July 2008 Monthly Forecast

July brings great big wallops of responsibility to the earth signs as Mars conjuncts Saturn in Virgo this month (precisely from July 9-12, at 5ish degrees). I'm looking for some kind of health-related stocks to experiment with, since everything has bottomed out market-wise. Signs who may have impulse-control problems this month include Sagittarius, Pisces and Gemini. All of you folks could overstep your bounds (and others' boundaries). Even usually recessive and well-meaning Pisces. Go figure. More at "Letters to Symboline" and let's hope for smooth uploading of copy now that Mercury is direct. Next Rx not until late September, so plenty of time to push communication issues forward.

- Yours in the cause of a more orderly universe / Symboline Dai

PS: some extra appearances this month: look for me Saturday, July 12 starting at 1 p.m. doing astrological tarot readings at Roots, 100 Crawford St., Leominster, Mass. just off Route 2. 978-534 7668. $30 half hour, or $50 an hour (which you can share with a friend or partner). Symboline uses your natal data and tarot cards to help you figure out life/work issues. Gift certificates available. I'm also available for house-parties. I'll come to your abode with my cards and shawls and ephemerides and crystal ball and provide astrological readings to your guests. Great for a fund-raiser! Please contact me for details.

Please read "Moon Signs," the Phoenix's day-by-day horoscope to see when the moon is in your sun sign. Also "Letters to Symboline," my forum for responding to readers' letters.

I'm on WCRN-830 AM on Mondays around 2 p.m. with Hank Stolz, on WEIM-1280 AM Tuesdays at 6:05 p.m. with Ray C.

About these forecasts:

I note that the days when the moon is in your sun sign as both difficult AND smooth. But the rule of thumb is that you should view the days the moon is in your sun sign as commencing a new 28 day cycle. Chances are, you'll be unexpectedly emotional - either looking for a grievance, or seeing a situation more dramatically than circumstances warrant. The days when the moon is in the same sign as your sun is when you feel everything, truly, madly, deeply.

ARIES (March 21 or 22 to April 19 or 20).
Aries is a cardinal fire sign ruled by Mars. Represented by the Ram, Aries love to start (but usually not finish), make great leaders (as long as there are followers), and can be incredibly generous. Famously confident Aries include Marlon Brando, Harry Houdini, and Nikita Kruschev.
Difficult days come on July 8-10 ( but really, the whole month has some bumps in the road, due to Sun in Cancer)
Smoother sailing comes on 4, 5, 13-15 23, 24,31

The big picture... Despite the fact that this is your quarter-year interval (see "Difficult Days" above), there is some useful and helpful astrology for you in the realm of love, friendship and appearance-improving from July 13 through early August with Venus in Leo. But with so many planets wandering through earth and water signs, it wouldn't be surprising if you felt life was a tough, well, sludgy and muddy. The week before the full moon (July 18) could be your most productive period of the month, and you could be impatient with those who don't communicate clearly. (This will be true for those born before April 5 from July 11-15; those born April 5 to 13, July 14-26; those born after, from July 22 through 27). Those born in 1978, and 1959-50 are in a two-year zone of major life change which could have some unexpected losses or diminishing choices. Do the brave thing, always.

TAURUS (April 20 or 21 to May 20 or 21).
Taurus is a fixed earth sign, practical and, for the most part, steady. Ruled by Venus, Taureans like comfort and aesthetic beauty. Famous Taureans include: Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Salvador Dali. Despite this stellar line-up, they're team players, and lead only if they absolutely have to. Represented by the bull, Taureans are slow to anger, but once riled make formidable foes.
Difficult days come on 11-13
Smoother sailing comes on 6-8, 16-18, 25-27

The big picture... After the excitement of June and the unexpected challenges that came your way thanks to Mars in Leo, prompting you to WANT attention yet feel like, "oh, dear lord, not more of THAT!" July brings a great opportunity for you to contemplate your resources. Or, do a Scrooge McDuck maneuver and dive headfirst into your swimming pool of cash. Seriously, you know you have one, right? Lots of earth sign energy this month so if you are taking your diet seriously or looking at health issues or finding a worthy charity, you'll be on point this month. Even if the Gemini people you love are out of their minds in July. Still, Taurus loves a good BBQ, fireworks, red-white-and rah-rah festivities and nothing would please you more than finding a good mark-down set of picnic ware in patriotic colors. Those born before May 3 should do health-related improvement activities before July 15; those born May 4-11 should do that between July 13 and end of the month.

GEMINI (May 21 or 22 to June 21 or 22).
Gemini is a mutable air sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Twins (or Janus, the two-faced figure), appealing Geminis with at least two well-defined personalities are Elizabeth Hurley (forgiving girlfriend/dedicated movie producer), John F. Kennedy (humanitarian/party animal), and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinborough (gruff regal paterfamilias/sensitive environmentalist). Gemini charms everyone with nonstop talk and fanciful ideas.
Difficult days come on 13-15
Smoother sailing comes on 1, 8-10, 18-20, 27-29

The big picture... Aside from the fact that July features some very tricky astrology for those born May 25-28, and, frankly, all Geminis, due to the fact that Mars is moving through Virgo, making you fussy and irritable, this month features some surprising opportunities to get your way and/or express yourself clearly (July 1-10). Twinsies should be somewhat ambitious and definitely angsty this month. Changes are afoot (especially for those born 1978, 1949-50) so if a partnership is wobbly or a living arrangement transitional, your stars are in alignment with those in the solar system. Earth sign folks will be a help to you, as will Leo after mid-month. Gemini is one of those signs that usually has a lot of air signs on their side, but actually gets along with everyone. For a while. You could be the "party central" director for some this month, which is a good distraction.

CANCER (June 22 or 23 to July 22 or 23).
Cancer is a cardinal water sign ruled by the moon. Represented by the crab, Cancers can be home-loving, deeply domestic, fiercely loyal and self-protective and prone to stomach upsets when life doesn't go their way. Cancers feel everything very deeply, but won't necessarily tell you about this. Well, they will, but on their time. They prefer to move sideways -- frequently. Henry David Thoreau was a Cancer, and a quirky version of the breed -- he turned Walden into a home, but what a home...Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks and Harrison Ford are also Cancers. So was the Princess of Wales and the current Duchess of Cornwall. "Well-defended" is what we find in many crabbies.
Difficult days come on 16-18
Smoother sailing comes on 2, 3, 11-13, 21,22, 30, 31

The big picture in a nutshell . . .
Cancer continues to have Venus moving through their sun sign, until July 12, so any changes and improvements in relationships (friendship or romantic) will definitely bring plenty of enjoyment to crabs. If you felt like your fall/winter was a time of great challenge, and even hardship, this is the month you get to reap the rewards of that work, whether it's actually using skills learned back then, or being able to present yourself effectively (Mercury in your sun sign, July 10-25). Pisces and Sagittarius may need your help and since Sadge is one of those signs you're drawn to (despite the two of you having nothing in common) watch out for "chaos-creating" among firey types. Cancer can be the best of "foul weather friends," able to be RIGHT IN THERE when things get difficult for others, but how do you really want to use your time and energy? The caretaking you're likely to do this month will also include a certain amount of "are you doing the HEALTHY thing" commentary to the nearest and dearest, so if you get bonked in the head with a Twinkie, you may have gone too far.

LEO (July 23/24-August 23).
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun. Represented by the lion, Leos are happy being the center of attention and don't feel fully alive without an admiring audience to applaud their activities. The ready smile (but not laugh) is theirs -- this is the sign of kings, or those who would be. Famous Leos who enjoy their command include Bill Clinton, Princess Margaret, and Napoleon.
Difficult days come on 4, 5, 31
Smoother sailing comes on 4, 5, 13-15 23, 24,31

The big picture...Some treats in store for Leo, when Venus moves into your sun sign on July 13, increasing your (already pretty hefty) self-esteem and possibly prompting you to actually listen when people say, "you may want to modify those '80s bangs." In short, mid-month, on the verge of the sun cruising into your sign, you'll start to feel charmed. People believe you, want to give you money, or, if not funds, at least an opportunity to show what a star you are. But this month you could be drawn into the Drama of the Gifted Pisces, Gemini and Sagittarius, who are getting pressure from the universe to make huge changes in their life. Around the time of your birthday, you'll have a chance to show others that the tantrums don't mean as much as your good intentions. And if you're in a relationship with an earth sign, they might even appreciate your energy, imagination and willingness to take them on an adventure.

VIRGO (August 24-September 22/23).
Virgo is a mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury. Represented by the Virgin, many Virgos are classic compulsive perfectionists whose eye for detail may delight an actuary, but annoy the rest of us. Famous Virgos include D.H. Lawrence, Cardinal Richelieu and Goethe.
Difficult days come on 6-8
Smoother sailing comes on 6-8, 16-18, 25-27

The big picture... Virgo, this is not a time to rest. Mars moves into your sun sign July 2, and stays there through August 19. Change jobs, tacks, doctors, gyms, partners, whatever you need to do. This two year period (that began in September and goes through '09) is your most useful interlude this year to do what you need to do - and what you've put off doing. All the Virgo folks I know have a push-me/pull-you attitude toward change, although speaking up is something you do intermittently. Those born in August have July 2-15 for major changes. Those born September 1-7 will feel the change from July 5 to 20; those born September 8-11 will feel this July 16-31 (those born after, will make changes in August).
When I say changes I mean decision-making that makes all your friends say, "Wow, I guess you really WERE unhappy doing X, Y, and Z. Virgo is one of those signs that can analyze their own unhappiness to a degree that would suggest post-graduate psychiatric training yet often lacks the ability to get up and actually do something. Talk's cheap - but not this month. This month, you're in 4th gear about to downshift. You're driving on the autobahn of emotional equilibrium. Hang on, and get the trip done.

LIBRA (September 23/24-October 23/24).
Libra (September 24-October 23) is a cardinal air sign ruled by Venus and represented by the Scales. Famous Libras include John Lennon, Franz Liszt and Sarah Bernhardt. Libras love harmony, partnership, and are frequently indecisive. But oh, how charming they can be about it. At least that's what they tell us.
Difficult days come on 23-24
Smoother sailing comes on 1, 8-10, 18-20, 27-29

The big picture...July is often a transitional month for Libra thanks to the sun in Cancer squaring your sun. You'll have days of blurting out the truth awkwardly (always causes the Scales chagrin) especially between July 11-26. You could also find that Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius and especially Virgo people are occupying a large space in your consciousness. Those are signs Libra can be happy with, even if there's not that crazy-for-you passion thing going. Social activities go into high gear after July 10 - you'll try to see how many events you can cram into a day. Group activities are way more appealing than one-on-one adventures. Those born on or around october 7-11 could have a change of heart (what else is new) about a matter you thought was signed, sealed and delivered in late February through early March. Don't look at this as a negative - rather as another opportunity to refine your perspective and action-taking abilities.

SCORPIO (October 24-November 22).
Scorpio is a fixed water sign formerly ruled by Mars, now by Pluto, which astrologers still consider a planet, thank-you-very-much, represented by the Scorpion. Famous Scorpios include Prince Charles, Picasso, and Robert Kennedy. Scorps mystify more people than any other sign, mostly because the themes of sex, death and other people's money rule the 8th house, Scorpio's natural home. Charming but not overly sociable, your typical Scorps are charismatic, occasionally devious with an ethical compass all their own.
Difficult days come on 11-13
Smoother sailing comes on 2, 3, 11-13, 21,22, 30, 31

The big picture... This month, Mars, the little red planet of aggression and taking chances is making a sweet angle to your sun, but after July 13, Venus is saying, "You think you're so smart? I'll show you smart." When Venus is in Leo, you may find you're getting attention for the "wrong" things or the aspect of yourself you'd just as soon not make a big deal of. However, all the other planets are totally in line for you to take on any challenge, particularly difficult emotional scenes, because you have the ability to break it down into component parts. I got news for you - what you think of as logic this month, will strike everyone else, especially Sadge, Gems, and Pisces as either pessimism, lowered expectations or just plain "settling." But overall, the planets are being much nicer to you than to your fellow winter-sign, Sagittarius.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 22 or 23).
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22). Sagittarius is a mutable fire sign ruled by Jupiter. Represented by the centaur (half-man, half-beast), Sadge loves justice, and is keenly interested in philosophizing. Finding them at home is difficult -- they're happiest on a long trip, or 'trip.' Well-travelled Sadges include: Frank Sinatra, William Buckley Jr., Winston Churchill and Joe DiMaggio.
Difficult days come on
Smoother sailing comes on 4, 5, 13-15 23, 24,31

The big picture...Mars is making an awkward angle to your sun sign this month and this is how that will play out. Those born before November 27 face big challenges July 1-12. Those born November 28 to December 5 face big challenges July 9-18. Those born December 5-10 face b ig challenges July 20 to August 5. "Big challenges" can include: plans not going your way, misplaced tickets, a decision you made NOT to do some adventure that now seems like total fun (has Burning Man happened yet?). Or, overreacting to some situation that you then have to go, "ha-ha, I was kidding," but nobody believes you. Impulsive and accident-prone stuff is likely, but thank the lord you're one of those signs that keeps on chugging, despite the banged hip, the bruised ego and the pell-mell acceleration. If you want to be a pal, keep reassuring your earth sign friends, "I'll be just fine, and yes, I bought the collision insurance."

CAPRICORN (December 22 or 23 to January 20 or 21).
Capricorn (Dec. 23-Jan. 20). Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign ruled by Saturn represented by the goat. Caps are dogged, responsible, occasionally blunt, reliable, long-lived and prone to gloom, although admirably steady. Famous Capricorns include Benjamin Franklin, Joan of Arc, and Richard Nixon. Capricorn is having a wonderful Jupiter transit this year, which could help your mood enormously.
Difficult days come on 2, 3, 29-31
Smoother sailing comes on 6-8, 16-18, 25-27

The big picture... Totally great!
Capricorn, I know it's been slow-going, but look at the improvements in your life that happened all last fall and winter. Yes, there have been setbacks, but as of March, when Mars made it's final pass through Cancer, opposite your sun sign, the clouds broke and the sun shone through. Hopefully, you're feeling more freedom and the pleasure of more options in your life. This month and next gives you ample opportunities to build on the work you've already done. Health and service (giving it away) are paramount and since you always - always - take the long view and look for the best value-for-money, this month is great for information-gathering. Assess your meds and vitamins. Taking too much? Getting enough leafy greens? Goats usually have a varied diet and even though the empty aluminum can has as much crunch as something with chlorophyll, this month you can make improvements in your health plan easily, sensibly, and cost-effectively.

AQUARIUS (January 20 or 21-February 19 or 20).
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus. Represented by the water carrier, Aquarians are dreamy, methodical, and humanitarian to an extreme. Ruled by the planet Uranus, Aquarians surprise us all with the unexpected move, but they're usually ahead of the curve. Need investment advice? Call an Aquarian, and find out where the money goes (usually not to them, but that's ok -- air signs can swing with that). Famous Aquarians include: Lewis Carroll, Norman Rockwell and Franklin Roosevelt.
Difficult days come on 4-5, 31
Smoother sailing comes on 1, 8-10, 18-20, 27-29

The big picture...Read Pisces or Sagittarius if you want to feel good about where you're at. This month is useful for Aquarians to assess where they are since their birthday, and how far they've come. Those of you born in January could find that friendship issues get awkward July 13-18, thanks to Venus opposing your sun (those born February 1-7 will find that to be the case July 14-22; February 7 and after from July 18 through August 5). If you're born in 1978 or 1949-50 you're in the midst of a lifechange that could come with some losses or radical changes (of abode or occupation). From September through 2009, you need to meet challenges head-on and make "the difficult choice," even if this means being more generous than you'd planned. Be cautious about what you promise from July 27 through August 10 -- it will be easy to exaggerate.

PISCES (February 19 or 20 to March 20 or 21).
Pisces (February 20-March 21). Pisces is a mutable water sign ruled by Neptune. Represented by two fish swimming in opposite directions, some Pisces, like some Libras thrive in indecision, especially of the emotional-quandary kind. Well-adapted Pisces realize they need plenty of art/music/poetry in their life to stave off the blues. Frequent company helps too. Pisces rules the 12th house (secrets, institutions), and though they'll take the spotlight if you ask them, they're perfectly happy behind the scenes. And if they are in the spotlight, they'll be inimitable and memorable, and slightly strange (Karen Carpenter and Lou Reed are both Pisces).
Difficult days come on 21-22
Smoother sailing comes on 2, 3, 11-13, 21,22, 30, 31
The big picture in a nutshell . . . July is usually a pretty good month for the fish. The anxieties of end-of-semester are over, and you should be in the swing of the summer. Hedonism is a hobby of many fish I know, and the hot summer days make it easy to be indolent. However, this July brings Mars in Virgo, which opposes your sun which means any action you'd like to take is just going to take longer than you'd planned. Poor fishies! And that delicious looking worm that just dropped into your pond has a hook concealled somewhere. You can ride out the difficulties by considering the changes in your occupational and personal circumstances that occurred from last fall forward. If there was a "bait and switch" situation, or you've taken on duties you wish you hadn't, or the appealing personality who hove into your life has suddenly turned into those "why don't you..." people ("why don't you update your resume, why don't you eat breakfast, why don't you get up earlier, why don't you not have that next drink"), that's the astrology the universe is meting out right now. But you've got plenty of tactics, including swimming into the deeper murk, where the weeds can conceal you and you can eat that damn ice cream in peace. Fortunately, Pisces usually has a sense of humor about anything and if you can hold back from the "I'll do it," impulse, this month has lots of fun, especially July 11-25.Those born in February have challenges July 1-20. Those born March 1-7 have challenges July 13-31. Those born March 8-11 have challenges July 20-31. More next month. Keep swimming!