Astrological Energies July 4 to 10, 2011

NorthPoint
Astrology Journal
Written by Pam Younghans
Photo: The Milky Way Galaxy and the Small Magellanic Cloud, seen above Pulpit Rock in Cape Schank, Victoria, Australia (photo by Alex Cherney)

OUR TRIO OF ECLIPSES is now behind us -- at least, that's what the calendar says. Energetically, however, we'll be working with the lingering effects of these eclipses for a while.

Imagine having hurled a large rock into a pond. The first splash is perhaps most noticeable, especially if we're watching from a distance. But the ripple effects continue, the waves going out until they reach the edges of the pond. And then, the ripple bounces off the shore and returns to center. It's no wonder some of us are feeling a little seasick.

And emotional, and exhausted, and overwhelmed, and ... and ... and.

The Grand Cross energies seem to be both propelling us forward and simultaneously making it clear where we continue to block our own progress. No wonder we feel pulled in so many directions at once.

THIS WEEK begins with some softer energies, a relief after all the pushing and prodding we've been experiencing. The two trine aspects on Monday open our hearts to embrace others who share our journey (Neptune-Venus) and also open our minds to embrace concepts that until now may have been confusing or too far "out-there" to consider plausible (Uranus-Mercury).

For most of us in the U.S. who have a holiday on Monday (Independence Day), these aspects should help us relax and enjoy the day. Conversations and relationships should have a better flow than usual, perhaps assisted by our knowing of how closely we are sharing this current transformational journey with others.

COMMUNICATIONS may not flow as easily on Tuesday, due to some sticky aspects between Mercury and three other planets. We may feel the need to express everything we're thinking (Jupiter), but not feel like we are really heard or understood (Chiron), and may even feel a bit combative as a result (Pluto).

Things should move a little more smoothly on Wednesday. Saturn and Mars work together on that day, ensuring that we take the time and have the patience to work through any misunderstandings that may have arisen.

ASPECTS LATER IN THE WEEK help us move forward in our process of transformation (Pluto trine Jupiter), but also reveal where we are needing to break free from the expectation of others (Uranus square Venus). Luckily, we are assisted in handling any altercations with compassion and understanding (Chiron trine Venus) -- but it still may have all the appearances and bruises of a game of emotional dodgeball (Pluto opposite Venus).

Saturday brings more conflicting energies through. A stabilizing Saturn-Mercury aspect can help us think more clearly, but Uranus also comes to a standstill, stirring the pot of change.

OF ALL THE PLANETARY ACTION this week, we will probably be most aware of the influence of Uranus. As the Great Liberator, Uranus can inspire rebellious activities on many levels. And, with Uranus slowing to change directions this week, we may feel the need for freedom and independence more urgently than ever.

On a personal level, the area where we feel this Uranus effect will depend on where the planet is currently transiting in our natal charts. And, someone with natal planets or points at 4 degrees of a cardinal sign (Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn) will undoubtedly feel the need for change and freedom the most powerfully.

URANUS WILL BE RETROGRADE until December 9. During this time, we will be rethinking changes we've made since mid-March, and learning even more about our needs for autonomy and individuality.

Astrologer Bil Tierney writes this about the effects of Uranus' retrograde phase:

Uranus retrograde is prompting the individual to look below the surface of matters to discover deeper, hidden causes previously ignored ... and to view such matters in the light of pure truth and objectivity. Whatever is suddenly brought to our attention represents what we must reform to help us better integrate a past cycle, left unresolved before we can be free to forge ahead into the future. We are to focus on such matters with great clarity.

ALSO VERY IMPORTANT this week is that Uranus and Pluto are within two degrees of their exact square. This aspect will have its greatest effect from 2012 to 2015, but we are getting some clues now as to what those effects will be.

Both Pluto and Uranus are known for their contributions to major, transformational change. They began their current cycle back in the mid-1960s, a time when many social revolutions found their beginnings -- civil rights, women's rights, freedom of speech, the ecology movement, and sexual freedom, to name a few.

Now, and for the next four years, those beginnings are being tested and refined. Many opportunities for change, as well as the resistance to those changes, will become apparent -- both in society and in our personal lives.

Blessings,

Pam

NorthPoint Astrology Blog: Please check out my blog for updates at http://northpointastrology.blogspot.com/ -- I look forward to your comments!

To Subscribe to this Journal: If you have been forwarded this issue of my NorthPoint Astrology Journal and would like to receive it directly every week, please click here. Scroll down to the bottom of the webpage, fill out the subscription form, then click on Submit. Please feel free to share
this NorthPoint Journal with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Copyright NorthPoint Astrology 2011. All Rights Reserved.