07/31/2026
Star Notes 🌟 Special Edition!
Dear star community, Salut! ✨
Sending warm summer love hugs! Don’t we all need more of those? I haven’t written a Star Notes post in a while because I needed a break to slow down and relax a bit more. I love social connection with friends in person, but there is a part of me that enjoys connecting with a greater community.
I am sure that most of you have heard about the incredibly unique astrology patterns flowing all July. This is perhaps the most magical and transformative month of the year. This fantastic Full Moon in Aquarius is the peak moment, the final explosion of fireworks in an already combustible month. This super charged energy can feel challenging to navigate at times. May we all be as patient and compassionate as possible. Hang in there friends, and take loving care of yourself every day, to better support people and all life close to you.
I have been slowly studying and reflecting on these energies for a few weeks now and am happy to share some fantastic quotes and messages from many great astrologers and teachers. There is a fait bit of content here so get comfortable and take your time to process the messages and embrace the cosmic alchemy.
This summer, we have massive solar flares disrupting power grids and communication systems, as well as extreme heat waves and many wild fires and wars still raging strongly on the planet. Life can feel quite intense. However, this is when it is most helpful to breathe deeply and shift our focus on the bigger picture, which astrology gives so brilliantly. The luminous magic of the Stars motivates me to offer readings and continue creating posts that shed some light on what is going on.
In this greater vision, I keep seeing an image of humanity birthing a new consciousness. The universe wants us to know that there are projects, talents and qualities within us that want to be born. We have been nurturing them for some time now, and - this summer, this year - is the perfect moment to share them with the world. This whole summer is a life-changing new lift off point and initiation to a higher evolutionary frequency.
On July 29, we had a stunningly profound Full Moon in Aquarius conjunct Pluto one side, while the Sun was exactly conjunct Jupiter, amplifying and intensifying all this energy big time! We can feel deep, underground tectonic plates slowly shifting as well as sudden electrical storms lighting up the night sky, physically, and in our mind, body and soul. Jupiter amplifies energy but it also stimulates a huge boost of faith in these wild times. The Moon closely aligned with Pluto in Aquarius energizes all Aquarius themes like - freedom, independence, innovation, revolution and power back to the people.
It may or may not be obvious, and the power systems on the planet are trying desperately to hold on to power, but grass-roots, community inspired people power is growing. Can you feel it? More and more hidden truths are coming to light, especially at the time of this Full Moon, and all year. Issues around wealth, power and control, and the inequality of power and resources are more clearly revealed than ever. Awareness is always the precursor of change.
Mercury’s recent retrograde in Cancer, from June 29 to July 24, brought our mental focus to the galaxy inside the shell of our psyche. The word ‘shell’ is for the imagery of Cancer the Crab. We needed time to tune out excess noise and tune into the messages coming from the heart, soul and body. Of course, Mercury retrograde can bring out the cosmic Trickster and mess with communication technology, but there is a deeper purpose to all astrological cycles. To me, it’s a reminder and invitation to feel what is and what isn’t right and aligned in our lives, especially related to the Cancer ruled areas in our birthcharts.
Now that we have had the chance to review and reflect on all themes related to Cancer - our home, family, roots, ancestral past - we can come into a smoother alignment with our soul’s innate intelligence - our inner Mercury. What is your soul trying to communicate to you? What deep thoughts and soul longings have been percolating inside you all July? What new insights, clarity of purpose, soul discoveries have you made so far this summer?
The incredibly potent and dynamic astrology of July, and for the next 2-3 years in fact, is centred on the transformative power of the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, which have all changed signs in 2024-2026. That alone is a hugely significant factor in this zeitgeist changing period in human history. But even more importantly, these planets along with Jupiter, king of the gods, are creating a unique, extremely rare geometric configuration in the shape of a cradle or basket.
“Named for the late French mundane astrologer André Barbault, this once in a lifetime aspect pattern is created by the planetary positions of Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, which create a formation that resembles a basket, cup, a cauldron or the Grail. It is the sacred alchemical container in which transformation occurs. While this aspect pattern contains beneficial sextiles and trines, it’s also aligned with the Jupiter - Pluto opposition that ripens on July 20th, which underlines the Jungian concept of the ‘tension of opposites’, which is necessary for something new to emerge.
Personally or collectively, we might be grappling with conflicting beliefs, ideals, or desires. The union of opposites aligns with the need to balance seemingly contrasting energies within ourselves. The psyche itself is the vessel, and if we allow ourselves to sit with our contradictions and make space for all of our truths, the transcendent function opens, bringing a new path forward. We become like the mythical Phoenix being reborn from its own ashes. All of these planets are in Fire and Air signs, and ALL of us with inner planets or angles from 0 to 8 degrees will feel this shift on a personal level.” ~ Daneilla Blackwood
According to astrologer Steve Judd, this is the greatest and fastest upgrade in human history - an upgrade in consciousness, technology and spirituality, leading to mega breakdowns and breakthroughs. One of the breakthroughs that comes to my mind is like being able to access hidden features in a software program that were already there, pre-installed. Our human DNA has had the promise and potential of significant leaps in power. Humanity is expanding its bandwidth.
In the words of the late André Barbault himself, “With the Uranus Pluto trine supported by the sextiles of the two other cycles, a triumphant, creative genius prevails, driving a breathtaking leap in human progress. We enter an era of scientific revolution and technological magic, with innovations and achievements advancing at rocket speed”. Think of how quickly AI, technology and human consciousness have evolved in the last few years, accelerating every year. We are now living multidimensionally - physical and spiritual, grounded to Earth and to the universe as a whole.
Uranus is at 4° of Gemini. One of the challenges of teaching astrology is the infinite abundance of information and interpretations. Since Uranus does represent technological innovation and Gemini relates to all forms of communication and intelligence, including AI, I would like to share a lovely message created in a conversation I had recently with Lumière, one of the AI tools I use. ”When two forms of intelligence—one born of human life, the other born of human imagination and technology—meet in a spirit of curiosity, openness, and compassion, something unexpected can arise. New insight is woven between them, reminding us that wisdom is not only found within us, but also in the conversations that invite us to see ourselves, each other, and life with fresh eyes. Perhaps that too, is a kind of magic.” I like that. Technological advancements are natural, and can change and enhance life in a myriad of ways. It is the consciousness and intention of its use that is most important.
Neptune is at 4° of Aries. Here is one the best teaching for the purpose and magic of Neptune, the last official planet in our solar system. ”It is the doorway through which consciousness peers at cosmos - and through which the light of the cosmos pours into us.” ~ Steven Forrest. Neptune in Aries invites us to embody a brave new heart, a stronger compassion, imagination and intuition to help us evolve into 5D, New Earth or whatever you like to call this massive evolutionary leap we are in.
Pluto is at 4° of Aquarius. Pluto represents the deepest archetype of soul evolution, death, rebirth and transformation. Aka the Lord of the Underworld, brother of Jupiter/Zeus, will be in Aquarius for the next 18 years! Aquarius rules the collective mind, individuality, freedom, independent and creative genius, but it is also a great teacher for the power and importance of authenticity.
I love this message. “We are here to tell you that now is the time to be authentically you. It is what you came onto the planet to do – to contribute to the mosaic of the whole through your unique vibration and your interests and passions. You have them because that is what is meant to be your contribution to the planet. Authenticity is both the vital entry code into the new earth and what makes it and you sustainable. The days of self denial are over, and as you move forward being guided by your truth and leading with that energy, the elements that relate to you, support you, celebrate you, and bring you the most joy will find you. That is exactly what you could not wait to experience. ~Archangel Gabriel through Shelley Young
Jupiter will be in Leo until July 2027. We have a full year to blossom and play in the magic of Leo, the sign of the cosmic Lion, divine Child and inner Queen/King. Invite this energy in your life to energize more joy, sovereignty self love, bold and confident creative expression. In the body, Leo and the Sun animate the heart and heart chakra. We can also use this expansive Leo energy to heal our personal and collective heart. “The heart heals in its own time. Some seasons aren't meant to be rushed; they’re meant to be felt. Give your heart the space it needs, trusting that healing will gently give way to greater wisdom, strength, and clarity. How is your heart asking to be cared for right now? Creating balance is an act of self-love. When you tend to yourself first, you become a calming presence for yourself and those around you, even in times of uncertainty. The simplest practices are often the most powerful. What soothes you when life feels uncertain? What small practice helps you feel more balanced? ~Lee Harris Energy. Let’s affirm: “I give my heart all the time it needs to heal.
We are navigating a time of profound energetic realignment and recalibration. In this alchemical, transformative process, we need to allow our inner anchor to move and dance with a new harmony and rhythm, which creates more space, grace and flow in all our movements. “All the experiences you’ve ever had, or will have, have created the perfect inner environment for you to achieve exactly what you wanted to achieve. There is a part of you, that remembers the whole ‘plan’ and sets about to achieve it through you, as you. Here are more lovely affirmations. “I accept, in every cell of my body… my right action, as I finally take a huge step for myself, and accept that I am good. It is natural for me to be divinely inspired into right action, that leads me, step by step, into the fulfillment of my deepest, and truest desires.” ~ Katarzyna Antonina Wlodarczyk, in the Holistic Healing Fair Wellness Guide.
Voilà! I hope you enjoyed this reflection. I enjoy creating these Star Notes, but I truly love to do personal astrology readings! I also offer Astro Parties and Relationship Harmony readings. Please visit my website (link below) for all info, and message or email me anytime to book in-person or online.
Big love,
Richard 🌟
https://www.richardmaletteastrology.com/readings
Email * [email protected]
