This month I thought I would do a recap about animal totems. I was talking to a neighbor recently about bears and other wildlife. I’ve seen a lot of wildlife here this year, a fox, chipmunks, deer, robins, goldfinches, house wrens, blue jays, the occasional red hawk or blue heron. There was a bear that made the news in the next town over, climbing a utility pole at a busy intersection. I saw a bear here once. From my post of August 2018: This week a bear appeared on my path (July 2018). We practically ran right into each other. I think that if a critter shows up very close by, it’s important. I have seen bears at a distance. For years I have felt connected to them. This fellow was running through my yard when I was coming home from a walk, and as I rounded the corner of my building there he was. He was only about ten feet away. We made eye contact for a few seconds, then he kept going up the hill. I wasn’t afraid, I was thrilled. He was beautiful. Below, a little ghost crab from Assateague, for our Cancer friends.
Several of the zodiac signs have animal symbols, except for Libra (the scales), and the human signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius (half man/half horse) and Aquarius. But in many cultures around the world, such as shamanism, paganism (Druid and Celtic beliefs) and American Indian mythology, other animals, as well as certain trees and flowers, also have important ancient meanings. Healing. Spiritual guidance. Messages. Dragonfly, bear, hawk, blue heron, turtle and crow. These are my totems. You can have one or more totems. At times, praying mantis and salamander have appeared to me as well.
According to ancient legends, if an animal totem appears on your path, he has an important message or lesson for you. The Indians call it animal medicine. Especially if you are having a problem. An answer might pop into your head. Some of my totems don’t appear for long periods, like the praying mantis. When they do show up it is very exciting and important. The hawk, particularly the red-tailed hawk here in New Jersey, and the crow often appear to me. Lately the blue heron has been flying overhead, which is a beautiful sight.
You might not get an answer or a revelation, but perhaps a feeling that you are being watched over and protected. Simply enjoy the beauty of nature’s creatures. The blue heron is saying, don’t worry, rise above it all, have patience and everything will be all right. The bear brings transformation, rebirth, wisdom, strength, courage and the protection of travelers. Watch nature. Listen to nature. You could learn something.
Celestial Almanac: Capricorn Full Moon July 13-14, Leo New Moon July 28-29. A planetary line-up can be seen in the pre-dawn southern sky this month, starting about 3:30am, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Read on for the July forecast. Count your blessings, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
While Mars is still here, your energy levels are high. See what you can finish up. Jupiter is slowing down and stations Rx at the end of the month. His influence is stronger and expands whatever is going on in your life. You could be having too much of a good time. You could be bossy or more ambitious. You could be reckless or accident-prone. It’s not a difficult transit. Just think things over carefully before taking a wild chance. Remember, moderation in all things.
Mars arrives on July 5. This placement is not optimum for Mars but it’s not bad, either. It slows things down but sometimes that helps the situation. You may still experience a kind of jump start. You have more energy and your health is good. You are more motivated. Finances, real estate, gardening and landscaping are favored. At the end of the month Mars conjuncts Uranus which could be interesting. There might be some surprises or unexpected events.
While Venus and Mercury are here, communication, friendships and creativity are favored. Writers are inspired. Poetry, literature, website design, photography and songwriting. Your social life is hopping this month and you will hear from many friends and associates. There may be a public speaking engagement in the cards. With Venus here until July 18, do nice things for yourself. Buy artwork for your home. Buy clothes, get a good haircut or go to a spa.
Because of the Sun here, this is your month to shine. Be happy, have some fun. If you need a loan or a favor now is the time to ask. Mercury flies through here in a hurry but it’s good for all communications. Jupiter slowing down in Aries is good for your career. There is growth and change. Watch for opportunities. On July 18 Venus arrives, which is good for romance, friendship, creativity and the arts. You might meet someone new or a friendship may go to a new level.
Mercury comes in July 19 followed by the Sun. As with Cancer, this is a positive period for you, and even more so because the Sun is in his ruling sign. Communications are favored. Keep your phone close at hand. Business and plans for the future are progressing. Because of Jupiter, there may be a vacation or trip coming up. Travel is favored. Expand your world somehow. You may take a course or make new friends and contacts among foreigners.
Both Venus and Mars are helpful to you in different ways. Venus bestows blessings in your career. You might get a raise or a favorable review. Women are helpful to you. There is some involvement with the arts or promotion. Mercury favors communications as well. Mars in Taurus puts the focus on travel. You will certainly have the urge to go. This is a good time to plan a trip. Also you may want to go back to college. Take courses or finish a master’s degree.
Read about Aries. Jupiter Rx influences marriage and one-on-one relationships, including business partnerships. If you are married, your attentions will focused on that. Either you are fighting or you are just plain engrossed with each other. Most likely you are having fun so just roll with it. Or, you could be involved in planning a grandiose wedding. You and a business partner could be busy with a big project.
Mars moving into Taurus puts the focus on marriage. Sparks will fly. You could have a disagreement. Well, a fight pure and simple. Get it over with and clear the air. The kissing and making up will be worth it. In fact, with or without the fight, passions could run high. At the end of July the conjunction of Mars and Uranus could bring something unexpected. Because of the Sun and Mercury travel is also favored this month. You could use a vacation.
Jupiter is slowing down in Aries. Social life, romance and children’s activities are highlighted this month. You might be involved with a children’s group or recreation. It could be fun. Whatever develops could be an extended commitment. Babies may be born. Or romance will come calling, with someone exotic, worldly, wealthy or larger than life. You could learn something from this person. Venus in Gemini favors marriage and partnerships.
Mars moves into your house of romance on July 5 which will bring some excitement. You will be invited out or host your own party. Sports, the arts and theater are favored. A new romantic partner may be just around the corner so dress up and look your best. The Sun in Cancer shines the spotlight on marriage and partnerships. It could be a pleasant, romantic period. For some it is a good time to announce your engagement or get married.
The Sun and Mercury in Leo light up relationships this month. Marriage and business partnerships need your attention in some way. You may meet someone new or a present relationship may go in a different direction. With Venus in Gemini, your social life picks up. Venus may also bring a new relationship. With Mars in Taurus there is some work to do at home. There are more activities with your family. Mars crossing Uranus at the end of the month brings unexpected news.
The Sun, Mercury and Venus in Cancer are very nice for social life, creativity and children’s activities. Paint, draw, or do a project with children. Because of Neptune, inspiration comes more easily. You can get ideas from your dreams or meditation. This is generally a light-hearted happy period. Romance is favored. You may have a secret admirer. All activities near water are good for Pisces. Visit the beach or a lake in the country or take a boat ride.