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July 2004
By Norma Jean Ream
July will be a “Blue Moon” month, with two Full Moons on July
2 and July 31. The origin of this term is modern, though people tend to
assume that it is ancient folklore. In 1883, after the massive eruption
of the Indonesian volcano, Krakatoa, sunsets were green and the Moon
looked blue around the world for 2 years. A few other events have caused
the Moon to appear blue, so the term came to mean “a rare occasion”. In
the 1980’s the term commonly became associated with two full moons in
one month. There is no particular astrological meaning to this event
because it happens every 2.5 years due to the difference between the
Sun’s actual orbital periods squeezed into the calendar year.
What is astrologically important
this month is the completion of Venus’ retrograde shadow and repeated
opposition to Pluto. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and harmony.
Its dance through Gemini, the communication sign has been dualistic to
say the least. Review of values and love relationships has been
challenging since mid-May. The interaction with Pluto has promoted
dredging up old issues and either making peace or witnessing the end,
and perhaps the destruction of unions and partnerships.
At the July 2 Full Moon, Venus is joined
with the fixed star, Aldebaran, in the south eye of the Bull, a royal
star: “the watcher of the East”. This star is associated with “terrific
energies unleashed”, according to star researcher, Diana K. Rosenberg.
This contact increases its importance with Venus’ station turning
direct. What has been brewing over the last 2 months is likely to spill
out in unexpected events. Other components of the Full Moon chart
suggest that this period will continue to bring out issues that reflect
the general condition of women in society. The intelligence of women in
politics and government can temper some of the decision making with
creative solutions that support children and the welfare of families;
adding tactical changes to programs giving assistance to under
privileged families.
The New Moon on July 17 contains a “King
of the Hill” kind of orientation that may reflect President Bush’s
attitude to holding his position. With campaigning for the next election
well under way, we will witness a lively competitive song and dance
about deeds done and promises made. Illusion and glamorization mix into
advertisements and even media coverage of the President’s activities.
The second Full Moon is conjunct Neptune,
the planet of deception, glamour, and idealism. The Moon represents the
people. The Sun represents the President. This Sun happens to fall on
G. W. Bush’s Ascendant of his natal chart, representing a big showing. He
wants to look good as the kingly leader of the American people. At this
time, Venus completes its third contact opposing Pluto, the planet of
power and transformation that has included contact to Mars of the USA
chart. Thus, the qualities of military activities are the venue for many
of the issues surrounding the Iraqi war. Appalling events are
glamorized; the bad made to look good. Justification for outrageous acts
will supply pacification to the world.
The treatment or mistreatment of
prisoners, the ruin of artifacts, the general upheaval of a whole people
are the product of megalomaniac power hungry Plutocrats. Plutocrats are
the wealthy that run governments. This current transit has illustrated
the power of the wealthy to take what they want by any means. Murder,
genocide, and terrorism are tools of bullies. Give anything a righteous
cause and the people are easily entertained, rather than shocked at what
would otherwise seem unthinkable.
Mercury, the planet of ideas,
communication and the media, is opposed Uranus, the revolutionary
planet, at the second full moon. Mercury will be in its own exalted sign
of Virgo and conjunct Bush’s natal Mars. Uranus brings out the urge for
freedom. (It was discovered during the American Revolution.) This combo
adds verbal fuel to Bush’s fight to hold his place against mounting
evidence of politically motivated actions that have truly disrupted the
security of the nation.
On the individual level, July offers much
better opportunities to move forward in our lives. Decision making power
improves as we begin to see things more rationally. After the New Moon,
relationships will be better, and financial opportunities will be more
realistic. These topics improve more after August 7, and better still by
the Fall Equinox, September 23. |
