Summer 2017

The astrology for this summer season provides us with a splash as we seek to embrace our home and family, and we look to present ourselves with style, grace and capability.

The 20th – 21st of June gives us the Summer Solstice as the Sun enters Cancer. This is the day in the northern latitudes of the greatest daylight and inaugurates the summer season. The 21st also has Mercury exiting Gemini to enter Cancer and the Sun and Mercury conjunct in the first degree of Cancer.

We are focused on the ‘good life’ and ‘good living’ and willing to strip away the non-essentials to concentrate on the very essence of our lives. We might feel bound by our obligations but we are wearing them well, fully engaging them and not being hindered by past commitments or limited by our responsibilities. We can concentrate on the big picture of our plans and goals and still deal with the details and particulars that make up the larger schema.

The 23rd has the Cancer New Moon with the Stellium in Cancer of the Sun, Mercury and Mars joined by the Moon at the time of the New Moon. Family matters may be paramount now and impacting the fortnight up to the Capricorn Full Moon on the 9th of July.

This latter part of June might have us involved with family gatherings as we come together in various celebrations and reunions. At the same time, it would be wise to keep in mind that this latter part of June also accentuates the Cardinal Signs and by Sign emphasizes a Cardinal Sign Grand Cross with the transiting Cancer Planets by Sign squaring Jupiter in Libra, opposing Pluto in Capricorn and squaring Uranus in Aries. We might be more interested in start-ups, new beginnings and grand adventures than follow through or maintenance. We might fully endorse the concept of ‘hot fun in the summertime’ and do so with neither remorse nor concern about ramifications.

The 24th of June has Venus trine Pluto. Connections, whether old or new, could be highly useful and supportive in our developing and acquiring our ambitions. Depth of our interactions may be soulful with little superficial engagement but with true meaning and purpose to the contact.

We might have to sift through our involvements, consider what truly works for us and in contrast give thought to those activities, those situations and people that might have served us previously but no longer meet the measure of our standards. We could feel as though we are on a narrow pathway with our trajectory necessitating eliminations of the outmoded, the non-productive and the less than essential. We are looking for the substance, the core and the rudimentary basics on which to move forward.

We could meet with resistance from even those whom we might have assumed would be supportive. Mars squares Jupiter on the 25th, and we could find that our desire to change and transform and truly come into a new sense of our self is being thwarted and blocked by our past and those people who have been close to us but feel threatened by any change to their definition of who we are, a definition based upon their experience with us but all too limiting for our growth and exponential development.

This latter part of June asks us to draw upon our faith, our inner knowing, and for us to trust that inner voice within ourselves that recognizes our intended journey and personal destiny. Our faith can be strengthened by Mars trine Neptune on the 26th and by Mercury trine Neptune on the 27th followed by Mercury conjunct Mars on the 28th.

This last week of June has both the Cardinal Sign Grand Cross operating with much external focus and also the Water Element engaged with a greater internal understanding.

The Mars square Jupiter on the 25th is followed by Mercury triggering a T-Square with Mercury square Jupiter on the 27th and Mercury opposed Pluto on the 29th.

We might feel the need both in our words and in our actions to fight for what we feel to be right for ourselves. Attempts to explain or garner the support of others may be a waste of energy.

The Mars trine Neptune on the 26th, the Mercury trine Neptune on the 27th, and the Mercury conjunct Mars on the 28th give us the sustenance to take machete in hand and carve our own path, fully knowing that what we believe to be right for us is truly the right way ahead.

We might feel conflicted towards the end of June, but let’s keep in mind the dynamic involved in true reality whereby thesis versus antithesis eventually results in synthesis. This equation may not be in favor in present day ‘reality’ but it is the way of the universe and true reality.

The astrology as we begin July can be intense with us tending to go overboard in our actions and reactions. The liability of misunderstanding situations can be heightened and our sensitivity ratcheted up. We could be looking to square off for a good fight with a sense that we are not being appreciated for who we are and for what we do.

Like a volcano, things can be percolating below the surface, and it would be wise for us to find ways to vent our anger or frustration without blowing up. We may look to a confidante or a good friend to help us see clearly and objectively as to what is really going on.

With Mars opposed Pluto on the 2nd of July and Mercury square Uranus on the 4th, people could be like a tinderbox, ready at any moment to fly off he handle. This early part of July calls for us to take a deep breath and count to ten before responding to any situation. The tendency to react immediately might lead us into greater trouble and all by reason of perceived slights that might not have been meant but rather interpreted thanks to a welling up of frustration and anger and an inability to clearly understand what is really going on. A willingness to draw upon someone’s perspective as to what is happening can forestall our tendency to react without thinking things through.

Coming as it does around the Independence Day festivities in the US, we have to be wary of people acting out, accidents due to miscalculations and explosive incidents.

The Mercury square Uranus aspect on the 4th is my least favorite energy configuration for air travel, and I personally avoid it. The 4th also have Venus exiting its own Sign of Taurus to enter Gemini and in so doing Venus triggers a Mutable T-Square by Sign as Venus in Gemini will square Neptune in Pisces and oppose Saturn in Sagittarius.

This early part of July can be fraught with difficulties, and we need to keep a handle on how we deal with whatever is going on. If things build up with little room to maneuver, it might be wise for us to step away. Fortunately, with this also being the July 4th holiday period, many people are likely to step off the track and engage various social and fun activities. It is far better for us to have a broad palette of activities and events in which to participate, rather than focusing on one particular involvement.

July provides a roller coaster of good times and challenging times. It may seem like we are riding a wave with a propensity now and again to lose our footing and get body slammed by the crashing waves around us.

The 5th of July sees another significant energy shift. The Sun trines Neptune and the Sun squares Jupiter. We might feel as though we are divinely guided, that our intuitive sense is sharp and spot on. We might even have a sense of being a legend in our own mind, and that attitude could provoke issues with someone who might try to call us down from the Mount but a beckoning call we would likely resist or take issue with. Not only can we be a little too much in our self-evaluations, but we also have on the 5th Mercury exiting Cancer to enter Leo ending a Stellium of three planets in Cancer and triggering by Sign a Fire Grand Trine with the Mercury in Leo, Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries.

With the Mercury Sign shift, we are far more interested in our being on center court, center stage with less interest as to how our actions and discussions impact other people. We can be moving into a highly creative period and certainly a time when our self-expression is accentuated.

The 7th of July can see us at peak performance in regard to our conversations and our presentations. Mercury sextiles Venus on the 7th, and while we might want to hold forth on any matters at hand, we are also looking at presenting our wishes and whims in an appealing manner that can gain the appreciation and support of someone. We could seem to have it going on, but it would be wise for us to do everything in measured terms. We might have a liability to overdoing or overreaching during this early July period.

The 9th of July has the Capricorn Full Moon. While emotions and situations are often ratcheted up severalfold at the time of the Full Moon, this Capricorn Full Moon could ratchet up the intensity severalfold. If we can get down by the water, listen to soothing music or meditate in some spiritual retreat, we might dodge some of the bullets flying at this time. With everything heightened, this period could be a time of intense atmospheric storm systems, geophysical activity of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and an assault against the powers-that-be. Falling on a weekend, this Full Moon in July would suggest staying close to home without provoking contentious situations and relaxing rather than overly engaging. This could be a heck of a time.

The energy configurations at the time of the Capricorn Full Moon has the Cancer Sun conjunct Mars and both opposing the Moon Pluto conjunction. Our security and safety may be shaken up, but this could also be a time when we look to clean up and clear out vestiges of our past.

On the 10th, the Sun opposes Pluto. Whether we have consciously abetted our transformation or stood still assuming that same old will always be the same, all the while that the world has been whirling around us, we are likely to have a deeper sense of who we truly are and the true significance of our life’s purpose. If we have been merely putting one foot in front of the other, oblivious to working on ourselves and exorcising our own demons, we could feel like the camel trying to squeeze through the eye of the needle. Whether willingly or with our heels dug in, this is a period of letting go and embracing our essence, the nascent god being that lies within each of us.

This mid-July period could also see certain significant public figures stepping off the stage and passing along.

The 17th of July has Venus square Neptune and Mars square Uranus. Due diligence may be severely lacking, and we have to be wary that we don’t buy into impressions or fanciful statements that seem appealing and demand immediate action. This is a time when what we are shown may not be the true reality of the situation. Someone might try to put one over on us, and we could be swayed by the impressive performance. Tricksters can be at play. We also have to watch for impetuous actions. We might need eyes in the back of our head, utilize peripheral vision and take things slowly. Not that we are likely to heed that advice. The liability to accidents and bad decisions is strong under these energy configuration influences.

The 18th and 19th of July can allow us to make amends for any bone-headed actions or crazy decisions we might have fallen prey to on the 17th. The 18th has Venus trine Jupiter. Interactions with other people can be fun and enlivening, and someone might help us clear away the fog of possibilities in order to see clearly the light. The 19th has Mercury trine Saturn and our discernment can be sharpened so that we see behind the obtuse and the opaque and see what is truly going on.

Even if we fell down a rabbit hole on the 17th, we can clamber out of it, dust ourselves off and get back on track as a result of the energies on the 18th – 19th.

The 20th of July has the Sun square Uranus and Mars exiting Cancer to enter Leo. We are not looking to be held back by our past, our experiences or people’s expectations of us. We are gaining a second wind and looking to take the plunge, ready to put our energy towards our own individual projects and our own creative talents. Even if we feel held back by who we have been and how we have acted, we are more interested now in developing and expressing our own personal interests.

A greater fire in our belly is enhanced with the Sun entering Leo on the 22nd of July and with the Sun’s entry creating a Stellium of three planets in Leo as the Sun joins Mars and Mercury in the Fixed Fire Sign. The Fire Grand Trine by Sign is reinforced by the Leo Stelliun and with Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries and is heightened on the 23rd by the Leo New Moon.

The New Moon influences the next fortnight up to the Aquarius Full Moon on August 7th, a Lunar Eclipse. This can be a dynamic two-week period. What we have to watch for is a tendency to marshal our resources and spring full speed ahead. While we may have a thrust of energy during this time, we might tend to be reckless, headstrong and proving, at times, to be our own worst enemy. We could rue the day if we allow ourselves to be impetuous and insistent without the necessary strategizing or without contemplating the parameters and conditions of our trajectory. We could be champing at the bit, but we need to maintain our hands on the reins.

The 24th of July has Mercury trine Uranus and Venus opposed Saturn. We may get some fascinating insights into new trajectories for ourselves. We can hear about possibilities of which we have not been made aware. While we can get startling flashes of genius with a little help from serendipity where we find ourselves in the right place at the right time for some incredible blessing, how we deal with the wondrous surprise might prove the problem. We can be so over the moon about something that people find us quirky, downright strange or mad genius. Our ability to communicate our ideas and thoughts might be revelatory but our social skills might be lacking. We can feel blocked from leaping across the chasm into new trajectories but some of our blockage might be our own concern that what could be is beyond our capability. Let’s keep in mind that these times talk to serendipity, to certain magic and mini-miracles. We don’t have to have all the answers before we move into new directions. The universe could provide the way. But we do have to have faith in our journey, trust in the process and an acceptance of the paradigm shift that is taking us from linear, sequential reality of beginning, middle and end into the asequential reality where things can occur in a most random, even bizarre, manner.

July 25th has Mercury exiting Leo and bringing an end to the Leo Stellium of three planets. Mercury enters Virgo, a Sign that Mercury rules, with its tendency to sharpen our critical thinking and analytical skills. Even if we assume that new directions would be operating solely on a ‘wing and a prayer’, Mercury coming into Virgo provides more grounded thinking that evaluates and considers the specifics in any situation.

The 26th has the Sun conjunct Mars. If we engage our reasoning, analytical mind that Mercury transiting Virgo provides, we can find ourselves in turbothrust moving ahead with creative endeavors or just having some great summer fun. Although we could be more quick and determined at this time with a strong focus on our own pleasurable pursuits, we are not casting our fate to the winds but rather critiquing and considering the particulars before launching forward. This would be a time for us to advance certain projects that reflect our self-expression with the fine-tuning of critical thinking to be certain that all the details are covered in the process.

The end of July has Venus sextile Uranus on the 30th just prior to Venus exiting Gemini to enter Cancer on the 31st. We end the month with some interesting, even serendipitous, encounters. The week before may have had reconnections or reunions with people from our past. The 30th could find us interacting with someone who can provide us a mirror regarding new aspects of ourselves or make us aware of future trends.

As Venus comes into Cancer, our tendency may be to entertain at home and engage family and extended family. We seek the comforts of our base with the intent to keep the furies in the world at bay.

We come into August, the traditional month of summer holidays, with a desire to get out of Dodge, step off the track and not be encumbered by our daily responsibilities. Getting a respite might not be such a bad idea, for this August could prove wild and wooly with a Lunar Eclipse, a Solar Eclipse and Mercury retrograde.

On the 3rd of August, Uranus turns retrograde. Many of our new projects and some of our new activities may have to be put on hold. Although we are itching to accentuate our individuality, embrace our free spirit and soar like eagles above it all, we might have to walk back some of our new trajectories and reengage the familiar and the customary.

Whether it is by our own choice or as a result of someone’s decision, obligations and demands can put a crimp in our plans. Jupiter squares Pluto on the 4th. We might feel depleted and that we are behind the eight ball, reacting to situations rather than the opportunity to be proactive.

Early August continues with the Fire Grand Trine but the fire can be dampened by four of the planets being retrograde, when the energy is more internalized with greater difficulty to the energy being externalized.

The Aquarius Full Moon on the 7th of August is a Lunar Eclipse. Our emotions are likely to be heightened, and we might find ourselves looking to take greater risks. This is a time when we are looking at forging ahead ‘come hell or high water’ as the saying goes. While great risks can result in great returns, going too far out on the ledge can have calamitous consequences. We might feel as though we have nothing to lose by betting the ranch, but it would be wise to be wary of the prodding for extreme actions. We might know some of the possible ramifications but unaware of collateral damage due to unexpected variables.

No matter what occurs at the time of the Aquarius Full Moon or leading up to it, the latter part of the second week of August can feel as though we had dodged a bullet.

The 10th of August has Mercury sextile Venus and the Sun sextile Jupiter. We may be feeling at the top of our game and wanting to share our enthusiasm with anyone and everyone. This can be a primo time when we are feeling confident about our plans, looking to expand our reach and even considering far away travel. Whatever we are doing, we might be brimming with optimism and up to sharing our ideas, feelings and desires with anyone who will listen. And listeners there may be, for we might have a magnetic quality that draws people to us.

August 12th starts with Venus trine Neptune and ends the day with Mercury turning retrograde in its own Sign of Virgo. We could be feeling as though we are in an idyllic setting, but unfortunately the impression might be grand but the reality could turn out to be a fool’s paradise. There can be a depth and spiritual quality to this time. We may count our blessings, and the blessings in our lives are many. While the gestalt might seem grand, we have to be wary that we are not glossing over certain situations. Our awareness and mindfulness could become dulled, for not only do we have Mercury turning retrograde in its own Sign, but Mercury at the time of retrograde is in orb of an opposition with Neptune. What we see may not be what we get, and it would be wise for us not to get carried away by euphoria without considering the specifics with which we are dealing.

If we maintain a grounded sense and concentrate on the particulars, the 13th of August with the Sun trine Saturn provides us with the energy to lay down the foundation stones of any expansion plans we might have. This is a period when we can devise the right template, the right approach to our intentions. We take on a more serious attitude, a ‘can do’ sentiment, whereby we realize that every journey begins with a first step and with it being wise to contemplate the direction and itinerary of the journey ahead.

Mid-August has Venus triggering a Cardinal Sign T-Square with Venus opposed Pluto on the 15th and Venus square Jupiter on the 17th. Relationships could prove dicey at this time. We could have the liability at looking at the flaws and frailties in our connections rather than the sterling qualities and attributes. Feeling slightly antagonistic, we have to be wary that we don’t implode friendships or vent our frustrations on someone as though they are a safe harbor for our upset. This mid-August period could have a sense of being in a no-win scenario. Either we want to pull the plug on someone or we might have the plug pulled on us by someone. Whatever dust-ups might occur, we have to be wary that we don’t over accommodate in making any amends for disruptive behavior. We could feel taken advantage of, that people are taking liberties and that we are being led down the garden path despite our seeing all the brambles along the way.

The intensity of this mid-August period is a lead up to the third week in August when we have Mars sextile Jupiter on the 20th, the Leo New Moon and a Solar Eclipse on the 21st, the same day that the Sun trines Uranus, and followed on the 22nd with Mars trine Saturn and the Sun exiting Leo and entering Virgo.

The likelihood of rash behavior cannot be discounted at this time. It may be full speed ahead, damn the torpedoes and a desire to forge ahead no matter the consequences.

This Solar Eclipse falls virtually on top of Donald Trump’s ascendant and within orb of a conjunction to his natal Mars. The influence of the Solar Eclipse can be very trying for Mr. Trump. Not only can he act impulsively as if warding off attacks against him, but his physical being could be threatened. This Solar Eclipse also comes at a time when transiting Saturn is sitting exactly on top of his natal Moon and transiting Saturn is opposing his natal Sun. This can be a most challenging period for Mr. Trump. His public approval might slide significantly. We have already heard calls for his impeachment, and it is fairly evident that he has few allies among the powers-that-be. His array of opponents includes not only the Democrats but also Republicans, the Media, the Intelligence Community and others within the establishment cliques. If he can survive the assault lobbed against him, he will prove quite masterful and truly adept at the art of the deal.

On a side note, it is interesting to note that some of the people trying to dampen the rush to judgment against Mr. Trump are among some of the most politically liberal individuals in the US: e.g. Dennis Kucinich, Alan Dershowitz and Oliver Stone.

If Mr. Trump can survive the summer with another major bump in the road in October, his energies and his public approval can increase at the end of the Summer and into the Fall. Such a suggestion does not allay the realization of the vast powers aligned against Mr. Trump. If he makes it into 2018, despite the continuing harangue against him, he will have a Fire Grand Trine as both Saturn finishing its transit of Sagittarius and Uranus finishing its transit of Aries will both be trining his Ascendant. As Saturn comes into Capricorn late this year and Uranus comes into Taurus next year, Mr. Trump will have an Earth Grand Trine as Saturn and Uranus will trine his progressed Sun in Virgo. Should he be able to survive politically and physically the next six plus months, he could move into greater implementation of his policies notwithstanding the continual and constant assault against him. Time will tell.

For ourselves, on an individual basis, this Solar Eclipse can ramp up the energy, contribute to impetuous actions but also allow us to develop the template for expanding our activities and developing new trajectories that provide opportunities for us to be more autonomous and to put our individual mark on our life’s involvements. This Solar Eclipse creates a Fire Grand Trine. We just have to be wary of rushing ahead without our doing the due diligence, leaping without looking, and assuming that by our will we can make it so. Let’s keep in mind that these times speak to us lessening our control on situations and recognizing the beauty of the magic and mini-miracles of the paradigm shift occurring at these times. We do not have to make it happen but rather to be open to the working of the universe and embrace the asequential reality of things occurring in a non-sequential manner.

Whether the Solar Eclipse influences us to be like a dog chasing its tail going around in circles or we can harness the energy and focus our intent, the 22nd of August offers us an opportunity to straighten things out. Mars trines Saturn and the Sun exits Leo to enter Virgo. We may still have the passion and determination to advance our personal interests, and we are more likely to do so in a strategic, best practices manner. We are less likely to be impulsive and better able to take things step by step. Even if we look at leaping ahead, we are also more likely to check the coordinates, the conditions and the parameters of our forward movement.

The 24th of August has Venus square Uranus. Relationships might seem a little dicey. Someone could do something that surprises us, gives us a different perspective on their character and makes us question whether our compassion and good nature are being played. Let’s not jump to conclusions. All of us have our off days. We might be upset by someone’s actions but before reacting it would be suggested that we consider the source and their possible agenda.

Saturn ends its almost five month retrograde cycle to turn direct on the 25th. Some of the delays and frustrations we might have encountered since the Spring can suddenly turn right. We could find that situations are more easily resolved and that there is a greater ability to expand our activities without the same level of difficulties.

The 26th of August gives us the Sun conjunct Mercury and Venus exiting Cancer to enter Leo. Our mind can be sharp and attentive to the specifics. We may be planning to get back on track of our usual routine. Although we are still in the Summer season for the next four weeks, we might have the sense of the impending autumn. This can be a time of school sales, tax holidays, all in preparation for our return to routine. We are unlikely to let the summer go, even if we are straddling the summer and the autumn. We may have our mind on autumn preparations, all the while that we are choosing to grab the gusto that summertime activities offer.

The Jupiter sextile Saturn aspect on the 27th of August allows us to broaden our reach, all in a tempered manner. We may be juggling any number of things, and we can do so without dropping the ball. We can handle various things at the same time and prefer more balls in the air than a singular focus. We could have the sense of the impending autumn and with a desire to cover as many bases as possible before we get fully back in harness of our everyday lives.

We end the month of August on the 31st with Mercury retrograding back into Leo. With Mercury coming back into Leo, Mercury triggers a Stellium in the Fixed Fire Sign with Mercury joining Venus and Mars in Leo. We are not done with our fun times in the summertime, and this configuration kicks off what may prove to be a rousing Labor Day weekend in the US, a weekend that unofficially signals the end of summer and the advent of the autumn.

September begins in the US with the long Labor Day weekend, and what a weekend this could prove to be. We may be looking for a fun blowout with friends and in new environments. Same old, same old just won’t cut it as we explore all possibilities with a tinge of extreme sporting thrown into the mix. This weekend has Mars trine Uranus and Mercury conjunct Mars with a strong dose of the unconventional and the untried peppered in.

The 2nd of September has Mars trine Uranus, followed by Mercury conjunct Mars on the 3rd. While we might be looking to edge ever closer to the ledge, any liftoff from the ledge can be well considered and well thought out. There are times when we don’t realize or truly appreciate what goes into certain decisions and actions.

In a recent interview of pro golfer Phil Mickelson, Mickelson explained all the factors that went into his weighing what club to use for his shot. Among the factors Mickelson takes into account prior to a shot are: grain direction, type of grass, time of day, air temperature, wind, altitude, moisture on the club, and various other factors that he feels could impact the trajectory of his hit ball.

On Labor Day weekend, we could be like Mickelson, sizing up all the permutations before launching off into some grand adventure. It would be wise to take the time to determine our trajectory and the conditions of our environment before moving ahead.

The 5th and 6th of September can throw us into a world of confusion and dysfunctional actions. The 5th has the Sun opposed Neptune, Mercury ending its three-week retrograde cycle to turn direct, and Mars exiting Leo to enter Virgo. These energy configurations are in play and heightened by the Pisces Full Moon on the 6th. Neptune and its Sign of Pisces are in full play. We might question what we are doing and how we are doing. We could be judgmental both in regard to what’s going on, other people’s actions and even our own behavior. This is a time for us to cut ourselves and everyone else a great deal of slack. We may not be seeing clearly. Things may take longer than we like, and we have to avoid getting embroiled by impatience. It would be wise to add on extra time for our plans, check and recheck what we are doing, and be certain that we are on the same page with those people with whom we are conversing.

Fortunately, the 9th of September allows us to straighten out any bone-headed decisions, miscommunications and missteps we might have made earlier in the week or during the Mercury retrograde cycle. The Sun trines Pluto, and Mercury exits Leo to return into its own Sign of Virgo, triggering a Stellium of three planets in Virgo as Mercury joins Mars and the Sun in the Mutable Earth Sign.

Not only can we be adept at dealing with the specifics and the details. We can see how the most important particulars make up the big picture of our goals and ambitions. If we don’t second guess ourselves, we could find ourselves in the ‘zone’ and highly capable of concentrating on the most important matters and expediting the process without any small detail falling by the wayside. The weekend of the 9th – 10th of September can be a highly practical and productive time when we can go a long way forward in realizing our dreams. We have the foresight and an engineering perspective to see not only the big picture but all the specifics necessary to create our plans in a most successful manner.

The 12th of September has Venus trine Saturn. We may rely upon a trusted confidante to offer us a detached and honest critique of our plans. Interactions with old friends can be pleasant, heartwarming and could make us appreciative of those remarkable people we have encountered along our journey. The Venus trine Saturn on the 12th is followed on the 15th by Venus sextile Jupiter and on the 19th by Venus trine Uranus. This latter part of September and end of the Summer season can be a good time in our relationships, dealings with friends old and new, and provide some interesting, serendipitous encounters.

We may want to draw upon other people for their opinions, suggestions and advice during this latter part of Summer. We could easily take on too much, feel overwhelmed and question whether we are up for the tasks at hand and for the plans we are contemplating.

The 13th of September has the Sun square Saturn. Responsibilities could weigh upon us with a sense of the wind being knocked out of our sails. This is not a time to self-critique, for the liability would see ourselves coming up short. We could be especially attuned to our flaws and frailties rather than our sterling attributes and phenomenal successes. At this time, we are prone to seeing the half glass of water as half empty rather than as half full.

The weekend of September 15th – 17th, the last official weekend of summer, can be geared to good times with good friends and a pre-Autumn cleanup.

Venus sextiles Jupiter on the 15th, and we could be engaged with the Mutual Admiration Society, as pleasant social encounters reinforce our appreciation of the people in our social circle.

The 16th has Mercury conjunct Mars. This Saturday would be a time when we can pepper our fun events with a cleanup and clearout in preparation of coming into the Autumn. We might be putting away some of our summer equipment, but with the likelihood of engaging those activities one more time before shelving them for the approaching autumn.

The 18th of September has the last of the three recent Venus aspects, as Venus trines Uranus. There can be some fascinating connections today, which might include contact with someone at a distance or a serendipitous encounter of connecting with a most interesting person who adds momentary sparkle to our life.

While we may be privy to surprising developments, we could also question the meaning of unexpected situations arising. The 19th has Mercury opposed Neptune. Both are in Signs that they rule. Either we can be incredibly intuitive with an ability of feeling things out and being spot on in doing so. Or we could find ourselves in a world of confusion where we are making baseless assumptions and accepting even the most bizarre scenarios at face value. Let’s try to go for the former, but either tendency would necessitate due diligence to walk that fine line between foresight and illusion.

The 19th also has Venus exiting Leo to enter Virgo heightening the Stellium in Virgo as Venus joins Mercury, Mars and the Sun in the Mutable Earth Sign. The Virgo energy is accentuated ever more by the Virgo New Moon on the 20th impacting the next two weeks up to the Aries Full Moon on the 5th of October.

Although we can concentrate on the details and particulars, we have to be wary of not losing sight of the forest for the trees. We could get so wrapped up in the minutiae that we forget the big picture. This is a time to avoid micromanaging to such an extent that we forget or lose sight of the macro. People can also be highly critical at this time, looking more for the flaws and problems rather than the qualities and successes. Let’s avoid carping and instead try to maintain a bemused attitude towards the foibles of humankind. As the Grateful Dead would remind us: ‘What a long strange trip it’s been.”

We end the Summer season on the 22nd. Just before the Autumn Equinox and the beginning of Autumn, Mercury trines Pluto. If we pay attention to our own situation, mind our own business, and keep ourselves from giving commentary to other people’s matters, then our laser-like vision can develop a best practices approach for our projects and our activities. What better way to end the summer and come into the Fall than with a sharp perspective, heightened intellect and spot on critical thinking.

Summer 2017… Good Times Getting It Together…