The Dog Days of Summer are the hot, sultry days of July and early August. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius in the constellation Canis Major (the Big Dog). Sirius is the Alpha star (brightest in the group) in Canis Major and the brightest star in the night sky, with apparent visual magnitude −1.46. It is a binary star, and has a paired star positioned so close that it wasn't until 2005 that scientists realized it was a double. The bright component of the binary is a blue-white star 25.4 times as luminous as the Sun.
You will recognize Sirius whenever you see it in the sky by the sparkles and twinkles in constantly changing colors. When looking for it, follow the three stars of Orion's belt down and to the left. As it rises above the horizon on July 3rd, prior to that it is beneath the horizon line for a while and cannot be seen. When Sirius rises, there is greater heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. This year, the Dog Days of Summer will span Saturday, Jul 3, 2021 – Wednesday, Aug 11, 2021. Remember that folks get testy when they are too hot!
One of the most important events in the daily life of ancient Egypt, before the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, was the annual flooding of the Nile. During this period, the nourishing river would overflow its banks, sweep into arable lands and deposit fertile silt ideal for farming. To predict when the flood would occur, Egyptian priests relied on the rising of Sirius. The flood season happens just as Leo begins, ergo, there are fountains with lions spouting water!
As June's ocean-going Cancer season continues into July and the Leo season approaches July 23rd, it's time to plan some fun with friends and family. Celebrate Independence Day near water or with watermelon to honor the Cardinal sign of Water: Cancer. Settle in for a snuggly spa day during the dark new Moon in Cancer on Friday, July 9th. Cook a nice meal (or let a lover cook one for you), take a long bath, and catch up on sleep.
There is going to be an Annular Eclipse of the Sun visible in northern and northeastern North America, on July 10th, beginning at 4:12 AM EDT and ending at 9:11 AM EDT. The time of maximum eclipse varies by location. Since this is an annular eclipse, the Moon will never fully eclipse the body of the Sun. It will create an "annulus" or ring of light around the Sun. Use eye protection such as eclipse glasses or a solar filter. Don't look directly at the Sun, people. You know better, right?
Communications Master Mercury enters caring Cancer on Sunday, July 11. This transit adds depth to your conversations. If you're in a new relationship, you may find yourself sharing secrets with your partner. It's a good time to do it, thanks to a comet known as Chiron, or the "wounded healer." This comet goes retrograde in bold Aries on Thursday, July 15, and when it does, you are asked to deal with your hottest hot button and to process old pain. Truly, you will be glad you did…if you can get your way through this. You may want to talk with someone who can guide you through this.
On Monday, July 19, another comet called Vesta enters Libra, the sign of balance and partnership. Everyone needs human connection and this is the perfect time to reconnect with friends and family. If you are not vaccinated, however, you must stay home and do these visits virtually. You don't want to be the one who carries that damned virus to anyone, but especially yourself!
As the season of Cancer ends, Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money enters responsible Virgo on Wednesday, July 21. Her visit will help you put together budgets, practice winged eyeliner, and discuss safety with partners and friends. Do not jinx the reopening of the world by behaving recklessly. When Leo season begins on Thursday, July 22, the biggest drive is to go out and have fun. Those who have their vaccinations have earned a free pass! Friday, July 23 is the start of the weekend with a full Holly Moon in revolutionary and humanitarian Aquarius. Expect something wonderful to happen!
As we reach the end of July, another major shift arrives. On July 28, 2021, magnificent Jupiter will return to the realm of Aquarius. Earlier in the year, he was here—prior to May 13, 2021. Similar themes will echo now for the next six months as they had during that previous time, so look back and you'll know what to expect more of between now and Christmas. Jupiter takes twelve years to go around the Sun, and wherever he goes, he brings growth and luck. He often acts as a “guardian angel” and brings forth blessings and opportunities.
Now, in Aquarius, he will amplify your inventive, innovative, humanitarian, and intellectual natures. There will be a greater focus on equality, diversity, and experimentation—however, this energy will clash with the old "we've always done it this way" forces of Saturn, so expect a battle between the old and the new. Watch for a sudden boom in science and technology. There should be a more humanitarian approach apparent in global affairs.
In some ways, this period may feel like a dance of two steps forward and one step back. Communities and social movements will see a renewed vigor for both the conservative and liberal elements. Organization will be key for success in any group dynamic during this time. Globally, attention will be especially focused on the “future” and what lies ahead, which will bring astrology, science, and philosophy into the public eye. Progressive views will battle the traditional until ways are found to save the best of the traditional and blend them with the progressive. Last to note is that there will likely be expansion around global connectivity—through the Internet, new apps, and evolution of popular social media channels. Jupiter will turn direct in Aquarius on October 17, 2021 and remain strong there until December 28, 2021.
Our red planet, Mars, ventures into Virgo from July 29, 2021 until September 14. During this time, you are extremely productive. Assess your work-life balance and realign what isn't working. Tackle a large goal and see significant progress during this period. Your physical health should be a bit stronger especially if you rededicate yourself to a healthy diet and fitness regimen. Stay focused. Be precise. Be reliable. Use this energy to transform your life and before you know it, you’ll be stronger than you were before all this transformation happened in the world.