Ready or not, here comes July. Your horoscopes are up, in case you haven’t checked them out yet. Mars, planet of action and ambition went direct on June 29 after a two and half month retrograde cycle. This clears July for new beginnings and taking action on some of the ideas that might have been spinning in your mind the last few months. We could feel some “shadow” effects of Mars retrograde during the first half of July, but for the most part, we’ll be enjoying the unencumbered pursuit of our goals.

We’ve got a sweet trine happening between Jupiter and Pluto right now that is beneficial for business, financial endeavors, work-related goals and making long-term commitments to our ideals. Pluto in Capricorn doesn’t mess around. We’ve been feeling this hard core planet go through the hard working sign of Capricorn since 2008.  Lucky breaks and happy accidents haven’t necessarily been part of Pluto’s plan to make us get it together practically, spiritually and emotionally. But this month, we’re graced with Jupiter in Virgo making a favorable angle to Pluto. I think this will offer some fortunate opportunities for anyone who’s been working towards a long-term goal.  Virgo represents diligent work and Jupiter offers a generous, expansive energy. If you’ve been feeling like your efforts have been outweighing your rewards lately, Jupiter may offer you the gift of recognition, opportunity, financial gain and/or a spiritual signal that you are on the right track. Don’t give up!  This trine will be the most powerful until July 14th, but we can enjoy the positive effects all month long.

We’re also getting a strong dose of the Saturn-Neptune square this month, which can soften the edges of a hard challenge. Squares are known to be difficult aspects, but they can also generate a great amount of success as they often force us to resolve problematic issues. We’ll be encouraged to let go of fantasies that are getting in the way of our dreams coming true. Think about it. If you are focusing time and energy on something that isn’t realistically obtainable, you are taking away from the time and energy that could be put towards a very realistic goal. What do you really want? And I don’t mean winning the lottery, owning a mansion and being married to a movie star. I mean, what type of life will make you truly happy? Could you be truly happy if you commit to being the absolute best you can be at something you are passionate about? Even if you don’t become rich or famous or the even best among your peers? What about a beautiful life where you look back and know that you did what mattered most to you, most of the time?  Neptune-Saturn energy is helping us focus on a dream life that represents our dreams, not the dreams that we think will be most impressive to others.

Monday’s New Moon (July 4) will be in Cancer, supporting intentions related to home, family, real estate, emotional vulnerability, nurturing yourself and others and following your intuition. I encourage everyone to take some time to consider their dreams and enjoy the luxury of July’s tranquil astrology to reflect on their needs, dreams, desires and how certain pursuits make you feel. Most goals involve a mixture of stress and excitement. If your stress to thrill ratio is out of balance, it could be time to adjust your goals! What can you set your sights on that will make you absolutely desirous for it on a daily basis? Eclipse season and the next Mercury Retrograde are not that far off on the horizon. But for now, relax into the calm waters of the upcoming July days. The Capricorn Full Moon on the 19th will be an ideal time to appreciate your accomplishments and capabilities.