Monthly Astrological Insights for July 2023

Date Posted: June 30, 2023

The month of July is likely to be dominated by the energy of Pluto-lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu) squares. The Capricorn Pluto and the Aries Rahu (and the Libra Ketu) make these squares within a degree that lasts through September 2.  It’s a long two month ordeal.  From the material destruction as well as painful material life experiences standpoint, the Capricorn Pluto’s energy gets several fold magnified when it gets in the vicinity of the square aspect with the equally explosive and tremendously karmic north lunar node Rahu.

As a result, collectively, the Ukraine-Russia war is likely to enter into a phase where both sides will likely to endure severe human casualties as well as destruction of material wealth.  With the continued Neptune’s transit in Pisces, and Neptune turning retrograde on July 1, Russia will likely to go through an incredible change with internal power and political struggle with Putin continue to lose his grip on Russia as an autocrat. Ukraine is likely to continue gain grounds despite human casualties and destruction.

For the United States, especially for politicians, reporters and media industry personnel, this is the period of turbulence and turmoil. For republican politicians and the Republican Party, July and August may prove to be very trying and difficult.

For religions, the Pluto-Rahu square spells a big change.  It’s a period of pain, yet it’s a great opportunity for transformation. 

The next big planetary event of July is more at a personal level as Venus becomes retrograde in sidereal Leo on July 23. It is likely to be a very challenging period for women in leadership and entrepreneurial role, marriages (committed as well as not committed), home life, lovers, artists, actors and people connected with entertainment industries.

The Mars-Saturn opposition which begins on July 1, but intensifies during July 18-22 (with in a degree) is another important planetary event.  The energy of this aspect is very violent and destructive.  For instance, these few days will likely see Ukraine-Russia war going through a severe man-made calamity. Also friction between India-Pakistan may result in a new wave of violence.

Finally it may sound repetitious but I cannot emphasize enough the energy of Neptune’s transit in Pisces.  With Neptune becoming retrograde in Pisces on July 1, her spiritual energy will more strongly be felt. The way we have been used to deal with religions will no longer be our norms.  Our moral codes will be greatly influenced by our collective spiritual experiences. One of the prominent fallouts of this energy is that authoritarian regimes continue to lose their hold as they face the forces of our collective spiritual transformation.

Retrograde Venus

On July 23, Venus becomes retrograde in sidereal Leo. With her retrograde motion she returns to Cancer on August 7. Then on September 4, she becomes direct.  Venus becomes retrograde about once every 19 months, and stays retrograde for about six weeks.

In general, a retrograde Venus in Leo (a sign ruled by Sun) means a very challenging period for women in leadership and entrepreneurial role, marriages (committed as well as not committed), home life, lovers, artists, actors and people connected with entertainment industries.

Typically during the Venus retrograde period, expect the divorce rates to peak, fighting between spouses to intensify, and delays, frustrations, and misunderstandings to take a center-stage in domestic matters. Leo being the fire sign (leaders, fighters, politicians, etc.,) the retrograde Venus in Leo means challenges for leaders, politicians, administrators, actors and people who influence the societies.

When the retrograde Venus transits through Cancer (a water sign) social reformers, health care providers, care givers, charity organizations, mothers with babies, pregnant women are likely to be challenged.

If you have a dominating Venus in your birth chart and if Venus is active via your transit chart then you are more likely to experience the effects of the retrograde Venus during August 8 – September 4.

Pluto-Lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu) Squares

The Capricorn Pluto and the Aries Rahu (and the Libra Ketu) make these squares within a degree that lasts through September 2.  It’s a long two month ordeal.  From the material destruction as well as painful material life experiences standpoint, the Capricorn Pluto’s energy gets several fold magnified when it gets in the vicinity of the square aspect with the equally explosive and tremendously karmic north lunar node Rahu.

As a result, collectively, the Ukraine-Russia war is likely to enter into a phase where both sides will likely to endure severe human casualties as well as destruction of material wealth.  With the continued Neptune’s transit in Pisces, and Neptune turning retrograde on July 1, Russia will likely to go through an incredible change with internal power and political struggle with Putin continue to lose his grip on Russia as an autocrat. Ukraine is likely to continue gain grounds despite human casualties and destruction.

For the United States, for politicians, reporters and media industry personnel, this is the period of turbulence and turmoil. Especially for the republicans and the Republican Party, July and August may prove to be very trying and difficult.

For religions, the Pluto-Rahu square spells a big change.  It’s a period of pain, yet it’s a great opportunity for transformation.

On an individual level, if you have Pluto and the lunar nodes oppositions, square, quincunxes or conjunctions in your natal chart and they are placed in unfavorable houses in the natal chart, you are more likely to feel this intensive energy of material destruction and/or psychological and emotional breakdown during July and August. If you have this unfavorable aspect in your natal chart, you are very likely to experience-“Why me? Or why it’s happening to me?” the questions that have no logical answers. However, if you endure this difficult period with grin this may prove to be a blessing in disguise as the energy of the square aspect help you transform to new level of understanding your own life bringing you closer to the center of stability.

Retrograde Saturn in sidereal Aquarius

On June 18 Saturn turned retrograde in sidereal Aquarius and will continue to be retrograde till November 4. The retrograde Saturn means it’s time to slow down and pause and take a stock of or reflect on what has been going on in life in general.

Aquarius being the air (intelligence) and fixed (perseverance) sign, Saturn’s energy will likely be strongly reflected in the scientific research that deal with information technology (Artificial Intelligence) helping us collectively to bring us together at a phenomenal rate leading to a new level of understanding of this world as a part of the process of our spiritual growth.

Thus, philanthropists, social reformers, philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders (not religious leaders) and peace-makers will shape our world with better clarity and purpose.

On the downside, some of the prominent social media, news media and internet related companies likely to go under and replaced with new companies as a part of Saturn/Pluto’s transformation process.

Those who have Saturn in Aquarius (Saturn return) in their natal charts have already been experiencing  retrograde Saturn’s energy as their lives get transformed to a new settings due to a drastic change (mostly) at mental and psychological levels. In my opinion, despite a painful period of frustration due to unexpected drastic changes in life, it’s going to be an exciting period for those who have dominant Saturn in their birth chart and have Aries, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius as their natal ninefold (Navamansha) ascendant. 

Neptune’s transit in sidereal Pisces

After being retrograde, Neptune returned to Pisces on February 15, 2023 and continues to transit through Pisces for the following 13 years (till mid 2036). Neptune being the spiritual planets of our solar system that deal more with heart than mind, it will certainly affect the matters related to Pisces in a significant way. 

Pisces being a water and mutable sign ruled by Jupiter some of its significant characteristics are: Divine, fruitful, fertile, emotional, honest, outspoken, religious, spiritual, nonviolent, polite, modest, moody, affectionate, hermit, psychic, water, compassion, love, heart connection, non-verbal communication and introvert. These qualities complement very well with qualities of Neptune that include: spiritual, intuitive, divine, psychic, magical, highly emotional, moody, clairvoyant, inspiration, imaginative, love, compassionate and mystical. 

As a result, a subtle and slow change in our collective moral and spiritual perceptions is certainly going to be manifested in the way we never experienced before. This era (next 13 years) will be remembered as the period of spiritual inspiration and transformation. Interestingly, this era also complements well with the era of Pluto’s transit in sidereal Capricorn (a sign ruled by spiritual Saturn) that runs in parallel during the same time. The way we have been used to deal with religions will no longer be our norms.  Our moral codes will be greatly influenced by our collective spiritual experiences. And in that sense a subtle but most effective transformation of world morality during this unique era of the next 13 years is likely to take us to a level where the norms solely based on spiritual experiences will dictate and guide our lives with new level of understanding.  

Pisces, being the sign for poets, musicians, singers, monks, religious leaders, spiritual leaders, nurses, nuns, social workers, caregivers, saints, psychics, actors, sailors and ship captains, these respective fields will go through significant transformations. And these transformations will be reflected in the new norms of morality and ethics, expansion of our collective psychic abilities and mystical experiences keeping in line with steady progress in our ability to directly perceive truth. Also, creativity in areas of music will likely complement our spiritual progress. 

In scientific and technological areas, a lot of drastic changes and emerging new ideas coupled with mystical experiences will find their way into innovations and discoveries.  However, it will be the first time the scientific and technological research will be more focused in areas that will bridge the gap between the science and morality. The likely areas of research will be in spiritual healing, and life-force related activities, looking for ways to tap new sources of energy without disturbing global climate (recent news about the possibility of harnessing energy from nuclear fission and minimizing the usage of fossil fuels will very likely be materialized in next 13 years). The return to the holistic and Ayurvedic practices and alternate medicines are also very likely. The availability of inexpensive generic drugs for those who cannot afford the expensive brand name drugs is becoming reality. A new wave of philosophers and philanthropist with their new perspectives on living, in general, will certainly transform our world in next 13 years with a new level of understanding of life.

On the downside, the religious leaders and social reformers may tend to form cults and spread cult like activities, rise in organized religion scandals, deceptive activities under the disguise of promise of spiritual experiences are likely to be on rise in certain parts of the world.  The scandals of the secretive collaboration between the medical doctors and pharmaceutical industries will continue to be exposed.  The increase usage of mind altering drugs, disregard for social and to some extent moral responsibility, rise in mental disorders, and losing the touch with reality are some of the likely symptoms of the negative side of Neptune. One of the prominent fall-outs of the Piscean Neptune will be a significant decline of authoritarian regime’s influence around the world.  Russia, China and other authoritarian regimes will continue to lose their hold as they face the forces of our collective spiritual transformation.

On individual level for those who have water sign (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces) as their ascendant in their natal ninefold (Navamansh) chart should get ready for a brand new and long lasting (13 years) cycle of change, especially a very pronounced cycle for those who have Neptune as a dominant planet in their birth charts. The changes that might occur would be very subtle and would deal with new or renewed interest in spirituality, openness, psychic abilities to perceive truth, divine experiences, transformed perceptions and beliefs, and the way of living.  

Russian-Ukraine war and senseless killings

The intensity of Russian-Ukraine war is likely to gain momentum at astonishing speed with both sides incurring severe human tolls and destruction of wealth. The war continues with Ukraine gaining more ground. Going forward, Putin is likely to be consumed by the dealing with the uprising in Russia. Until the Russian president Putin loses his grip and becomes powerless this war is not going to end and so will be killings of innocent civilians.

President Biden’s challenges in July

For President Biden, except for the first week, July looks to be a rewarding month for him with some outstanding accomplishments

As for this month, with Saturn’s major and intermediate cycles and Mercury’s sub-cycle, the planets that fall in the constellations ruled by Saturn and Mercury become active, and they are: Pluto, Venus, Sun and Mercury.

Presently the transiting Pluto is going to be in the 4thhouse, and in the 5th house of his ninefold transit chart. Despite being nonstop challenged by his adversaries, he still will slowly (at much slower pace since Pluto turned retrograde on May 2) continue to pave his way by figuring out the political solutions and effectively govern the country.

As for Venus, the first week of the month going to be an unfavorable for him as he will be faced with political hurdles resulting in a stressful environment around him. However, after July 6, things will start looking up for him both from personal and professional standpoint.

From the Sun’s energy point of view, until July 17, he may have to deal with stress, disappointment and delays. But afterword, success will return in the form of accomplishments and prestige.

The energy of Mercury will continue to make him struggle with his adversaries during the first week of July.  Afterword, however, it’s a wonderful time for the rest of the month as most things start falling in place with success and personal satisfaction.

Thus, in summary, except for the first week, July looks to be a rewarding month for him with some outstanding accomplishments.

Global Insights……..

The important challenging planetary configurations for July include:  Saturn-Mars (July 19-21) opposition; Neptune-Mars (July 5-7) and Pluto-Mars (July 8-10) quincunxes; Uranus-Rahu (July 22-30) ninefold quincunx; Pluto-Rahu/Ketu (July 1 – Sept 2) squares and Uranus-Jupiter (July 19-24) ninefold square.

The energy of the Saturn-Mars (July 19-21) opposition may become responsible for a short term but very intensive friction between India and Pakistan. Terrorism and violence around the world, especially in Iraq, Iran and Israel-Palestine area will be on rise. Outbreaks of the both natural and man-made calamities are strong possibilities.

The consequence of the Neptune-Mars (July 5-7) quincunx energy may be reflected in rising covert activities among the leading nations and strong possibilities of both natural and man-made calamities.

The energy of the Pluto-Mars (July 8-10) quincunx may become responsible for challenges and difficulties religions around the world would face.  More controversies that test traditional moral values are likely to occur, and in general, religious authorities will have difficulty in keeping people happy.

The manifestation of the energy of the Uranus-Rahu (July 22-30) ninefold quincunx is likely to be reflected in difficulties that the United States (and in particular the Republican Party) is likely to run into. Also, USA and China may go through a crisis situation during this period.

The energy of the Pluto-Rahu/Ketu (July 1 – Sept 2) squares may become responsible for a new wave of renewed violence between Israel and Palestinians, as well as outbreak of violence around the world causing instability during this period is a real possibility.

The manifestation of the energy of the Uranus-Jupiter ninefold square takes place during (July 19-24).  It will be reflected in challenges that world religious leaders must face. Those religious leaders, who are willing to be open minded and ready to listen and act on new and fresh ideas, are the ones that going to be responsible to transform our religious world to a new level. Others are going to fade away with time. 

The important auspicious planetary configurations for July include Saturn-Rahu (July 1 – Aug 23) ninefold trine and Pluto-Uranus (July 16-27) ninefold sextile.

The manifestation of the energy of the Saturn-Rahu (July 1 – Aug 23) ninefold trine maybe reflected in a possible breakthrough (a remote possibility) for Ukraine-Russia war.  A good period for world economy, especially for Europe and South Africa is likely. Also, this is a good time for collective spiritual growth, technological discoveries and inventions. 

The energy of the Pluto-Uranus (July 16-27) ninefold sextile is likely to become responsible for an extraordinary time for technological discoveries and inventions.  Expect some new important technological breakthroughs during this period. For the United States, in general, this period is going to be remarkable and successful.

The countries that are more likely to be affected during this month are:  Ukraine, Russia, China, the United States, Europe, South Africa and the Middle East Region.

Natural and Man-made Calamities……..

The natural calamities like extreme weather conditions, wildfires, hurricanes, heavy rains, snow storms, air crashes as well as manmade accidents are likely to occur during July 5-10 and 19-30.

Earthquakes:Based on a new Earthquake prediction model (the work is still in progress), the earthquake(s) of magnitude 6.9 or higher, if occur, are likely to occur on following dates and Times and possible locations: Earthquake Predictions 2023.  Please note that these hourly predictions refer to the Universal time (GMT).

While man-made calamities may manifest themselves in terrorism, unrest, violence, accidents, and air crashes, the natural calamities are likely to include extreme weather conditions such as severe cold winters, and equally intensive droughts, hurricanes or typhoons, thunderstorms, earthquakes and fires