Litha, Goddess of Abundance by Keli Clark

In the beauty of verdant summer, the planets send mixed messages. One moment, we’re connected, and the next we’re not. It’s called oscillation, and, at this point, it’s caused by oppositions with several planets. (Our emotions literally go from high to low.)

Oscillation occurs naturally on the spiritual path—often without planetary influence. The lesson is about learning to center in the heart space and/or finding the inner self. In this place, the emotions and tilt of the mind disappear as we reconnect with the divine. And there are also wonderful influences that aid with this connection.

The Full Moon appears on July 23 at 10:37 pm. The Full Moon heightens emotion, intensity, and energy. In the garden, it brings fruition and germination, which occurs before the waning cycle. Moon is placed in Aquarius, the sign of electronics, New Age, and humanitarian efforts. (It is also about group evolution and the power of the individual within the group.)

Sun (life, light) is beautifully placed in Leo, a fire sign that rules the heart and increases self-expression, generosity, and creativity. Sun (life, light) conjuncts (close to) Mercury (mind, communication), which confers brilliant thoughts, and Moon (emotions, moods) opposes Mercury, meaning our moods can interfere with rapid, bright thoughts. With effort, we can overcome this aspect and use Sun conjunct Mercury to connect with the higher mind.

Sun and Mercury trine (harmonious) Neptune (illusion, mysticism), which opens the conscious to mystical inspiration and deeper understanding of spiritual meaning. Our lives and mind open to higher thought more easily. It heightens creativity and sensitivity. (Notice that it can be used to counter the aspect below of Sun in opposition to Saturn.)

Sun opposes Saturn (karma, limitation), so we may feel as though we are encumbered by our past or the heaviness of life. The people in our lives may become critical or demanding. Moon conjuncts (close to) Saturn (karma, limitation) relates to limitation in communication (and warmth) in our relationships with other people in our lives. The point is noticing where we need to change by perceiving life differently, having boundaries, and loving the self. It’s also about knowing we have the power to create change.

Sun (life) opposes Pluto (underworld, subconscious), so we may feel slightly obsessed with our desires or the way in which we want life to move and travel. Pluto (underworld, subconscious) tends to bring up problems and patterns from the past, which can feel like a crisis. (Send pink light to the part of you that experiences them. The aspect ends on There can be a strong desire to push, but it’s wiser to observe the feeling.

Mercury is placed in Gemini, an air sign that encourages good communication. It is amplified by its trine with Neptune, and it can aid in aligning with spiritual world. It increases our ability to communicate through videos, writing, and any other form of communication.

Venus (love) and Mars (action) oppose Jupiter (good fortune). Venus in opposition to Jupiter can bring good fortune and waves of happiness, and it can also create extravagance and selfishness. We’re more open to the possibility of good fortune if we stay centered and focus on connection. Mars (energy, male) opposes Jupiter, which can bring a desire for success and boost self-confidence. Again, the trick of receiving the benefit of the aspect lies in centering and remembering our quest of finding the path of the inner self. (We don’t make mistakes when we’re aligned and balanced.)

Mars opposes Pluto (subconscious, transformation), which creates a mass of energy, which can come into expression as anger, misunderstanding, or upset. It actually gives awareness of old feelings and energies, which may have been suppressed and/or unnoticed.

Planets in Retrograde

Jupiter (expansion), Saturn (limitation, structure), Neptune (mysticism, illusion), Pluto (underworld, transformation), and Chiron (wounded healer) are in retrograde. It’s more difficult to receive help from the planets when they are retrograde. (It’s a bit like a bad connection on a cell phone; the energy goes in and out.)

If we feel tired or unmotivated, the (five) retrograde planets may play a part in our feelings. Fortunately, all of our efforts count, and everyone can work on creating a few consistent efforts on the spiritual/physical plane. Sometimes, we have to push.

Summary

• Obviously, the energies create pressure with hidden feelings, suppressed emotions about relationships, and self-esteem. It’s wise to journal about this and review feelings at a different date. For the moment, we can focus on the heart chakra and our connection with a greater force that gives unusual answers.
• In the big picture, the planets ask for awareness of how we truly feel along with the growth experience of admitting we need new methods of communication—and perhaps the need to manifest a different reality.
• There are many enlightening aspects in the chart such as Mercury trine Neptune, which connects with the higher mind, and the sparkling energy of Sun in Leo. We have ample energy to move through the challenges of the chart if we keep this in mind.
• There are many opposing forces in the chart, and our emotions and thoughts may flow back forth between centered and out of alignment. It’s part of mastery, but it’s not easy. Nevertheless, we can do it.
• Planetary retrogrades can feel heavy or cause tiredness. Make a list of what is needed for growth and a positive life. Make it simple and stay with it.

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path.