> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.astrologywithdenise.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # July 2023 - URL: https://www.astrologywithdenise.com/july-2023/ - Published: 2023-07-01T16:15:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-06T19:29:54.000Z - Description: Hungry, hungry caterpillars - Author: Denise Hancock, PhD, RN - Tags: Monthly Forecasts There is a rose bush in my backyard. A few days ago, I saw most of the leaves stripped. Close inspection revealed a half-dozen ravenous caterpillars. I carefully removed each one and deposited it several yards away, outside my fence. It didn’t work. Some of the caterpillars persistently returned and demolished the remaining foliage, driven by intense biological urges to feed NOW. (The roses will recover.) **We are all hungry (and hot) caterpillars.** The planetary transits this month activate your animal nature, instinctual desires, and primal emotions. It’s like your prefrontal cortex is temporarily closed for construction. Functions like reasoning, social understanding, self-control, and strategic planning aren’t working correctly. Instead, you - and everyone else - feel driven by basic needs and irresistible drives. All month, the planets are in zodiac signs associated with the Fire, Earth, and Water elements. **There is no Air** except for the Moon’s brief forays through Aquarius (July 4-6), Gemini (July 13-15), and Libra (July 23-25). These periods can offer a bit of breathing room. **Air is social.** It allows you to form thoughts and ideas, communicate with others, and respect different perspectives. Without Air, your ability to get along, collaborate and negotiate suffers. It can be easy to get stuck in self-centered motivations and develop stubborn tunnel vision. The challenge is to remain conscious and considerate about how your actions impact others. ## **July 1 Mercury Cazimi and July 3 Full Moon** On July 1, Mercury meets the Sun in Cancer, a sign connected with basic physiological, safety, and belonging needs. It’s an apt time to reflect on whether your basic needs are being met. If not, *what are you starving for*? It’s time to fortify yourself. Like the hungry caterpillar, it’s time to claim what you need. The Full Moon on July 3 encourages you to declare your intentions and stake your ground. Several transits emphasize pursuing individual drives. The planet Mercury represents cognition, communication, and commerce. Mercury’s power is diminished for most of the month because it is traveling close to the Sun. When a planet is within 15 degrees of the Sun, it’s blinded and hidden by the Sun’s rays. With the Air element missing and a deep-underwater Mercury, it can be tough to work, live, and share with others. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/4e/0e4e46f8-bae4-4376-bff3-f7cf14459eb9/content/images/2026/08/Mercury-in-Cancer.jpg) Communication improves a bit when Mercury moves into Leo and Mars moves out on July 10\. At least, you’re better able to identify and share your thoughts and ideas. The downside is there may be more talking than listening. Other planetary influences suggest to me that people may easily jump to conclusions, misunderstand, and harshly criticize each other. It’s always best practice to *assume good intent* and *clarify understanding,* and it will serve you well in July. *Recommended reading:* [*Non-violent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships*](https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X?ref=astrologywithdenise.com) *by Marshall Rosenberg. Check your local library.* **The sign of Leo is lit up**. Venus is there all month, Mercury enters July 10 (to July 28), and the Sun comes home July 22\. Planets in Leo act with courage, pride, childlike playfulness, and dramatic flair. Leo’s energetic force demands outward expression that is consistent with inner integrity and does not easily compromise. Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus can push you into action as they interact with Leo planets by a 90-degree (square) aspect. Bold, persistent claims are inevitable. ## **Full Moon July 17, followed by Fierce Oppositions** Things may reach a boiling point after the July 17 New Moon in Cancer. In the following week, there is a lineup of challenging planetary aspects as **Mars opposes Saturn (July 20), the Sun opposes Pluto (July 21), and Venus turns retrograde (July 22)**. The overall vibe suggests a struggle between individual needs and a more substantial resistant force. Astrologer Rob Hand, in his book Planets in Transit, describes Mars opposite to Saturn as an “*irritating transit, requiring great patience and forbearance as well as willingness to keep yourself in the background for awhile.*” This is not easy, given the planetary conditions. The opposition between Sun and Pluto intensifies the conflict and signifies power struggles and breakdowns in relationships or material structures. It may be a volatile and potentially violent week in the public sphere. It can be useful for projects that require diligent, demanding, and concentrated work. ## **Venus Retrograde in Leo, July 22-Sept 3** Venus turns retrograde on July 22 and invites you to examine your desires more closely. ***Are you pursuing what you genuinely need and want? Has your taste changed? Are you fighting to stay on the rose bush when an inviting milkweed is a few feet away?*** Consider other possibilities. Venus is often associated with our aesthetic preferences, desires for pleasure, romantic relationships, and creative expression. Your best bet may be to explore options and experiment in reversible ways during the 40 days of Venus’ retrograde. Hold off on final decisions until September. You may well change your mind. On July 27, Mercury meets Venus in Leo, and the desire to communicate and connect strengthens. Your ability to relate effectively picks up when Mercury shifts into Virgo on July 28\. This helps you process information and ideas, analyze situations, and communicate with others, whether it’s in a partnership or a group. There are still serious issues to resolve, and staying objective may not be easy, but it’s worthwhile to try. The summer is a season for hungry caterpillars to feast, and it’s time for you to fortify yourself. The planetary transits encourage you to indulge your appetite while staying aware of your impact on others. Don't take your interpersonal relationships for granted, connections also require your effort. 💡 PRO TIP: Venus retrogrades happen in a particular part of your chart every 8 years. Reflecting back on these periods can offer clues as to how this retrograde in Leo might impact your life. See 2015, 2007 & 1999 from late July to early Sept. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/0e/4e/0e4e46f8-bae4-4376-bff3-f7cf14459eb9/content/images/2026/08/Grace.jpg) Image taken by Denise Hancock, July 2022 in Buffalo, NY ## **Golden Hours** *All times are CST.* **Monday, July 10, 7 pm - Wednesday, July 12** When the Moon is in Taurus, cozy up with your favorite people, places and activities. I particularly like daytime hours on Tuesday while the Moon passes by Jupiter. and then Wednesday evening as she waves to Venus.