(21 July 2024) This week’s transits look quite energetic. Key in this respect is the square aspect from Mars to Mercury, which will remain in close range for the whole week. The influence of Mars on Mercury could stimulate and accelerate thinking and produce a more fertile ground for the creation and sharing of ideas. Dynamic communication is also favoured this week as Mercury’s traditional portfolio of the spoken and written word will receive a boost from the aspect of Mars. This week could therefore be a good time to pursue projects that are related to teaching, writing and lecturing, especially if these tend to have a left-brained, logical orientation.
The role of Mars here is two-sided, however. On the plus side, Mars provides energy to Mercury and thus can speed up results and help to achieve goals. Strategic communication is favoured here over the emotional or artistic realms. Mars with Mercury is often symbolized by lawyers who must think logically and whose thoughts are directed against a rival or opponent. The Mars influence therefore implies conflict in some form, even if under the surface. The Mars-Mercury square raises the risk of argument as thoughts and goals become more urgent and can sometimes manifest openly against the wishes of others.
The Mars-Mercury square will be within three degrees throughout the week due to the approaching Mercury retrograde station on August 5. As Mercury slows down ahead of its station, it will be subject to a much more long-lasting aspect from Mars than usual. The result is that disagreements may become more common, although there could be benefits from the acceleration in the exchange of ideas. Due to Mercury’s traditional association with trading, financial markets may be subject to volatility as the intense Mars energy often produces erratic results and an increase in anxiety.
Another aspect of note this week is the Sun-Pluto opposition, which is closest on Monday and Tuesday. Pluto represents transformative change, often without consideration for consensus or compromise. It’s hard aspect here with the Sun hints at troubles involving government and leaders as authority figures may be compelled to act in ways not of their own choosing. Pluto-Sun aspects often mark times of stress for the ego as our wishes are denied by forces beyond our control. Joe Biden, take note.
We should also make mention of the relatively positive placement of Venus. As it transits through the second half of sidereal Cancer, Venus sets up a favourable relationship with its own sign of Libra, which is four signs away. Using the notion of karaka lagna, this could be a particularly favourable time for vehicles and comforts since Venus and the 4th house are connected with conveyances. Since Venus is in Cancer, the most auspicious times for vehicles could be when its dispositor, the Moon, is well-placed. Therefore, Monday’s Moon transit through Capricorn would benefit travel and activities in automobiles, while Friday’s conjunction with Rahu, may bring news of innovation.
Religion and higher knowledge may be subject to revision and debate these days as Ketu in Virgo remains in aspect to Jupiter in Taurus. The Ketu influence can be disruptive to the status quo and introduce new ideas into traditional belief systems. Since Ketu is disposited by Mercury, and Mercury is aspected by Mars, some of questioning surrounding religious principles may become more acute. For example, last week’s GOP convention saw a subtle shift away from its usual Christian pro-life/anti-abortion stance towards a more nuanced position. While this is no doubt rooted in current political considerations, it may highlight changing attitudes towards the abortion question.
