(16 July 2023)  This may not be the best week for starting new projects.  The main problem is the Mars-Saturn opposition that is exact on Thursday and Friday.  This double dose of malefic energy is likely to increase tensions and produce frustrations and setbacks, especially for people who have key personal planets in the proximity of Mars (12 Leo) and Saturn (12 Aquarius).  Perhaps the best thing that can be said about Mars-Saturn is that it will be conducive to hard work — even if the fruits of that labor may not be immediately forthcoming.

But the approaching Venus retrograde station on Saturday may provide some opportunities.  A stationary Venus tends to be quite positive in natal charts as it elevates the individual’s aesthetic appreciation and sometimes confers artistic talents. The alignment of Venus with Neptune, Pluto and Rahu could amplify those Venusian qualities of sociability, beauty and femininity, even if their expression may not be entirely conventional.  Venus-Rahu combinations suggest unorthodox notions of beauty and art, or women who are disruptors of the status quo.  Foreign women are another manifestation of this pairing.  The addition of Neptune and Pluto into this Venus pattern adds notions of the ethereal or spiritual (Neptune) or the powerful, wealthy and coercive (Pluto).

While the Mars-Saturn opposition could generally put a damper on things this week, a helpful alignment with the Moon to Venus could be worth waiting for in terms of making appointments or starting new ventures.  Monday’s New Moon is one such set up which could highlight the stronger Venus energy.  With the Moon reaching 4 degrees of sidereal Cancer at 9 p.m. EDT (6.30 a.m. Tuesday IST), this could be an advantageous time for any kind of social situations or artistic enterprise.

Another decent window for various activities might be when the Moon conjoins Venus on Thursday morning at about 9 a.m EDT (6.30 pm IST).  Moon-Venus conjunctions are associated with women, art and beauty, although the same caveats apply given the presence of Rahu in the mix.  This would be a great time for innovative work involving women in some way, or a social gathering that is focused on reform and change.  Despite the nice Moon-Venus conjunction, we still have to be wary of the Mars-Saturn opposition which will be very close by that time.  Given the potential for strife or conflict, I’m not sure it is worth the risk.  Competitions may be a way to better integrate this Mars and Saturn energy, including sports or activities that involve the application of rules (Saturn).

Venus turns retrograde at 9.32 pm on Saturday (7.02 a.m Sunday IST).  There is an alignment with the Moon at this time which could create a fertile set up for social engagements, especially in the hour leading up to the station.  And with Mars now separating from Saturn, there could be less negative energy around. The Moon will exactly oppose Neptune at this time and could create a kind of beautiful and mystical sort of atmosphere for a few hours.  This should be a good planetary set up for all sorts of social gatherings.