THE MONTH OF LEO: The Sun makes ingress into the sign of Leo the Lion on Friday, July 22. The month of Leo is a time for creativity to blossom and performers to shine.

We are invited to be more spontaneous, playful, and generous over the next four weeks. However, dramas may also unfold, due to rampant egos needing to claim the spotlight. Leaders, especially, may experience challenges in the last half of this astrological month, due to the Sun being square Uranus (August 11) and opposite Saturn (August 14).

Before that, on July 31-August 1, the Leo Sun will be trine Jupiter. These are also the days that Uranus, the North Node, and Mars align. The combination of these influences represents an urge to expand, to be more and to know more than we have up to this point. There is also an increased willingness to take risks and an openness to new ideas and perspectives. It will be very interesting to see what unfolds at the end of July, given this combination of expansive energies!

TIME OF TRANSITION: Leading up to the Sun's ingress into Leo on Friday, we have some very strong Pluto aspects, which means we are moving through a significant transition time. The Sun, Mercury, and dwarf planet Ceres are all traveling together in late degrees of Cancer, and are all opposing Pluto in Capricorn; Ceres exactly opposes Pluto on July 17, Mercury on July 18, and the Sun on July 19.

People may feel vulnerable and defensive while these aspects are in effect. Cancer is a very sensitive sign, and thus feels emotions deeply and also easily feels threatened. Like a crab in a tidepool, Cancer can respond to perceived attacks (Pluto) either by scurrying under a rock (withdrawing) or by brandishing its claws (attacking).

As we work with these transits, it will be helpful to remind ourselves not to take things personally and to maintain good boundaries. We can feel overwhelmed emotionally when Pluto is involved in an aspect, since the psychotherapist planet tends to bring up deep feelings that we usually may suppress or repress. I often tell my clients who are going through a strong Pluto transit that they can expect to feel like they have PMS for a while – the emotions that arise are real, but they are closer to the surface and more intense than usual.

It is also important to remember that like the crab, we have the ability to sidle – to move off to the side, away from the upsetting circumstances or people. Once removed physically and energetically from a situation, we can more objectively observe has transpired, and make a more reasoned decision about how to respond. Then, when our heart and pulse rates have returned to normal, we can return to address the situation without needing to respond from an attitude of defensiveness.

There are benefits to these Pluto oppositions, even if they are uncomfortable to work with. As truths are revealed and vulnerabilities are exposed, the door is opened to more honest self-expression, which can deepen relationships.

RETROGRADES: Two planetary objects station retrograde this week: Chiron on Tuesday, and dwarf planet Eris on Thursday. These are important events because we tend to feel the energies of a planet more powerfully when it is moving very slowly, such as when it is about to change direction.

Wounded Healer Chiron is currently in Aries, and is working to reveal and heal the wound that expresses itself as a lack of confidence, an inability to know what one wants and desires, and a feeling of not being able to take assertive action. At the basis of this wound is feeling that we don't have the right to exist, much less have our desires met. This wound can cause some to go quickly into anger, simply because there's an unconscious belief that one must be loud and assertive in order to get the attention that is desired.

Interestingly, there are some similar qualities associated with Eris, which is also in Aries at this time. Eris is becoming known as the champion of those who feel disregarded or unjustly treated. As the goddess of Discontent and the feminine counterpart of Mars, reactionary Eris shows resistance through assertive and usually controversial actions.

With these two planets at their station this week, along with the Pluto aspects in effect, strong feelings are likely to be expressed. Do your best to stay grounded and in balance emotionally, and remember to "sidle" as needed.

JUPITER AND SATURN: The two "social planets," Jupiter and Saturn, are exactly semisquare this week. This aspect represents a conflict between our hopes and ideals (Jupiter) and the reality we see manifesting in the world (Saturn). One manifestation of this aspect could involve frustrations or obstacles in legal matters and in ethical or religious issues.

The solution to the discouragement we may feel with this aspect lies in part on the depth of our commitment to an ideal. The more we accept that frustrations and apparent setbacks are part of the journey, while having the discipline and faith to persevere, the sooner we will begin to see progress.

Although this semisquare perfects on Thursday, it is a longer-term aspect because it involves two slower moving planets. It is in effect for at least a few weeks before and a few weeks after the date it is exact.

DAILY ASPECTS: Here is my list of this week's important planetary aspects, along with my brief interpretations of each:

Monday

Mercury opposite Pluto, Mercury conjunct Ceres: Strong opinions are expressed today. Conversations can be very honest and deeply emotional. Information may come to light that was previously hidden.

Tuesday

Mercury enters Leo: While Mercury is in Leo, from July 19 to August 3, we are drawn to think about how to express ourselves creatively and also how to feel more joy in our lives. People may tend to be more dramatic in speech and focused on telling their personal story.

Chiron stations retrograde: While Chiron's influence is heightened, the part of us that feels fearful or lacks confidence may come forward, asking for our love and attention.

Sun opposite Pluto: Power struggles can arise. Do your best not to overreact, but to step back as needed to gain greater objectivity. 

Mars semisquare Neptune: Our sense of direction is foggy today, and we may not know what we really want.

Wednesday

Venus semisquare Uranus: This aspect represents uncertainties or minor breaks in relationship, due to a need for space and better boundaries.

Thursday

Jupiter semisquare Saturn: This aspect represents a contest between idealism and realism. Remember that all roads can be rocky at times, and do your best to keep the faith.

Eris stations retrograde: Nerves are wound tightly as Eris comes to a standstill. We are ready to spring into action at any hint of offense.

Sun conjunct Ceres: This aspect emphasizes our need to be needed, and to give and receiving nurturing.

Friday

Sun enters Leo: The Sun will be in the sign of Leo from July 22 to August 22. 

Saturday

Mercury trine Jupiter: Inspired ideas and creative solutions are possible today.

Sunday

Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune: Disillusionment can occur as we question the validity of our ideas and plans. 
Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus square Jupiter: We may feel disappointed at what feels like a lack of support from others; in reaction to this, we may choose to be very self-indulgent tonight. Watch out for a tendency to substitute food for love.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: If you are a Cancer native, you are in the middle of a deeply transformational time in your life; if you are a Leo native, this period of transition is likely to be more a part of your experience starting this October and into 2023. During this time, strong emotions come to the surface to help you learn to take better care of yourself, and to remind you of the importance of having good boundaries. Communication is an important theme for you over the coming year, as you learn to express your needs as a part of good self-care. Many insights and much spiritual growth accompany these lessons, and you will find that forgiveness is an essential tool, one that will help release you from defining yourself by others' actions. (Solar Return Sun conjunct Mercury, conjunct Ceres, trine Neptune, opposite Pluto, square Eris)

In peace and with gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

All times listed are Pacific Daylight Time. For Greenwich Mean Time, add 7 hours.

• MON: Mercury opposite Pluto, Mercury conjunct Ceres
• TUE: Mercury enters Leo, Chiron stations retrograde, Sun opposite Pluto, Mars semisquare Neptune
• WED: Venus semisquare Uranus
• THU: Jupiter semisquare Saturn, Eris stations retrograde, Sun conjunct Ceres
• FRI: Sun enters Leo
• SAT: Mercury trine Jupiter
• SUN: Mercury sesquiquadrate Neptune, Venus sesquiquadrate Saturn, Venus square Jupiter

Astrologer Pam Younghans writes the NorthPoint Astrology Journal based on planetary influences and insights received. Her hope is to bring astrology "down to earth" in a way that will help readers navigate current energies, while also utilizing these energies for spiritual and personal growth.

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To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

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