Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for July, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

• We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
• Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
• We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
• And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily activities.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn, where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to the structures of our world:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, leaving no stone unturned.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and while Pluto is in Capricorn we will systematically bring about the end of business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

Pluto has been in retrograde motion since April.  If you’ve been working with an old problem you thought you had resolved, excavate any lingering issues and put them finally to rest.

To read more about Pluto in Capricorn and its impact on your chart this year, see Pluto’s Journey through 2011.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune begins and ends the month at home in Pisces.  Neptune in Pisces begins a shift from the intellectual associations and words-based networking that were common for the last thirteen years when Neptune was in Aquarius, to connections based on feelings and shared beliefs.

Neptune turned retrograde on June 3, it annual retreat back through the heavens until next November.   When the distant planet Neptune turns retrograde, we are likely to see its effects in society.  Retrograde motion is a time of revisiting what has happened in the past, this time back to February 2011.  Look for reversals or reexaminations of decisions regarding health care, oil drilling (Neptune rules oil and liquids of all kinds), the creative arts, drugs legislation, and shipping, to name a few areas.  If your business is involved in any of these industries, be prepared for lack of clarity until November.

To read more about Neptune in Pisces and its impact on your chart this year, see Neptune Swimming through 2011.

Uranus in Aries

Uranus left the sign Pisces and entered Aries in March beginning a new 84-year cycle of scientific and political innovation.  Uranus embodies the principle of change, especially the kind of transitions that occur because of sudden breakthroughs and technological inventions.  Society is constantly moving forward and when the time comes when the traditional is just too safe and stale, the energy of Uranus bursts through the barriers and ushers in the new.

What does this mean for us in business?  We will probably feel compelled to take risks we would not even have considered in the past.  We may feel confined by the people around us or the structures we’ve implemented.  We may seek opportunities to bring scientific or technical discoveries into our products and services.  We may approach everyday challenges as battles to be fought and won.  We want out of our shell, even if we created it.

On July 9, Uranus enters its annual period of retrograde motion, which will last until December.  With Uranus retrograde, there could be a disruption of the innovative energy of the last few months.  You may begin to feel ambivalent or dissatisfied with your new ideas and initiatives.

This feeling of dissatisfaction is common in the first few weeks of a retrograde cycle.  This is not to say that you should abandon your new projects.  The retrograde part of the cycle is the perfect time to develop and test ideas and reevaluate your tactics and approach.  Use this time to discern which of your ideas have lasting value and which have limited potential.  Ideally, you will see yourself as an explorer in unknown territory, as Erin Sullivan says in her excellent book, Retrograde Planets. This is the time to test your new strategy before you invest too heavily.

To read more about Uranus in Aries and its impact on your chart this year, see Uranus Flashes through 2011.

Saturn in Libra

Saturn in Libra is the antithesis of Uranus in Aries.  It counsels patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships, which leads to cooperation and mutual support.  This planet of structure and discipline provides much-needed grounding and circumspection to hot and erratic Uranus in Aries.

You may feel torn between the tried and true (Saturn) and the desire for breakthrough (Uranus).  Strive for balance, bringing the best of the old along with you into new territory.

Saturn resumed direct motion on June 12.  Don’t be surprised if you have the sense you’re repeating the past in your business or career; until the end of September, Saturn will be covering the same degrees for the third time.  Remember, the third time’s the charm!

Jupiter in Taurus

On June 4, Jupiter entered the earthy sign Taurus.  Jupiter, the planet of expansion, in Taurus, the sign of physical, tangible objects, spells material abundance.  Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Taurus represents the natural fecundity of the earth:  trees beginning to fruit, cows full with milk, greening pastures.  In nature, Taurus is the time when the initial spark of spring settles into solid growth.

With Jupiter in Taurus, it’s time for us to turn our attention to practical matters.  We can codify our expansion plans and build systems that will insure lasting success.  It’s a time for slow, steady growth and long-term investment.  Think, “Built to Last.”

Mars in Gemini

When Mars moved into Gemini on June 20, we may have started spinning our wheels.  Perhaps we have too many projects vying for our attention, or too many interests pulling us in different directions.  The best use of this energy?  Learning and teaching, intellectual exploring, gathering new information, and training. This energy is also excellent for creating new distribution channels for goods and services, both transportation-based and the virtual kind.

Venus in Gemini/Cancer/Leo

We start the month with Venus in Gemini, but on the 3^rd she transitions into Cancer.  When Venus is in Gemini, we are extroverted, chatty, and love nothing more than to sprinkle our attention across many projects and many people.  With Venus in Cancer we relate more empathically, expressing more nurturing and understanding.   Relationships with customers, partners, and employees may feel more maternal than professional yet fortune lies in our ability to treat people like our own family at this time.  This is a great time for company barbeques and celebrations.

On June 28, Venus moves into Leo.  This begins a few weeks of fun.  Venus indicates what makes people happy, creative, and productive and Leo loves showmanship, competition, games, and sports.  To build camaraderie, try a company softball game or online video tournament.  Company culture is a key component of success.  Venus in Leo is a great time to build a collaborative culture through fun and games, showcasing individual talent.

Mercury in Cancer/Leo/Virgo

Mercury begins the month in Cancer but moves into Leo on the 2^nd.  When Mercury enters Leo, conversations and communications become showy and dramatic.  Sales presentations should include a bit of flash and a bit of fun.  Just warn your sales team not to come off as cocky or overconfident, which is sure to turn people off.  Make sure your customer remains the center of attention at this time.

Mercury in Virgo at the end of the month is great for writing, documentation, and detailed project plans.  Also great for getting that bookkeeping caught up!

Sun in Cancer/Leo

While the Sun is in Cancer until the 22^nd, make extra time for your employees and customers.  Make sure you understand what they need and nurture these relationships sensitively.

When the Sun moves into Leo, step into the limelight.  As the leader of your team, this is the time of year par excellence to set direction and reinforce your authority.  You may become hypersensitive to issues of loyalty, recognizing who is really on your team, and who is just passing through.  Of course, loyalty is a two way street, usually only given when it is received in kind.

Phases of the Moon

There was a New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse in Cancer on July 1(MDT), waxing to Full in Capricorn on July 15.  There is another New Moon on July 30 in Leo.  Look for a new start early in the month in whichever house in your chart contains 9 degrees Cancer, then again at the end of the month in whichever house contains 7 degrees Leo.  (If you need a copy of your chart, see the box in the sidebar to request one free.)

Monthly Recap

There is some tension building in the skies this month, as Uranus in Aries comes within two degrees of a square to Pluto in Capricorn.  Jupiter arbitrates the dispute until the 19^th, linking Uranus and Pluto together with wise counsel and benevolence.  But after the 19^th, all the gloves are off and we may sidle up to a conflict between big systems and the desire for independence.  I say “sidle up” because this aspect does not become exact until next summer when we can expect a real revolution.  This summer we’ll feel the stirrings of future change.

Here’s a treat:

Are you in astrological overwhelm?  Check out this link on my other blog for 5 simple ways to get your feet wet in astrology without drowning. Astrology is so Vast; Where Do I Start?

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

July 1               New Moon; Partial Solar Eclipse

July 2               Mercury enters Leo

July 3               Venus enters Cancer

July 9               Uranus assumes retrograde motion

July 15             Full Moon in Capricorn

July 22             Sun enters Leo

July 28             Mercury enters Virgo; Venus enters Leo

July 30             New Moon in Leo

*******************************************************

For an overview of the year, check out these posts:

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: astrology, business, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, Sun, Uranus, Venus

Hello, everyone.

Welcome to the Astro4Business Monthly Forecast for February, 2011.  What are the planetary influences this month and how can we work with them?

• We’ll start with the most long-range and overarching influences, the planets Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus, which you will notice do not travel far from month to month but stay in the same sector of the sky for many years.  These form the backdrop to our personal lives, affecting matters on a global stage.
• Then we will look at the mid-range influences, Jupiter and Saturn, which stay in the same sign for 1 – 2.5 years.  These planets represent our interactions with our societal environment, its rules, regulations, belief systems, and benefits.
• We’ll look at the personal planets, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun which stay in their respective signs for much shorter periods and primarily influence our day-to-day lives.
• And last we’ll look at the sign and dates for the New and Full Moon, as these mark the waxing and waning cycles in our daily lives.

Pluto in Capricorn

We’ve spoken at length about Pluto in Capricorn (see category at right), where it will remain until 2024.  In a nutshell, this long transit will bring upheaval and transformation to many of the structures we have come to rely upon:  government, organized religion, the economy, industry, and the military, to name a few.  This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.  Pluto exposes what is hidden, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse.

Pluto hastens and intensifies the processes of endings and new beginnings, and in Capricorn will bring about the ending of our business pursuits that are no longer suited to our growth and personal evolution.  Whatever has been slowly leaking vitality will depart, including old business models, practices, and products.

This is formidable energy, and your best strategy is to tune in and work with it.  Find an area in your business life in need of renewal and begin the process before Pluto reaches planets in your chart and forces the issue.

Everyone with planets within the first three to nine degrees of any sign is actively dealing with this energy.  You will probably notice a deeper and deeper probing and cleansing all year long, related to the issues mentioned above.  Try to open a large space within yourself for a whole new perspective; be willing to irrevocably let go of something that has become outmoded become new.  Pluto transits can be difficult, but when the work is done they are the most rewarding because we are permanently freed from a long-standing, but hidden, issue.

Neptune in Aquarius

With Neptune in Aquarius (see category at right) from 1998 to 2011-2012, we’ve seen a growing global consensus regarding the equal value of all beings, shared responsibility for our planet, the distribution of technology to all corners of the world, and the right of each person to contribute to and further the base of common knowledge.

The best way to work with this energy is to allow yourself to open to waves of inspiration from the collective whole, from your local community to the global community.  Expect to be inspired by your neighbors and friends, both near and far.

If you have planets between 26 and 29 degrees of any sign expect to experience a subtle but powerful dissatisfaction with certain areas of your life this year and a yearning for a more meaningful connection to others.  Pay attention to non-intellectual sources of knowledge such as dreams and art.  Feel what is happening, listen for underlying currents rather than what is apparent on the surface.  This disconcerting influence can dissolve the forms in our life which have no real content for us anymore.  This can be disorienting and confusing while it is happening but once deeper connections are made, the benefits are rewarding and long-lasting.

Uranus in Pisces

Uranus continues through the last degrees of Pisces until next month.  Over the last seven years Uranus has given us innovation and invention in business in a particularly Piscean fashion.

Pisces is the sign of immersion in the collective; of recognizing that the needs of the whole are more important than the individual.  While Uranus has been in Pisces we’ve seen flattening of management hierarchies, a marked increase in global transactions and interactions, and moving parts which come together for specific purposes and then split apart again to form new groups.  We’ve learned the importance of the “culture” of our business and its mysterious impact on our profits.  We’ve learned “emotional intelligence”, a Uranus in Pisces phrase if there ever was one!

In our businesses we’ve had to rely on diversification and collaboration to keep afloat.  We’ve seen the ascendance of social media and the internet and many of us have been dragged into it to give us the reach we needed to survive.  Sustainability for our businesses and our world has come to the forefront of our attention and our decisions.

Let’s take advantage of this last full month with Uranus in Pisces to shore up our relationships with our employees, our colleagues, and all our business contacts. Then next month, when Uranus moves into Aries, we’ll have the fully unified force of our collaborators behind us to push ahead into new territory.

If you have planets between 26 and 2 degrees of the next sign it’s time to let yourself be excited by something new; branch out, experiment, try new things.  Support a cause you believe in and invest your time in societal change.  This will positively channel the excess nervous and intellectual energy Uranus can bring.

Saturn in Libra

Last July, Saturn entered Libra where it will stay until October 2012.  Saturn is exalted in Libra which means it has a special affinity to the sign and if you’re willing to do the work, there is a promised payoff.  See the category to the right on this important transit, but in a nutshell:  what is the work of Saturn in Libra?  To develop patience, persistence, responsibility, and humility in relationships.  What is the payoff?  Cooperation and mutual support.

Saturn entered its annual period of retrograde motion on January 25^th.  In retrograde motion for 4 ½ months each year, this phase provides the opportunity to examine whether our standard modes of operation truly spring from our own values, or have been imposed upon us by authority figures or societal norms.  It’s a time when our regular structures of support and stability may be withdrawn and we have to rely upon our own creativity and self-discipline to achieve our goals.

Saturn becomes less direct and overt when in retrograde motion which can relieve stress and struggle.  Yet as business managers we may see that our authority becomes undermined as others break free from outer rules and regulations too.  Be ready to improvise; think jazz rather than classical for the next few months.

Jupiter in Aries

On January 22 Jupiter entered Aries, the first sign of the zodiac.  Aries is a fundamentally aggressive mind-set, whether in the form of the lone-wolf entrepreneur or the established global company.  It brings a desire to take on the competition, expand into new territory, and develop new markets.

Competition will feature strongly over the next five months, and this competition could be directed against others or against the limits you’ve reached in the past.  There’s a lack of restraint to Jupiter in Aries, some may say a foolishness, which endeavors against all odds to win.

Jupiter’s ingress into Aries marks the beginning of a new twelve year Jupiter cycle.  This is an excellent time to begin a whole new endeavor.  Aries is the first sign of the zodiac.  Can you think about the next twelve years and being “first” in some aspect of your industry?  Jupiter likes to think big!  It’s time to take a new plunge:  big plans, big risks, the next five months will be a time of expansion, new projects, and bold moves.

In late February Jupiter in Aries forms a challenging aspect with Pluto in Capricorn.  To get a sense of this conflict, read the Pluto entry above, including the line “This transit carries the energy of revolution and evolution and can be dramatic and at times overwhelming.”   Now read this Jupiter entry again, such as, “There’s a lack of restraint to Jupiter in Aries, some may say a foolishness, which endeavors against all odds to win.”   What do you think?  I think in our business lives (and globally) we can expect rising tensions and escalating aggression and conflict.  Issues of justice may rise to the surface and your full leadership ability may be required to negotiate peace.

Mars in Aquarius/Pisces

In January Mars entered Aquarius where it will travel until February 22.  This is an excellent time for scientific advances, increased competition in the social networking sphere, and progress in humanitarian issues.    Impatient for change, Mars in Aquarius revs up our mental activities and incites our interest in matters outside our local sphere. Look for techno-conflicts to increase until Mars leaves Aquarius late in the month.

When Mars enters Pisces, the tenor of our energy and output will really change.  Our focus may become scattered as we respond to subtle currents around us.  With Mars in Pisces we tend to see all sides of issues and may become over-emotional.  We can tend to scatter our energy in helping others rather than adhering to our own schedule and progress.

Unless, that is, you are in a creative field.  In that case, this placement of Mars brings inspiration and the energy to respond to it with concrete output.  Think Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh – both with Mars in Pisces.

Venus in Sagittarius/Capricorn

Venus is in Sagittarius for the first couple of days of February before moving into Capricorn for the rest of the month.  Use these first two days to follow-up with distant contacts and international clients.

When Venus moves into Capricorn, we become more concerned with material values.  We gain happiness when we’re frugal with spending, practical in creativity, and reliable in relationship.  We may be looking for prestige or status as this time, but remember, so are our employees and partners.  Be willing to give recognition where it is due.

Mercury in Capricorn/Aquarius/Pisces

Mercury is busy this month, finishing with Capricorn, zipping through Aquarius, and catching up to the Sun in Pisces by the end of the month.

As it finishes its time in Capricorn, put the final touches on your plans.  Then on February 3, Mercury will enter Aquarius, the sign of its exaltation.  For about 18 days, you can expect innovative thinking from yourself and those around you.  Your mind is steady, resourceful and intuitive during this transit and it particularly favors creative use of technology.  Writing and speaking to large groups is beneficial, so if the opportunity arises, make the most of it.

On February 21, Mercury slides into Pisces.  The sharp focused intellect of Mercury in Aquarius gives way to a softer approach.  Images communicate better than words when Mercury is in Pisces; be sure your writing and speaking include symbols and color.  Your thoughts flow more easily and your best ideas come from dreaming, day-dreaming, and fantasy, so include time for all of these.

Sun in Aquarius/Pisces

The Sun is in Aquarius until February 18, when it enters the sign, Pisces.  The Sun in Aquarius favors endeavors involving groups and teams as well as technology or science-related projects.

The Sun in Pisces marks a transitional time of year, a time of completion and preparation for the new start indicated at the end of Pisces, the time of the Equinox.  Use the heightened intuition of the Pisces Sun to sense how your direction will adjust to the coming season.

Phases of the Moon

The New Moon is in Aquarius on February 2, waxing to full in Leo on February 18.

Monthly Recap

This month we all may feel unnerved as we experience the growing tension between Jupiter and Pluto, culminating on February 25.  The silver lining to this square is the chance to bring an issue to the surface and deal with it swiftly and competently.  Squares bring with them the energy to resolve conflict.  Supported by the compassionate hands of Mercury and Mars in Pisces, we can work toward our ideals of mutual, interdependent opportunity for everyone.  This is a month where you may have to hold tightly to the wheel to maintain an even keel.

In case you are wondering how to get the most out of this monthly forecast, check out this link.  Some time ago a reader asked about it and you’ll see my instructions when you follow the link.

Have a great month and let me know how it all plays out!

Key Dates for the Month

February 2       New Moon in Aquarius

February 3       Mercury enters Aquarius; Venus enters Capricorn

February 18     Full Moon in Leo; Sun enters Pisces

February 21     Mercury enters Pisces

February 22     Mars enters Pisces

February 25     Jupiter in Aries square Pluto in Capricorn

*******************************************************

Have you seen my new blog? Discussing all things astrological, for anyone interested in real-life astrology, check out Ellen Longo’s Astrology Blog.

To get an look at the year ahead, check out these posts:

Pluto’s Journey through 2011

Neptune Swimming through 2011

Uranus Flashes through 2011

Do you have a question for Ellen? See the “Work with Ellen” tab at the top of this site for my Straight to the Point Response service.

Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.

Tags: astrology, business, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Moon, Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, Sun, Uranus, Venus