posted July 22, 2006 11:29 AM
** Your Starcast for July 22-August 21**Ever seen one of those old black and white flicks where an actor comes bumbling out on stage, full of energy and ego, only to be pulled back by an anonymous cane from the side of the stage? This month, with the Sun entering Leo and Mercury going retrograde, that may be an apropos image to keep in mind. Have fun riding the cosmic lion's confidence, but don't be surprised if you find yourself with a pie in the face! On August 21, Mercury opposes Neptune and you'll turn your focus toward your ideals. Are you being idealistic or realistic? Make sure you've built a solid foundation before you go chasing your dreams. Keep reading for a preview on how the cast of planetary characters will adorn this entertaining month.
July 22: Mars enters Virgo
Mars enters Virgo on July 22 where it will remain until September 8. Mars is the planet of action and Virgo is related to issues of work, service and health. This is a wonderful transit for getting a health/fitness plan together. Join a health club, enroll in a yoga class, become a vegetarian, or cut back on soda and drink lots of water. Work projects and self-improvement programs get extra attention now. Issues of service -- from the services you provide to the armed services -- provoke thought and gain plenty of attention. If you determine where Mars is traveling through your birth chart, you'll see where all this extra work-energy should go.
July 22: The Sun enters Leo
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Martha Stewart are Leos. So are Halle Berry and Madonna. Notice the regal posture, the creativity and the sheer presence of these folks. Determination, loyalty, creativity and leadership are attributes of this sign. When the Sun enters Leo July 22, let your confidence soar. Issues of self-respect and respect for others are very important now. But most of all, Leo is all about having fun, so throw a party, take belly-dancing classes or throw a Frisbee with your dog.
July 25: New Moon in Leo
The new Moon is always a time of beginnings. Whether you pursue a dream goal, an idea or a relationship, start something new. Invest energy in something you want to become more important in your life. The power of the new Moon phase is in effect. In Leo, be creative, play and have fun. It's time to shine! What can you do to feel more confident? Find a unique hobby, learn how to swing dance or sign-up for an acting class. Whatever intrigues you, let yourself explore new horizons!
This new Moon will most affect Leos born July 23-27, Scorpios born October 24-28, Aquarius's born January 21-25 and Taurus's born April 21-25.
July 26: Venus trines Jupiter
When Venus trines Jupiter on the 26th, it's time to socialize. Whether it's the movies, dinner at your favorite restaurant or a night on the town with your friends, make sure you get out of your day-to-day routines and spark up your life. This is a fabulous transit for romance. Single, married or something in between -- get out and have fun!
July 28: Mercury stations Direct
When Mercury ends its retrograde on July 28, try to incorporate everything you've learned during the period that started July 4. People have been itching to make decisions and state their opinions. With Mercury still in Cancer expect some strong, emotional statements. Security is a key issue for this sign and how everyone feels about their personal needs being met is going to be a topic for conversation. Watch that your emotions don't get so carried away people end up missing what you're trying to communicate.
July 30: Venus trines Uranus
When Venus, the planet of relationship, trines Uranus, the planet of independence, some zippy energy comes to your one-on-ones. What have you told yourself you'll never do? This is a great aspect for doing something exciting, different or new. It's time to liberate yourself a little and enjoy doing it. If you're single, sign up with an Internet dating service or take a how-to-flirt class. For you seriously hooked-up folks, turn off the TV, get a babysitter and get out of the house! Don't waste this transit. Give yourself a night to remember.
August 2: the Leo Sun squares Jupiter in Scorpio
The Leo Sun shines its light proudly saying, 'Look at me!' It's hard to miss. Yet, Jupiter in Scorpio describes a world that is emotionally intense, concerned with privacy and interested in protecting its power base. Scorpio is a sign that guards all cards held. Leo shows them off. The challenge is to be confident while taking into account that there are those who are simply not going to spill their secrets. You'll experience this in your personal life and definitely witness it in the prevailing social/political climate. Be a winner this week by playing your best cards and hiding the rest.
August 9: Full Moon in Aquarius
This Aquarius full Moon represents the culmination of what you set in motion during the last new Moon in Leo that occurred on July 25. The full Moon is an emotional high tide time when you get to assess and see where you are emotionally. In the days following the full Moon but before the next new Moon (August 23), get a plan together to maximize what's already great or to make changes that will make you feel more comfortable. This Aquarius Moon activates your desire to be part of something bigger while also being true to your own individuality and uniqueness. Aquarius is a teamwork sign, and you are unlikely to want to be alone, so socialize and catch up with your friends or join an organization with a cause close to your heart. With Saturn, the planet of responsibility, and Neptune, the planet of dreams and ideals, figuring prominently in this full Moon, you are beginning a process of getting clearer about how you want to build and live the life of your dreams. Mixed in this week is your need is to be independent and free but also to connect with others. Now that's a great balance!
This full Moon will most affect Leos born August 7-11, Scorpios born November 7-11, Aquarius's born February 4-8 and Taurus's born May 5-9.
August 11: Mercury enters Leo
When Aretha Franklin belted out, 'R-E-S-P-E-C-T - find out what it means to me,' she could have been singing about communication planet Mercury transiting through treat-me-like-I'm-special Leo. Some people speak with such dignity that they automatically command attention and respect. With Mercury's shift from emotional Cancer into bold Leo you are sure to be noticed this week. If you have been waiting to get your ideas out there, now is the time.
August 12: Venus enters Leo
It's time to open your heart, fall in love and, most of all, have fun. When the planet of relationship enters this fire sign, you've just got to get out of your house, unless you're planning a big home event like a poker night or pool party. For those of us without pools or poker chips, it's time to check out the new club, go out to the theater or visit local comedy club. Just don't waste this fun-loving energy.
August 8 and 13: Mars sextiles Jupiter and opposes Uranus
When action-oriented Mars entered Virgo on July 22 you began to home in on doing what works and throwing out the rest. This week Mars connects with Jupiter on August 8 and Uranus on August 13. These two very independent and freedom-oriented planets that are moving to form a trine later in the month; Jupiter expands anything it aspects and Uranus adds changes and excitement. You have the opportunity and energy now to take your projects and plans as far as you want to go. For many, the Mars sextile Jupiter gives the desire to move up into a more worldly sphere or to do things in a big way. With the opposition to Uranus doing your own thing is essential. Surprising events are a part of this time, and there is a tendency to act rashly and to take a 'don't anyone tell me what to do' stance. Make sure what you are doing is worth taking a stand over. Otherwise, you just come across as a rebel without a cause.
August 17: The Leo Sun trines Pluto
It's time to transform your life! That's not too tall an order, is it? Ask yourself, 'What can I change so that I am living more authentically?' The Sun's entrance into Leo last month brought forward the importance of being confident, treating yourself with respect and making sure you're enjoying yourself. Now the trine to Pluto, an aspect that shows support, brings you into contact with significant people who can positively influence your life. The need here is to go deeper, to be real. No messing around with the superficial stuff! You'll get the help you need with this powerful aspect.
August 18 and 20: Mercury squares Jupiter and conjuncts Saturn
As the two social planets, Jupiter and Saturn, move toward forming a square aspect to each other -- which will be exact in October -- and as Neptune begins its opposition to Saturn this month, you'll notice that when the smaller, personal planets make an aspect to Jupiter, they will also aspect Saturn and Neptune. Jupiter expands, Saturn contracts and Neptune diffuses. Over these next months, you may not know whether it's best to take something all the way or to be more cautious in your approach. (The world doesn't know either. You'll be reading about that in the news). With Mercury squaring Jupiter on August 18, there's a tendency to think BIG, and even to over commit. Yet, Mercury conjuncts serious Saturn on August 20, so you will also have the desire to cross your t's and dot your i's. Next week, when Mercury opposes Neptune, you'll get additional messages. What's the best way to utilize all of this diverse energy? Simply put, take your time. There are many different points of view right now. You'll notice in the world right now that those who are speaking prematurely are getting themselves into a lot of trouble. Don't be one of them!
August 21: Mercury opposes Neptune
As Mercury connects with the larger Saturn/Neptune opposition by opposing Neptune (it conjuncted Saturn last week), you turn your focus toward your dreams and ideals. The question is: What is real or not; what is doable or not? You may want to review how realistic your ideas and plans really are. Yet, don't desert your dreams! It's just that not everything is being revealed right now. So think before you leap. Meditate before you act.
Enjoy the Sun's transit of Leo!
Lindaland
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! 
posted July 22, 2006 11:29 AM
posted July 30, 2006 06:29 PM
posted July 31, 2006 12:26 AM
posted August 06, 2006 06:32 PM
-- doesn't it mean that you've done well at your lessons and the planetary test was easy -- a breeze -- since you'd done your homework/learning/growing and didn't *require* the planetary boot in the tush?? 
