July 1 Full Moon: Pride and Patriotism

As Independence Day approaches, many are cheering the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn same-sex marriage bans, while others are tearing Confederate flags down from government buildings in the wake of the horrific shooting of nine black churchgoers by a young white supremacist in Charleston.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State is on a rampage during Ramadan, bombing a mosque in Kuwait during afternoon prayers, while Southern states in this country tensely await news on Supreme Court legislation regarding abortion services and clinic closings – set to arrive just as the Moon waxes full.

There’s no doubt that this is a potentially divisive and incendiary Full Moon (Wed. July 1, 7:20 p.m. PDT). The Moon in strict Capricorn joins volcanic Pluto as they oppose the Sun and militant Mars in patriotic, emotional Cancer. Cancer and Capricorn represent mother and father in the horoscope; they hold sway over family and traditions, so this Full Moon is bound to inflame deep-seated emotional issues.

Yet this lunation has a saving grace – it happens during a Venus-Jupiter conjunction in heart-centered Leo, proving that love can conquer all. Take the recent tragedy in Charleston. The city could easily have erupted in riots, but it didn’t. Instead, between 10,000 and 15,000 people gathered on a bridge at sundown in a peaceful rally dubbed a “unity chain” (see photo above).

“I want my kids to understand that hate is not the way to live,” said participant Khalil Santos. “I want them to see the unity, no matter race or color. We are still united.”

Amen to that – and happy Independence Day to these United States!