The New Moon of July 24th sets the tone for the first part of the month. She is in the early degrees of Leo, where she is peregrine. A trine from a grumpy Saturn in Aries is helpful only so far as it indicates that authority figures may give begrudging aid. The first decan of Leo is ruled by Saturn, so there is some extra communication there. This decan is associated with great strength and generosity, but also with “violence, wickedness, and cruelty” according to Agrippa. It may give a better idea of this decan to contemplate its associated Tarot card, the Five of Wands or strife.
On the 29th, Venus entered the first decan of Cancer. This is a place where she enjoys a threefold rulership, by Triplicity, Term, and Face. These are considered “minor” dignities compared to Rulership and Exaltation, though it is well to remember that these allegedly lesser honors were once dignity systems unto themselves. The Two of Cups is the card for this decan, and both the Picatrix and Agrippa concur that it is a place of love, subtlety, mastery, and wit.
The conjunction of Mercury and the Sun on July 30th marks the midpoint of Mercury’s retrograde cycle. He will station direct on the 10th, and begin to traverse his shadow, tying up loose ends left from his trip backwards.
In August proper, we see Mars entering Libra, the sign of his detriment, on the 6th. He will be applying to a square with his domicile lord, Venus, and in opposition to Saturn, the exaltation lord of Libra. He may find himself chafing at rules and social niceties. Best to expect some conflict over boundaries around this time. Venus is in the superior position, however, so love is likely to win out over what will look like adolescent rebellion.
A confrontational opposition between Mars and Saturn on the 8th may exacerbate these issues. It is a showdown between two planets in Fall. This could indicate a stalemate, resulting in not much getting resolved.
August 2nd sees a Full Moon at 17° Aquarius. In the second decan of Aquarius, the energy here is one of intellect and wisdom. The Six of Wands, or Science, is the Tarot card. In the Terms of Jupiter and the Face of Mercury, this decan speaks of fulfillment and intelligence, but also modesty. It is a good time to reflect and receive messages from higher spheres.
Mercury’s direct station occurs at 4° Leo on the 10th. He will be traversing the same battle ground that the Moon found herself in at the New Moon. He will be trine Saturn and Sextile mars. This may see a détente in the hostilities indicated by war dance of the Malefics.
Venus and Jupiter meet at 14° Cancer on the 11th. If there is a day to deepen bonds of commitment and love, it is today. With Jupiter and his exaltation and Venus ruling by Triplicity during the day, we are apt to see a great deal of concord between allies. Though, as has been the case for many weeks, dour Saturn will lend a somber tone to these meetings. Some may find themselves blocked in their efforts, with matters being resolved more easily by day than night. Before the New Moon on the 23rd, the skies are rather quiet. The Sun enters Virgo on the 22nd, heralding the advent of Fall and the time of discernment and harvest.