The meaning of the lunation period of July 26 to August 25

The perfect image for this period is that of Hercules fighting the lion. This is a month of struggles. In astrology we see, at the new moon of July 26, Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon all in conjunction in Leo square Mars in Scorpio, pointing to a time of extreme violence and hatred in the world. Then, at the full moon of August 10, we see the Sun and Moon square Saturn in Scorpio, another violent configuration. The tide of violence seen at the new moon is growing and will become much uglier by the full moon. It is possible that, toward and right after the full moon, in addition to all the fighting, there will be some major seismic event(s) and storms.

Saturn at the new moon was at 16:40 degrees Scorpio, quincunx Uranus at 16 degrees Aries showing, with the Mars square Jupiter and the new moon, a breaking point in the cosmic energy. Saturn at the full moon is at 17:00 degrees Scorpio, having moved only 20 minutes. And here he is very tightly square the Sun and Moon at 18 degrees Leo and Aquarius, respectively, a violent configuration. Because of the quincunx between Saturn and Uranus, the full moon and Sun sextile and trine Uranus, respectively, there will be violent release of the cosmic tension: a sudden move, or jolt. It could bring explosions, not only bombs and increased rioting, but possible volcanic activity. Uranus is in Aries, a fire sign. The Moon is in Aquarius, the sign ruled by Uranus, and is opposite the Sun and Square Saturn. This confirms the reading that there will be a violent jolt.

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To find out how you will be faring in these interesting times, Raphael is available for private psychic and astrological readings. For more information visit www.raphaelsimons.com

Jupiter's Ingress into Leo

Jupiter entered Leo on July 16 at 11:31 AM GMD. A fiery planet in a fiery sign, Jupiter here expands all in the world that is fiery both positive and negative, creative and destructive. Jupiter's stormy side is expressed in fire; his more peaceful side is expressed in water. In the cabalistic book, the Sephir Yetzirah, Jupiter in Pisces, therefore in water signs, is said to be peaceful; and in Sagittarius, therefore in fire signs, is warlike. Leo, a potentially violent sign, is, nonetheless, the sign of love affairs, luck, games, sports, gambling, speculation, creative self-expression, children, and pure power. Jupiter magnifies these urges in the world from now until he enters Virgo, the sign of his detriment, in August, 2015. We may see world leaders becoming more emboldened in the coming months.

Jupiter in Leo affects developments in countries, regions, and cities under the influence of Leo, including France, Czech Republic, Italy, Sicily, the Alps, East Africa, Madagascar, Palestine, Iraq (Mesopotamia) Romania; Rome, Berlin, Philadelphia, Prague, Chicago, Mumbai, Damascus, Detroit, Jerusalem, Miami, Oklahoma City, San Francisco; Oregon, California (the extreme western part of the US), Western Canada, Alaska. Leo rules the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Islands. Leo also rules forests in general. The influence of Jupiter in these areas can work benignly and destructively. The danger to the Pacific is seen in increasing radiation from Fukushima. There will also be an increase in volcanic and seismic activity in the Pacific islands, possibly including Hawaii. The danger to forests is fire. Fire may also come out in the release of methane gas in the far north.

The charts for the UK and EU show Jupiter in the 10th house at 00 degrees Leo. Jupiter is also in mutual reception with the Moon, giving him a second reading in the 5th house. The Sun is also in the 10th house, and the Moon is in the 6th. Jupiter entering Leo in the 10th house signifies an important change in the top circles of the Government. The mutual reception position of Jupiter links this to diplomatic affairs. The Moon in the 6th house stresses public and military, especially naval service. The Moon trine the Sun shows that these developments benefit the Governments. Mars, on the other hand, is in the 1st house square to the Sun in the 10th house showing that the people are angry. Saturn is in the 2nd house, retrograde, showing deep and persistent financial woes. The economies of the UK and EU are not exactly booming. Jupiter in the 10th house benefits the upper circles.

The chart for the US (at Washington DC) has Jupiter in the 1st house conjunct the Ascendant. In mutual reception with the Moon his mutual reception point is in the 8th house. This shows on the one hand, benefits to the people in general, and a noticible influx of new comers (immigrants). Uranus is in the 10th house square the Sun in the 12th house, square Pluto in the 6th and quincunx Saturn in the 4th, and with Mars in the 4th does not help the Potus. Uranus in the 10th not at all well supported brings sudden and unexpected, potential emergency-like developments to him and/or members of his circle. No doubt, security will be increased. DC is not exactly the safest place to be. The incumbency is also subject to sharp criticism; its opposition, as shown by Mars and Saturn in the 4th house, is doing its best to undermine it.

The chart for New York City has Jupiter rising just above the Ascendent, in the 12th house. Jupiter, the Sun, and Mercury are all in the 12th house. Jupiter's mutual reception degree is in the 8th house, all showing favorable developments with more money going into public institutions benefiting the city to some degree. The chart for NYC is better than that for DC: Jupiter conjunct the Ascendant is protective; Uranus in the NYC chart is not in the 10th house, but in the 9th stimulating international trade, but warning of accidents. Mars and Saturn in the 4th house, nonetheless, bring obstacles and difficulties to the city Government; affairs will not go smoothly (did they ever?). Saturn in the 4th retrograde in Scorpio also warns of underground water and sewer mains in need of repair. Mars in the 4th house square the Sun warns of fires in public buildings and possible explosions.

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Mundane astrological view of Mars in Leo

Mars entered Leo at 2:52 AM GMD on September 19th. Entering Leo from Cancer the energy of Mars changes very noticibly. Cancer, his weakest sign, brought out his worst; Leo, a very positive sign for Mars, will increase his powers.

The aspects formed by Mars upon entering Leo give us a good snapshot of what he's up to now. This will have something to say about his influence in the world as he moves through Leo between now and November 10th when he enters Virgo.

Mars, upon entering Leo, is applying to trine Uranus. We also see the Sun applying to sextile Mars, and Venus separating from sextile Mars, and Mercury separating from semi-square Mars. For the most part these are positive aspects that bring a more constructive spirit into the world.

Mars applying to trine Uranus encourages more positive, innovative developments in government undertakings, and gives hope for breakthroughs. Mars sextile Sun favors world leaders. It also brings increases of warlike operations and offers possibilities of constructive reforms to the military. Sun and Mars in sextile generally favor industry as well. Venus sextile Mars favors business and money matters. But, while the current position of Mars is working constructively in the world, as seen by his aspects to Uranus, the Sun and Venus, his semi-square aspect to Mercury shows public anger and political quarreling, accidents in traveling, public demonstrations, possible strikes, and dangers of theft.

The chart made at Greenwich shows Mars ruling the mid- heaven in the 12th house and square the mid-heaven showing an increase in crime and violence as well as possibilities of fires in public institutions. The Government, as shown, is not at all popular with the poor. Mars trine Uranus in the 9th house favors advances in science and technology with the possibility of some interesting discoveries. Mars trine Uranus and sextile Venus shows productive diplomatic activities probably having to do with British relations with the EU. Mars sextile Sun in the 2nd house favors the economic picture for the moment. But, Mars semi-square Mercury in the 2nd house warns of theft and losses in the stock market. The financial imbalance in the UK is not about to be resolved even though the spirit of Mars favors constructive action.

Mars in the chart of the Euro is in the 10th house in opposition with Neptune at 1:03 Aquarius. Neptune rules the 7th house of the Euro chart. This is a chaotic, even explosive influence for the affairs of the Euro zone having to do with questions of partnerships. Interesting to note, the 7th house cusp of that chart is at 29:50 Pisces. Transiting Neptune has been passing over that degree to bring much confusion and distressing news. The positive aspects shown by Mars at this time give some hope that constructive actions can be taken. Mars in the 10th house is showing a need for reorganization.

The chart made at Washington DC has Mars in the 3rd house. This, despite the good aspects, this warns of traffic accidents. Transportation industries suffer losses. The 3rd house Mars also points to deliberate, aggressive manipulations of the news media such as failures to report the protest activities happening on Wall Street at this time. Mars trine Uranus in the 11th house brings angry debates to Congress in reaction to the President's asserting his ideas about taxes. Mars sextile Sun and Venus in the 5th house will bring some exciting entertainments, while his semi-square Mercury in the 5th house will adversely affect schools.

Looking at the chart of the UN, Mars squares the UN Sun at 1:07 Scorpio in the 7th house. Mars is the ruler of the UN Chart whose Ascendent is at 20:04 Aries. Mars' entrance into Leo ushers in a period of quarreling in the UN. The current issue is the question of Palestinian statehood. The positive aspects of Mars can help steer the quarrel in a positive direction.

Mars in the chart of Australia is forming trine aspects with Venus, Uranus, Jupiter and Mercury. This encourages positive developments in the areas of international financial relations and trade.

Mars in the chart of South Africa appears in the 6th house of the chart of the constitution square the Sun and Jupiter. This shows a period of tension and difficulties in the Government, public excitment over crimes, and the danger of infectious disease. The positive aspects that Mars has give hope for constructive activity nonetheless.

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Raphael is available for private astrological readings and consultations. To find out more about Raphael's work visit www.raphaelsimons.com