Astrology by Lisa Stardust

Mars and Uranus unite in Taurus on July 15. These two planets aren’t in top form, since their placement in Taurus is debilitated. When this happens, we can see manipulative and passive tactics taking hold. Repressed emotions and anger can lead to violence, so it’s important to express your sentiments in order to ensure that the energy is released. This can also bring unforeseen and unexpected changes that are out of our control. Shake-ups, breakups, and breakthroughs will be prominent during this period. 

The planets want us to transform and grow. The incentive is to expel situations that are holding us back. The caveat is that we may not be ready. Therefore, it’s advisable to take baby steps towards augmenting your life. Keep a mental note of how you want to move forward and make sure that you’re making progress toward your goals.

 

Mercury enters its pre-retrograde shadow on July 16 at 9:06 PM PT and July 17 at 12:06 AM ET. The retrograde begins on August 4 at 9:56 PM PT and August 5 at 12:56 AM ET, lasting until August 28 at 2:14 PM PT and 5:14 PM ET. This Mercurial backspin will be in the signs of Virgo and Leo. Pay attention to what manifests during the pre-retrograde, as it’ll be relevant to our retrograde story. 

Later in the week, the Cancer Sun connects with Uranus, urging us to embrace our individuality on July 18. Venus in Leo harmonizes with the Nodes of Destiny on July 19, helping us make fated decisions about romance. This is a day in which you’ll have to search within to discover how you wish to proceed with others. Mars and Neptune retrograde in Pisces come together in the cosmos, highlighting our fears and insecurities. The good news is that Mars enters Gemini later in the day, clearing up this energy. When Mars is in Gemini, words can hurt, so use yours wisely and nicely. 

The second Full Moon in Capricorn occurs on July 21. The first Full Moon in Capricorn was June 21. The current lunation falls at the lady degrees of Capricorn, ushering us to immediately evolve — but only if we are ready. On July 21, the Sun links up with Neptune retrograde, adding a dreamy vibe, Mercury in Leo squares Uranus, exposing the truth in matters, Venus and Jupiter in Gemini heighten our passions, and Mars aspects Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, leading us to be our personal best once we let go of old power struggles. 

Witch tip:

The Mars and Uranus conjunction is an intense reminder that we have to keep working on ourselves — which is why we should honor this energy. Take a blue candle (the color of Uranus) and set an intention on how you wish to grow and transform. Meditate on your desires and see what you want to attain. When you come to your conclusion, light the candle as you think of your goals. This ritual will set the path for how you move forward, so be clear and concise. 

Aries 

Your cash flow is in flux, making you want to commit to a new career path in order to attain financial stability. Before you act impulsively, try to see if there is a more effective way to have a better relationship with money that doesn’t require you to switch professions.

Taurus 

To embrace the shake-ups and excitement happening around you, it’s important to let go of the need to control matters. Learning to go with the flow might be challenging at first, but it’ll teach you that most matters are unforeseen and to enjoy them as they unfold.

Gemini 

You want to hide away from the world in an effort to keep your life chill. However, unruly situations will find you, which means you have to maintain stronger boundaries to ensure you can live your best life peacefully. Or, at least until you intentionally re-emerge from your self-imposed hibernation.

Cancer 

Shifts are happening in your peer group that are allowing you to cultivate new connections. These friends may become immediately close with you, so you don’t have to worry about exposing your heart to them too soon. The connection will last a very long time. Go for it, Cancer! 

Leo

Avoiding the aftershocks of a conflict can create issues, especially since you instigated the issues. Rather than minimizing the effects, do the right thing and offer an apology. It is never too late to start fresh with others and to act accordingly. Don’t let your ego stand in your way.

Virgo 

You’re under pressure from work, urging you to find an escape through creativity. You’ll find that your artistry needs motivation, so go out into the world and invoke your work with inspiration from the daily life that surrounds you. Make the immediate world around you a part of your art.

Libra 

You’re resisting changes that need to happen in order to achieve personal greatness. You don’t have to let go of the past to evolve, but you should use it as a tool and insight to grow to ensure you are able to transcend into becoming a better version of yourself.

Scorpio 

Being that you are a sensitive and powerful person, it’s hard to control your emotions. However, it’s vital that you don’t project your feelings onto others to keep the peace in relationships. Let your intuition guide you towards understanding matters and it will show you the best way to proceed.

Sagittarius 

You’re winning it when it comes to plans and daily ventures. Not having a set schedule isn’t ideal for the long term, but it’s currently allowing you to feel free and uninhibited. Order will come soon; however, your adventurous spirit will enjoy the chaos and spontaneity that this week brings.

Capricorn 

The prospect of romance is pushing you to take risks in matters of the heart that may be outside your comfort zone. You might find you’re more prone to scream out your sentiments to show you care or partake in public displays of affection. You’re in the mood for love.

Aquarius 

You're looking for a foundation to lean on. The issue is that everyone seems topsy-turvy and can't be of service when you need them most. Look within yourself to find resilience in turbulent times. You are stronger than you, so flex your authority to create the life you desire.

Pisces 

Rather than contributing to the gossip, you’re the one stopping it from spreading. It’s not that you’re invested in it one way or another, but you want social justice to prevail and for everyone to get along instead of including you in melodramas that have nothing to do with you.