by Lola Babalon

The tides have turned and summer season is upon us. If the heat wave during the solstice is any indication of things to come, it’ll be scorcher. At this time we experience rapid changes in economy, major wake up calls and globally expanding awareness. The US uses how many plastic water bottles and bags per second?
Drivers get into the habit of keeping the gas tank topped off, because it won’t be getting any cheaper tomorrow. The wheels of the affluent consumer society are coming off at an alarming rate. People are busily reprioritizing and reevaluating the money flow in their lives. We seemingly can’t get away with anything these days. There isn’t much slack in the social fabric, and every individual is called on to be and do their very best.

Cancer / Capricorn Polarity
This month we celebrate the birthdays of the tender Cancer folks. These are the shy, behind the scenes types, the homebodies, impeccable hosts, wonderful cooks, nurturing parents and capable professionals.
The professional element comes from the polarity between Cancer and Capricorn, it’s opposite sign. With the Moon and Saturn as rulers of these opposite signs, this polarity illustrates the matriarch and patriarch role models in our lives. The Moon rules the ever changing cycles in nature, while Saturn provides structure and purpose. Because of Pluto’s recent sign change into Capricorn, we can expect a whole generational change in meaning, purpose and how global business is done.
Polarizing issues will likely include shifts in spiritual versus professional values. The collective seeks to find or create a family of choice, as tribal alliances and communities come together. This includes temporary tribes that have evolved over the years as a cultural phenomenon, such a the Burning Man Tribe, Rainbow Family or religious gatherings.
It’s all about synchronicity, entrainment and kindred spirits coming together. Collective enjoyment of music brings people into one rhythm, alignment. So whatever the plan is for this summer, let the heart be in it, be inclusive. It’s time to make the family big enough for everybody, to hold no grudges, let go of judgment, blaming, resentment or frustration. It is what it is, and it’s all good. And if things are no good, there still is a good teaching after all.

Famous Topanga Cancer:
Claire Humphries, Stevie Re, James Anders, Pam Fomalont, Danny Vickers, Susan Hartman, Bill Buerge, Gary Cobb, Andre Dayani, Doug Farren and Eric Rasmussen, who is born right on the Leo cusp. Cheers and good wishes to all the other tender Cancer folks, who are probably hiding out at home: May it be your best year ever!

Calendar:

Jul 1
Mars enters Virgo
Get ready for the next couple of months to focus on less play and more hard work. This aspect facilitates meaningful service to others, and benefits the healing arts. Good for bodywork and for making dietary changes toward lean and green.

Jul 2
New Moon in Cancer, Venus opposes Jupiter
A highly emotional time, easily carried away. Good for going inward and to honor the matriarchs in your life. Comes with irrational, moody energy. Avoid overindulgence, which is a common tendency during Venus Jupiter aspects.

July 9
Sun opposes Jupiter
This aspect is good for negotiations and power talks. However, you may also feel overly optimistic, inclined to over react or overdo things. The Earth signs (Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus) should definitely try to cool their jets and go easy on themselves and others. Watch out for collective tension build up.

Jul 10
Mars conjunct Saturn, Mercury enters Cancer
Watch out for collective tension release. Today comes with extra yang energy, strong work ethics and willingness to do the right thing. Avoid fundamental arguments, confrontations and righteousness. Mercury’s sign change brings a couple of weeks of uncommon delicacy to conversations and emotional matters.

Jul 12
Venus enters Leo
The beginning of a 3 week opportunity for high drama and radical self expression. So feel encouraged to bring out your flashiest summer dresses ladies, or your brightest duds guys. It’s time be seen.

Jul 18
Full Moon 26* Capricorn
Sets the tone for a lively party weekend, that is good for mixing business and pleasure. Consider being inclusive of, and honoring the patriarchs in your life. Maybe it’s time to take Grandpa on a little adventure. Dealing with family matters may bring a growing desire to be free from the restraints of tradition or orthodoxy. Time for stretching the envelope or a good peak outside the box.

Jul 22
Sun enters Leo
Here is a reminder that life is ultimately all about self realization. You are here to discover and grow into your innate potential, so don’t compromise now. Good for non-verbal art forms like music, dance, painting and sculpting.
More about Leo, the kings and queens of the zodiac in the next issue.

Jul 26
Mercury enters Leo
Now is the time to say it as it is. There is no need to whitewash the facts or beat around the bush. Also Mars trines Jupiter brings the courage to tackle big projects, to work hard and get the job done.

Jul 29
Sun conjunct Mercury
Use caution in negotiations and power talks today. People are more edgy, impatient and prone to over dramatize the situation. Slow down, be methodical and take some time out for exercise, just to get out of your head and back into the body.

Jul 31
Venus opposes Neptune
This aspect can make you feel a bit dreamy or out of it. Good for romance, taking pictures and visual arts, less great for business. Counter balance this effect by keeping your feet on the ground. So, take off the pink glasses, refrain from judgment, look at the bright side and flash a big smile. Cheers!

“A Slice of Heaven” is a monthly Astrology column about making good use of the planetary influences. Lola Babalon is a Topanga Psychic, Astrologer and Herbalist. She provides spiritual counsel, hands-on healing and no-nonsense readings for individuals, couples and groups. She also produces local herb tinctures, fine aphrodisiac Love-potions and can be found online at www.sexpeace.net 310/455-0103