D e s e r t E x p o s u r e
July 2009

The Sun, traveling through Cancer this month, elucidates our inner yearnings to nurture each another, until it enters Leo on the 22nd, calling us all to enter more fully into our personal seats of exaltation. The full moon/lunar eclipse on the 7th in Capricorn nudges us further out into life to own our personal authority for all to see. The new moon/solar eclipse on the 21st in Cancer reminds us that we must listen more closely to what our feelings tell us and let that be our guide.
Uranus in Pisces turns retrograde on the 1st (until December), as we consider more deeply the value of authentic self-expression as a pathway for spiritual evolution. Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, enters Cancer on the 3rd and opposes Pluto in Capricorn on the 4th. How can we bridge our inner world of emotions into the world of form "out there"? Do we really want to continue to empower structures devoid of feelings?
Venus enters Gemini on the 5th, followed by Mars on the 11th, as we see the
importance of holding space for differences. Jupiter conjuncts Neptune in Aquarius
on the 10th, empowering ever-expanding spiritual horizons. Mercury moves into
Leo on the 17th as we leave behind inhibitions in our interactions with others.
Jupiter conjuncts Chiron in Aquarius on the 22nd, inspiring us to turn our
wounds into tools of healing and transformation. And Venus enters Cancer on
the 31st, giving us greater insight and appreciation for tenderness in all
our affairs.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Happy birthday, Cancer! You begin your new year in contemplation. You focus your attention on how dearly you value peace of mind and see clearly the importance of strong boundaries when it comes to the energies of others. You are keenly aware of invasive thoughtforms and work hard to keep your personal space clear of interference.
LEO (July 23-August 22) — Creativity on the ultimate levels is often accompanied by chaos. There is a balance, letting go and reining in. You turn now to regain control and to recenter. These are all equally valuable aspects of the creative process and you are a creator in each phase.
VIRGO (August 23-Sept. 22) — You have worked to integrate many things, Virgo, and you have grown your capacity to transmute more and more energy. It is important to allow time and space for relaxation and regeneration. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself all the love you have.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — There are new experiences that bring with them unexpected opportunities for deeper and more integrated relationships now, Libra. It is your nature to relate, and now you find yourself in environments that allow for healthier emotional exchanges that let you shine safely.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — You draw in your power and return to a sense of inner balance, Scorpio. You, more than most, know the necessity and value of pulling in and holding your power. There is a dance unfolding and you have a perfect sense of timing. Trust that.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — There is a potency born of focused intent and you go there now, Sag. The movement is toward silence and a seat of clarity. Whatever the directive, you can get behind yourself fully and hold your attention where it needs to be. Give yourself the solitude necessary for success.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You let go of the other end of the rope when the time is right, Capricorn. No one can engage you when you decide otherwise. You use your sense of inner authority to guide you away from what does not serve your higher good and toward the things that do.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — How to move through the world with integrity is what you take into consideration now, Aquarius. We are in times of change and more of the things you could only dream of before are now becoming possible. What do you want to facilitate?
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — There is abundance here in this world and you are tuned into it now, Pisces. Your capacity for openness leads you to many different places, and now it has led you to see the endlessness of what is possible here. You place your focus in the directions you want to empower further.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Issues of authority capture your attention now, Aries. Who holds your power? You deepen your conviction to yourself and to your sense of mastery inside your own life. You can change things from the inside out by simply strengthening your belief in the worthiness of your perceptions.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — How and where to give your love and energy — these are the questions that occupy your mind now, Taurus. There is choice in every movement and you become more and more aware of the subtle influences that have guided you. You begin to move in new ways and to operate with greater awareness of what is driving your choices.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — There is a need to allow things to unfold and come into being naturally, Gemini. Your job now is to relax and take a deep breath and trust that you have done your part. Life is life and there are things that are simply beyond our control that we must surrender to. Trust is the key, and you hold it in your hands.
Motavenda Melchizedek is a glass artist, writer and astrologer living in Silver City. Available for private astrological consultations, she specializes in personal empowerment, family-of-origin issues, personal dreams and destiny, and the human potential. 534-1024, moti@innerworlddesigns.com, www.innerworlddesigns.com