For the week of July 24th thru the 31st, be sure to read your Rising Sign as well:

Aries 

Ever since Mars entered Aries I swear I’ve burned myself any number of times while cooking, bumped my head, nicked my ankle. Like a thousand nicks and cuts, Mars has been taunting us with little reminders to let us know that he is here. And now that we have entered Leo season, he’s working out and getting ready for the steamy weeks and months ahead. This coming week is treacherous enough. Like the messenger of discord, Mercury is spreading the news on contentious and impatient wings. In this light there is a cautious reminder here that things said out of anger, may be difficult to retract. We are all going to need to exercise a little extra patience. And even though people are not necessarily seeing the world in the same way, everyone is playing a significant and important part in this imperfect human experiment we call life. And some how, some way, we’re going to have to figure how to do it together. 

Taurus

If things get too conflicting, angry, terse and discouraging this week, the inclination for many a Taurus might be to just tune it all out or find a way to escape it all. There can be something to be said for too much information. There is so much to be distracted and dismayed by. So we would not blame you one bit if you are inclined to turn down the noise and look for more pleasant environments. If you’re going to be distracted any way, why not  immerse yourself in a distracting world of enchantment, art or beauty? Seek beautiful or bucolic surroundings, a fine glass of wine, a place to put your feet up, peace, surrender, music, tranquility. Just don’t allow the negativity or disappointment to mar your dreams.

Gemini

You might appreciate being able to sneak in a brief respite or getaway this week. With all of the distractions and conflict hovering about, you might want to have some sort of escape valve. At least before you say something that you might later regret. But if you must have your say, do it quickly but wisely. Saying anything out of anger will only lead to problems later on. This is exuberant weather, where words are said without thought, and promises are made without thinking. The current transits will give you the courage to use your voice, speak up, and have your say. Just remember to pause, take a breath, and think carefully and with consideration: is what you are about to say going to be helpful? Is it wise? It is valid? Then take that day off and put your feet up for a bit. You’ll need it. 

Cancer

You never know quite what you should or should not say any more, or who you are going to offend, or be offended by. There are going to be quite a few opinions flying around this week, as people are feeling quite passionate about what they do or do not believe. So it is treacherous weather for off the cuff statements. We’ll have to be careful. And the last thing you want is to get drawn into some argument that you can’t possibly win. We’re all heading to our respective corners ready to declare or to defend. Things could get a little touchy this week. But it is also the sort of weather where we have the courage to finally speak our mind. Know when to speak, and when it is probably best to remain silent. It’s about looking for the best possible way to make a positive impact and statement, even and especially when we are not in agreement.

Leo

Just like the ripened fruit hanging on the bough, this is a time of year in which all things come to fruition.  Even in the wintry weeks of the southern hemisphere, the creative fire of Leo is strong and asking us all to come out and show the world what we have to offer. All the more so for our shining Leo stars. Even if there is a  part of you that is still feeling like you are limping to the finish line. Bring all your wounds with you, with the confidence that you are finally going to get the opportunity to heal them once and for all. But then get yourself ready and be willing to be somewhat flexible. Changes are looming on the horizon, and it will all be a whole lot easier if you are willing to go with the flow. There’s no telling what each day will bring as we approach that Full Moon on August 3rd. Something interesting this way comes. 

Virgo

If Virgo is going to make any declarations of speech, they are going to make sure that they first dot their i’s and cross their t’s. You want to get the facts straight, and say it in a way that is not only clear, but legitimate. And chances are, quite a few Virgos will be getting plenty of practice this week. It may be difficult to stand on the sidelines, and not get drawn into the fray, or in your case, the discussion. One thing to remember, no matter how controversial or heated a discussion or argument may become, you don’t want to lose sight of your own ideals, truth, and humanity. Sometimes hyperbole can be useful to get your point across, but you also don’t want to make any promises that you cannot keep; or statements that you won’t be able to back up. And sometimes, especially when it becomes evident that a discussion is simply not going anywhere; it’s also useful to know when to retreat. 

Libra

Everyone has an opinion. And it will be all you can do not to express yours. Especially if there is a legitimate reason to do so. This is a week to exercise all of your diplomatic skills. If anyone can get their point across in a lethal manner, without offending anyone in the process, it’s Libra. You all can argue both sides at once and still win the argument. Just realize you are going to have your work cut out for you this week. And maybe several weeks after that. So you will want to pace yourself. Schedule in some recreational down time this week. Take a break from the chaos, and look for healthy ways to escape from the mayhem. Even if it is only to find a corner in which to be alone with your thoughts. This is actually how Libra manages to maintain their apparent composure: by taking time to wonder, perhaps allow yourself to be enchanted. Everyone needs a bit of an escape now and then. 

Scorpio

Holding on to any anger will only give you a headache and a lot of tense muscles. This might be helpful to remember as we try to navigate the week ahead, with all of its treacherous landmines and hidden sinkholes. One thing that becomes apparent, is that everyone is going to be having an opinion. And only a few are going to agree. Nor can we even assume that others who are usually pretty agreeable, are going to be on the same page with us this week either. So long as Mars is in Aries, patience is going to be hard won, and it will be all we can do to hold ourselves back from saying what we really think. But do measure your words. This same weather can also bring the courage to use your voice and speak up when you need to. Even if you don’t get to change everyone’s mind, sometimes things just need to be said for the record. 

Sagittarius

If you were to envision your ideal environment, what would that look like? Where would that be? Who would you be living with? It may seem like some sort of illusory dream, something that is far fetched, and perhaps only written in storybooks. But in some way, your ruling planet, Jupiter, now in pragmatic and reality focused Capricorn, is looking for sneaky ways to make your dreams a closer reality. They may not be exactly you dreamed them to be, but they might actually be a little better, because Jupiter in Capricorn is showing you how to actualize your dreams in a way that is realistic, achievable, and possibly even practical. It’s not going to happen on its own however. The pieces are there. And you may even know what those pieces are. It’s up to you to find a way to put them all together. 

Capricorn

As we enter the coming week issues could be raised about speech, when we should speak, how we should say something. And when something is or is not appropriate to be said. Righteous speech can be powerful, when you speak from the heart. But when speaking impulsively, it can sometimes cause more harm than good. However, when you have the power of your own voice, it is possible to make a difference in the world. Especially when you are joining your voice with others in common cause. One thing we are all being asked, is not only to mark our words, but also to pay attention to the impact that words can have on others. And even in situations of debate, to not lose sight of the of our goodness, and our humanity. We are being asked to pay attention to the difference between right and wrong. 

Aquarius

Now that we are in Leo season, relationships are going to be in the spotlight. You will be paying attention to who is (or isn’t) in your life right now. No worries if things are not what you were hoping for. A minor correction is on the radar over the next few weeks, that may have a bit of a surprising turn. Watch out for serendipitous meetings and chance encounters. Allow yourself to be flexible. You may find yourself having to change plans at the last minute. But it just might be worth it. Now that Venus is direct and full steam ahead, you may get another opportunity to connect. Just don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and avoid over-glamorizing the situation. Go with the flow, and there’s no telling where this all will take you. It may not be exactly what you were hoping for, but it is probably what you are needing for now. 

Pisces

Jupiter sextile Neptune IS your transit of the year. These are the co-ruling planets of your sign combining traditional ruler, Jupiter’s faith and hope, with Neptune’s compassion and idealism. This transit which is like a backdrop in all our lives, and may or may not be noticed and recognized with all that is going on. But since these are your planets, you see the signs, you sense the moment for what it is. And with Jupiter now in Capricorn, you know that it also makes practical sense to embrace your humanity. Even and especially in stressful times. Kindness, charity, and cooperation win when these two travel together, reminding us that we are never ever really apart. It is our interconnectedness that makes us strong, and capable of withstanding even the most stressful and mind-bending of circumstances.