and you may be feeling things much larger than your own life.
July 9th and Venus enters Virgo today. In this busy sign she puts up her gold necklace and dons her rubber gloves. Venus is in her fall in Virgo. She’s a goddess after all, and what Goddess wants to scrub the toilet? I’ve always enjoyed Venus in Virgo though. In this analytical service-oriented sign, Venus is able to love in a more hands-on way. She forms a good relationship with Chiron indicating a deeper healing.
July 10th, the waning Moon leaves solid Taurus for mercurial Gemini and meets Uranus and Mars that night. Stay grounded. Prioritize your mental health. Protect your nervous system.
July 11th, Venus meets the South Node. There’s a loss today of love and/or wealth. A woman lets go. Or conversely, something from the past comes forward; something of value is recovered. Uranus has been squaring the nodes and is part of this energy. Evaluated change may be sudden.
July 12th and the Sun meets retrograde Mercury. Those in power go back over past events. It’s possible that past events catch up to the President today. Lots of emotional talk today.
July 13th the Moon enters Cancer and prepares for rebirth on the 14th but before it does it squares Saturn. Be mindful of the long term effects of too much emotionality in the moment.
July 14th early in the morning (MDT) is our annual Cancer New Moon. Close to retrograde Mercury and square Saturn this New Moon brings emotions, possible limitations, and long-term considerations. Venus, Uranus, Pluto and Neptune connect with one another around the 4˚ mark. Deep change is afoot. Least you think it’s sudden, think again. Whatever is planted at this beginning has roots in wishes and hopes seeded some time ago. Jupiter continues to trine Neptune indicating new ideas and possibilities can also be created now. Don’t miss this opportunity to align with your highest and best and plant seeds for sanity and sustainability. We really truly are at the beginning of something quite remarkable – dare I even say – peace on Earth and all that that means – food security, no wars, proliferation of art, music and literature, zero pollution, restoration of wilderness, children imaginatively engaged in a healthy safe world. Dream this with me, dear Ones! It’s so possible and the Barbault Bucket reveals it.
July 15th and 16th, the waxing Leo Moon brings drama and play. With good connections to Neptune and Saturn dreams and plans take shape.
July 17th and the Virgo Moon meets the South Node and then Venus. It’s time to get organized. This cleaning, critical energy carries us through to July 18th.
July 19th and 20th, the waxing Moon enters Libra bringing relationships into view. With oppositions to Neptune and then Saturn fantasies may need to be curtailed for reality.
July 21st and 22nd the Scorpio Moon deepens feelings, especially on the 21st when it opposes Chiron. Take care of yourself.
On July 22nd, the Sun leaves the homey feelings of Cancer for the heat and creativity of Leo and immediately connects with Jupiter. Big news, big ideas, bold pronouncements are likely. This is a good time to market yourself and your product as long as you have integrity with both.
The Moon enters fiery Sagittarius late on the 23rd heating things up. Now we have the Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune all in fire signs. Be sure to have your fire preparedness/emergency kit in your car, just in case. The Sun is also in a square with Chiron – a leader is hurting either themselves or others.
July 23rd and Mercury turns direct. It’ll be a few weeks before things flow again as Mercury travels over its shadow but perhaps you may notice an ease with its direct motion now.
July 24th, the Sagittarian Moon opposes Uranus and brings quick and unexpected change. People’s views shift.
July 25th the Moon opposes Mars bringing a quickening in public opinion and possible anger.
July 26th and partway through July 28th, the Capricorn Moon brings practicality to the forefront. But… we’ve got some tricky energy here as the Sun opposes Pluto with Jupiter right there.
Something very large and powerful is happening on the 28th. Leadership and legal matters related to secrets and the concerns of the people come to a head.
July 29th is an over-the-top Aquarian Moon. Oh my goodness! Aquarius speaks of the common man, to the collective, while Leo indicates royalty. This 6˚ lunation connects with the outer planets who are hovering around that degree. Whatever happens at this Full Moon concerns us all. Despite the ripples this Full Moon brings throughout the globe, the resonance of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in their collaborative holding pattern (and very present at this lunation) strongly suggests we are pulling out of the dark destruction and moving toward the light.
July 30th and the ripples continue for some time. The month ends as the Moon enters gentle Pisces. Are we grieving or rejoicing? Venus squares Mars and our tolerance is tested. But thank the Good Lord we’ve come to the end of the cosmic drama that is the month of July! The fun isn’t over completely though as we have two eclipses headed our way in August.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the trick with the month of July is to stay attuned to your shadow nature. No projections! Own your own stuff. Avoid excessive emotions. Creatively plan for the long term. Things really are changing, deep underground and sanity is returning. So, stay grounded, and protect your mental and spiritual health. Laugh, a lot, especially at yourself. Have fun!
And remember – you matter, we’re all connected, Earth is our home and love is our destination.
Come see me on August 15th! We’re going to talk about everything and with Mercury conjunct Jupiter that day, well… it’s going to fun!
And please buy my books! They are great stories about real things, like death and joy, and sadness and sex; wilderness and work. They’re deep and yet easy to read. Can’t put them down, some folks say.
Your astrologer,
Dulce
Upcoming Events
Book reading and lively chat!
Sophia Center
3315 C Rd Palisade CO
Saturday August 15th at 10 AM
Dulce is a psychotherapist as well as an astrologer and writer.
Discussion about the themes of the book will be wide ranging.
Books available for purchase.
Coffee and Snacks!
For deer and bear, woman and man, safe passage through life’s wilderness is crucial. And yet along the way some get hurt. In Bodysense, the lives of four wounded people converge in the rugged beauty of Wyoming. Helped from afar by the nuns at Comfrey Farm and Sanctuary, our travelers discover that life is far more connected than they thought. As they care for one another, revealing secrets and reigniting passions, life deepens beyond their imagining.
You are the best! thanks for this coverage for July.