Monthly Horoscopes: July

As mentioned in a previous update, The Summer Solstice, the Lunar Eclipse, and Beyond, the Sun's transit to Cancer takes us on a journey through the collective subconscious as we attempt to place ourselves in this vast community we call Earth. July is not only a great time for figuring things out emotionally, but for making decisions about your life and beginning the projects necessary to generate progress. While we tend to be a bit introverted under the Cancer Sun, the Leo Sun (beginning at 6:21pm on the 22nd) will provide us the energy and confidence needed to "make moves", so to speak. The effect of your circular energies developing into linear or directional energies is commonly associated with a Sun transit from a feminine to a masculine sign, i.e. Cancer to Leo.
July provides us somewhat of a break in the action-packed astrology that has caused the past two months to fly by us. However, that does not mean that this is not a time for action. On the contrary, the time for development could not be clearer; Uranus' retrograde motion begins on the 5th, ushering in a time of sudden changes in decision making that is likely to jolt us out of any ruts we may be sitting in. The Solar Eclipse (on the 11th) in combination with a Venus transit to Virgo (10th) not only serves as encouragement to move on, but reminds us that we can make no progress if we are not in tune with our emotions. On the 21st, Saturn transits to Libra, the first of three planets (Mars on the 29th, Venus next month) to make this same transit within three weeks of one another; this shift of energy into Libra will hopefully show us the balance we've been trying to achieve throughout June and July.
An undercurrent of tension will develop as the slow-moving planets Jupiter (retrograde in Aries) and Pluto (retrograde in Capricorn) move towards a square, which will be completed the morning of the 25th. Pluto, the planet of inevitable change, will clash with goal-oriented Jupiter in a not-so-comfortable 90 degree dance that will likely have us falling victim to a compulsive "grass-is-greener" syndrome; while July is certainly a time for change, avoid making hasty decisions with the intent of quickly or easily reaping the benefits. This aspect is also commonly associated with beliefs, spirituality, and doubts thereof, and is a good time to remind ourselves of the difference between religion and faith. That same day, the 25th, brings us a Full Moon in Aquarius opposite a Sun in Leo, presenting another instance of collectivism vs. individualism during which we will struggle with our individual roles in the greater schematics of our respective communities. The Moon also forms two friendly trines at this time; one with Mars, the other with Saturn, which will provide stability as well as an air of cheerfulness. Although we may be wrestling with our internal thoughts and debates, our social interactions should be rather amicable.

Aries:
You will experience some unexpected good fortune towards the beginning of the month. Enjoy it while it lasts, because while Uranus conjunct Jupiter in your sign brings good tidings, their conflicting motion is generating some mixed reviews for the second half of the month. Although you may feel uneasy, take comfort in the Sun entering Leo (a fire sign like yours) on the 22nd; be yourself, and everything will work itself out, just as it always has. Your appetite for new experiences and new travel destinations is as voracious as ever, but don't expect your friends (especially water and earth signs) to be as eager as you are.

Taurus:
Venus void in Leo has you a bit more fired up than usual, and while its transit to Virgo on the 10th will return you to your typically collected demeanor, the tension in a relationship with someone close to you has you feeling unsettled. Expect your interactions with your peers to be more volatile and possibly even melodramatic (a description you tend to avoid) towards the middle of the month as the Moon conjoins Venus in Leo. Despite some minor set backs, your consciousness will be in harmony with your expressive self if you keep in mind that your major plans remain intact, and for that you should be thankful.

Gemini:
You may be feeling a little bit empty or unfulfilled, probably due to your portion of the zodiac remaining basically barren since the Sun left your sign last month. Whether you feel you lack fortune, excitement, or a special someone in your life, remember the "grass-is-greener" syndrome, and count your blessings. You've always made good company for yourself, and the middle of this month might be a good time to get to know yourself a little better. Excitement will come to you leading up to the Full Moon on the 25th; let quick-thinking Mercury in Leo (alongside our Sun) direct you toward active and fulfilling endeavors to expel your excess energy.

Cancer:
Sun conjoin Moon (also known as the New Moon) is always a time for revitalization, as well as a jumping off point for new endeavors. However, this New Moon on the 10th bring an interesting twist: a total Solar Eclipse in your sign. With the asteroid Juno conjunct this special happening, be prepared to experience some fiery emotions and even jealousy from a loved one. You will feel somewhat uncomfortable the week of the 19th with the Moon in a fire sign applying square Venus. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 25th, combined with Uranus in retrograde, will have you feeling rebellious and confident enough to break out of any situations that may be stifling your expression and/or creativity.

Leo:
Venus in your sign at the beginning of the month will provide you a well-deserved break and afford you a time to enjoy the company of those you love and appreciate. Your knack for meeting new people may be more than just a social tool, and the relationships you develop this month could become more than just superficial. Be aware of opportunities for a new meaningful relationship, be it centered around work or play. Your energy is at its strongest when the Sun enters your sign on the 22nd; make sure you find something to occupy your time, or your energy will quickly build up and make you quite restless!

Virgo:
Mars in your sign is urging you to do something big; whether its a change in your appearance, your social circle, or your romantic life, now is the time to explore and find some new ground to cover. Venus moves into Virgo on the 10th, chasing Mars through your sign in an applying conjunction that won't be completed until late August when both bodies have left your sign. Unfortunately, July could be a time of complicated romance and unrequited love. Be prepared to accept the fact that not everyone will think as you do, and not every detail can pan out according to your visions.

Libra:
Your Sun sign is about to become a hot spot of astrological action with imminent transits from Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. You should feel very excited, and your atypically abundant energy will be aided by Venus in Leo. The New Moon / Solar Eclipse on the 11th will be a good time for you to put your energy to work; start a long-term project that will keep your focus linear and provide direction for your ideas over the next couple of months. You value harmony in your social life, which often translates into attempts to please all; however, Sun in Leo (beginning the 22nd) is a time for you to serve yourself first.

Scorpio:
Pluto retrograde in Capricorn will bring you to the realization although you sometimes revel in spontaneity and even rebellion, it is the practical, business-minded side of your personality that most people find attractive. With Mars in Virgo, take the opportunity of the Moon in your sign (18th-20th) to investigate the details of your life that have long remained a mystery. Anything that sparks your curiosity is a lead worth following. Mars quincunx Neptune in the last week of this month will cause a dip in your energy, at which point you should rest, think, and decide on the best way to use the rest of your summer.

Sagittarius:
Jupiter in Aries plays a large role in your horoscope for July. In pondering questions larger than your immediate surroundings, you may feel inspired to travel in the interest of learning something new. A great time for such a trip will be Mercury trine Jupiter upon the Solar Eclipse (11th), which will initiate a period of growth and learning. The Sun enters Leo while the Moon is in your sign, followed shortly by Jupiter's shift into retrograde; therefore, the end of this month will be a time to think small, as you will be most satisfied by smaller accomplishments and highly unnerved by the larger issues.

Capricorn:
Although you are usually very practical and detail-oriented, you are at your most picky this month before the Sun's transit to Leo on the 22nd. Try to avoid acting possessive, be it over money, friends, or territory, or your peers are likely to label you as a control freak. This is a month for change, and you over all other signs are most likely to resist it. Pluto retrograde in your sign reminds you that change is inevitable, and an informative Sun sextile Saturn as the Sun transits to Leo urges you to be patient; although small changes may not have things going your way immediately, Saturn in Libra's scales will balance everything out in the long run.

Aquarius:
A hot topic of recent astrological news, Uranus in Aries, has filled you with some brilliant ideas. Write them down! Uranus' transition to retrograde on the 5th will bring sudden changes that are likely to distract you from any plans you've been formulating. Stay focused. July is a great month for you to get some work done, and the fruits of your labor are likely to show after the Full Moon in your sign on the 25th. Saturn opposite Uranus at the end of the month will have you torn between your fickle, rebellious nature and the calm, calculated persona you often assume.

Pisces:
Although the Cancer Sun is a great time for you to develop, July is not a time for you to get much accomplished. Neptune retrograde in Aquarius is likely to catch you nostalgically daydreaming about past events that you tend to over-romanticize in distant hindsight. Snap out of it! There is much to be learned in the present world around you, and if that's not enough for you, Jupiter encourages you to travel and expand your knowledge base. The end of the month will be particularly rewarding for you, as Saturn opposite the Moon in your sign (as it conjoins Uranus) brings high hopes for your tangible goals.