For the week of July 26th thru August 2nd, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries

Despite whatever generalized chaos has been shifting around you lately, Aries comes into this week with a spark of enthusiasm that carries them over the shifting tides as we approach the New Moon on the 31st. This sense of enthusiasm will serve you well, especially if there are any sudden shifts in plans this week. One thing to know, is that despite the fact that Mercury is retrograde until the 31st, plans that you have been working on lately are likely to succeed, even if you are going to have to make a few adjustments along the way. This New Moon should serve Aries well. In fiery Leo we are all being urged to rediscover our inner joy, and embrace those things that invest us with happiness. Allowing yourself to look at the world with the eyes of a child, like everything is new and filled with potential, can bring wholeness and healing, and a greater sense of what it means to be alive. 

Taurus

Your ruling planet, Venus, enters Sun-ruled Leo this weekend, and then will also be traveling for the next several weeks in the aura of our central Sun. And although invisible to the eye at these times, this is also when we take to heart all the wonderful things ruled by this lovely planet, including those born under the sign of Taurus. In this way, Taurus also receives a special mention for the upcoming New Moon. For some Taureans this could feel as if you are venturing into unknown territory: perhaps you are entering a new phase of your life; perhaps you are needing to adjust to recent or upcoming changes. But most of all, from now and through the next several weeks, while Venus is in creative Leo, you are being asked to reacquaint yourself with those things, people and circumstances that allow you to feel happy. It is this that will replenish your inner resources, and give you the strength to face challenges later on.

Gemini

Mercury is slowing down this week for its station on the 31st (1st) after which it will then appear to be moving direct again. This is good news for Gemini as clarity gradually begins to emerge once again. You will already begin to experience a shift in awareness this week. The same day that Mercury stations, there is also a New Moon, which just feels like new beginnings all around. It could even feel as if you narrowly escaped some sort of reckoning. Nonetheless, things will indeed finally begin to feel like they are coming together, once August arrives. Things to consider as we approach that New Moon on the 31st: finding ways to manage your time; following through on an emerging new interest; enrolling in a new class; networking within your neighborhood or community; reconnecting with siblings or classmates; and being open to new and creative ideas.  

Cancer

Normally the week before the New Moon is a time for us all to release, let go and reflect. All the more so for our Cancer Moon children. And there still is an incredible opportunity to heal old wounds and mend any rifts or bridges that had opened up. One way to do this is by accepting and embracing the human experience for what it is, realizing that it is imperfect at best. But as the week winds on, even before the New Moon on the 31st, and even before Mercury stations direct on the same day, there is this sense of anticipation that emerges. It may be that you are jolted out of your complacence a little earlier, as you become aware of changes that are needing to be made, or adjustments to new and emerging circumstances. Some things to consider for the upcoming New Moon on the 31st: reenforcing your self-esteem and self-worth; learning better ways to manage your resources; and creating new priorities.

Leo

We are soon approaching the New Moon in Leo on the 31st (1st), which is always a time of renewal for Leo. This year’s New Moon will be especially important for those Leos born between July 28th and August 2nd, or have 5-11º of Leo Rising, however all Leos can benefit from this New Moon. As we move through the weekend and the early part of next week, a lot of healing, releasing and mending can take place. Part of that is by accepting and embracing the present moment for what it is. New bridges can be built, and old ones mended. But there is also an air of anticipation for what may come. Change and newness is in the air with the advent of the New Moon next week. And even before the New Moon is this sense of excitement and perhaps a bit of instability as well. For some this could feel a little like you are being thrust from the nest, even as you are opening the door to a world of creative possibility. Flexibility is key here, for there’s no telling with Uranus, who or what you are going to meet just around the corner.

Virgo

Thankfully, your ruling planet, Mercury, is slowing for its Direct station on the 31st (1st). The period just preceding the station will bring an adjustment in your awareness as we make the shift to what we usually associate with being normal again. This will then allow you to finally tie up any loose ends that had been lying about threatening to trip you up. There will still be some sorting out to do over the next few weeks. But in a way, this can also feel like a time in which you are able to bring closure to something which then allows you to make a new and better beginning in September. In some ways this could feel like you managed to escape some sort of impending crisis, as things are beginning to shift in the right direction once again. Some things to consider for the upcoming New Moon next week on the 31st: working behind the scenes to tie up loose ends; clearing out those things that you no longer need and are just taking up space; finding joy in spiritual activities; and taking time to connect with your creative or spiritual center. 

Libra

This weekend, your ruling planet, Venus, enters Sun-ruled Leo. After that she will then travel for the next several weeks in the shadow of our central Sun. Even though Venus is rendered invisible when it is so close to the Sun, it is nonetheless being granted admittance into the throne room of the Sun, giving all things Venus a place that is center stage, and quite visible. All things Venus, includes Libra. It might even feel as if you are finally being applauded and given the recognition you deserve, even as you find yourself scurrying about trying to keep up with sudden and unanticipated changes as we move through the coming week. Nonetheless, the New Moon on the 31st, is Libra’s wishing Moon, and you should dare to send your dreams out into space with the advent of the Moon. Anais Nin once wrote, that when you do send your dreams into space like a kite, you do not know what they may bring back: a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country. Also consider with the upcoming New Moon: what sorts of changes might you want to make, in order to bring yourself more in alignment with your hopes and dreams?

Scorpio

There is a certain righteous energy that follows Scorpio as we enter into the weekend. A righteousness that also lends a certain amount of enthusiasm for what may come. Even if things don’t seem to be forthcoming right away, there is still a sense of anticipation and courage to meet the new day. This is a week of gradual emersion, as Mercury slows for its direct station on the 31st (1st), the same day as the New Moon in Leo. This New Moon shines a light on Uranus which has been hounding many a Scorpio to live their lives more authentically. Make the intention to be open to the changes that are being brought to you now, for they are trying to open up your life to possibility. Even if it means doing things quite differently than you have in the past. Some things for Scorpio to consider with the upcoming New Moon on the 31st: getting more in touch with your destiny; finding your niche within your community; or making plans for the future. 

Sagittarius

The upcoming Moon on the 31st (1st) is a lucky moon for Sagittarius. Even with the potential changes, twists and turns that the current weather threatens to bring, it almost feels as if these changes will ultimately be for the better. It could be a little crazy as you make adjustments to the new normal, but there is also a wonderful feeling of anticipation and hope for what the future can bring. Both Mercury and your ruling planet, Jupiter, are slowing for their direct stations. Mercury will station direct on the day of the New Moon on the 1st. It will take longer for Jupiter to station later on the 11th of August. But even so, there is this feeling that things are gradually coming into place. Piece by piece. And before you know it, you are going to be able to pursue your big dream for the future. Right now the shift is just beginning. And with that comes a gradual awareness of what the possibilities are or could be. 

Capricorn

What was beginning to feel like a climactic ending seems to be taking a reprieve as Mercury slows for its direct station on the 31st. And with that will come a gradual shift in awareness that could also finally bring some clarity back into your life. There is nothing more annoying for Capricorn, than not being able to create a plan. Do be prepared for a few more shifts this week. Even so, these look more like adjustments to what will soon be a new normal. There is also something poignant about the changes that are occurring that also allow you to forgive and forget, and ease over any lingering wounds and regrets. Some things to consider for the upcoming New Moon in Leo on the 31st (1st) next week: being prepared for the future (insurance? savings? credit worked out?); conquering any lingering fears or habits that are undermining your effectiveness; and looking for ways to rehabilitate or plant seeds for renewal. 

Aquarius

The upcoming New Moon on the 31st (1st) is an important Moon for Aquarius, especially those Aquarians born between January 27th and February 1st, however all Aquarians are bound to feel this one. This is a time of year when you objectively get to see the results of many of your efforts over the past 6 months. It can be a time of culmination between now and the Full Moon on August 15th. It can also be a very important time to establish, or reestablish relationships and partnerships with others. But probably what will stand out the most this week is this sense of anticipation of some sort of change, or adjusting to a change that was already established. It could feel a bit like you are being thrust out of the safety of your nest and accustomed routines. However, sometimes this is necessary in order to open us up to a world of new possibilities. In some way we are all being asked to look at the world with the eyes of a child, with wonder. Just as it is with all new things, it takes some getting use to. But it also brings the excitement, that only the discovery of new vistas can bring. 

Pisces

Pisces comes into this week super charged and ready to take on all challengers. There is a sense of righteousness and courage that spurs you on to new heights. It may be more of a feeling of excitement for what may yet still come, knowing that not all the circumstances are yet in place to fulfill your dreams for the future. Nonetheless, that sense of rightness, and courage is a great motivator. We will also begin to experience a gradual shift to a feeling of normalcy, now that Mercury is slowing for its direct station on the 31st (1st), the same day (and hour) as the New Moon in Leo next week. Some things for Pisces to consider for the upcoming New Moon: how you can better manage and make use of your time; paying attention to your health and well being and committing to a healthier lifestyle; finding ways to change up your routine in order to add more life, creative energy and a new perspective.