 Calendar Page
Special Days and Aspects
for July 2003
Welcome to
July! Click on a date in the calendar to see the current aspects and
events for that day.
July 1, 2003
Jupiter at
18 degrees Leo trine retrograde Pluto in Sagittarius
Pluto transforms and Jupiter expands and together they can initiate positive
changes, both in the individuals personally affected by this transit and
people of goodwill everywhere who seek to bring out reform and improve conditions
around the world. Don’t be daunted by Pluto’s retrograde motion.
While it may indicate that actions begun now could be undone later, it also
provides us with the chance to experience the power of this transit several
times.
Mercury at
3 degrees Cancer conjunct Saturn
Intellectual Mercury becomes the poster child for concentration and precision
when combined with Saturn’s discipline. Saturn’s critical faculties
add depth to the occasional Mercurial hair-splitting and give a steady voice
to the watery intuitions of Cancer.
Mercury at
5 degrees Cancer trine Mars in Pisces
Another good influence for tough mental work and long-term planning, but
unlike the quiet competence bestowed by the trine from Saturn, this transit
will assist with the creation of new and innovative ideas, and give you the
balls to shout about them.
Canada Day:
This national holiday celebrates Canadian political independence, dating
to July 1, 1867, when the British North America Act united Ontario, Quebec,
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as a confederation. Ties to the British were
never entirely severed, and the monarch of the United Kingdom retains a
figurehead position in Canada even today.
Gettysburg
Day: The famous battle on this day in 1863 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
pushed back Confederate forces and created a turning point for Union victory
in the American Civil War.
[Return
to top]
July 2, 2003
Gion Matsuri:
Celebrated through the entire month of July, this Japanese festival began
as a way of thanking the gods for bringing an end to an epidemic that killed
hundreds in Kyoto more than 1,000 years ago. The plague, which occurred in
the year 869, ended after the high priest of the Gion Shrine built a special
shrine of 66 spears and brought it to the emperor’s garden. The people
celebrated with a grateful procession through the city of Kyoto, and the
custom continues today. Many of the floats in the parades are decorated with
old and valuable Oriental and European art. This is one of the three most
important festivals of Japan.
[Return
to top]
July 3, 2003
Dog Days
begin: The Dog Star, Sirius, rises with the Sun during the hottest days
of summer in the northern hemisphere, July 3 through August 11. The ancient
Romans noted the Dog Days in their calendar, and the expression lives on
as a fitting description of this sultry period of the year, even with people
who wouldn’t guess it was named for a star. Sirius, in the “Big
Dog” constellation Canis Majora, is the brightest star in the night
sky. During the Dog Days, Sirius was seen by the ancients as adding its heat
to the Sun’s. The Dog Days occur a little later now than they used to.
Dogs and perhaps people are suspected of going a bit mad during this
time.
St. Thomas
Day: “Doubting Thomas,” the apostle who wouldn’t believe
in the resurrection until he touched Jesus’ wounds himself, is honored
on this day in the Roman Catholic Church. Thomas founded Christian communities
in India and is the patron saint of India and Pakistan.
[Return
to top]
July 4, 2003
Venus enters
Cancer
Venus expresses her love through family relationships this month, as she
begins her turn in home-oriented Cancer. Even the most stoic earth signs
and flightiest of the air signs will feel the odd stab of sentimentality
and take secret solace in the warmth of nostalgia as bridge-building Venus
concentrates on our closest and most permanent relationships.
American
Independence Day: On the Fourth of July, 1776, Britain’s American
colonies declared their independence. The Continental Congress, meeting in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, approved the final version of the Declaration
of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson. John Hancock signed the document
first, commenting that he wrote his name large enough for King George to
read it without spectacles. Fifty-five other representatives signed after
him, leading to the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States.
Apache Maidens
Rites of Passage: The Mescalero Apaches of Mescalero, New Mexico - once
forbidden to congregate - were allowed by the U.S. government beginning in
1911 to gather together for Fourth of July festivities. The tribe used the
occasion to restore the traditional coming-of-age festival for girls becoming
young women. With ceremonies, dancing and feasting, they symbolically prepare
for a rewarding adult life.
Yaqui Fiesta
of Santa Isobel: The Yaqui Indians of Arizona and Mexico stay up all
night as dancers perform the Coyote Dance, a ceremonial dance for the honored
dead in which the performers dress and move as coyotes.
Other Native
American Powwows: Many tribes hold Fourth of July powwows to gather together
and celebrate their history and customs.
Tom Sawyer
Day: The town of Hannibal, Missouri, celebrates author Mark Twain with
fence-painting and frog-jumping contests based on Twain’s classic 1876
novel.
[Return
to top]
July 5, 2003
Sun at 13
degrees Cancer conjunct Mercury
The powerful light of the Sun conjoins with intellectual Mercury today, rounding
out a week of positive aspects that promote communication and the sharing
of ideas. Check your natal chart to see which house this conjunction will
occur in, and then plan to use this powerful, but short-lived energy to clear
up any outstanding issues pertaining to the affairs of that house.
Venezuela
Independence Day: Venezuela was the first South American country to declare
independence from Spain, on this day in 1811. Freedom was won in 1821.
[Return
to top]
July 6, 2003
Venus at
2 degrees Cancer trine retrograde Uranus in Pisces
Beautiful, creative, inspiring - expect no less from today as Venus, the
patroness of the arts, trines dynamically space age Uranus. Carve out a moment
to paint, write, dance or dream - you won’t be disappointed!
Birthday of
the Dalai Lama: Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, whose title means
“Oceanic Guru,” is 68. As the leader of Tibetan Buddhists, each
Dalai Lama is considered the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama in
a line going back to the 14th century. His birthday, across the centuries,
is always celebrated July 6. When a Dalai Lama dies, other Tibetan holy men
search the country for the child who is his new incarnation. The current
Dalai Lama was born in 1935 and was enthroned as ruler of Tibet in 1940.
Since a failed 1959 revolt against Chinese occupation of Tibet, he has been
forced to live outside his country.
San Fermin Festival
begins: The famous Pamplona, Spain, “running of the bulls”
is a daily part of this festival in honor of a bishop of the city. The
400-year-old tradition calls for young men to demonstrate their bravery by
running ahead of the bulls on the way to the bullfighting ring. Ernest Hemingway
incorporated the event into his novel The Sun Also Rises. The festival
ends July 14.
[Return
to top]
July 7, 2003
Moon
Phase
First-quarter Moon in Libra, 2:32 Universal Time.
Festival of
Juno Caprotina: This ancient holiday was dedicated to Juno, the Roman
goddess of women and marriage. Juno is also one of the goddess asteroids
sometimes used in astrology.
Tanabata Star
Festival: The stars Vega and Altair once were a princess and her peasant
husband, according to a Chinese legend adopted by the Japanese. The two were
forced to separate by the king, who placed them on opposite sides of the
Milky Way, or River of Heaven. But on the seventh day of the seventh month,
magpies form a bridge across the river, allowing them to meet. If it rains,
the lovers have to wait another year. The Japanese decorate for the occasion
with colorful paper streamers and origami.
[Return
to top]
July 8, 2003
Venus at
4 degrees Cancer conjunct Saturn
Stern Saturn hobbles Venus’ otherwise freewheeling stride. While not
quite as challenging as some of the other Venus/Saturn aspects, the conjunction
at the very least can put a strain on the expression of love, magnifying
the faults of your lover and cooling the ardor of Venus. On the positive
side, it’s not unheard of for long-lost soulmates to reunite under this
influence, but just bear in mind that a soulmate reunion brings with it powerful
Karma, and not all of it is likely to be of the softly sighing variety.
Festival of
Castor and Pollux: The constellation Gemini (the twins) is a celestial
illustration of the legend of Castor and Pollux, twin gods in Greco-Roman
mythology. Leda was mother of both, but Castor was the son of a mortal,
Tyndareus, while Pollux was an immortal son of mighty Zeus. Following
Castor’s death, Pollux sought a way to leave the earth and join his
brother in the afterworld. Zeus consented, and allowed the pair to split
their time between the heavens and the underworld. Eventually, they were
transformed into the constellation Gemini. The Romans established this festival
in their honor to thank the twins for their help in battle.
[Return
to top]
July 9, 2003
Martyrdom of
the Bab: Baha’i observance in honor of the faith’s first prophet,
Ali Mohammed, who was executed in 1850 by political and religious powers
in his native Persia. Believers abstain from commerce and work.
Argentine
Independence Day: On this day in 1816, Argentina declared independence
from Spain.
[Return
to top]
July 10, 2003
Dog Days
continue: The brightest star, the Dog Star Sirius, rises with the Sun
and oversees the hottest part of the year in the northern hemisphere, lasting
from July 3 until August 11.
[Return
to top]
July 11, 2003
Venus at
8 degrees Cancer trine Mars in Pisces
Venus, the embodiment of feminine energy, tangos today with macho Mars.
It’s an unfair match, as fiery Mars is likely feeling a little washed
out by his trip through Pisces’ oceans. Expect less of the unbridled
passions we typically see when these two collide and more cuddling under
the covers and whispering sweet-nothings. Don’t worry, Mars - you’ll
get to throw her over your shoulder caveman style later this summer when
your dignity is restored in Aries.
Nadam: The
Mongolia region in China has been holding Nadam festivals at least as far
back as the 13th century, when explorer Marco Polo attended. Nomadic people
pitch a tent city at the fairgrounds, and hundreds compete in wrestling,
archery and horse races.
St. Benedict
Day: Catholic observance in honor of the father of the Benedictine Order
of monks, the first order of the western monastic tradition, founded in the
early sixth century.
[Return
to top]
July 12, 2003
Wedding Day
in Macedonia: The Eastern European village of Galicnik, Macedonia, which
is isolated by snow during winter, throws a community wedding day each summer
on this date. Communal wedding festivities are an ancient custom in the region
and once were common practice in many towns. The men who had left their hometowns
to seek their fortunes would return to be married on a day of mass nuptials.
The custom continues in Galicnik, where it draws tourists and former residents
to town. Similar occasions are held in some Slovenian villages later in summer.
[Return
to top]
July 13, 2003
Moon
Phase
Full Moon in Capricorn, 19:21 Universal Time.
Mercury enters
Leo
The doors open today for some summer highjinks as Mercury the trickster enters
fun-loving Leo. Loud Leo is an excellent vehicle for talkative Mercury, and
this transit is a boon for writers, actors and public speakers of all stripes,
as creativity is heightened and work of this nature no longer feels tedious
but rather playful and heady.
Obon, Festival
of Souls: This is a Japanese Buddhist holiday, during which the spirits
of the dead are believed to make joyful visits home. Family-based rituals
take place on the 13-15 of July or August, depending on the region of Japan.
Japanese communities in California and Chicago also celebrate the occasion.
Traditionally, bonfires are set outside homes to welcome the spirits, meals
are prepared for them and people speak to them as though they were present.
Communities join together for a Dance of Rejoicing, or Bon-Odori, to please
the visiting souls. On the final night, bonfires are set again, to light
the spirits’ way back whence they came.
Guru Purnima:
In Hinduism, this is a day for students of gurus to fast, honor their teachers
and seek their blessings.
Festa del
Redentore: The Feast of the Redeemer, on the second Sunday in July, is
a celebration in Venice, Italy, commemorating the end of the plague in the
late 16th century. Services are held at the Church of the Redeemer on Guidecca
Island, while outside, crowds party in the streets.
[Return
to top]
July 14, 2003
Bastille Day:
The French Fête Nationale commemorates the people’s storming
of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789. The action freed political
prisoners imprisoned in the fortress and launched the French Revolution.
The Bastille was destroyed a year later. Bastille Day celebrations also are
held in Canadian, American and Polynesian cities with large populations of
French ancestry.
[Return
to top]
July 15, 2003
St. Swithin’s
Day: Like St. Médardus’ Day (June 8) in Belgium and France,
St. Swithin’s Day in England has come to be a day for predicting upcoming
weather. Rain on St. Swithin’s Day means 40 days more; while a dry St.
Swithin’s means a dry spell for that time. Swithin was a ninth-century
bishop of Winchester, England. It was his wish at his death to be buried
where the rain pouring off the Winchester Cathedral would fall on his grave.
After he was canonized, it was thought to be more fitting to move his remains
inside the church, but a heavy rainfall that day was said to make it impossible.
The storm was taken as a sign reaffirming St. Swithin’s wishes. He is
the patron saint of rain.
[Return
to top]
July 16, 2003
Birthday of
Mary Baker Eddy: Born in 1821, Mary Baker Eddy became the founder of
the Christian Science faith. Her spiritual insight arose from her own healing,
in middle age, from long-term disabling spinal troubles. Promoting the view
that mind and spirit are real and matter is an illusion, she published
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures in 1875. She founded
the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston in 1879 and the Massachusetts
Metaphysical College in 1881. She died in 1910.
Feast of the
Madonna del Carmine: One of many days around the world devoted to the
Virgin Mary, this holiday is celebrated with dancing and fireworks in Naples,
Italy, where the Madonna del Carmine, or Our Lady of Carmel, is patron saint.
Traditionally, it is a day to ask for blessings of healing.
[Return
to top]
July 17, 2003
Birthday of
Luis Muñoz-Rivera: Puerto Rico observes a public holiday in honor
of this journalist who advocated for Puerto Rican independence. His efforts
helped win the island a home-rule charter from Spain in 1897. After the United
States made Puerto Rico a territory, Muñoz-Rivera continued his efforts
by publishing an American magazine focused on the issue of Puerto Rican
independence, which helped persuade the U.S. Congress to grant the territory
fairly extensive powers of self-rule in 1910. He lived from 1859 to 1910.
[Return
to top]
July 18, 2003
Dog Days
continue: The brightest star, the Dog Star Sirius, rises with the Sun
and oversees the hottest part of the year in the northern hemisphere, lasting
from July 3 until August 11.
[Return
to top]
July 19, 2003
Mercury at
12 degrees Leo opposite retrograde Neptune in Aquarius
Hazy and dreamlike, today is not a good time for signing documents, beginning
projects or doing any sort of precise mental labor. Neptune’s oceans
befuddle Mercury, and the day takes on the feeling of an extended
out-of-body-experience. Go with the flow, but don’t make any judgments
about the meanings of your dreams and thought spirals until next week, when
Mercury trines Pluto.
Kinderzeche
(Children’s Party): This holiday honoring the courage and wisdom
of children is observed on the Saturday before the third Monday in July in
the town of Dinkelsbühl in Bavaria, Germany. The people re-enact the
events of a day in 1632, when the town was threatened by Swedish forces during
the Thirty Years’ War. As the town council puzzled over what to do,
a gatekeeper’s daughter, named Lore, proposed a novel response and the
council agreed. Lore and a small group of children went to the commander
of the Swedish forces, knelt before him and asked for his mercy. The colonel
was moved by the children’s action and spared the town. He advised the
people to always remember the debt of thanks they owed to children.
Mollyockett
Day: The third Saturday in July in Bethel, Maine, is set aside for a
summer festival named in honor of Mollyockett, a Pequawket Indian woman who
was known for healing both native people and white settlers with natural
remedies. Hannibal Hamlin, who was vice president in Abraham Lincoln’s
first term, was a dying infant when Mollyockett doctored him back to health.
[Return
to top]
July 20, 2003
Elijah Day:
A Jewish prophet of Old Testament times whose life story has a place in the
Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths, Elijah is honored on this day by the
Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Elijah was said to have been fed by
ravens, twice daily, while in the desert. He performed miracles, including
a resurrection. He also arranged a demonstration to prove his God’s
power to worshippers of the pagan god Baal. Atop Mount Carmel, the worshippers
of Baal were unable to call forth divine fire to burn their offering, while
Elijah’s plea was answered immediately with a spectacular fire. At his
death, the prophet was said to have been taken to heaven in a chariot of
fire.
Moon Day:
The chariot of fire that the United States sent into the heavens in 1969
brought astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin to the
Moon on this date for the first Moon walk. Fellow Apollo 11 astronaut Michael
Collins circled the Moon in the Columbia command module, while the
lunar module Eagle brought Armstrong and Aldrin to the Moon’s
surface in an area known as the Sea of Tranquility.
Columbia
Independence Day: After a revolt against Spain, Columbia became a republic
in 1819. Originally, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama were part of the republic.
[Return
to top]
July 21, 2003
Moon
Phase
Last-quarter Moon in Aries, 7:01 Universal Time.
Belgium Independence
Day: Belgium won independence from the Netherlands in 1831, and King
Leopold I became the small country’s first king.
Birthday of
Ernest Hemingway: The American writer, who was awarded both the Pulitzer
Prize for fiction and the Nobel Prize for Literature, was born on this day
in 1899. Key West, Florida, where the author lived for a time, celebrates
his birthday with a week-long festival and writers’ conference.
[Return
to top]
July 22, 2003
Fête de
la Madeleine: This French holiday on the anniversary of Mary
Magdalene’s death includes pilgrimages up a wooded hillside in Provence
to la Sainte Baume, the holy cave where, according to legend, the
saint spent the last 33 years of her life. Although the story is said to
be unfounded, the cave remains a shrine in her honor.
Polish Liberation
Day: The Polish Committee of National Liberation was founded on this
day in 1944. The event is commemorated as the first establishment of a
people’s government in the land after 1,000 years of domination. The
committee’s goals included freedom from Nazi occupation and the institution
of democratic reforms in society and politics.
[Return
to top]
July 23, 2003
Mercury at
17 degrees Leo trine retrograde Pluto in Sagittarius
The beginning of possibly the most productive few days of the month, as Mercury
trines Pluto and scattered thoughts coalesce into deep musings about life,
the universe and everything. Pluto transforms quirky Mercury into an esoteric
powerhouse and all the ancient mysteries never seemed so clear.
Haile
Selassie’s Birthday: Ethiopians celebrate the birthday of the man
who ruled as emperor of the African nation from 1930-1974. Born Tafari Makonnen
in 1892, he ruled as Haile Selassie I. The Rastafarians of Jamaica believe
Ras (Prince) Tafari was the Messiah.
Egypt National
Day: On this day in 1952, the monarchy was overthrown, paving the way
for a new republic of Egypt. Parades and other events in Cairo mark the holiday,
also known as Revolution Day.
[Return
to top]
July 24, 2003
Hurricane
Supplication Day: Prayers for safety mark the beginning of hurricane
season in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Mormon Pioneer
Day: Mormon leader Brigham Young declared the Salt Lake Valley “the
right place” for church members to settle on this day in 1847. Young
had led the pioneers west from Illinois after Joseph Smith, founder of the
Mormon Church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), was killed.
Their settlement grew into Salt Lake City, Utah, where the modern celebration
of the holiday is centered.
[Return
to top]
July 25, 2003
Puerto Rico
Constitution Day: This legal holiday on the island of Puerto Rico is
celebrated in much the same manner as the Fourth of July is celebrated throughout
the United States. It commemorates the day in 1952 when Puerto Rico adopted
a new constitution as a commonwealth, rather than a territory of the United
States.
St. James Day:
One of the original 12 Apostles, St. James the Great was brother to St. John
the Evangelist. The two were earning their living fishing together when Jesus
invited them to follow him and learn to be fishers of men. Known as Santiago
in Spanish-speaking areas, James is the patron saint of Spain and is also
highly venerated in Puerto Rico and the Indian pueblos of New Mexico, including
Taos. His emblem is the scallop shell. In England, traditionally home to
many fishing villages, the observance of his feast day has long included
a custom where children build decorative grottos of oyster shells.
[Return
to top]
July 26, 2003
Mercury at
23 degrees Leo conjunct Jupiter
The deep-thinking vibrations continue as Mercury trines philosophical Jupiter.
The new ideas that surfaced during Mercury’s trine with Pluto are now
begging to be shared with the world, and Jupiter gives you the perfect platform.
One word of caution - Jupiter’s philosophical bent can easily turn to
zealousness and evangelical fervor if you let him get carried away, especially
as this conjunction is occurring in self-absorbed Leo.
Liberia Independence
Day: The first independent black republic in Africa was established in
Liberia by freed slaves from the Americas, who signed a Declaration of
Independence for the new country on this day in 1847. They named the capital
city Monrovia, for U.S. President James Monroe.
St. Anne’s
Day: The mother of the Virgin Mary, St. Anne is the patron saint of Canada.
A shrine in Beaupré, Quebec, dedicated to the saint and dating to
1650, is said to be the site of many miraculous cures, and many make pilgrimages
to the shrine on St. Anne’s feast day.
[Return
to top]
July 27, 2003
Reek Sunday:
In Ireland’s County Mayo, thousands make a pilgrimage on the last Sunday
in July to the top of a mountain known as Croagh Patrick, also called The
Reek, where St. Patrick is said to have once spent the 40 days of Lent fasting.
Belarus Independence
Day: Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Belarus declared its sovereignty
on this day in 1990 and issued its Declaration of Independence about a year
later.
[Return
to top]
July 28, 2003
Dog Days
continue: The brightest star, the Dog Star Sirius, rises with the Sun
and oversees the hottest part of the year in the northern hemisphere, lasting
from July 3 until August 11.
[Return
to top]
July 29, 2003
Moon
Phase
New Moon in Leo, 6:53 Universal Time.
Venus enters
Leo
The homey, mothering type of love we shared while Venus was in Cancer shifts
gears today to a more playful, dramatic expression. Venus in Leo signifies
a good time to start a love affair, which may or may not be enduring (that
will be dependant on factors in the individual natal charts), but it will
be fun. If you are in the market for a summer fling, then today’s the
day to start thinking about your conquest. And conquest is the key word here,
for despite his playful exterior the Lion is a hunter, and courtship can
be an elaborate game.
Ghost Month
begins: The seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar is known as Ghost
Month. Wandering spirits must be entertained, avoided or otherwise placated
all month, but especially so when this New Moon grows into its Full Moon
phase.
St. Olaf’s
Day: The second King Olaf of Norway, also known as Olsok, introduced
Christianity to the country and is its patron saint. His feast day is celebrated
at the St. Olaf Festival in Trondheim, which includes fireworks, religious
services and a theatrical re-enactment of the Battle of Stiklestad, which
took place on this day in 1030 and claimed the life of the king.
St. Martha’s
Day: Martha and her siblings, Mary and Lazarus, are spoken of as friends
of Jesus in the Gospels. But in Provence, France, St. Martha’s Day is
celebrated with a parade featuring a fierce mechanical dragon, because St.
Martha is said to have defeated a dragon that was ravaging the countryside
there long ago. According to the legend, she subdued the dragon with holy
water, then led him to town, using her belt for a leash. The townsfolk destroyed
the beast and built a church on the site.
[Return
to top]
July 30, 2003
Mercury enters
Virgo
Let’s get down to business! Mercury now enters one of the signs he rules,
Virgo. The playful Leonine energy we have been working with for much of July
takes on a more serious and analytical bent in fastidious Virgo. Even the
most lackadaisical of us will find ourselves methodically crossing our t's
and dotting our i's under this precise and meticulous vibration. Time to
take all those good ideas dreamed up during Mercury’s transit of Leo
and put them to work for you, as this transit favors mental work and careful
planning.
[Return
to top]
July 31, 2003
Feast of St.
Ignatius Loyola: Born in the Basque region of Spain in 1491, Loyola founded
the Society of Jesus, the order of Catholic priests known as Jesuits. The
Jesuits now form the largest religious order in the world and maintain their
focus on education, which St. Ignatius believed was one of the best ways
to help people. Many respected universities, colleges and high schools are
run by Jesuits.
[Return
to top]
Astrology
by Terri Smallwood, holidays compiled by Maria Barron
|
Website copyright © 2002-2008 by Gregory Ellison and Mary Barron, all rights reserved
Articles: