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Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans
Current and previous weeks astrological overviews
Astrological Overview: July 15-21, 2024
Astrologer Pam Younghans writes this weekly astrological journal based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart.
Aspects of Note this Week:
All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. For Eastern Time, add 3 hours; Add 7 hours for Universal Time (UT), but add 8 hours for BST.
Monday: Mercury quincunx Saturn, Sun square Chiron, Mars conjunct Uranus
Tuesday: Mars sesquiquadrate Ceres
Wednesday: Sun square Eris, Jupiter quincunx Ceres
Thursday: Sun sextile Uranus, Mercury trine Chiron, Sun semisquare Jupiter
Friday: Uranus sesquiquadrate Ceres
Saturday: Mars sextile Neptune, Mars enters Gemini, Mercury trine Eris
Sunday: Full Moon, Eris stations retrograde, Venus sextile Jupiter, Mercury square Uranus, Sun trine Neptune, Mars trine Pluto
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A DYNAMIC WEEK: We are entering a highly impactful week, a time of major transitions. The third week of July is destined to be historical right from the start, with the explosive Mars-Uranus conjunction perfecting on Monday, July 15. Not to be outdone, the closing scenes of the week's dramas are under the direction of a transformational, Pluto-powered Full Moon that perfects on Sunday, July 21.
Surprising or shocking events can occur when there are interactions between forceful Mars, the planet of personal will, and sideways-spinning Uranus, the planet known for breaking rules. Since the energies of their alignment have been building over the past week or so, we've already seen its effects in the larger world and in smaller ways, too.
Putting together the keywords associated with Mars and Uranus, we can expect: surprising or impulsive actions, shocking events that require urgent response, explosive episodes, unpredictable or antisocial behaviors, unrealistic risks, radical or aggressive tendencies, strongly independent or rebellious activity, and emotional extremes.
There are positive potentials of this Mars-Uranus influence as well: a sudden breakthrough, daring to step out into the unknown, standing strong in one's independence, courageous authenticity, and the willingness to begin anew, without a safety net. And, since the higher expression of transpersonal Uranus is the Universal Mind, we may also receive profound insights and innovative ideas that inspire a significant change in our life path as the planet aligns with Mars.
THE ALGOL EFFECT: As you may recall from my forecast for last week, the Mars-Uranus alignment is occurring at the same degree as the fixed star Algol, and is thus energizing the star's influence. Unfortunately, the darker side of Algol, which ancient astrologers associated with misfortune, danger, and violence, has been activated in the past few days.
If you missed last week's issue of this NorthPoint Journal and would like to learn more about the fixed star Algol and its impact on the Mars-Uranus conjunction, please click HERE to read my forecast for July 8 to 14, 2024.
FULL MOON IN CAPRICORN: We have two Full Moons in Capricorn this year, which occurs only rarely; the first was a month ago, on June 21, and the second is on July 21. As the Capricorn Moon opposes the Cancer Sun, we are challenged to be objective and rational, but also to be sensitive to the emotional needs of ourselves and others.
Next Sunday's Full Moon is outstanding for a few other reasons as well — most notably because the Moon will be very closely conjunct Pluto at the time of the lunation. Pluto is named for the god of the Underworld, and thus is the catalyst for major transitions in our lives, times when we move from one state of being to another. The dwarf planet often takes us through a symbolic process of death and renewal, similar to the experience of the mythical Phoenix, which magically regenerates after seeming to burn in the fires of purification.
As the Full Moon's energies begin to unfold toward the end of the coming week, we are drawn into a time of profound change. As the Detective planet, Pluto likes to reveal secrets, and as the Psychotherapist, it delves deeply into our psyches to uncover unconscious motivations and fears that have been controlling us from behind the scenes.
MAJOR CHANGES CATALYZED: Other aspects to the Full Moon will amplify our collective experience of its energies. Luna will be trine both Mars and Uranus, further activating the life-changing influence of their alignment. But, helping ease the way through providing inspiration and creative solutions, intuitive Neptune will be in harmonious sextile to the Moon.
However, the lunation will also be in hard square aspect to both insecure Chiron and to controversial Eris, which is very strong due to stationing retrograde on the same day. This arrangement of planets creates what is called a T-square configuration. T-squares correspond with times of increased tension and can result in irrational or impulsive behaviors in those who are especially affected.
As a general rule, Full Moons increase emotional reactivity, and this T-square will exacerbate those tendencies. It will be important to slow down, to be patient, and not to rush into decisions or actions. This T-square in cardinal signs will test our maturity, self-discipline, and self-awareness.
SOLAR ACTIVITY: The physical sun has recently been very active, giving us a major X-class solar flare (the highest level) and nine moderate M-class flares on Saturday, July 13. Solar flares are known to affect us on physical, mental, and emotional levels; having so many strong eruptions just as the highly nervous Mars-Uranus conjunction is reaching its peak can feel overwhelming for some.
Be sure to be very conscious in your self-care now. Drink extra fluids, especially electrolyte fluids. Stop to breathe more deeply whenever you sense tension or nervousness in your body. Spend time connecting with Nature in any way that you are able, and ground yourself into the earth. Meditate, rest, and get extra sleep if possible.
THIS WEEK'S ASPECTS: Here are my brief interpretations of this week's most important planetary aspects, day by day:
Monday
Mercury quincunx Saturn: We can tend to be somewhat pessimistic, judgmental, or incommunicative with this influence.
Sun square Chiron: Deep-seated insecurities or fears can trigger anger or other strong reactions today.
Mars conjunct Uranus: The Mars-Uranus alignment perfects at 7:04 a.m. PDT, when both planets are at 26°19' Taurus. Events unfold quickly and we can feel carried along in a wave of change. People may be more reactive or impulsive than usual.
Tuesday
Mars sesquiquadrate Ceres: This aspect represents a conflict between the need to be self-assertive and the desire to feel secure and safe.
Wednesday
Sun square Eris: Controversies are stirred and people could react very defensively today.
Jupiter quincunx Ceres: Dogmatic beliefs and self-righteousness can undermine our ability to achieve longer-term goals.
Thursday
Sun sextile Uranus: It is easier to be independent and forthright today, since we feel less emotionally withdrawn.
Mercury trine Chiron: Communication and the willingness to brainstorm can open the door to finding creative solutions.
Sun semisquare Jupiter: There can be a tendency to be too wordy, or to go too far in trying to explain our feelings.
Friday
Uranus sesquiquadrate Ceres: Breakthroughs occur that unsettle us on an emotional level, causing short-term nervousness or anxiety. It may be hard to visualize new possibilities if we are overly attached to old forms.
Saturday
Mars sextile Neptune: It is easier to act on our intuitive insights today.
Mars enters Gemini: Mars will be in the sign of the Twins from July 20 to September 4. During these weeks, we are more open to new activities and ideas. However, we will need to be aware of times when we are spreading our energies too thin.
Mercury trine Eris: Forthright conversations bring insights and help us be open to new ideas.
Sunday
Full Moon: The lunation is at its peak at 3:16 a.m. PDT on July 21, when the Moon is at 29°08' Capricorn and the Sun is at the same degree of Cancer. With Luna in strong aspect to all three transpersonal planets (Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus), an increase in frequency is possible but will take some time to adjust to on a human level.
Eris stations retrograde: Controversies are at their peak with dwarf planet Eris at a standstill today.
Venus sextile Jupiter: This heart-opening aspect supports easy communications.
Mercury square Uranus: Nervous energy is heightened. Insights are possible, but it may be best to write them down to take action on later, when conditions are more stable.
Sun trine Neptune: This trine enhances our capacity for empathy and compassion.
Mars trine Pluto: We are determined to take action, especially in the support of a cause we feel passionate about.
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IF YOUR BIRTHDAY IS THIS WEEK (July 15-21):
You may feel highly motivated to make significant changes in your life this year, and should have the courage, flexibility, and faith you need to "make it so." However, there are some obstacles to overcome, perhaps in the form of old patterns of insecurity or defensiveness. As you take responsibility for your reactions and learn to self-nurture, you are able to rise above these challenges. Over the next six months, you will be completing a two-year process of profound change that may have felt overwhelming at times, but which has been an important step in your becoming more empowered in some area of your life. This is especially true for those who have their birthdays next weekend, either July 20 or 21. (Solar Return Sun sextile Mars, semisquare Jupiter, square Chiron, sextile Uranus, trine Neptune, opposite Pluto, square Eris)
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TRANSLATION and AUDIO/VIDEO VERSION: This weekly Journal is recorded (in English) AND the text is transcribed into 30 languages! You'll see a row of flags under "Available Languages" in the upper right. And, there are options to listen to the audio (in English) or watch a video directly beneath the photo (see top of page).
The Journal entry is usually updated by Sunday evening, with the recordings appearing late Sunday or by Monday depending on your time zone. Please share this information with those who might benefit.
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CLASSES AND WEBINARS by Pam Younghans:
DAILY ASTROLOGY: Please check out my daily astrological forecasts ~ including lunar aspects that aren't included in this weekly Journal ~ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamyounghans/
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For previous weeks of the Astrological Journal, click here.
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About the Author
Pam Younghans is a professional astrologer, editor, and writer. She lives in a log home northeast of Seattle, Washington with her beloved animal companions. She has been interpreting charts professionally for over 25 years. If you are interested in an astrology reading, e-mail
For more information about NorthPoint Astrology offerings, please visit NorthPointAstrology.com or visit her Facebook page.
