Esoteric Astrology as news for week July 16 – 22, 2025

Saturn & Mercury Retrograde

Under the Libra (air) moon Wednesday and Thursday, humanity seeks haAll things in the heavens are, like an inverted mirror, reflected on Earth. This is the meaning of the words, “As Above So Below.” This is an Ageless Wisdom teaching that humanity has yet to understand. It is only when one studies the heavens (astrology) and applies them (cosmic energies) to one’s life and world events, that we recognize the heaven/earth connection.

And so,  whatever occurs in the heavens is reflected, (felt, experienced) on earth. This is especially true when planets retrograde (seemingly moving backward, shifting positions in relation to the Sun).

This past week (Sunday, July 13), Saturn, planet of structure, direction, time and discipline, turned retrograde (Aries, 2 degrees). And this week (Thursday, July 17), Mercury retrogrades (15 degrees Leo). Mercury’s next retrograde is in November.

When planets are retrograde humanity enters in a state of review, recollection, assessment and appraisal of times past. One purpose of retrogrades is to “clean up and catch up” (physically, emotionally and mentally), put things in order, assess what is real and useful (especially with Saturn retrograde), eliminate what is no longer needed, create spaciousness within and thus prepare for things yet to be.

Saturn retrograde in Aries – we review and reflect on self-identity (Aries), goals, agendas, commitments and how we structure our day. Saturn being Father Time, we may need to adjust our pace, walk slower, come to a standstill and reflect more. It’s a time to contemplate upon what brings us joy and what we want to initiate in the new era and times to come.

Mercury retrograde in Leo – we reflect upon how well we love, on our gifts, talents and abilities, seeking to further cultivate them. We view the new era of Aquarius (Leo’s shadow), observing what humanity needs. During Mercury retrograde we already know there will be disruptions, delays, challenges and mis communications. Lovers, friends and events from the past reappear! We hold onto our hearts!

With both Saturn and Mercury retrograde, it can be a time of deep study. It’s also a time to be mindful of our actions and responses (no reactions!), a time to clarify, to protect, to prepare, to review and to assess and re-assess what our real interests are. Everything important in our lives is put on hold and enters into a deep reverie.

ARIES: It is a time to assess your creativity and realize that it is good. If you have children, observe them during this Mercury retro. Children and elders are especially sensitive to transits. In your observations, what do you see in terms of their ability to communicate, maneuver their world of friends, school and studies? It’s good to create a Mercury Retrograde Journal for now and later. Observe yourself during these times, too.  Take no risks of any kind or type and bring forth things traditional.

TAURUS: Something’s occurring in your life at home that has its roots in early childhood. This has been occurring over time and for many months now. Do you want to move, or do things need clearing in the home? What domestic issues are reoccurring? This will be a time for assessment, review, re-evaluation and revelations concerning home, what you need, where and what home means for you. Assess how family can assist your plans. They want to help. Finances and values shift and change. Communication does too.

GEMINI: Communication confusions could occur with friends, colleagues, superiors, at work and with those working around you. Awareness of the Mercury retrograde allows you to understand how others are communicating (or not) and make concessions when speaking. The focus for three weeks will be on kindness and discerning how to bring forth cooperation and how to empower other people’s work. Your path is professional, but most importantly your life path is spiritual. What is your life path?

CANCER: What are your financial realities and perspectives, how are they faring, are they safe, are they budgeted, are you preparing for the future and do you tithe? These are monetary questions coming into focus the next three weeks. Also, of importance is the questioning and reviewing of your values. What and whom do you value? Do you consider yourself valuable? Mercury retro sheds light upon your resources and the way they are used and implemented in daily life. Sharing allows all that you offer others to return to you ten-fold.

LEO: You will find that only patience assists you at this time. It seems that emptiness has appeared in parts of your life and this is very hard to understand. Stand within that emptiness, become empty yourself, allow life and whatever it is doing to flow through you. Many will not understand this part of your life. It’s an Initiation, very valuable, extremely difficult. You stand alone. No matter your actions, the emptiness remains. Expect nothing. Be as still as possible. Emptiness creates new possibilities.

VIRGO: You’re more sensitive than usual these days. Is that possible, you ask? Yes. Health-wise, for the next three weeks and beyond, create daily routines that strengthen your well-being. You must maintain a non-judgmental response to co-workers lest falling into old criticisms. Criticism separates, then an existential loneliness emerges for everyone. Read everything over three times as errors are missed during retrogrades. Find silence, resting there awhile. A long while, actually.

LIBRA: What for you is the I/Thou relationship? What is your relationship status? Libra enters relationships to learn how to be in relationship. One-on-one communications need care, awareness, and kindness now. Previous partnership issues, concerning constancy, safety, money and security, arise for assessment and re-evaluation. Messages are mixed. Be aware of this. Disputes call for negotiation. Perhaps this is too difficult for you. Make no major decisions for three weeks. Simply observe. Then follow your intuition.

SCORPIO: During this time you will be returning to the past, to friends and/or family, those you love and cherish and those close to you. Our family is our first and foremost group. It is our first community where we grow, experience and learn life’s lessons. Should sad or grievous thoughts appear, think on them with forgiveness. Then love appears. And you begin to  understand your part. Consider a future pilgrimage, future travels, other lands and peoples that you could learn from. Then you add to your ability to share and teach others. These empower you.

SAGITTARIUS: What could you be thinking about in terms of legal affairs, education, travel and past communications? Be prepared for delays in many areas of your life, including the day-to-day. It’s time for discussions concerning joint finances, decisions with professionals, especially lawyers. Know that you will be hidden for a while, your actions therefore must be explained to others so they are understood. Use few words and work behind the scenes. Much can be done when one is behind a veil. It allows for time alone to ponder and find your muse.

CAPRICORN: There could be confusion in communication with groups of friends. Ideas float about in your mind and here and there with friends, family and with those you feel are like minded. There could also be confusion or questions concerning important plans and goals and their maintenance. It’s possible someone close may not agree with your thoughts and ideas. Give them and yourself time to understand each other. Compromise is good. Your life changes through the decisions you make, through what you can’t quite see yet.

AQUARIUS: Be careful with money, finances and resources. Be acutely aware of how your money is being used, what is coming in, what is going out, and what you do with it all. If someone else tends to your money and resources, begin to participate with them. Do not provide others with or ask for loans. Investments at this time are not suggested either. Hold still with your money so you can assess its use when everyone’s mind is clear. Gold and silver are good investments. Intimacy is either renewed or assessed in the clear light of day.

PISCES: Revelations may appear as your mind has an inner focus, quite compassionate yet it could turn quickly to a Virgo criticalness. Be aware of this occurring. Each day determine to speak words of kindness and care. Study the religious and/or spiritual book  “Ponder on This”  (a compilation of the Alice Bailey teachings). Beginning now is the best time. Have the intention for fairness, for non-judgment, clarity and recite daily, “Let reality guide my every thought and Truth be the Master of my Life.” Then harmony prevails.