Community Update

Observances of holidays this month are: Fourth of July also called U.S. Independence Day.

For most of us, Fourth of July is a wonderful time for watching a variety of fireworks, having family barbecues and just kicking back to relax. It’s one of the true long weekends of the summer and keeps us focused on fun, vacations and taking care of the yard work.
The Declaration of Independence
We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.

But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776). It wasn’t the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775). And it wasn't the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn't happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

So what did happen on July 4, 1776?

The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. They'd been working on it for a couple of days after the draft was submitted on July 2nd and finally agreed on all of the edits and changes.

July 4, 1776, became the date that was included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy that was signed in August (the copy now displayed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.) It’s also the date that was printed on the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration that were circulated throughout the new nation. So when people thought of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 was the date they remembered.

Celebrations of the Fourth of July became more common as the years went on and in 1870, almost a hundred years after the Declaration was written, Congress first declared July 4 to be a national holiday as part of a bill to officially recognize several holidays, including Christmas. Further legislation about national holidays, including July 4, was passed in 1939 and 1941.*

*Wikipedia


Planets in the morning sky: Mercury and Venus.
Planets in the night sky: Mars, Jupiter through the 11th and Saturn.
Retrogrades: Mercury goes direct on the 2nd, Saturn goes direct on the 21st, Uranus goes retrograde on the 22nd and Neptune and Pluto are retrograde all month.
The sun will go into LEO on July 22.

ARIES - March 20 – April 18 ruled by Mars
Even though it is a wonderful time to relax and have fun, you also have a list of things to do that is very important. You may be getting additional formal education or going to seminars or training to learn new skills. Also, you may be thinking about long distance travel and vacation plans. Feeling as if things are going in the right direction, you seem to have all of your goals lined up one after another and you are right on track. You are feeling determined and persistent about your goals and dreams now. Career is interesting and it looks as if some positive changes are on the way, if you accept them. This is such a good time to get along with everyone including the people that you aren’t speaking with for whatever reason, as the energy is very positive around you. You may find yourself being super sensitive or that you are using your sensitivity to do everything for everyone else and you are not concentrating on yourself. Boundaries are important now so that you have a balanced life of give and take. Many things that are happening to you now seem to be karmic lessons that need to be dealt with, so deal with those issues so they will never have to be repeated again. You may be meeting someone special now since partnerships are very important from now on. You would like to spend time with a special person in your life, so if you don’t have one – go find him or her!

TAURUS - April 19 – May 19 ruled by Venus*
Career and getting things done right the first time is important. You have many areas of expertise and you are trying to figure out which one will make you the happiest in a full time career position. Even though there seems to be many changes coming your way, you are still in full control of your life even though you may not believe it at this moment. You have a lot of activity going on around you and you don’t have time to do all the projects and chores that you really want to finish. So, it is very important to prioritize now. Decide what are the most important things that need to be completed now and which are the things can be finished later. Relationships are a bit crazy now. You’re not quite sure what is going on, but with patience and a truthful discussion with your partner, you will each come to a better understanding about what your significant other’s issues or concerns really are about your relationship. Deal with all concerns in an empathetic and compassionate way. Yelling will not accomplish anything but more hurt feelings. Deep feelings emerge and you will feel as if a great weight has been lifted off of your shoulders.

GEMINI - May 20 – June 20 ruled by Mercury*
Your life is getting back in control. Even though you make yourself busy by planning too many things to do, you are realizing that it is important to rest and take care of yourself as well. It is also important to declutter and organize your home and life so that you have more time to do the things that make you happy. Friends play an important part of your life this month, so be sure to get together with those who mean a lot to you. With life being so hectic, we don’t get to spend time with the ones we love, so it would be important for you to make this happen. You would like to have a romantic significant other in your life, so go on personal websites, ask friends to fix you up and see what happens. Your life is changing in so many positive ways so it’s not a time to limit yourself in any way. What do you want in your future? Are you on the right path to get it? Joining some groups and associations in your field of interest or hobbies will help you meet new people and you never know where Mr. or Ms. Right will show up. Perhaps a change in your job would be appropriate if you are not happy in your current circumstances, but be sure you are changing for the right reasons. Money is not the only answer to everyone’s problems nor would it be for yours. Activity level is interestingly high and you are quite serious about moving forward quickly now as you feel life passing you by too quickly.

CANCER - June 21 – July 21 ruled by the Moon
You tend to take it easy this month and only do what absolutely needs to be done. You do have a list of things to do, but you are realizing that your health is more important than to get everything done in an unrealistic time frame. You should be interested in reading, spirituality, studying, learning all that you can in a subject of your choice and going inward to find the core of spirituality that you want to nurture so badly. You’d like to uncover many truths by studying esoterica and metaphysics. You are looking for the whys of everything and will uncover many hidden truths which will be eye opening for you. The best luck planet of Jupiter is still in your sign so no matter which changes you are dealing with (a change in home life, moving, job related changes, partnership changes or general life altering ones), will be very positive and you will be blessed after making that commitment towards a different direction. This is a great time to plan your much needed vacation or weekend getaway. Let things go that you feel have to be done around the house and decide on what needs to be done for you. As my mother used to say, the dirt will still be there tomorrow. Imagination takes hold and this would initiate many interesting things to do, different ways of doing something you wish to accomplish or open you up to creativity and artistic ability. Widen your horizons. Learn all you can and be open to letting family and friends teach you what they know. We can all learn from each other, so take advantage of generous offers.

LEO - July 22 – August 22 ruled by the Sun
Life seems to be going in a better direction. You are able to focus and have a clear vision of what you want for yourself. Priority lists are a great way of staying on track with your goals and dreams. Emotions may be confusing at times, but using your logic and intelligence will get you through any rough times. Perhaps you feel as if this would be a great time to experiment with your makeup and fashion sense. You have become a bit too predictable and a sexier you is right around the corner. Make sure you get a mani/pedi and eye brow wax as well as a new alluring haircut so you will be on your way to a beautiful new you. Of course, the proverbial you will not change too much, but the outer shell is going through a caterpillar to butterfly transformation. Many Leos are being able to express their emotions a little more in depth and are sharing more with close family members and friends. All are behind you 100% and you are embarking on new beginnings, new journeys, a new career and even a new love in your life. Partnerships seem important now, so you must be sure which type of partner you actually want to attract. Don’t accept anyone who gives you a compliment. Let them work for your attention and let your Leo aloofness keep them confused! Creativity is yours now whether it is on the creative side or in finding your own voice in whatever you want to pursue for yourself. Deal with reality and make yourself your number one priority these days.

VIRGO - August 23 – September 21 ruled by Mercury*
Financial planning is once again important to you. Making sure you have enough or that all of your planning for the future pays off after so many years of hard work and sacrifice. Financial planning for you and your significant other, if you have one, is quite important now as it will give you a clear understanding of what you must do now to make your future more secure. You tend to worry way too much about things you can’t change, so this would be a good time to exercise some of your positive resolve. The lack of attention to your partner will cause problems, so plan to do some things together and have fun. Don’t be too precise or worried about what others will think. If you are happy with your life, then that’s all that counts. You may be sidetracked by friends, which is a wonderful way of getting out and having fun, but limit their interference. You have a serious mission this month. You need to organize your life, prioritize which people or things have to stay and which have to go. If something is not nurturing you to go forward in a positive way, then things have to change and only you can change them! Do not give subtle hints since the people around you need to be told straight out what they are doing wrong or what is annoying you about them. Joining some volunteer groups of interest or organizations will also help you network and learn about another area of life.

LIBRA - September 22 – October 22 ruled by Venus*
What a great time to get organized and decide what it is you want to pursue in life right now. The arts, such as painting, poetry, singing, dancing or writing or a million other creative and artistic pursuits would be a beneficial goal. Slowing down and doing what you can would be a good first move. You know that being very careful about over-doing it would be in your best interest. Whether your health is not perfect at the moment or close to it, there is just so much that can be done as you get older. You are not a young person any longer and you may need to understand limitations. Siblings, family and short distance travel seem to be your center of attention this month. If there are any issues with your family, fix them now so that the rest of the summer will be fun and exciting. There is nothing worse than knowing that someone in your family doesn’t want you to contact them. Smooth things over if this is the case. It’s just not worth the extra effort of worrying about a situation that you could have changed when you had the chance. Emotions are tricky and can make you feel happy one day and sad the next. Get out into your garden and plant some wonderful flowers while enjoying the sunshine. The vitamin D would do you wonders and the fresh air will rejuvenate you.

SCORPIO - October 23 – November 21 ruled by Pluto
Home life can be difficult and frustrating at times. It is a time where life doesn’t seem to be going in the direction you had hoped and it’s very confusing. There are a lot of decisions to be made, so look into each decision carefully and figured out an answer once you feel you have come to a positive decision which makes total sense. There are many responsibilities and obligations that need to be handled and you are the one left holding the bag. Just do what you can to smooth things over, finish projects, help family members and friends, but be sure that there is a lot of time leftover for you to do whatever it is you are interested in. Did you ever start that hobby that you were interested in last year? Are you balancing your leisure and work so that you can accomplish things on several fronts? Are you deciding if work is still the place you want to go to every single day or maybe would you like to start your own home based business or try consulting? You were so happy that you made major decisions during the last two years, but now others are coming to you with their issues and problems as well. You can’t take on everybody’s problems. You may also wish to be left alone at times so that you can gather your thoughts. Don’t be super sensitive since it seems that you are the one holding things together.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 – December 20 ruled by Jupiter
As usual, you are looking to have more fun and to get out and mingle. Many Sagittarians are not having the carefree life they would like to have, so life warrants that you make changes to the areas that are not working for you. Remember the meaning of crazy: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Take some new action or act upon advice someone new has given to you. Like the movie with Jim Carey, say yes a little more and find true adventure and fun. Do something new. Your career may also be at a standstill and you are looking for a new position or trying to decide whether or not you should stay in the same field. Meditate or pray and ask the same questions of God/Goddess or your angels and see what answers you receive. Make a small list of things you really need in this life and also meditate/pray on them. If you can’t make decisions yourself then let a trusted partner, family member or friend help you. Romantic love is what you have been searching for; however, it is not just going to come to your door and introduce itself. You must get out, have fun, go to gatherings or get-togethers, classes or workshops and lectures to find your romantic partner. Staying home, reading, doing computer work or whatever else you are wasting your time with will not bring you the things you really desire.

CAPRICORN - December 21 – January 18 ruled by Saturn
This is a great time to start thinking about your health a little more seriously. Is your weight under control? Are you eating healthy meals? Are you exercising? You need to get your life under control and make positive habits. Spending time with more positive people would help you feel better. Otherwise, you tend to keep things to yourself and although you are very sensitive on many levels, you would never let anyone see that you are vulnerable. This hard shell around you is getting weary for you, but you feel you must protect yourself or else…or else what? Nothing will happen if others know you have a soft heart as well. Your family and friends love you for who you are, but it would be nice to appreciate them a bit more or send cards, flowers, or a nice representation of your love for them. Thinking in abstract ways and not making too much sense from time to time in your own mind really confuses you. Only you can make sense of your life and all the issues you’ve gone through. Be sure that your friends are in the loop and let them help you on any level they wish. You will be saying, “Thank you,” from now on for every offer of assistance they give you. Get more help and have less to do. Then you can enjoy yourself fully with family and friends.

AQUARIUS - January 19 – February 17 ruled by Uranus
Partnerships are important now. Do you want to stay in the partnership you are in or look for one that will make you happy? Being happy now is a priority for you especially after doing so much for others. It’s time that you did something for yourself. Life is about to change making you the star in your own life – what a concept! Decisions on work, your personal life and home need to be straightened out. Many decisions will keep your life the same and others will change a few things. Both are equally important and necessary. You need to move forward on many areas of your life. Self confidence issues can be crazy now too since everyone thinks you are an extremely confident person and yet, deep down inside, you aren’t. You need to be more assertive and determined to make yourself feel better in every way possible. New clothing, shoes, mani/pedi and/or a haircut will help you feel special and sexy. How long has it been since you used that word to describe yourself? You are in a rut and need to get out of your homemade box to see what is outside. Explore, examine and discover the world and everything and everyone in it. You need to look for your happiness, investigate things that will make you happy and delve into other things that you may be curious about. Once you are on the right track, you will deal with everything perfectly.

PISCES – February 18 – March 19 ruled by Neptune
This seems to be a month of positive changes. You are redirecting your life to surround yourself with positive people and positive energy. There are so many wonderful opportunities to make your life the one you have always wished it to be, so do what needs to be done to grab these opportunities or they will pass you by. Perhaps finances need to be dealt with and bringing your accounts up to date will be helpful. An accountant or financial planner can easily give you suggestions for the growth of your money or a safe investment that will make you feel comfortable. Be sure to ask your partner what he or she thinks if it is joint monies. You don’t want to start a war over something that you did which was done with a pure heart and good intentions. Do not leave your partner in the dark because once situations are found out, it will blow up in your face. Be up front about what you are doing in all areas of life and see what fabulous doors of opportunities open before you. Even though you may wish to travel a bit, deal with issues that need your immediate attention. You can always go on a vacation, but you may not always be able to change your life for the better.