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July/August 2012 Astrology Forecast
Starscope: Reversal and Synthesis

by Emily Trinkaus

The trickster incarnates this summer, challenging conventional perceptions and inspiring ingenuity and experimentation as useful strategies. Uranus and Mercury — the astrological tricksters — will turn retrograde on July 13 and July 14, respectively. What's the most liberating reversal you can imagine for yourself and for the world? Mercury will be retrograde in Leo until Aug. 7, a time to rethink and reawaken your unique creative genius.

The Sun will enter Virgo on Aug. 22, presenting an opportunity to integrate and synthesize the intense activity of the past few months. The Sun in earthy Virgo will oppose Neptune and Chiron in watery Pisces at the end of August, animating discernment and pragmatism to help you navigate the chaotic tides of change. This would be an ideal time to initiate or strengthen a daily spiritual practice.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Mars, your ruling planet, shifts from Virgo to Libra on July 3, and after several months of intense inner focus, attention turns to the realm of relationships. Negotiate your way forward, finding the right balance between self and others, giving and receiving, pursuit and attraction. On Aug. 15, Mars meets up with Saturn, making it clear where you need to take greater responsibility for restoring balance and harmony.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Mercury retro asks you to reconsider and rework the ground beneath your feet to create a more solid foundation and increase feelings of security. This could include making changes in your home, and healing past emotional hurts. In August, your ruling planet Venus steps into the fray of the Uranus-Pluto square, shaking up old perceptions of reality and shedding new light on the tension between freedom and security.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

You've got great juju for using your mental agility and communication skills to take a quantum leap into the future you want to create. You can help activate this potential by joining up with collaborators who share your vision and ideals. Be willing to let go of old patterns of over-adapting yourself to fit in, telling "white lies," and scattering your energy in too many directions.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

The annual new moon in your sign on July 18 will be a powerful time to initiate a new life direction. Feel the spark of excitement, acknowledge the fears and resistance, and strategize your plan anyway. The trickster is at play in your career sector — trust the synchronistic unfolding of external events, and take charge of your inner life, where your true power resides.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Mercury retro in your own sign calls for contemplating: Who am I? Does my outer personality match who I feel myself to be? How can I radiate more of my authenticity and creativity? At the Leo new moon on Aug. 17, you'll be ready to reinvent yourself and shine your light into an inspiring new project. Enlist support from a friend to craft an intelligent and artful strategy.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Dream messages, intuitive hits and magical "coincidences" may offer more reliable guidance than your rational mind. Mercury reverses through your spiritual sector, urging you to reconnect with invisible sources of support, including your inner knowing. An unexpected or unusual collaboration could help you take a big leap forward in your career.

Libra (September 23 - October 23)

Action planet Mars moves through your sign from July 3 to Aug. 23, boosting your vitality and confidence, and catalyzing into action changes that have been brewing beneath the surface. Renegotiating relationships will be a theme, and your ability to assert yourself will be tested. Speaking your truth with love will be your best way forward.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Your work life is up for reevaluation. Which long-term goals are worth putting your heart into? What about your work do you really love? How can you shift your perception and see professional possibilities from a new angle? Mars will move into your own sign on Aug. 23, strengthening your courage to take a powerful step toward your desires.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

A variety of options are being presented to you — your challenge is to keep your mind open to diverse possibilities, but not get distracted from your goals. Be discerning, and as always, let your inspiration be your guide. Creative collaborations are auspicious now, especially if the project is experimental, unconventional or revolutionary.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)

The full moon in your sign on July 3 brings to culmination an important personal project. Deep feelings are also likely to get stirred up, alerting you to elements of your life that have become stagnant or no longer reflect the truth of who you are. Explore your options — opportunities to grow in a new direction are available, if you're willing to rethink some of your foundational truths.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Reevaluate and renegotiate your relationships, as Mercury reverses through your partnership sector. Are you giving more than you're receiving or vice versa? How can you experience more harmony with the significant others in your life? Revisiting and resolving past issues may be part of this process. On Aug. 1, the annual Aquarius full moon puts you in the spotlight, highlighting your creative success.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Mercury reverses through your self-care sector, asking you to take a close look at your daily routines. Is there a small adjustment you can make to increase your happiness and well-being? The full moon in your sign on Aug. 31 reveals an old story about the pain of the past that you're ready to surrender. Allow outgrown perceptions to dissolve into the truth of your innate wholeness.

Emily Trinkaus is a lifelong student of astrology and has practiced professionally since 1999. She is also a certified BodyTalk practitioner. Read her weekly astrology blog at www.virgomagic.com, and visit www.revivingvenus.com for insights into Venus and the sacred feminine.