A Symphony

In keeping with the musical theme of the last two articles, this lunation would correspond to a beautiful symphony where the entire orchestra plays together as one. While symphonies are typically composed of four movements: fast, slow, dance-like and a fast finale, the third “movement” of the upcoming lunisolar cycle, the full moon, will be anything but dance-like. Instead it will be the culmination of not only this lunation but of what the Minor Grand Trine of the transpersonal planets have been building for the last two years.

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony begins with a famous and powerful sequence of four notes, poetically described as “fate knocking at the door”: three quick Gs and a held-out E-flat—a sequence used often in the first movement and a cadence that even appears in the second. Similarly, the lunation will begin with a powerful configuration of four planets: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in a same-degree Minor Grand Trine and Jupiter completing a Trapeze configuration that will be exact for two days in the waxing phases. I know I have talked about these configurations ad nauseam but I want to make sure we are on the same page about this lunation’s significance. So, allow me one final review.

A Minor Grand Trine…

Even before starting this blog in 2023, I wrote about the availability of a higher level of consciousness for humanity to tune into, not unlike what we experienced as the result of the Second World War. Just like then, we have a specific configuration of the transpersonal planets that is both powerful and unusual: a Minor Grand Trine. Unlike the Grand Trine, which is discussed in most general-astrology literature, the Minor Grand Trine is often ignored or minimized.

In a Grand Trine, three planets are found at the vertices of an equilateral triangle formed by trines (120°) between the planets. We have seen how the trine is a “soft” aspect that symbolizes an easy creative flow of energy between the processes represented by the planets. Planets in a trine are located in signs of the same element, thus acting on the same dimension. Therefore, a Grand Trine joins all three signs of a particular element or triplicity. Whereas creativity flows easily between the three vertices of a Grand Trine, it may remain within its confines. This is often symbolic of wasted talents unless one of the vertices is “activated”, either by a transit or by a natal “hard” aspect, like a square or an opposition.

By contrast, in a Minor Grand Trine, three planets are at the vertices of an isosceles triangle formed by two sextiles (60°) and a trine. The sextile is what I would call a “semi-hard” aspect: not as demanding of attention as a “hard” aspect but not requiring external activation as, for example, a “soft” trine. Furthermore, the flow of energy between two planets joined by a sextile is productive, desirous of achieving something concrete. It is easy to see how the planet with the two sextiles is the one “in charge” of the overall configuration and able to tap into the jointly-creative energy of the other two linked by the trine.

…With the Transpersonal Planets

In a Minor Grand Trine, all three planets are in signs that are either Yang (root symbol) or Yin (confirmation symbol), ensuring a common purpose. Despite looking smaller in a chart, a Minor Grand Trine is self-sufficient and able to coordinate productively (and creatively) the processes of the planets involved. The planetary processes of the transpersonal planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, operate at a very low frequency, their cycles affect entire generations, although it is no longer rare for someone to experience an Uranus return at approximately 84 years of age. When the three of them “get together” and “act in unison”, important changes occur at the level of what Carl Jung called the collective unconscious.

The relationship cycle of Neptune and Pluto has a period of nearly 500 years (most astrologers use between 492 and 495). Due to their orbital shapes, they form a sextile for 90–100 years and a trine for another 90–100 years. Within each of those spans, Uranus will make a complete trip around the zodiac and thus a Minor Grand Trine will be formed by the three of them, although with varying degrees of precision. Uncommonly, Uranus formed a trine with Neptune at the start of the current Neptune–Pluto sextile and it is now forming a trine with Pluto, in effect producing two Minor Grand Trines in the last 85 years. Both began with the planets in Yin signs before they moved to Yang signs.

The first configuration, formed around the Second World War, made us conscious that humanity has the power to destroy an entire civilization by harnessing the awesome power contained in the atom and releasing it in two devastating atomic explosions. Such a realization shaped much of last century’s second half although it seems that we didn’t quite learned the lesson. As we have said numerous times, during World War II, the Minor Grand Trine was driven by Pluto, the planet with the two sextiles, and it was in Leo, the sign of individual expression. Strong individuals on both sides, from Hitler and Mussolini to Churchill and Roosevelt (and many others) drove the instigation and resolution of the war.

Current Configuration in July

The configuration is quite different now, for the driving force is provided by Neptune in Aries. Of course, the constant is Uranus which moves from Taurus to Gemini in both cases. As an example, between 1939 and 1943, Uranus formed a trine with Neptune nine times while the latter was in Virgo and Libra. This time, the trine is with Pluto and it will be exact five times between 2025 and 2028, with Pluto in Capricorn and Aquarius.

In the preview for 2026, we mentioned that the three planets will transit through the fifth degree of their respective signs in July, between the 7th and 30th, maintaining an exact configuration by degree that will result in specific exact aspects. For example, on July 15, Uranus and Neptune will form an exact sextile at 4°24′ of their signs; on July 17, Uranus and Pluto will form an exact trine at 4°30′; and on July 24, Neptune and Pluto, both retrograde, will form an exact sextile at 4°20′. The closest we find during World War II is a trine between Uranus and Neptune on March 10, 1943 and a sextile between Uranus and Pluto three months later, on June 10. In general, the current Minor Grand Trine will be much more exact than it ever was during World War II.

Current Meaning (Sabian Symbols)

Let us look at the Sabian symbols for Gemini 5 (Uranus), Aries 5 (Neptune) and Aquarius 5 (Pluto) to get an idea of what the transpersonal planets are impulsing in July:

Gemini 5 has the image: “A radical magazine”, modified by Dane Rudhyar to: “A revolutionary magazine asking for action”, which he explained as the explosive tendency of repressed feelings and root emotions.Diana Roche takes the radical magazine to mean the expression of extreme, or at least uncommon, viewpoints that may be needed to understand something unexpected. She also posits that it refers to the desire to make dramatic Personal Statements that announce who we are and what we value. Rudhyar reminds us that a movement overstressing one direction calls forth, in time, an equally extreme movement in the opposite direction, particularly at the level of the dualistic mind of Gemini. Whether the revolutionary action is violent or peaceful, bitterly resentful or loving, the one desire is to Reach Beyond Established Forms.

Aries 5 has the image: “A triangle with wings”, with the keynote: the capacity for self-transcending. In numerology, three represents completion and the triangle is the simplest two-dimensional geometric figure, that is, having area. To Roche, the symbol refers to the ability for someone to “come through his experiences spiritually and psychologically intact as long as he remains true to self or acts purely from the center of his being”. The triangle can represent the three-fold nature of man: body, mind and soul, and the wings implying a potential ascension. Indeed, Rudhyar sees the symbol as the “desire to reach a higher level of existence, of pure aspiration or devotion, of bhatki.” This is only the fifth degree of the zodiac and what emerged in Aries 1 is becoming aware of the possibility of upper reaches; indeed, a New Dimension is envisioned.

Aquarius 5 has the image: “A council of ancestors”, which Rudhyar greatly expanded to: “A council of ancestors is seen implementing the efforts of a young leader”, and further explained as the Root foundation of past performances which power and sustain whatever decision is made in a crisis by an individual. Remember that Rudhyar is presenting a mandala, how all 360 symbols fit together, and the “scene 21” (Aquarius 1° to 15°) has the heading “Contribution”, as in the interaction of the individual with his community, a typical Aquarian theme. The symbol clearly speaks of a necessary Reliance upon Precedents. The whole past of mankind is behind any individual effort, especially in times of critical decisions, and this symbol reminds us that we are more dependent upon the strength of our ancestors’ achievements, or oppressed by their failures and lack of vision, than we may initially realize.

I find it fascinating how well the symbols agree with the nature of the planetary processes: Uranus, the prototypical rebel, is in the degree of a radical magazine; Neptune, the beacon of spirituality, in one with a winged triangle of self-transcendence; and Pluto, the wielder of power, in a degree that reminds us of the power of ancestry. The background energy for this month is for a technological, ideological and spiritual upgrade, not just a mindless rebellion. Outside the specific meaning for July, the Minor Grand Trine represents an inspired integration of new-age thought (Uranus in Gemini), soulful independence (Neptune in Aries), and societal evolution (Pluto in Aquarius). Let us keep this in mind as we explore the lunation that is about to begin.

The Trapeze (or Cradle)

Before we do that, however, there is one more planet that deserves close scrutiny in this lunation: Jupiter. In the last article, we saw that Jupiter entered Leo just hours after the full moon in Capricorn and immediately formed aspects with the Minor Grand Trine, to be followed by a same-degree opposition to Pluto in Aquarius on July 18–22. During those days, we will have an exact Trapeze (also known as a Cradle) configuration as shown in the following chart made for the exact time of the Jupiter–Pluto opposition (the exact trine between Jupiter and Neptune was 7 hours earlier).

As you can see, all four planets in the Trapeze are in the fifth degree of their respective signs; I included Saturn although, in my opinion, it is too far from Neptune to be considered. We will look at the Sabian symbol for Leo 5 shortly but let’s admire the symmetry and the power available in such a configuration of three sextiles, two trines and one opposition.

The French astrologer André Barbault (1921–2019), a mundane-astrology pioneer who used primarily the cycles of the outer planets, called this configuration a “basket”. He was perhaps most famous for forecasting the COVID pandemic decades before it happened, relying on the Saturn–Pluto cycle. He also wrote extensively about this Trapeze, what astrologers now call “Barbault’s Basket”, saying that such a configuration marks moments when civilizations reorganize themselves, breaking the old order and establishing a new cultural, altruistic and technological rebirth.

At any rate, Leo 5 has the image “Rock formations at the edge of a precipice”, which Rudhyar rephrased to “Rock formations tower over a deep canyon” and expanded as the structuring power of elemental forces during the long cycle of planetary evolution. Roche sees Character Building in the symbol, along with sustainment in a hazardous situation. On the other hand, Rudhyar focuses on the vast periods of time it takes nature to mold landscapes and canyons, rocks and mountains. To him, the symbol is about acquiring a much broader perspective on what we are able to do, which is why he gives it the keyword Impersonality. Jupiter will be able to reinforce the emphasis on a spiritual and societal upgrade mentioned earlier, as we will see shortly.

New Moon in Cancer

With those energies in the background, we will initiate the next lunation on July 14 at 2:43 a.m. in California, 3:43 a.m. in Mexico City, or 11:43 a.m. in Central Europe. In France, people will be celebrating Bastille Day which commemorates the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Although not yet discovered, Pluto was transiting through Aquarius, just as it does now. The conjunction between Sun and Moon will be at Cancer 21°59′, as seen in the following chart:

Although Mercury (Cancer 19°51′) will be moving retrograde for another week or so, its conjunction with Sun and Moon makes this lunation an important one in matters of emotional reflection. This will be aided by a square with Saturn (Aries 14°37′) that will inject a sober outlook to our reflections.

Venus and the Trapeze

However, Venus (Virgo 5°11′) will be the star of the lunation. Something I didn’t mention when talking about the Trapeze is that it is a very stable configuration. While this is good inasmuch as it allows the four planets to interact in very specific ways with one another, it quickly becomes a rigid configuration that may crystalize instead of flowing. To gain energy, a Trapeze needs the context of a struggle which, in astrological terms, is symbolized by “hard” aspects. In the upcoming lunation-seed, Venus will provide such context. Its square with Uranus (Gemini 4°20′) and semi-square with Jupiter (Leo 3°04′) are a good start, but the Yod, or Finger of Fate, with Neptune (Aries 4°24′) and Pluto (Aquarius 4°35′) is what will wake up the Trapeze in July.

Since Venus is a personal planet, we will experience turmoil at the level of our relationships or perhaps our finances, especially since Venus in Virgo tends to be exacting and critical about our values system and our needs. That said, whatever happens in those areas will undoubtedly be for our benefit. Moreover, we won’t have to wait long to realize that “the universe” sent us such struggles for our own good. The Venus–Uranus square may point to restlessness and impatience with the status quo and that could lead to a discontent triggering the “struggle”. On a worldwide scale, it once again points to stress in the area of digital currencies and “crypto”; areas where we have expecting trouble for a while.

Sabian Symbol

The symbol for Cancer 22, where Sun and Moon will be located, has the image: “A woman awaiting a sailboat”, further explained as the longing for transcendent happiness in the soul opened to great dreams. This is a symbol that speaks to either being in the right place at the right time, as Roche emphasizes, or being dissatisfied with what the environment offers and thus longing for something better, as Rudhyar sees. The fact that it is a sailboat alludes to a spiritual expectation, since it is propelled by wind which symbolizes spirit. Regardless of the reason why she is awaiting, which in itself may refer to patience, the symbol is one of Expectancy.

First Quarter in Libra

A week later, on July 21, we will have the crisis of action represented by the First Quarter with Sun at Cancer 28°43′ and Moon at Libra 28°43′ as shown in the following chart:

Besides the exact square between Sun and Moon, notice the exact sextile between Jupiter (Leo 4°38′) and Uranus (Gemini 4°38′). Since it will occur less than 24 hours after the exact Jupiter–Pluto opposition I used to show the Trapeze earlier in the article, Jupiter will have made the three exact aspects that form the cradle (trine with Neptune, opposition with Pluto and sextile with Uranus) in less than 36 hours! It is difficult to explain how uncommon this is, especially when taking into account the other exact aspects within the Minor Grand Trine seen earlier and which will be formed between July 15 and July 24.

Of these aspects, perhaps the most important is the opposition with Pluto, for when these two planets get together there is an exaggerated display of wealth and power (often “shadowy”). In a natal chart, this aspect may imply a tendency to bully, coerce and exploit others. It is also related to fanaticism; energy that will pervade this waxing half moon. Furthermore, having the opposition in the Leo–Aquarius axis can pit the individual versus the community.

A Struggle of Needs and Desires

Venus (Virgo 12°53′) will continue to play an important role in the waxing phases. At Virgo 13°43′, the midpoint between the Sun–Moon square will be less than 1° from Venus, so it will form tight semi-squares with both lights. It will also form a quincunx with Saturn (Aries 14°44′) but, more importantly, it will form a square with Mars (Gemini 15°53′) that will be exact at the full moon. These will be times when our needs and our desires will be at odds, with the latter imposing their view on the former, so to speak. Mars in Gemini wants to move quickly, speak impulsively, and pursue multiple paths, while Venus in Virgo seeks perfection, boundaries, and practical utility. Whereas the square between these planets generates pasional energy in relationships, it often lacks finesse and is prone to aggressive behavior.

Leo Season Begins Dramatically

On July 22, Sun will enter the sign of Leo, the apex of summer in the northern hemisphere and of individual expression all over the world. Having Sun and Jupiter in Leo will only amplify the Leonine urge to express our individuality in dramatic fashion. Not only that, Sun will quickly integrate and expose the various aspects of the Trapeze. In particular, within twelve hours on July 27, Sun will form the opposition with Pluto, the trine with Neptune and the sextile with Uranus, in that order, from the degree that offers the broadest perspective imaginable, as we saw earlier. Anyone having planets or angles in the 4°–6° range of any sign will likely have a day that will qualify as dramatic.

Any Sun–Pluto opposition brings issues of control but more so when it happens in the Leo–Aquarius axis. Speaking of control issues, in Donald Trump’s chart, Mars will be in a conjunction with his Sun, Uranus and North Node, and opposed to his Moon and South Node; you may recall that he was born during a lunar eclipse. We’ll have to be ready for some of his crazy whims on July 27.

A Sun–Neptune trine, on the other hand, is a mellowing aspect, one which promotes spiritual growth and universal love. And a Sun–Uranus sextile brings reforming energy with a large humanitarian bend.

Full Moon in Aquarius

On the same July 27, while Sun will be forming the same aspects with the Minor-Grand-Trine planets that Jupiter will have formed earlier, the nodal axis will exit Pisces–Virgo to enter Aquarius–Leo, the signs where one of the most powerful full moons I have ever seen will occur two days later, on July 29. Sun will be at Leo 6°30′ and Moon at Aquarius 6°30′, in the axis of individual and societal expression. The Sun–Moon opposition will be exact at 7:36 a.m. in California, 8:36 a.m. in Mexico City, or at 4:36 p.m. in Central Europe, as shown in the following chart:

There is much to unpack but the most striking feature is the Jupiter cazimi, defined as a conjunction with Sun closer than 0°17′ (it will be at just 0°04′). I have mentioned that, although a planetary conjunction with Sun tends to “combust” the other planet, i.e., making it weaker as it essentially absorbs Sun’s energy, a cazimi does the opposite and the planet is symbolically reborn and purified while, at the same time, gains access to Sun’s vitality and power. Conversely, Sun radiates the unadulterated energy of the planet in cazimi. In this case, Sun will emit the energy of a Jupiter that just had a few very-intense days with the “big boys of the schoolyard”. If Sun–Jupiter conjunctions are commonly refer to as the luckiest days of a year, this full moon will become the luckiest spotlight of the year since it will occur in theatrical Leo: pure magic for performers, writers and creators of all types.

However, the other side of the Leo–Aquarius polarity is well represented as well because Moon in Aquarius will form a conjunction with Pluto (Aquarius 4°14′). While Sun and Jupiter are throwing a massive, joyful party over in Leo, the Aquarius Moon is swimming in deep, intense and transformative Plutonian waters. It’s a contrast of light and shadow: the Jupiter cazimi offers a lucky flash of creative inspiration and personal confidence, while the Moon–Pluto conjunction demands that we shed outdated, group-think mentalities to actually deserve the aforementioned spotlight.

A Personal Crucible

On a personal note, the square between a meticulous Venus (Virgo 21°34′) and a fast-paced Mars (Gemini 21°27′) will have been exact a few hours earlier. As we already mentioned, it will provide the raw passion, irritation or relational breakthroughs necessary to force us out of our complacency. In a way, it may be the interpersonal trigger that pushes us to claim the spotlight of a Jupiter cazimi in Leo. And let’s not forget about the Sun–Pluto opposition which, although no longer exact, will still be very tight. All the issues of control mentioned earlier will surface in a big way with a Jupiter cazimi.

Mercury will change direction at Cancer 16°19′ on July 23 and will begin to revisit the Cancer degrees of its retrograde shadow as it moves forward. At that time, it will form a square with a stationary Saturn at Aries 14°45′. By the time the full moon occurs, Mercury will have advanced to Cancer 17°54′ but the square will be only 3° apart. In general, Saturn represents limits so a stationary Saturn acts like a brick wall. It demands total accountability, mental discipline and absolute honesty. If people try to use the Jupiter cazimi to just brag or bypass reality—Trump, are you listening?—the Saturn square will force a heavy, sobering reality check.

Sabian Symbols

The symbol for Leo 7 (Jupiter cazimi) has the image: “The constellations in the sky”, further explained by Rudhyar as the power of basic spiritual values which refer to man’s common humanity and to all enduring archetypes. Over the centuries, mankind has looked up and seen the same familiar patterns provide a degree of Permanence. After Jupiter and Sun each made intimate contact with all three of the Minor Grand Trine planets, they now imprint their grand design onto the screen of consciousness. It is as if the universe tells us to look up, for the blueprint for the rest of the century (and beyond) is already written in the firmament; we just need to align with it.

The image for Aquarius 7 (Moon) is: “A child born on an eggshell” or, as Rudhyar rephrased it: “A child is seen being born out of an egg”, expanded as the emergence of new mutations according to the great rhythms of the cosmos. Given that Moon is tightly conjoined with Pluto, this represents the intense, fragile and revolutionary human response to that cosmic blueprint. An eggshell is highly protective but it must shatter for life to begin. Just like the collective consciousness that emerged from the shattering of World War II, this symbol speaks to the painful yet necessary cracking open of the old systems and effect the Emergence of Global Man.

The geometry of this full moon reveals a stunning cosmic paradox. In the heart of the Sun, the Jupiter cazimi at Leo 7 points our eyes toward ‘the constellations in the sky’—reminding us of the permanent, immutable laws of evolution and the grand blueprint designed by the outer planets. But across the sky at Aquarius 7, the Moon and Pluto demand that this cosmic meaning be birthed on earth, where we find ‘a child born out of an eggshell.’

The planets write the code, but humanity must hatch the reality. For the global human to emerge, the protective, outdated shell of our old collective structures must crack open. This is not a gentle transition; it is the vulnerable, raw friction of a creative rebirth, proving that the historical shift we are living through is nothing short of a new evolutionary dawn.

Last Quarter in Taurus

In trying to make sense of what such a momentous full moon might have meant for each of us, we will come to the crisis of consciousness that is represented by the Last Quarter phase.

Every half moon is defined by a square between Sun and Moon, which will occur at 13°40′ of Leo and Taurus, respectively. In the chart, we can see that Sun and Saturn (Aries 14°40′) form a close trine, implying a semi-square between Moon and Saturn. Also worthy of note is that Mars (Gemini 26°30′) will still be forming a square with Venus (Virgo 29°17′).

A Needed Dose of Reality

The full-moon signs, Leo and Aquarius, live in the mind, the ego and the collective ideal. On the other hand, Taurus represents the dense, physical reality of Earth. Moon seems to say “Great blueprint, beautiful ideas—but how does it put food on the table? How does it alter my daily rhythm?” We must take the vulnerable “child newly hatched from the eggshell” and place its feet firmly on the ground. Moon in Taurus helps gather the scattered chaotic insights of the full moon and distills them into self-worth, financial reality, and even physical survival.

The aspects with Saturn are arguably the most supportive of this quest for pragmatism; especially the trine between Sun and Saturn, which is still moving slowly at 25% of its average speed. This trine means that whatever boundaries or hard truths we faced during the intense Mercury–Saturn square at the full moon are now settling in place. Taking responsibility will actually feel good and stable and give a structural integrity to Moon in Taurus.

Unresolved Friction?

We have talked numerous times of the uniqueness of an anaretic degree, the last degree of a sign and where Venus will be found at the waning half moon. The anaretic degree represents a state of crisis and completion but also a certain “fatigue”. The mental picture is of a Venus that is utterly exhausted from trying to clean up, analyze, and perfect everything. Meanwhile, Mars in Gemini is still buzzing with restless, anxious mental energy.

Therefore, their square at the Last Quarter represents a kind of “mental hangover”. It impacts the crisis of consciousness by showing that while the mind wants to keep running, analyzing and nitpicking (Mars), the spirit and the body are completely maxed out (Venus at 29°). This seems to be a warning: “Stop overthinking the future. Stop trying to micro-manage the blueprint. Sit in the quiet, simple presence of Moon in Taurus”. Only that way we will be able to fully comprehend and assimilate the messages given to us at the full moon.

Final Thoughts

We have been saying that there is no more energy to sustain the old paradigms of extraction that belonged to the Great Conjunctions in earth signs. The move to air was complete in late April, when Uranus entered Gemini, and further consolidated when Jupiter entered Leo this month. Look around and you see the neoliberal policies failing everywhere, the right-wing politicians faltering, and top-down hierarchies collapsing under their own weight. Even militarily, traditional superpowers are being challenged, and perhaps defeated, in Ukraine and Iran.

The architects of this seismic shift, the transpersonal planets, are laying a blueprint in front of us. Three weeks in the fifth degree of their signs speak of a massive technological, ideological and spiritual upgrade, as we mentioned earlier. Right after the crisis of action, when we will doubt if the upgrade is possible, Jupiter will become involved and participate as society’s visionary. A few days later, Sun will follow suit and will help us understand the personal implications of such a massive upgrade. Together, they will imprint in us a revelation at a full moon powered by a Jupiter cazimi. When doubting if we will understand what was just revealed, at the crisis of consciousness, the trine of Sun and Saturn, with Moon in Taurus, will remind us that we just need to live one moment at a time.

Wrapping Up…

We will likely remember this lunation as a pivotal one once the upgrade in humanity’s level of consciousness is complete. I hope I have conveyed how uncommon is the astrology we will experience this month.

On a personal level, the tension between Mars and Venus may be felt in our relationships. Luckily, after July 23, Mercury direct will help us communicate our feelings.

Next month will be the second eclipse season of the year. Venus will continue to provide a focus on relationships when forming a Kite with the Minor Grand Trine at the time of the solar eclipse.

I urge you to declare your intentions before the new moon of July 14.

Always Love. 🌹🙏💖