By: Samten Williams, B.S.N., R.N.

Summer is when many people take holiday. Yet summer is also a prime time to get work done. The work is self-knowledge. The intensity of the sun, so close to us in summer, ignites our passion. We come alive. Summer is a refresher course in learning to live. 

With the sun in Cancer (until July 22) the work is in learning how to nurture our creativity. Once we discover creative expression we are ready for the next phase of summer, with the sun in Leo. Here is where we take the risk and expose our talents to others. 

Summer is a perfect time to institute cross-training at work. This opportunity conveniently coincides with the need for employees to cover for one another during vacations. 

When the cross-training opportunity matches employee interests, cross-training is a known stimulate for employee satisfaction. Interest does not always match need, however. To limit the employee griping which depletes productivity, frame the cross-coverage as an opportunity for exploration and potential growth. 

For one-person businesses summer is a time to try that task we have shied away from, whether it's a new way of bookkeeping, or creating an addition to the web-site. We may decided to contract the work out, however, summer is the time to try our hand at those business tasks we have been putting off. We gain courage in the summer, and we may learn we like doing what we have been avoiding.

From July 22 until August 22 the sun is in Leo. This is the sun's own sign. Everyone wants to shine their light brightly. 

Rather than engage in ego battles or constrict heart space, allow room for everyone, like the sun does. There is no disparity with the sunshine. Summer is a time to recognize this, to beam our own light, and to give space to others so that they can shine their own light, as well.

The summer sun warms us up, releasing enthusiastic joy for life. Summer is the time to take risks and let ourselves, and others, hear the songs in our heart.

Lunar Cycle

The new moon occurs on July 4. The energy around this time suggests a "set in one's way" attitude. Allow for flexibility and avoid plunging into feelings of disappointment. Three days before the new moon are naturally low energy times. People may lead into the holiday feeling depleted if they have fought the natural urges to rest. Defuse inner fire works -- don't even fight with yourself. 

The full moon energy on July 19 widens our experience of nurturing and authority. You may find yourself dealing with issues of how to be a kind, effective boss. The polarity of this full moon is nurturance and authority -- the archtypical mother/father, masculine/feminine energetic balance. 

Notice the push/pull between work pressures and personal needs. Human beings do not operate mechanistically. Now is a time to explore greater productivity and greater work satisfaction by figuring out how we, our employees, and our family/friends need to be nourished in the process. 

Notice what you are aware of around July 18 through July 21. You may find clues during the light of this full moon to help balance the paradox of giving and taking. 

The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not to be construed as advice.

copyright 1997-1998, all rights

Samten Williams, B.S.N., R.N. is a workshop presenter, poetic journalist, and intuitive astrologer. Her focus is on the application of astrology for intuitive living. Through her company FRESH PERSPECTIVES her workshops include: "Your Energy and the Moon" "Scheduling and Planning with Natural Cycles", and "Developing Intuition Elementally"

Alchemical Astrology for Intuitive Living
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Samten Williams, B.S.N., R.N., 
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