July stands out as one of the most powerful and significant months of 2005. Saturn, our teacher, changes zodiac signs. Moving from Cancer to Leo on July 16th, this shift will be noticeable, and leads the way into undiscovered territory. Over the past two years, Saturn has been growing us through practical experience. Home, location, family and finances have been uppermost in people's minds. After getting down to the bare bones of what drives us, the collective consciousness is ready for a change. Leo is about creative expression, being true to oneself, playfulness and pleasure. It is a spontaneous energy, always seeking the freedom to be authentic. A rare and beneficial planetary combination, the Grand Trine, initiates this fresh and rejuvenating trend on July 15 - 16.

Saturn in Leo will affect a large proportion of the Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1939 - 1958. Saturn activates their natal Pluto in Leo. By necessity, this generation will face all aspects of aging, which is quite challenging considering their core value of youthfulness. Everything having to do with children will come into focus, as the entertainment industry takes a good look at its influence on young minds. Since Leo the Lion is King of the Jungle, look for issues around authority to surface in a variety of ways. These are just a few ways this new influence will manifest over the next two years.

We will get a sneak preview of the new trends during July and August. In fact, Mercury in Leo leads the way as it goes retrograde July 22 - August 15. Look for the trends within your life. What areas of personal experience beckon your attention? This particular Mercury retrograde brings out the dynamics of leadership, and leaders can be challenged by the group needs and vision. Some will face mutiny, as the collective becomes more empowered with information. Mercury retrograde is characterized by indecision, therefore patience, caution, orderly thinking and realistic appraisal is necessary. This particular Mercury retrograde period asks us to ferret out truth from fiction. Lies and deception come to the surface in many areas of our collective experience. The emerging split between the worlds of spirituality and materialism can be quite distinct. At the same time, the boundaries between dimensions are dissolving. Overall, you can see, July is a month of tremendous transition and discovery.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
Happy Birthday to you, Cancer! The summer sun lights your way. For the past two years, you have been burdened with more then your share of responsibility. Finishing touches on projects related to home and family will set you free to explore new ways of being in your world. It is time to lighten up! Find your joy, ignite your passion and focus on playfulness. Nurture your hopes, creativity and dreams. One of the most fortunate of planetary combinations, the Grand Trine, activates your areas of money, work and career. Look for opportunity in these areas. With Mercury retrograde this month, you may not have all the facts until the end of August. A new picture emerges, and it is in your best interest to allow all the pieces to come together in Divine timing.

LEO (July 22 - August 22)
Saturn enters Leo on July 16th, bringing long term life goals into focus. Decisions hang in the balance this month, and you may not have all the details to make clear decisions until late August. In this way, go with the flow, and appreciate your ability to embrace the spontaneous and playful side of life. New creative projects are on the horizon, and in the formulating stages. These may come as a feeling, an urge towards freedom. Developments this summer hold great power to alter your life course. Mid-month, a Grand Trine, one of the most fortunate of planetary energy patterns, feeds your fire, stimulating your desire to share love.

VIRGO (August 22 - September 22)
During July's New Moon on the 6th, a unique planetary formation activates your areas of personal finance, relationships and inner self. Called a "yod" or "finger of God," this pattern points to a specific direction, and it is up to you to bring this into focus. You benefit from taking a time out to search your soul. While others would like to make your decisions for you, it is very important to find your innermost and true feelings. Then you have the clarity to move forward in your many endeavors. This is a future oriented month with the New Moon illuminating your hopes and dreams.

LIBRA (September 22 - October 23)
Like a butterfly, you enjoy flying from one person to another, pleasing all in your path. Others enjoy your light touch, and sociable ease. However, recent eclipse patterns have brought your way of relating into focus. In the past you would willingly give yourself up to keep the peace. The new you is stronger, clearer and excited about being you. Strong attractions continue to test your life direction this month, but remember Libra; the power is in your hands. And, honesty begins with self.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 22)
After two years of living behind the scenes, you are ready to emerge. Are you prepared to make your debut? Just like a performer waiting in the wings, take a deep breath and go for it! Saturn is shifting into your solar house of career, and July is a pivotal month that opens new doors. These doors allow you to share your talents with the world, and Saturn will help you develop your gifts for the next two years. However, there is no need for hurry. In fact, Mercury retrograde during July 22 - August 15, will test your direction, so use your intuitive ability to feel your way into new terrain.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
Congratulations, Sagittarius, you made it through a pressurized, busy and complicated June. Now you are able to benefit from a fresh perspective. Your thought processes have a direct link to your tongue. Many times you speak, and surprise even yourself when the blunt, undiluted truth comes out. This is your gift for prophecy. Not everyone will agree with your new ideas, but the energies of July harmonize the oppositions in your life. This is a good month to expand your horizons through travel. Romance is in the air, and you are the catalyst for playfulness in many areas of your life.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 21)
The pressure is off, you have done your duty, and July's celestial currents set a new pace. You ability to project time lines, and structure new foundations is called for. New beginnings in home environment can take place all the way from renovation to moving to changes in family dynamics. Particularly be alert to financial areas, and quick to discern the truth in all dealings. You have the power of patience, so put it to good use. The New Moon on July 6th is in your area of relationship. Be willing to develop and nurture those alliances that are mutual and satisfying.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 18)
Aquarius, your life is about walking the fine line between group interaction, and personal freedom. The desire to belong, and the desire to be free comes up for review this month. Mid-month, these issues may be unclear. Your soul is searching for its family. So, take your time, feel your way through the fog, and be patient. Relationships are a key area of change. This Mercury retrograde affects all Aquarians very strongly. New ways of perceiving reality are being shown to you, and modes of energetic healing are very appealing. As usual, you are ahead of your time.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
Your health and well-being are up for examination this month. Your sensitivity is your strength, so be willing to address any nagging complaints previously ignored. Solutions come through more alternative means, so use your powerful intuition to find the optimal modalities for you. Changes in yourself produce changes in your work, and the way others see you in the marketplace. Usually, you are content in going with the flow, but this is the month to aggressively handle your resources, and cultivate new avenues for your creative expression.

ARIES (March 20 - April 19)
Mars, your ruling planet, gives you a big boost of vitality this month. You will have the energy to carry through the new projects you initiated this spring. Romance and friendship play a key role in your life for July and August. Your impulsive nature can pre-maturely lead you into new relationships, and it is essential to be honest with yourself and others. True friends come to the surface, like cream rising to the top. The New Moon on July 6th is in the area of home, so take some time to nurture your roots.

TAURUS (April 19 - May 20)
Your need for the concrete and practical is frustrated this month by celestial energies that dissolve and release. The areas of life most affected are the home and career front. Flexibility is paramount, and realize these summer months make way for new advancements this fall. Beginning July 28th and continuing through the first months of 2006, Mars gives you a long term boost of power to build new structures. So, dream big, and be open to massages from the spiritual dimensions.

GEMINI (May 20 - June 21)
Saturn, the taskmaster, has been in your solar house of money for the past two years. This has tested your values in the marketplace. The process is complete, and the New Moon of July activates your area of money. Look for developments that provide more grounding and security in this fundamental area. It is important to honor your contribution, and come from a place of self-worth. You have proven yourself, and now is the time to allow support to come to you. Mercury retrograde tends to be challenging, because you are the zodiac sign of communication. This particular Mercury retrograde is like a hall of mirrors that has you questioning the truth of many matters. You have subtle ways of knowing when people are speaking their truth, so use them.

Belinda Dunn is a professional astrologer with over thirty years experience. Her approach is transformational and healing. Belinda is available for personal consultations in person, by phone or recorded readings. Call toll-free at 888-215-8595 or email at Belinda@astrodelight.com.