Putting it to the test: Susan Miller's Astrology Forecast (July 2014)

Is astrology real? Does the alignment of planets and the rotation of these celestial bodies have any real bearing on human lives? When Mercury is retrograde are communications more scattered? When Venus is retrograde is there really an emphasis on revisiting / reflecting on past relationships?  

I have been interested in astrology since I was teenager. I've enjoyed reading my horoscope and I have described myself to people as a "true Gemini" and have meant it in the most honest way.   

Every month I look forward to reading Susan Miller's astrology forecast. I've been an avid follower of hers for the last 4 or 5 years. As I was beginning to read Gemini's forecast for July 2014 I couldn't help but agree with a lot of things that she was referencing for the first part of 2014. So, I thought I'd explore this in greater detail and see if maybe my reading these at the beginning of each month is helpful or  . . . if Susan Miller is full of shit.   

Susan Miller writes: In so many ways, July marks the official start of 2014 . . ."  

I say: I definitely feel this is a true statement. Since the end of June I've felt more like myself, been rejuvenated and have had a fresh perspective on where I'd like the next part of 2014 to go. The beginning of the year felt so muddled. I think Susan Miller explains why this was so. 

Susan Miller writes: When the year started, Venus, planet ruling love, fun, beauty and some degree, money, was retrograde from December 21, 2013 to January 31, 2014. Then, almost immediately after Venus regulated her orbit, Mercury, planet of communication, negotiation, commerce, and contracts, went retrograde, from February 6 to February 28, 2014. There was to be no relief for you (or the rest of us), because on the heels of Mercury turning direct, Mars, planet of action and energy, the booster rocket to all major initiatives, went retrograde March 1 to May 19."

I say: I think this gives a great summation of the first part of the year, for me specifically.  

• December 2013 and January 2014 the relationship I was in started to experience complications.
• Which led to a lot of communication issues in February - which resulted in the ultimate breakup. 
• And pretty much March through the middle of May I felt worn out, exhausted and defeated.

Susan Miller writes: So if you felt like you were walking through glue in the first six months of 2014, you know why. You still could have made progress on many fronts, but it took all the strength you had to do so, and you may have been able to score a few victories in spite of the lack of help from those planets. It's been a trying six months.
I say: YES!  Indeed, it has been a very trying six months, so I'm glad to hear that July will be a fresh start. 

Susan Miller writes: While you have Venus in Gemini until July 18, spend a little time improving and refreshing your looks . . . you can about changing the way you wear your hair or improve it's color.

I say: July 12th I had a hair appointment where I increased the brightness of the color and had several inches cut off.  I really did start to feel refreshed and more like "me" again.  

Susan Miller writes: This year you will be in a role that allows you to use your talents to your fullest extent and push the boundaries of all that you've done in the past to new heights.
I say: This year - more so than any other year, - I've felt as though I'm finally in a place where I can shine. I look forward to seeing what's next on this front.

Susan Miller writes: July 24th is the luckiest day of the year!
I say: This day did not stand out for me and I don't recall it being very special or lucky.

Overall, I can see some general similarities, however I wouldn't say it's spot on. So ... final summation - astrology is somewhat real, right?  

What I can say with complete confidence is that I will continue to read Susan Miller's astrological forecasts on a monthly basis.  As a matter of fact, I need to investigate August's right now.