July/August 2004 Starscope
Summer Astrology Combines Work and Play

by Mark Dodich

Mark Dodich
Frantic energy? Too much to do and too little time to do it? Well, hopefully you can catch your breath during July and August. The biggest planetary events to talk about are a Blue Moon in July and Mercury Retrograde in August- small potatoes compared to the last six months!

This is not to say that you will have nothing to do. There is plenty of fire-element activity, be it in opening your heart to new possibilities, expressing your creative passions, or literal fires in the forests. However, minor planetary activations give you the opportunity to catch up and/or take a well-deserved break.

It may be that the Mayan calendar celebrations for their "day out of time" on July 25th will set the stage for the Blue Moon on July 31st. A blue moon is used to indicate an event that rarely occurs; in this case, two full moons in July.

This full moon occurs in "expect-the-unexpected" Aquarius suggesting that you close out July by trying something different, meeting new friends, or rebelling from your mundane life to express your spontaneous side. Express your eccentric side in July because the tone will certainly change by mid-August.

Mercury, planet representing communications, short trips, and logical thinking, will turn retrograde beginning August 9. Known for scheduling changes and communications problems, this three-week cycle is best used for quiet, behind-the-scenes planning.

During Mercury retrograde, it is advisable to do activities that start with the letters "re" including rest, retreat, review, research, and re-assess. Those who take important new actions during Mercury retrograde often experience the opportunity to "re-do" after it is over on September 2nd.

Virgo and Leo energies are combined during this cycle, so expect to combine work and play. Prior to August 24th, clean up your space, simplify your priorities, and meditate on the Divine goddess energy that came to the planet during June’s rare transit of Venus across the Sun. Between August 24th and early September, put extra time into creative pursuits, romance, and play.

Look at your Sun and Rising signs below to get hints about where you can take advantage of Mercury retrograde. This will help you prepare for a highly energized and creative autumn ahead.

Aries: Humble work tasks need attention before you go off on that adventure. Romance may take a back seat.

Taurus: Help children or open to the child within. Family may need your support.

Gemini: Organize your cluttered office, finish reading all those books that you started, and go away for a long weekend.

Cancer: Explore new ideas to enhance your prosperity or improve your home environment. Some will prepare for new learning.

Leo: Polish your self-image or renovate your home/office. This will pay off handsomely after autumn equinox.

Virgo: Look at where you are too busy doing for everyone else, such that you are not giving yourself a fair amount of down time. Make simple changes.

Libra: Go off on a retreat to someplace beautiful. Make extra time for friends or explore new group activities.

Scorpio: You need to be more social, particularly in areas related to achieving your ambitions through career. Prepare yourself to be seen in public.

Sagittarius: Balance career and adventure. How will you take your philosophy out into the world?

Capricorn: You may need to plan business or travel with serious purpose. Arrange financing or other ways to use the resources of others.

Aquarius: You may need to help your partner, be it business or personal. If you lack partnership, look at deep, emotional issues that do not serve healthy sharing.

Pisces: Burst illusions surrounding relationships and beliefs about relationships. You are getting focused and coming down to earth.

Although it may not always be fun to combine work and play, your efforts to organize yourself now will help you when the generous energy of abundance, Jupiter, moves into Libra on Sept. 24th. Check out the next issue to see how this lucky planet will help you.

Mark Dodich has been an astrologer and intuitive consultant since 1980. He publishes the newsletter ASTROMARK, and is a Certified Astrological Professional (C.A.P.). Call for his free newsletter: 503-252-1558 or visit his web site at www.astromark.us