July 17 - July 24 : Crescent & First Quarter Moon

 

On the 17^th, the New Moon phase wraps and we move into Crescent,  then on the 21^stFirst Quarter.  Crescent is when we receive information for three days and First Quarter is when we act again.   Of course, this year, during both phases, the outer planets are dancing with each other forming trines and sextiles and so stuff is moving.  Yes that is my professional opinion during this big astro time that…. “stuff is moving”.   Probably of all stuff, ‘thought’ is moving and activating the fastest.     Watch the next week and see what comes up.   Especially after Mercury turns direct on the 23^rd.    

 

 

 

Crescent Moon Phase

July 17, 2026

10: 35 am (PDT)

 

 Crescent — Gathering Information

We begin to receive information. We research a bit more and perhaps get feedback on the seeds we planted at the New Moon. Sometimes we receive clues about something we planted. Even if you think nothing is happening, stop and look again. Who called you? What conversation happened? Even the smallest or most mundane events during this phase can contain a message. A parking ticket. An argument with a spouse. A refund check from the phone company. Pay attention. What information is arriving and how can it help?

Hero’s Journey: The hero begins exploring the unknown and gathering allies.
Creative/Science Process: Research — gathering information and materials.

 

Focus on:  What are you learning about details?  How do your emotions and feelings guide you when you need to take care of business?  How do your feelings serve others?   Do you emotions guide your daily practices including your body needs?   What is the emotions and feelings around exercise and diet? 

 

Planetary notes: 

 

July 19 — Mars sextile Saturn (14 AR) Actions and responsibility come together.   Hammer meet Nail.  Structures for strength and independence can be built.  Cooperation by tough guys. 

July 20 — Jupiter trine Neptune (4 AR) Big idea meets Big Visions. Intuition gets a big love.  Anything dissolves may bring something new. 
July 20 — Jupiter opposite Pluto (4 AQ) (see separate) 

 

First Quarter Moon 

July 21, 2026

4:05am 

 

 

 First Quarter — Taking Action

Now we act on the information we received. We pursue the idea again. What hurdles have appeared involving the seeds you planted at the New Moon? We make another call, reach out to someone, mail something, or stir the pot again. Sometimes this phase reveals that the goals we planted require more effort from us. Independence may need to be asserted. Others may resist our growth, even if they believe they have our best interests at heart.

Hero’s Journey: Crossing the threshold and committing to the journey.
Creative/Science Process: Commitment — the work begins.

 

Focus on:   How are the seeds you planted on new that tapped your emotions impacting your relationships?  How do you find balance in the middle of emotions lifting or dropping.   Balance is tricky when one is going up and zipping down the roller coaster.   How to relate to others in the middle of those zooming emotions can be difficult.  Look and see what partners have to say during this three day phase for insights.   

 

Planetary Notes:

 

July 21: Jupiter sextile Uranus (4 GE) (see separate)

July 22: Sun enters Leo 
July 23: Mercury stations direct (16 CA) Thank gawd.  

July 23: Sun square Chiron (00 TA) Money feels NOT-Enough.  Strength may not be practical.  Feelings put into a box. 

July 24: Venus sextile Mercury (16 CA) Joy and love are in sync with logic.  Conversations perhaps clearer.    
July 24: Neptune sextile Pluto (4 AR) (see separate)