From Retreat to the Spotlight
- Barbara Kissling
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Mercury goes direct, the sun has moved into the sign of Leo – and Saturn will soon go retrograde, testing what really matters.
If you feel like you're in the spin cycle of a washing machine right now, I'd say... Congratulations! Your system is sensing the current energy and is working hard to process and integrate the strong, fluctuating energies in the field. 🌀🫧
Especially sensitive people may perceive planetary shifts as inner restlessness, fatigue, pressure, or a strange mixture of excitement and overwhelm.
So what is happening right now?
Mercury is turning – the emotional review is coming to an end 🌙🦀💭
On the night of July 23rd to 24th, Mercury will turn direct at approximately 16 degrees Cancer. Around such a change in direction, a planet is practically stationary. Astrologically, its influence is therefore often perceived as particularly intense a few days before and after the change in direction (for Mercury, this is two to three days before and after the change, with the highest intensity on the day of the change).
Mercury has been retrograde in the sensitive and family-oriented sign of Cancer since June 29th. This phase could bring memories, old conversations, and emotional stories back to the surface.
Perhaps it was about:
Family and belonging
Care and responsibility,
old memories or melancholy,
The question of where and with whom you truly feel safe and secure.
Which houses in your birth chart are associated with the sign of Cancer? The effects of looking back on past events were likely most noticeable there.
As Mercury turns direct, this phase is slowly coming to an end.
Until August 7th, Mercury will still be moving through its post-shadow. During this time, conversations, insights, and stories from the past weeks can be further sorted out and brought to a close.
Sun in Leo: Spotlight and joie de vivre are calling ☀️🦁🔥
At the same time, the Sun entered the sign of Leo on July 22nd.
It's a small celebration every year: the sun is at home in Leo. Here, it shines with particular naturalness. The Sun in Leo embodies creativity, joie de vivre, children, pleasures, playfulness, and vitality.
After the Cancer period, in which much was turned inward, our focus shifts more strongly outward again. Together with Mercury going direct, a phase begins in which we can slowly move forward and outward again.
The time of retreating into the shell is coming to an end.
This shift can still be surprising for our system. Just moments ago, retreat, remembrance, and emotional processing were paramount – now, suddenly, the stage lights are switched on.
And perhaps we stand there somewhat dazzled at first.
The square between the Sun and Chiron can touch on sensitive issues. It is exact on July 23rd. Questions surrounding self-worth, visibility, or the feeling of "not being enough" could become more pronounced in the short term.
This doesn't have to be a step backwards. Sometimes a sore spot simply shows us where we need more compassion for ourselves.
Saturn is testing the new structures
And while the joy of life and the limelight call louder, Saturn also makes its presence felt.
The planet of responsibility, boundaries, and long-term structures is also practically at a standstill at present, and stagnation is considered to have a profound effect on Earth's events and on us. On July 26th, it will turn retrograde at around 15 degrees Aries. By December 10th, it will have moved back to approximately 8 degrees Aries.
Saturn asks: Is the foundation sound? What about the framework that is supposed to support our lives and our plans?
Since Mercury is currently in a square aspect to Saturn, everyday Mercury-related tasks (communication, writing, organizing, admin duties) may be more difficult than planned for a few more days (until Sunday, July 26th at the latest).
Perhaps the desire to do everything perfectly also arises. Saturn squares can create pressure – especially if we believe we can only move forward when every detail is correct.
Not every internal pressure is a call to action.
Especially around planetary shifts, a strong urge can arise to finally get something done, buy something, book something, or make a decision. If possible, allow some more time between the impulse and the action. Sleeping on it can be invaluable these days.
A summer with consequences – and above all, opportunities!
A special Full Moon in Aquarius awaits us on July 29th. There will be a separate post about it.
This Full Moon forms a kind of prelude and preparation for the intense phase of the eclipse period:
August 12: total solar eclipse, partially visible from Switzerland
August 28: partial lunar eclipse
In the background, the rare harmonious configuration of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto continues to exert its influence. The three outer planets form a so-called small talent-trine. Jupiter has expanded this conjunction into a larger configuration, which remains effective and is referred to in many astrological circles as the "Barbault basket."
The French astrologer André Barbault intensively studied long-term social and planetary cycles. His statements about this period are often interpreted today as an indication of a collective transition or reorganization .
The movement can be summarized as follows in relation to the current zeitgeist:
The past few weeks have been a time of introspection and reflection, also of inner cleansing and clarification. Now a shift forward is beginning – slowly but surely. Saturn is testing whether the structures are sustainable for the new.
Also noteworthy is the strong solar activity and intense Schumann resonances these days. I've often observed that these occur in parallel with astrologically intense phases. There seem to be connections, which, to my knowledge, have been little or not at all investigated. In any case, a cleansing and up-leveling process is currently underway on this level as well, as we've experienced several times recently. And we can also experience this intense phase physically! – exciting, but certainly demanding for both body and mind.
What can help now
🌿 Grounding, Grounding, Grounding
Daily: Exercise in nature, walking barefoot across a damp meadow, taking a cold shower, gardening, etc.
🌬️ Conscious breathing
You can find excellent breathing instructions for the entire system at www.kiich.ch .
🌙 Protect your sleep
Regular sleep schedules and a smooth transition into the night help the nervous system. A completely darkened bedroom supports regeneration.
📵 Schedule offline time
It is advisable to have an hour without screens before going to sleep and after waking up.
✨ Leave more space
Don't fill every free moment and don't make every decision immediately.
Astro-Facts at a glance
Date or period | Astrological movement | In short, explained |
June 13 to August 7 | Entire Mercury shadow phase | Unresolved issues from the past are identified, reviewed, adjusted, and then integrated. |
June 29 to July 24 | Mercury retrograde in Cancer | Emotional reflection, family, memories and inner security |
Night of July 23rd to 24th | Mercury will turn direct at approximately 16° Cancer. | The retrospective review is coming to an end; clarity is gradually returning. |
Since July 22nd | Sun in Leo | More visibility, creativity, joy of life and expression |
July 26 to December 10 | Saturn retrograde from approximately 15° to 8° Aries | Structures, responsibilities, and long-term plans are reviewed. |
July 29 | Full moon at approximately 6° Aquarius | The focus is on the self within the community, freedom, and visions for the future. |
August 12th and 28th | Solar and lunar eclipse | A new eclipse phase brings movement and possible turning points. |
If you are seeking clarity regarding your personal situation
Eclipse times can bring to the forefront issues that have been simmering beneath the surface for some time. ✨🧭
If the past few weeks have been bumpy for you and you're wondering what's going on, now might be a good time for a personal reading.
Together, we'll delve into the depths of your current questions and sort through the various threads. Astrology reveals the qualities of time, recurring patterns, and available courses of action with astonishing precision.
For more short and sweet astro insights, feel free to follow me on Instagram. I'm particularly active there at the moment.
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