July brings the beginning of the Saturn retrograde period, a time of deep reflection. Saturn aspects Mars on July 5 that can create delays or resistance. Jupiter in Taurus exactly aspects Ketu in Virgo on July 9, a highly spiritual influence. Mars leave Aries and moves to Taurus on July 12, where it joins benefic Jupiter.
Saturn, planet of responsibility, focus, and discipline, turned retrograde at 25 degrees Aquarius on June 29, 2024 and remains retrograde until November 15, 2024. Saturn now begins its yearly retrograde period for approximately 4 ½ months. While Saturn is retrograde it is a time to slow down and reflect on your personal responsibilities in life. Review past personal struggles and sacrifices you’ve made, and contemplate the deeper understandings and wisdom gathered from these life events. Saturn retrograde energies allow us to develop greater inner strength and resilience as we build a stronger spiritual foundation.
Sometimes during a Saturn retrograde period, we experience feelings of limitation, sadness, insecurity, or disappointment that arises to be worked through and healed. We can also be very serious and feel overly responsible. Allow for adequate alone time in order to tap into your deepest essence. Being in a supportive, loving, and encouraging environment is also beneficial. This is a good time for meditation, attend a retreat, or be in quiet, natural surroundings.
Jupiter has been transiting the fixed sign of Taurus since May 1, 2024, and will trine (aspect) Ketu, the south node of the Moon, in Virgo exactly at 15 degrees on July 9, 2024. Jupiter/Ketu energies can amplify spiritual longing and heighten our intuition and psychic sensitivity. This is a good aspect for deep inner work and insight.
Mars, planet of action and courage, is still strong in its own sign of Aries at the beginning of July, and remains there until July 12. While Mars is in Aries, Saturn in Aquarius influences it, with the exact aspect occurring on July 5, 2024 at 25 degrees. Saturn’s aspect on Mars can amplify intense feelings of struggle or resistance and also bring delays or frustrations. As both planets are powerfully residing in signs they rule, we have the ability to be patient, fully present and neutral, and not over-react to outer events.
Mars then moves to Taurus on July 12 and remains there until August 26, 2024. Mars in the Venus-ruled sign of Taurus brings determination, passion and creativity. While Mars transits the fixed sign of Taurus it joins benefic Jupiter there, and together these two planets bring enthusiasm, energy, and a spirit of adventure. The exact conjunction of Mars and Jupiter doesn’t occur until August 14, 2024 at 22 degrees Taurus.
The combination of Mars/Jupiter energies from July 12 through August 26, 2024 is positive for physical activities such as yoga, bodywork, hiking, and gardening. We also may feel more confident to express our authentic beliefs and be involved in compassionate activism for the good of all. However, watch for misplaced convictions or inflammatory comments regarding religion or politics on the shadow side. Mars with Jupiter can also increase our desire for educational pursuits that expand our awareness. This is a time to take more positive, peaceful actions that uplift humanity.
Summary
July is suitable for meditation, retreats, being in quiet and natural surroundings. It's also a time to be involved in compassionate activism and educational pursuits that expand awareness. Overall, the month emphasizes reflection, spiritual growth, patience, and positive actions for personal and collective well-being.
Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995 and was certified by The American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She has taught Vedic astrology to the students in the yoga teacher training at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, AZ from 2002 to 2020. Debra can be reached at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante108@gmail.com for astrological consultations by phone or in person. Contact her to receive her monthly Vedic astrology article. You can also find her at http://ayurveda-sedona.com/yoga-and-vedic-astrology/about-vedic-astrology/
