A LOOK BACK BEFORE GOING FORWARD: Two planetary events this week invite us to review the past so that we can make new decisions going forward. On Thursday, July 17, Mercury comes to a standstill at 14°46' Leo and begins its retrograde phase, which will last until August 11.

Over the next three weeks, as the Messenger Planet retraces its recent steps, we have the opportunity to likewise review plans and decisions we've initiated since Mercury entered its retrograde "shadow zone" on June 30. Because of this focus on internal processing, we are usually advised to postpone major decisions until Mercury is again moving direct.

That being said, life goes on, even when Mercury is retrograde! We can turn this period to our benefit by slowing down and paying more attention to our inner voice, as well as to outer signs that indicate issues in need of further review. Most importantly, please avoid making decisions or pushing a project forward under pressure of a deadline or when feeling fearful or anxious.

Mercury retrograde reminds us to take our time and to pay attention to details. My only major snafu with Mercury being retrograde was when I pushed myself in an effort to file legal papers in the hours before the planet stationed—under the time pressure, I missed key steps in the process, and it took a full year afterward to unravel the knots.

MARS AND THE SOUTH NODE: The other planetary event this week that draws our attention to the past has more to do with longer-term patterns than with recent decisions. Mars, now in Virgo, will align with the Moon's South Node next Sunday, July 20.

The sign position of the South Node reveals qualities and behaviors that humanity is being asked to leave behind as it evolves. With the South Node in Virgo, we are collectively called to observe where we might be falling into ancient patterns of control, blaming, obsessive worry, and criticism. 

As Mars crosses paths with the South Node, those old behaviors could be hard to resist, especially if we are feeling angry or fearful. It will take strong intention to listen to the voice of the North Node in Pisces, which talks about the qualities that will better serve us: seeing the bigger picture, letting go of judgment, prioritizing our spiritual growth and perspective, surrendering anxiety to the universe, and freeing the mind through meditation and self-reflection. 

URANUS IN GEMINI EFFECT: There's so much to be said about how we will experience Uranus in Gemini over the next seven years, it could fill many pages! In fact, I spent a good portion of my webinar last week exploring the subject. For this setting, I plan to share a short section each week on the "Uranus in Gemini effect."

One of the physical symptoms some might experience is the "drunken sailor walk." Uranus in Gemini is very high vibrational, heady energy; this means it can take extra time for us to reground after sleep or after meditation, times when our consciousness has been in an altered state. Thus, when we stand and try to move through space, we can end up careening to one side until we come fully back into our bodies. This has happened for me on three separate days since Uranus entered Gemini on July 7.

ASPECTS THIS WEEK: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important aspects, day by day: 

Monday

No major aspects are exact today.

Tuesday

Venus semisquare Chiron: People could be easily irritated today, especially if they feel that their voice is not being heard or that their opinions don't matter.

Wednesday

No major aspects are exact today. 

Thursday

Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto: People might be confrontational, pushy, and controlling under this influence. Dramas, power struggles, and lots of "roaring" are possible with Mars in theatrical Leo.

Sun square Eris: Controversies and conflicts are likely with this aspect. It could be hard not to take offense or respond in anger.

Venus sextile Ceres: With today's other aspects being so strong, we'll need to consciously connect with the energies of this softer Venus-Ceres sextile, which supports a feeling of ease in relationships and an ability to nurture others through our words.

Mercury stations retrograde: Mercury comes to a standstill at 9:44 p.m. PDT, and will be retrograde in Leo until it stations direct on August 11.

Friday

Mercury-R sextile Venus: Conversations are animated today. We may be drawn to talk about times in the past, when life seemed easier.

Saturday 

Sun square Chiron: Some may be reactive now, as old insecurities and fears are triggered.

Sunday

Mercury-R trine Ceres: This aspect helps connections and communications with family and other loved ones flow more easily.

Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto: However, with this aspect, conversations can be intense and emotional.

Mars conjunct South Node: This alignment challenges us not to default to old patterns of victimization and blaming.

IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK: You have ease-of-access to both spiritual inspiration and inner personal strength this year and may be motivated to take new risks based on higher guidance. You also have an improved capacity to let go of old emotional patterns and behaviors that have limited you in the past; this ability will help you successfully navigate old insecurities and fears that might arise. (Solar Return Sun trine Saturn, trine Neptune, square Chiron, square Eris)

In peace, love, and gratitude,

Pam

Aspects of Note This Week:

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

• MONDAY: No major aspects are exact today
• TUESDAY: Venus semisquare Chiron
• WEDNESDAY: No major aspects are exact today
• THURSDAY: Mars sesquiquadrate Pluto, Sun square Eris, Venus sextile Ceres, Mercury stations retrograde 9:44 p.m. PDT
• FRIDAY: Mercury-R sextile Venus
• SATURDAY: Sun square Chiron
• SUNDAY: Mercury-R trine Ceres, Venus sesquiquadrate Pluto, Mars conjunct South Node

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.
Feel free to share this NorthPoint Journal with others who may enjoy it! Please forward it in its entirety, including all contact and copyright information.
To learn more about Pam's work, please visit www.northpointastrology.com. 

NorthPoint Journal copyright 2025 Pam Younghans. All Rights Reserved.

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Posted with written permission from Pam Younghans.

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