The full moon of July 10 brings a special blessing of wisdom, nourishment and protection. Guru Purnima, the “full moon of the guru,” honors all teachers, gurus and guides, as well as the inner guru within your heart. On this full moon, which peaks at 1:36 PM PT, take a moment to remember whatever has guided, nourished or protected you in times of uncertainty.

The full moon falls in the Vedic nakshatra of Purva Ashadha, the “Invincible Star,” which is symbolized by an elephant tusk.  This area of the sky is connected to the elephant-headed god, Ganesha, who is revered as the Remover of Obstacles.

Know your Vedic Birth Star?  Calculate yours and get a free guide.

This full moon brings a positive momentum into the future and is a good day to make plans and launch projects.  A direct aspect (dristi) of Jupiter brings an extra blessing to this expansive full moon, however, action must be paired with discernment, as the days following the full moon introduce a complex web of planetary shifts.

Just two days after the full moon, Slow-moving Saturn turns retrograde in Pisces, intensifying inner pressure and karmic revision. Saturn retrograde brings themes of accountability and limitation, particularly around beliefs and integrity. Saturn is also in conjunction with mystical Neptune, this powerful transit blurs the lines between truth and illusion.

The element of water, both literal and metaphorical is unstable and dangerous now—raising risks for floods, storms and tsunamis. The recent catastrophic flash flooding in Texas occurred as the moon opposed Saturn and Neptune in Pisces.  Saturn will be retrograde until November 27.

Learn more about Saturn in Pisces, check out the pre-recorded Saturn in Pisces Horoscope Class.

On July 17, Mercury turns retrograde in sidereal Cancer, increasing travel delays, detours, and communication disruptions, particularly by water. Cancer is a sign of connection, safety and emotional security, and this Mercury Retrograde could stir up emotions that are difficult to verbalize.  Mercury will turn direct on August 11.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this month is the exact conjunction of Mars and Ketu in Leo on July 20. This alignment evokes themes of war, conflict, and shock, and agitates the nervous system. Prayers for peace are important this month, and try to simplify and slow things down in general.

Despite the challenging planetary influences, Guru Purnima Full Moon is a window of expansion and hope. The word guru means teacher, but it can also be translated as “dispeller of darkness.”

Those who have been a beacon of light for others in times of darkness deserve to be recognized on Guru Purnima. Who or what has been a guide in your life?

Guru Brahma,
Guru Vishnu,
Guru devo Maheshwara,
Guru sakshat, param Brahma,
tasmai shri guravay namah.

Guru is the creator, sustainer and the destroyer.
It is the transcendental divinity,
the timeless life-principle, the very essence of the creator.
I make my offering to the Guru, the auspicious remover of my darkness and my ignorance;
My salutations of gratitude for that glorious teacher.

— A prayer from the Guru Gita
in the Skanda Purana (6th-15th century AD)

 

How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart.  Book a Vedic Astrology reading to learn more.