Summer's here and a lot is happening astrologically. This month, we have not one but two Grand Trines, the best kind of configuration that planets can form. The first is strongest around July 6-8 and is present at the USA's birthday New Moon (see next section). The second blooms July 16-17 when the Sun steps into the position occupied by Venus in the first Grand Trine. It should enhance all creative and healing endeavors, as well as cast a shining light on leaders.

August brings one of those funny triangles called a Finger of God, which operates as a divine detour, taking us off our anticipated path to a slightly altered destination via weird twists and turns. It takes place August 5-7 and involves the South Node and Pluto, both indicators of releasing what's outworn or holding us back, along with the Sun, which shows purpose and intentions. This pattern offers an opportunity to move beyond obstacles from your past and implement your vision for your future.

To the right is a photo of Mars, which is still near its biannual close approach to earth (which occurred May 22) and appears bigger than usual. You can spot it shortly after sunset - it's the brightest and reddest object in the southern sky. Once you find Mars, look to the left for another planet not quite as bright or red. That's Saturn. On August 24, Mars will pass Saturn and both will be at the same degree as Antares (currently seen below Saturn). It's the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpio and nicknamed the Heart of the Scorpion. "Antares" means the "rival of Mars" because this star also has a reddish hue. The union of these three heavenly bodies stimulates ambition based on inspiration or obsession, and may bring struggles with black-and-white polarities. Antares has a theme of cleansing through life-and-death experiences. Ancient astrologers called Mars and Saturn "malefics" (which means "evil-doers"). When joined with Mars' rival, we can expect some intense and difficult events.

At the July 4 birthday of the USA, Mars is in Scorpio in a favorable "Grand Trine" (equilateral triangle) in Water signs with Venus in Cancer and Chiron in Pisces. This should bring healing (shown by Chiron) between males (indicated by Mars) and females (signaled by Venus). The stability of a Grand Trine may mean less volatility in the stock market, which is associated with Scorpio, while Venus is a money planet. Emotions are related to Water signs and Mars in Scorpio raises deep feelings to the surface (or represses them further). By exposing them, we can deal with our fears (indicated by Pisces) and find support from others (offered by Venus in Cancer).

In searching across a 100-year span, there are only two New Moons exactly on July 4, this year and 19 years ago in 1997. There will be New Moons on either 7/3 or 7/5 in 2024, 2027, 2035 and 2046, but none on 7/4. So this one is pretty darn special!

A New Moon on one's birthday brings a year with lots of firsts and changes. Examining the major connections that the New Moon makes with other planets provides hints as to the areas for modification. First, the Moon opposes transiting Pluto in Capricorn, pointing to revamping financial systems and governmental structure, and perhaps reconstruction of infrastructure. Next up, a sextile to Jupiter in Virgo promotes improved conditions for the work force. Then the Moon joins Venus and participates in the Grand Trine (see above), aiding health care and women's issues. The Moon's last aspect in Cancer is a square to Uranus in Aries, giving a push to new means of energy production and transmission.

I'm not a morning person so I hardly ever see Venus when she's the Morning Star. She's pulled ahead of the Sun since June 6 and will reappear as the Evening Star around the end of July or beginning of August. It will remain our "wishing star" after sunset for about 7-8 months. Welcome back, Beautiful!

Evening Star Venus usually correlates with optimism about relationships. A prime time for love (and diplomacy) will be when Venus joins Jupiter on August 27 for a gorgeous pairing - they will look like they are almost melded into one bright object.

"Long Hot Summer"

Because August is "re-run" month at the station, this episode covers both July and August, with a look at the Full Moon on the Summer Solstice and its connection with weather and the Brexit vote, a peek at the USA birthday New Moon, a glance at the presidential nominating conventions, and a mention of the Olympics. Watch it in the LOOKING UP archive.

I hope you enjoy the long hot summer! I'll be working on the 2017 Janet's Plan-its myself.

Yours in the Stars,
Janet Booth