This month is over flowing with dynamic energy! Unmistakably Summer, the theme song for July is Martha and the Vandellas “Dancing in the Streets.” July offers us a chance to kick back and enjoy the season with a child-like abandon. Whatever you do, enrich your life by consciously participating in all manner of worthwhile fun activities (napping in a hammock is a worthwhile fun activity). There are two Full Moons this month, July 1^st and July 31^st. This kind of climactic lunar activity at the beginning and end of the month assure us of a passionate, colorful 31 days. Make the most of it because on July 25^th, Venus, the planet that rules relationships, women, values, balance, healing, beauty, diplomacy and money will go retrograde until September 6^th. As with any retrograde, there are precautions. This is not a time to buy anything that has to do with decorating– from make-up, jewelry and purses to house paint, furniture and art work. Try and avoid major medical procedures as Venus rules bloodwork and healing. And always read the fine print at least three times before committing to anything or anyone. It is a great time, though, to retreat, rethink and research because during retrograde periods, previously hidden information becomes more accessible.

THE EMPEROR (March 21 – April 20) The title of one of singer, Bobby Bland’s songs, “Who’s Foolin’ Who?” sums up a deeper level of your quest for self-value. Have you been fooling yourself by diminishing the value of your contribution to your world and yourself? It’s time for you to recognize that you’ve created rainbows from the life storms you’ve gone through and take ownership of the resulting pots of gold that lay at your feet.

THE EMPRESS (April 21 – May 20) Remember Prometheus? He was made to suffer because he understood the value and necessity of connecting your heart and your artistic inspiration. Thankfully, those days are over and no one is required to suffer punishment for expressing their creativity. All that’s necessary now is for you to praise yourself for your accomplishments and enjoy them. Buy yourself a pretty bauble to celebrate your acceptance of yourself and your right to be.

THE LOVERS (May 21 – June 20) Your wisdom, creativity, intuition and ability to communicate will serve you well during this lovely Summer season. Do handle and use this powerful combination ethically, especially until Fall. Remember– in all of your interactions, practice the mindful habit of balancing tact along with your natural sense of honesty.

THE CHARIOT (June 21 – July 20) You were born a nurturer, a caretaker– very much concerned with taking care of the needs of others. This fine attribute was an especially important tool during your development, now, however– this excellent aspect of yours needs to be balanced with fun!  A carefree 4-day weekend someplace new and different is just what you need right now– do all that you can to make it happen.

THE SUN (July 21 – August 22) You were born with the radiant gift of charisma and you can be very persuasive. This is a perfect time to put that powerful gift to use– it will help you attract the assistance you need in order to successfully manifest your heart’s desire. Help from all quarters will be evident, especially Divine help. Accept and use it with gratitude, responsibility and respect.

THE HERMIT (August 23 – September 22) Though the letter of the law is important, it’s time for you to release your hold on the “shoulds” and live in the spirit of the law. As you relax some of your strictness, you’ll encounter a whole new side of yourself– more playful and carefree. I encourage you to enter into the ‘world’ of play– take up a new hobby, revive an old dream, visit a fantasy theme park.  You’ll benefit a great deal from what you learn about yourself and you’ll have a good time in the process. 

JUSTICE (September 23 – October 22) The world and life as we know it are evolving fast and our perception of it must evolve, too. Naturally, you’ll find yourself trying to hold on to what you perceive as being stable. Please don’t– this new way is more expansive and enriching and you’ll grow to trust it in time. Schedule consistent ‘quality’ time for yourself– massages, manicures, nature walks and keep to that schedule. By so doing, you’ll enjoy the dawning of this new age so much more as you easily build a strong emotional foundation.

THE MAGICIAN (October 23 – November 21) Your strong will is your constant companion. Sometimes that’s a good thing and at other times, not so much.  If you find you’re having to ‘assert’ your independence, you may be trying too hard– you’re either independent or you’re not.  Ask yourself who needs to be convinced that you’re in charge– you or them.  If you trust yourself, others will, too, and they’ll gladly join your parade.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (November 22 – December 21) Every great discovery, invention and work of art came from a mind and heart like yours. One of your greatest gifts is your imagination. The time is right for you to use this wonderful gift, along with structure and discipline, in order to manifest your vision. Assistance will come from the most unexpected sources– accept and use it with gratitude, responsibility and respect.   

THE WORLD (December 22 – January 19) Power is a magnetic force. You’re stepping into the limelight now and you’ll need to be clear about this tremendous energy force so that it can work on your behalf to attract who and what you want in your life. Graciously, gratefully accept the gift of energy and continue creating the life you want.

THE STAR (January 20 – February 19) You’re entering a new stage of spontaneous development.  There is nothing for you to do in this part of the process except remain aware of life around you.  You’ll realize that, without effort, you comprehend your world much more than you did in the past. And you’ll realize that, also without effort, the world is rewarding you for your new-found comprehension.

THE MOON (February 20 – March 20) What’s your favorite fairy tale? I hope it’s ‘The Ugly Duckling’ because you’re living that tale. Notice how you’re maturing into graceful beauty, inwardly and outwardly. (It’s great, isn’t it?) With every great epic, there’s a theme song. Yours is the Etta James classic, “At Last.” Yes, it’s a love song, celebrating the conscious union of all of the parts that make you and your life beautiful. Enjoy!