JULY 2013 ASTRO TIDBITS   

The first two days of July hardly lend themselves to celebratory behavior (Saturn square Venus); in fact, there is subtle pressure underlying many areas around the globe (Sun opposite Pluto). There is an emphasis on food - the global concern for real, nurturing food rather than genetically modified stuff - would come into prominence more so by the 8^th (Sun, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter in Cancer; New Moon in Cancer as well). In the middle of the month, a stabilizing trend is evident, with good long-term and practical plans set in place (Saturn SD sextile Neptune, trine Jupiter/Mars); this can even be a time of hope and aspiration (Jupiter trine Neptune). From the 17^th - 20^th, the news is upsetting, and things are very tense and on edge (Uranus SRx square Mercury SD, from Aries to Cancer). On July 27^th, tensions can erupt in war, violence, and explosions, including another terrorist act (Mars opposite Pluto).

For The U.S., the general trend can be optimistic (Neptune trine U.S. Jupiter), but also unstable, with undercurrents of chaos (Uranus square U.S. Sun). Maturity and wisdom are demanded, and can be applied (Saturn trine U.S. Jupiter). On the 4^th, our national holiday finds an excellent pattern for Hollywood blockbusters such as "Superman: Man of Steel" (release date June 14th), and stirs patriotism and even a better archetypal ideal for humanity (Venus conjunct U.S. Node in Leo). From the 10^th - 13^th, the country is upbeat (Jupiter conjunct natal Venus), and on the 13^th, progress is apparent and a bold attitude seems able to get the job done (Mars trine U.S. progressed Moon, trine U.S. Moon in a Grand Air Trine). From the 19^th - 22^nd, a new era for growth can be seen (Jupiter conjunct U.S. Jupiter: a Jupiter return). July 20^th can be an important day for the news media itself (Mercury SD conjunct U.S. Sun exact) but retains the undercurrent of subtle pressure and resistance (Sun opposite U.S. Pluto). During the month, progress can be blocked, and a great deal of frustration can feel like a crisis regarding diplomacy versus business (progressed Moon at 29 Libra square progressed Pluto).  

President Obama is under relatively good aspects during the month. On July 1^st, he can be found celebrating (Jupiter conjuncts his Venus) but also argumentative (Mars square his Mars). On the 5^th, he will be prone to extravagance (Jupiter square his progressed Sun), and on the 8^th, he may throw a big party (Venus conjunct his Leo Sun). On July 10^th, he will likely give many speeches or an important speech (Mars trines his progressed Mercury; sextile his Fortuna). On the 17^th, he will feel less constrained and more able to be himself (Uranus trine his Sun). On the 19^th, he can be very angry, confrontational, and antagonistic (progressed Moon opposite his progressed Mars). On the 20^th-21^st, he can definitely overdo favors or his role (Venus conjunct his Node; progressed Uranus square his Midheaven). On the 22^nd, fortunate matters are taking place behind the scenes (Full Moon conjunct his Jupiter exact in H12). On the 23^rd, he feels more empowered (Mars sextile Pluto, trine Neptune).

Eric Holder (1/21/51, unknown time of birth, Bronx, NY) has been dealing with restrictions and authority-figure problems since 2012 (progressed Sun opposite his Saturn). Last September, was the turning point in a power struggle regarding his job, his political ties, other people's money, messages and paperwork, and sudden surprises regarding finances or, in general, the IRS scandal (Pluto SD at 6 Capricorn triggered his natal t-square exactly of Mercury at 6 Capricorn, Uranus at 6 Cancer, and Saturn at 2 Libra). By October 1^st, he will have a heavy load regarding family or homeland duties (progressed IC conjunct his Saturn). By December, it may be hard for him to stay in office or retain popularity (Saturn conjuncts his Descendant, squares his Pluto, and t-squares his Venus). His crisis is likely to come to a head by mid April of 2014 (Pluto opposite his Moon).