Crossed Wires No More

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Although Neptune will go retrograde on July 7th and Saturn shifts into reverse on July 26th, Mercury gets back in gear on the 23rd, which should soon put an end to crossed wires, tech glitches and travel delays. Find out below what it all means for you.

Read both your Sun sign and your rising sign (Ascendant). If you don’t know what sign was rising when you were born, you can calculate your birth chart here to find out.

A Mars-Pluto rendezvous on the 5th hints at powerful, private intimacy, which could mean sex with a partner or emotional sharing with someone close to you. If you’re alone, proactively confronting something in your past or in your psyche can generate a psychological shift. It’s also possible that concentrating on a collaborative endeavor or a passion project will be productive, even if it doesn’t bring you accolades yet. As the Cancer Sun clashes with stern Saturn in your authority angle on the 6th, you could feel weighed down by responsibilities, restricted by rules, oppressed by a higher-up or worn out from striving to accomplish something. It might seem like you’re not progressing and your path is blocked. Self-discipline is the antidote, so don’t get discouraged. Get determined. Neptune pivots retrograde at the top of your chart on July 7th and will be backtracking until December 12th. Over the next five months, it may sink in that a goal you’ve been chasing after is a hollow fantasy. Or maybe an image you’ve aspired to maintain doesn’t feel authentic to you. Try to accept that you can’t see the path ahead of you perfectly clearly. The more you remove your ego from the equation, the more receptive you’ll be to your true calling. You feel like you’re drifting, but you need to lose what’s false before you can find what’s real. On the 14th, a New Moon lands in your sign, inviting you to make a fresh start. What personal reinvention appeals to you now? What shift in your identity could get you where you want to be by this time next year? This lunation, in addition to your birthday, can give you a welcome push forward. Growth-oriented Jupiter in your worth realm harmonizes with spiritual Neptune in your ambition arena on the 20th, establishing a flow of energy between your self-esteem and finances and your goals. Optimism about your natural talents dovetails with a longing to fulfill your ultimate purpose. Have faith you can contribute something that will make a difference in the world and provide for yourself in the process. Use your imagination to conceive limitless ways to make your mark. But when Jupiter tangles with Pluto several hours later, you might get a bit self-important, perhaps to compensate for the feeling that someone is bursting your bubble. Control, trust, manipulation, possessiveness—these are hot-button issues that will rattle your sense of security if you let them. Try to find a balance between overinflating your ego and being under someone else’s thumb. Sidestep power struggles if possible and be open to compromise.

The Sun segues into your worth realm on July 22nd, inviting you to shift some of your focus to what you have, what you need and what’s most important to you. Align your priorities with your values. Try not to over-identify with material belongings, or you could become possessive or indulgent. With messenger Mercury turning direct in your sign on the 23rd, you’ll no longer feel like your words are being misconstrued. If you’ve been reflecting on personal matters and perhaps weighing a decision, your thoughts should start to come together soon. After Saturn shifts into reverse on July 26th, you may not feel like you’re making much headway toward your goals. Between now and December 10th, review your objectives and your professional path and rethink any aspirations that aren’t relevant to who you are today. Double check whether you’re leaving out any essential steps in your long-term plans. This retrograde period can ultimately strengthen your determination to achieve your aims. You’re poised to take on more responsibility and achieve big things, but it won’t happen overnight. Take the time to set yourself up for success. On the 27th, a Sun-Pluto faceoff can introduce tension between self-sufficiency and sharing. Investing in relationships is sometimes scary. Can you rely on people to come through for you when you need them? Whether it’s a romantic bond, a business partnership or an important friendship, bringing together each person’s values, needs, money, emotional baggage and possessions is messy and complex. Skip the power struggle that often coincides with this transit, and see what you can change about any mine-versus-ours dilemma you’re having. Less than an hour later, the Sun’s mashup with Neptune suggests you can do spiritually meaningful and creative work when you focus on your core priorities and values and share your talents with the world. Understanding your true worth can enable you to envision your higher purpose. As Venus and Mars square off on July 29th, your positive attitude and amiable interactions might be undermined by unconscious aggression. Keep tabs on underlying motives that could be causing you to sabotage something good indirectly. You may not want to start a fight, but your behavior could somehow convey irritability. Several hours after that, the Sun’s annual encounter with Jupiter can bring luck by attracting abundance. You might make a wise financial move or make the most of your natural gifts and increase your income. Jupiter may bring opportunities your way, but you need to believe in yourself and strive to improve your fiscal security.

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Your ruler, the vibrant Sun, in your subliminal corner spars with serious Saturn in your expansion realm on July 6th, so your inclination to lie low and rest could be thwarted by plans or obligations. You might feel stuck between your past and your future, and your outlook could become negative. A crisis of faith could tempt you to give up on a goal you’re striving to achieve. But if you look for lessons in your history, you can plot a path forward with the benefit of hindsight. Ethereal Neptune will be retrograde from July 7th to December 12th, and during that time, your take on what’s real and true is bound to be a bit off, so look before you leap. Your spiritual beliefs, worldview, personal opinions and future plans are in flux, and you need to be comfortable in this liminal space of uncertainty. It’s tempting to buy into concepts that make you feel more secure, but instead of focusing on your own vulnerability, tune into the oneness of all living beings and practice compassion. As aspirational Jupiter in Leo meshes with Neptune on the 20th, try looking further down the road, taking in the big picture and soaking up the inspiration this planetary pairing can generate. Imagine the future of your dreams and have faith in your ability to move toward it. Jupiter faces off with domineering Pluto several hours later, pitting your personal growth against the demands of relationships, a jealous person, a competitive adversary or your own control issues. Jupiter wants you to feel unstoppable, but Pluto’s presence can feel overpowering. There’s a healthy place on the spectrum between grandiosity and powerlessness, though it won’t be easy to find that happy medium. Your own bias or a desire for freedom could play a role in a relationship problem. Consider how your hopes could be reconciled with other people’s personal power. Can you avoid drama and bring about transformation?

The Sun’s grand entrance into Leo on July 22nd marks the beginning of your birthday season and infuses you with vitality and confidence. This is your month to focus on yourself and project your personality fearlessly. After messenger Mercury gets back in gear on the 23rd, subtle inklings from the past few weeks will start to gel, and you may reach a conclusion. Even if it still seems like the truth isn’t out in the open, the fog is clearing. Saturn begins backtracking on July 26th, cautioning you to calculate the risks you take. You’re asking big questions about life, and for the next four and a half months, your quest for answers will take the form of internal processing. You may not have the ability to broaden your horizons in leaps and bounds now, so focus on formulating your personal philosophy instead. You’re likely to notice friction when the Sun in your sign moves into an opposition with Pluto on July 27th. It’s good to get problems out in the open and stand up for yourself, but wrestling for the upper hand can be exhausting and pointless. Try to keep your motives as pure as possible and see if you can harness the charged energy in the air to bring about change. For example, a productive argument could help you turn a corner in a relationship. Or joining forces with a strong person might make you feel even stronger. It may seem like someone is calling the shots or something is happening to you. But what if you unconsciously set this situation in motion because you stand to grow from it? You’ll gain more from this planetary faceoff if you acknowledge your agency. The Sun’s chemistry with Saturn soon after that can inspire you to lose yourself in a transcendent—and possibly spiritual—experience. You may feel deeply connected to something greater than yourself or to people, cultures, places or beliefs that are new to you. A Venus-Mars scuffle on the 29th suggests your personal desires and priorities may be at odds with teamwork and group interests. You might want what you want very much and be tempted to push people as a result. Wait for the tension to pass if you can’t find a good middle ground. Several hours later, you’ll really feel the positive presence of Jupiter in your sign as the Sun meets up with the planet of luck, hope and growth, bringing a surge of courage and exuberance. Don’t passively relax into Jupiter’s beneficence. Take a big breath and jump. Launch an initiative that makes you feel like you’re punching above your weight. Embrace experiences that raise your consciousness. Seek out people who expose you to a wider world. You’ll never find out what you’re capable of by playing it safe.

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Plus, you may have success pushing for progress that serves others and improves work conditions or wellness. This might be a good time to pursue a different job, especially if the change has been a long time coming. The radiant Sun’s quarrel with strict Saturn in your eighth house of depth and merging on July 6th can make you feel like you’re not getting what you need from someone or you’re stuck in a particular role. Closeness will seem challenging. However, you can make the most of this challenge by honing your cooperation skills. Neptune’s U-turn in that part of your chart on the 7th marks the start of his five-month retrograde phase that may put a close relationship in limbo or stall an outside resource until December 12th. Or you could be sorting through an emotional matter and find that you’re making less headway. If you’ve been confused over sharing and intimacy or have been recovering slowly from a loss, wound or crisis, don’t force the issue. You don’t have enough clarity to make the best choices, but you can probe your psyche and process what you find hidden there. With amiable Venus dancing through Virgo from July 9th to August 6th, you’ll feel extra sociable and attractive. Enjoy yourself and spend time with your favorite people. You can draw others in like moths to a flame, so use that superpower wisely. When Venus quarrels with Uranus on the 13th, you could be projecting a different image that you intend to and feel impatient to get where you want to go. Be mindful when you’re turning on the charm with higher-ups. Good timing and judgment are everything. On the 20th, growth-oriented Jupiter in your twelfth house of spirituality and solitude dovetails with dreamy Neptune in your eighth house of intensity and intimacy. Jupiter is expanding your inner life, your imagination and your faith, while Neptune is coaxing you to let go and trust, allowing yourself to become more intimate with someone or with the parts of yourself that you’ve kept hidden. Several hours later, Jupiter moves into an opposition with Pluto, contrasting your belief in the divine order of the universe with the turmoil of everyday life. Job pressure, a health issue, stress and busyness threaten to upset your equilibrium. Be honest with yourself about your aspirations and how long it may take for your real life to catch up with your dreams. Focus on strengthening your skills and serving a greater purpose.

After the Sun slips into your low-power twelfth house on July 22nd, your energy is bound to wane a bit. The month before your birthday season is a natural time for rest and reflection. Look back on the past year and let go of regrets, clearing space so you can start fresh next month when the Sun surges into Virgo. After messenger Mercury resumes forward motion in your humanity house on July 23rd, group communication gets better, and you can reach an understanding if anyone got the wrong end of the stick recently. With Saturn shifting into reverse on the 26th, a joint venture, financial arrangement, close relationship or passion project may stall for a while. Between now and December 10th, you’re due to come to grips with what needs to change, and you may need to face a big fear. A Sun-Pluto standoff on the 27th could once again generate friction between your inner and outer lives. You have to take care of pressing matters, but it’s also important to honor your need for rest and quiet if you’re fatigued and burnt out. Perhaps you could try alternating between working hard and lying low. And if you run into problems, do your best to shine a light on your subconscious intentions. The Sun’s vibe with Neptune soon after that can help you to forge a powerful bond with someone you’re close to or sift through private emotions and make peace with yourself. Discord between Venus and Mars on July 29th hints that your desire to enjoy life may be at odds with your drive to succeed, and you might also find it hard to appease an authority figure. Another possibility: You’re not entirely sure what you want from a relationship or you don’t know where one is headed. The Sun’s meetup with Jupiter hours later inspires you to be bravely vulnerable. Show empathy. Forgive someone (perhaps yourself). Embark on a spiritual journey. Look for signs that you’re on the right path. Visualize your future, blending faith with the wisdom you’ve gleaned from life lessons. If you’re holding onto something—or someone—that isn’t serving your growth, dare to release it. Have compassion for your own shortcomings and those of others.

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This planetary pairing can also prompt you to set off on an unusual adventure or launch an entrepreneurial endeavor. A Mars-Pluto alliance on July 5th can also inspire you to try new things, visit a place you’ve never been to before or have an exciting, unfamiliar experience. Broadening your horizons and your mind can give you profound pleasure, so push past meaningless limits and learn more about the world. You can make significant discoveries about yourself in the process. Brave and novel experiences can change you or deepen your bond with someone, so this would be a good time for solo travels or a romantic trip. On July 6th, the radiant Sun’s quarrel with strict Saturn may give you the impression that a personal obligation or another individual is preventing you from shining. But constructive criticism can help you to refine your goals. Other people may have something to teach you, even if it feels like they’re just testing you. After ethereal Neptune begins backtracking in your interpersonal realm on the 7th, you may realize you’ve put someone on a pedestal or sacrificed too much in a relationship. Are you viewing a partner as a project rather than as a person, trying to help and fix them to the point where your needs get lost in the shuffle? Look at them and the true nature of your connection through a clearer lens. It won’t necessarily be better or worse than you imagined—just different. If you resume a relationship between now and December 12th, don’t allow yourself to harbor illusions. On the 20th, expansive Jupiter in your humanity house dovetails with Neptune, inspiring you to connect with people and embrace the spirit of service. You might do something that makes a difference in the lives of others or band together for a higher purpose. Several hours later, Jupiter’s standoff with powerful Pluto in your fifth house of self-expression and personal fulfillment might mean your enthusiasm for your own pursuits is somehow too much for your friends or peers. If you’re fired up about something, consider who might support that quest, but don’t assume everyone’s with you. If your creativity, love life or individual pleasure is at odds with group interests, look for a healthy balance rather than pushing your agenda.

With the Sun sailing into your humanity house on the 22nd, you’ll shift gears from shining as an individual to being a good team-player. Feed off the energy you get from being yourself around your friends. Maintain a visible presence on social media if you want to. Join an organization that reflects your interests, ideals or aims. Do some professional networking. Find ways to collaborate with peers and colleagues. Mercury wraps up its retrograde on July 23rd, facilitating communication with authority figures and clarifying your professional plans. Soon you won’t have trouble clearing up career-related confusion and promoting your achievements. When Saturn pivots retrograde on July 26th, the lessons you’ve been learning about relationships will entail fewer external developments and more internal processing. Single? You might contemplate what you want and need from a future partner and what worked and didn’t work in past relationships. And you could decide to break up with someone or slow things down if you’ve been heading towards a commitment. The Sun’s standoff with Pluto on July 27th could make you feel like you have to choose between going along to get along and pursuing your own pleasures. This tug of war might be about friendship versus romance. For instance, maybe your friends don’t like the person you’re attracted to or involved with. Or the opposition could suggest that you’re one person when you’re with your squad, and a different side of you comes out when you’re in love or expressing your creativity or having some other powerful personal experience. How can you be completely yourself and at the same time have an ecstatic feeling of belonging? Do you surround yourself with people who encourage you to be authentic and whole? When the Sun gels with Neptune soon after that, shared ideals could enhance a relationship. A feeling of spiritual kinship with someone is especially likely. Taking care of—or making a sacrifice for—a friend is favored, as you’re inclined to place more importance on the interests of others than the needs of your ego. You’re seeing the best in people and can join forces on a philanthropic effort. When your ruler, lovely Venus, does battle with Mars on the 29th, you may be torn between a desire to drift and a drive to do something gutsy to propel yourself into the future. Empathy and altruism can motivate you to go to bat for others who are less fortunate than you. Have faith that it’s always worthwhile to fight for justice. A Sun-Jupiter rendezvous several hours later prompts you to get your name out there and broaden the circle of people in your life. You’re in a social mood, so say yes to a large gathering. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and support your growth. You’ll learn from others and gain inspiration from them. This planetary mashup gives you the confidence to mix and mingle and connect with a wide range of people.

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Again, facing a psychological issue can strengthen your inner security and help you put the past behind you. When the vibrant Sun bickers with serious Saturn on the 6th, you’ll probably want to broaden your horizons through travel, learning and new experiences, but your job, daily duties or health could hold you back. Find compromises between adventure and responsibility. If you’re feeling fenced in, look for some middle ground between pie-in-the-sky aspirations and pessimism. Putting in the work now can enable you to eventually transcend your current reality and explore new possibilities. Even if it seems like your options are either escaping a necessary evil or resigning yourself to circumstances, you have a chance to combine faith and discipline. Mystical Neptune turns retrograde on the 7th, calling for you to contemplate your quality of life over the next five months. Are you eating a nutritious diet that fuels productivity? Do you get enough exercise to feel strong, not stressed? Does your everyday routine reflect what’s most important to you? Are you in denial about any health problems? Do you have a sense of higher purpose that inspires you on a regular basis? Don’t push for perfection or overnight success. Ease up and take everything one step at a time. As hopeful Jupiter clicks with Neptune on July 20th, your belief in what you want to achieve should surge. Pursue your true vocation. Relinquish the ego’s stranglehold on self-improvement goals and embark on a more useful, meaningful—and possibly spiritual—path. Hours later, Jupiter faces off with transformational Pluto. Jupiter is amplifying your drive and determination and inspiring you to go for the gold, while Pluto is slowly dismantling and rebuilding your foundation—a process that is so long-range you may not notice it much of the time. This deep inner shift will be more noticeable now, as it stands in contrast to your high hopes. Contemplate where you’ve been and where you’re headed. Don’t let strong emotions, private insecurity, childhood baggage or changes in your family or living situation overshadow your belief in what you can accomplish. As the Sun ascends to the peak of your chart on July 22nd, your ambition gets a jumpstart. Keep a high profile in the month ahead and shine bright rather than playing small. Know your strengths, and do what you can to put your best foot forward. You may be nudged into the spotlight and called on to assume more responsibility.

With Mercury moving forward on the 23rd, travel won’t entail as many delays and detours as it did during the last few weeks, and you’ll also find education to be more straightforward. The big picture should begin to fall back into place, and you won’t feel like you’re missing the point. Saturn goes retrograde on the 26th, signaling that it’s time to check in again with your body and calculate the toll stress could be taking on your health. Maybe you need to edit your to-do list and streamline your schedule. Perfectionist productivity is exhausting. Refine the systems that keep your everyday life on track—with an eye to changing anything that’s not empowering you to function well. Figure out what’s working and what isn’t, then put a better plan in place. The Sun-Pluto opposition on July 27th can call your attention to the ways in which your internal, familial or domestic turbulence impacts your strivings for success in the outer world. Dealing with complexities in your private life or psyche will make your public life and professional pursuits less complex. If you run into trouble with an authority figure, consider whether there might be an acceptable compromise. And try not to take this tension personally. The Sun’s harmony with Neptune soon after implies your creative work or skills that serve others will further fuel your drive to make your mark. Draw on those abilities and let your need to be useful and helpful motivate you to keep striving toward your goals. The feeling of making progress will have a positive effect on your overall wellbeing. Venus’s run-in with Mars on the 29th could make relationships more complicated, especially if you mix sex and friendship. A tryst with an acquaintance or friend can offer excitement in the short run. Don’t ignore your feelings just because a situation is potentially thorny. If you’re already involved with someone, you might experience a conflict between keeping things light and getting hot and heavy. Or a problem involving jealousy, mistrust, sharing, betrayal or control may threaten your rapport with friends. Sidestep a power struggle, but don’t avoid getting your hands dirty. Confronting what’s really going on beneath the surface is the best way to achieve a favorable outcome. When the Sun aligns with Jupiter hours later, that’s your cue to reach for your highest aspirations. Promote yourself. Chase down bigger and better career opportunities. Stand out from the crowd in your profession or in the public arena. Take on a leadership role. Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Show off your capabilities. Challenge yourself to achieve bolder goals. Believe in your ability to succeed. It might even be time to set off in a different direction in your life.

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Getting an interpersonal conflict into the open and talking it through could be productive, but choose your words with care since verbal Mercury is retrograde until the 23rd. A Sun-Saturn quarrel on the 6th alludes to a romance that’s not as warm as you’d like or inhibitions about being yourself in a relationship. Although it can take work to get to know—and learn to love—your whole self and to share that self with others, it’s worth it. Self-respect will empower you to protect yourself appropriately. Just don’t build a wall around your heart. After chimerical Neptune shifts into reverse on the 7th, your lens on love, happiness and self-expression may subtly shift. Have you been yearning for the unattainable and suffering from divine discontent—a side effect of this idealist planet? Looking at personal fulfillment and romantic experiences from a more realistic angle isn’t giving up on your dreams. You’re giving yourself a better shot at attaining them. Be sure you’re not trying to save someone or waiting for someone to save you. If you’re secretly holding onto illusions about what or who feeds your soul, brings you joy and deserves your whole heart, now’s the time to let them go and make space for the real deal. Your ruler, expansive Jupiter, harmonizes with Neptune on July 20th, inspiring you to broaden your perspective, seek knowledge and live your truth. Try to tap into the stream of faith, confidence and divine joy this planetary pairing is generating. The exquisite blend of tranquility and exhilaration can feed your soul when you summon it up. Hours later, Jupiter goes head to head with Pluto. You’re fired up for a bigger and better future, but you might drive yourself crazy trying to control it. Jupiter’s anticipation, coupled with the anxieties Pluto sometimes stirs up, can make you feel like you need to be the best in the world at something. A difference of opinion with someone is also possible. Aim for understanding rather than total resolution.

The Sun’s arrival in your exploration corner on July 22nd brightens your outlook and opens you up to more possibilities. It’s a good month to study something new, take a big trip or break out of your everyday routine in small ways that stimulate your mind. You’ve been focused intently on specific projects, issues and relationships, but now you’re meant to take off the blinders and view the big picture. After Mercury resumes forward motion on July 23rd, communication in an intimate relationship becomes simpler, and money matters should start to resolve. If you or someone else broke a confidence recently, begin repairing the damage. When serious Saturn pivots retrograde on the 26th, you may start to question what will make you truly happy. Instead of chasing after what you think you want, look into your heart. What makes you who you are? What do you feel called to contribute? How can you best express your uniqueness? You might turn to the past for answers, and an ex (or another symbol of pleasure or passion) might resurface. The Sun moves into an opposition with Pluto on July 27th, and the ensuing discord could color your thoughts and conversations. You’re examining things you used to take for granted. Your environment, siblings, everyday interactions and habitual way of communicating don’t seem the same anymore. As you reconsider old assumptions, the realization that some of them don’t hold water can be disturbing. Your perception is gradually—and sometimes painfully—changing. It may feel like there’s a crisis brewing in your brain, but the truth is you’re trying to understand your world. Rest assured you weren’t wrong about everything before, so don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. With the Sun lighting up your exploration corner, you’re interested in broadening your horizons and expanding your mind through new and unfamiliar people, places, experiences, ways of life and topics of study. You can learn a lot now, even via heated discussions, especially if you embrace the concept of difference and aim to expand your mind. The Sun’s vibe with Neptune soon after that suggests staying out of your comfort zone can place the love, joy, creative expression, spiritual connection and personal fulfillment you long for within your grasp. You can enter a state of flow and relish a pleasant escape. A Venus-Mars feud on the 29th could lead you to argue with someone close to you over what you want out of the relationship. Or you might disagree over who’s getting more attention or whose desires take precedence. You probably won’t see eye to eye, so tabling the discussion for the time being might be the best solution. A Sun-Jupiter alignment hours later pushes you to get up the courage to take a leap of faith. Jupiter offers a wide array of opportunities, but it’s up to you to seize them. Get inspired. Get entrepreneurial. Get out of your comfort zone. This planetary pair wants you to realize you can be more than you thought you could be, and your life can have more meaning and purpose than before. Don’t set unnecessary limits on your growth.

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There’s also a chance you’ll throw yourself into an endeavor involving your possessions—such as cleaning out closets and donating or recycling various items. When the radiant Sun spars with your ruler, serious Saturn, in your foundation angle on July 6th, underlying insecurity, family tradition, an oppressive home environment or emotional inhibition could be dictating the role you play in your relationships. Once you spot the problem, you can get to work resolving it. It may seem like your responsibilities to people are the main issue, but it’s worth asking what you owe to yourself. Neptune begins backpedaling across your foundation angle on the 7th and won’t pivot forward until December 12th. You may find yourself looking at your family or home with fresh eyes and contemplating what makes you feel nurtured, comfortable and secure. Play around with different ways of decorating your space rather than pulling up stakes and moving. Incorporate water into your daily self-care practice—aromatherapy baths, a pitcher of H2O infused with fruit or herbs, a wave sound machine by your bed. It could be time to set better boundaries with your parents or to process emotional residue from childhood—possibly with the help of a healing professional. Jupiter in your sharing sector is building your faith in partnership and in your own psychological substance as well, while Neptune is enticing you to release the past and create a more ideal home life. As these two planets harmonize on the 20th, you may sense everything coming together for you emotionally. Make the extra effort to digest this sensation. Then you can attempt to draw from it in the future. When Jupiter faces off with domineering Pluto hours later, the progress you stand to make by fully investing in other people is contrasted with anxiety over losing part of yourself. Acknowledge these opposing forces, and edge toward a middle ground. The tension could unfold as an internal dialogue rather than an external conflict.

After the Sun dives into your eighth house of intensity and psychology on July 22nd, you’ll start to tune in to a deeper wavelength. Get in touch with a hidden side of yourself, pick up on nuances around you, experience life on an emotional level, delve into a relationship that has a powerful effect on you, grapple with weighty issues like pain, loss, mortality and intimacy. Messenger Mercury’s direct turn on July 23rd will help you mend fences if you had a misunderstanding recently, and it doesn’t hurt to be the first to extend the olive branch. You should be able to smooth over any rough patches and resolve your differences in the days ahead. Saturn pivots retrograde on the 26th, prompting you to think hard about your living situation and the best long-term solution, not a quick fix. If you’ve been grappling with childhood memories, family problems and private feelings like insecurity, you could do deep inner work between now and December 10th. The Sun’s skirmish with Pluto on July 27th implies that unstable self-esteem or turbulent finances could preoccupy you and block closeness or healing. Your investment in another individual is very important, and honoring a partnership or significant friendship will be worth it. Even focusing intently and passionately on a particular endeavor can pay off now. A Sun-Neptune confab soon after that encourages you to prioritize alone time or private time with someone special, as it’s bound to soothe your soul. You may be able to heal a family wound by shining a light on what has been hidden and finding forgiveness. Self-awareness and emotional catharsis are within reach. Alluring Venus’s tussle with Mars on the 29th generates friction between the appeal of newness and the need to proceed with caution. An exciting romance or other pleasurable experience may suddenly call for baby steps, or grand plans may hit a roadblock and need to be rescheduled. See if you can find a way to methodically go after what you want rather than taking a risky leap of faith. Or just wait a bit for the dust to settle. Several hours later, the Sun’s meetup with Jupiter brings luck with sharing and closeness. You might step things up with your significant other or secure backing like a loan or a grant. A financial or emotional investment could pay off, and so could an investment of time and energy in a passion project. This would be a nice opportunity to make a commitment by going all in on something or placing your faith in someone. Plus, this pairing alludes to a major insight into your psyche that can facilitate growth and healing—so dare to face the scary stuff.

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Due to a Sun-Saturn battle on July 6th, a rigid or negative mindset could negatively impact your productivity or wellness. Use structured thinking to your advantage by systematically planning how you’ll tackle something. Then maintain some flexibility so you can adapt to circumstances if they change. With ethereal Neptune spinning retrograde from July 7th to December 12th, your mindset will subtly shift, and you may feel like you’re on a different wavelength when trying to communicate with people. If you’ve been operating under false assumptions, that could dawn on you soon, prompting you to review your choices. It’s a good time to reread and rewrite and to revisit a place you miss. You might reconnect with a childhood friend or an old neighbor or go back over old ground with a sibling. If someone has misunderstood your words or intentions, those crossed wires could come to light and require untangling. When hopeful Jupiter joins forces with Neptune on July 20th, having faith in other individuals and thinking in creative, intuitive, spiritual ways can facilitate a feeling of connection and flow. It may click for you now that others can help you to make the dreams in your head a reality. Jupiter’s faceoff with Pluto hours later can pit your openness to other people against a compulsion to control your own destiny. It’s important to believe that relationships can enhance your growth, but you may sense that you also need to evolve privately—deep down inside—and empower yourself in the process. The tension between these two opposing forces could generate anxiety.

The Sun’s arrival in your partnership angle on the 22nd vitalizes your one-on-one connections. You’ll feed off the energy of other individuals, so don’t fly solo too much. You can learn about yourself through your relationships in the month ahead. Examine your closest bonds and consider what you can do to improve them. Ask yourself who you are when you’re with certain people and which relationships bring out the best in you. After messenger Mercury resumes forward motion on July 23rd, scheduling snafus, delayed work projects, crossed wires on the job and overlooked details will soon become a thing of the past. If you’ve been researching something, you can start to analyze your findings and make a determination. With serious Saturn turning retrograde on July 26th, you might start second-guessing yourself. You’re probably already doing that to some extent. Keep scrutinizing the premises you’ve taken to be fact, striving to become increasingly aware of how your mind works and how that shapes your reality. Consider the way you communicate and how that affects your interactions. Don’t rush decisions. Weigh everything judiciously. You’ll often be very much in your own head during the next four and a half months. On the 27th, as the Sun moves into an opposition with dominant Pluto in your sign, friction can affect your relationships. Make an effort to be the best version of the person you’re becoming and take the high road when you’re interacting with others. That way, you could deepen a connection instead of getting into a power struggle. Bring all that intensity and passion to the table, and partner with someone to engender meaningful change. The Sun’s tryst with Neptune soon after that can help you put yourself in other people’s shoes and convey empathy and kindness. One-on-one communication gets a lovely boost thanks to this planetary pairing, and you’re capable of intuitively picking up on subtle signals. A Venus-Mars skirmish on July 29th could cause tension between your desire for committed closeness and your urge to explore other possibilities that might make you happy. Or it could be the other way around, where you’re all in and the other person isn’t. The apparent discord doesn’t have to be a bad thing though, since Venus and Mars tend to generate sparks. If you’re in a stable relationship, this cosmic combo can keep things exciting, and if you’re single, you might be incredibly attracted to someone. The Sun’s meetup with Jupiter hours later encourages you to form mutually beneficial partnerships. Other people can inspire you and teach you, and vice versa. You might gravitate to someone who lives far away or is very different from you. Romantic relationships aren’t the only ones that are favored. You could also launch a business partnership or a joint venture. Being genuine, positive and accessible—and perhaps a bit more extroverted—will help you to draw in relationships that are good for you. Be true to yourself, no matter who you’re with. Soon after that, a Full Moon in Aquarius can make you highly emotional, prompting you to put your own needs first. It might be best to spend some time alone indulging in self-care if you sense you’re on the brink of a meltdown. This is a good opportunity to let go of something that feels like a bad fit for who you are today.

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Difficult emotions may arise, and it’s worth it to process them. The radiant Sun’s altercation with strict Saturn on July 6th implies that flagging self-confidence can restrain your impetus to express your personality, creativity and feelings, or limited funds can curtail pleasure and play. Respect what you’re made of and appreciate your assets. You can work with what you have. Do look at the reality of your finances and possessions when your ruler, metaphysical Neptune, goes retrograde in your worth zone on the 7th and backtracks until December 12th. If you’ve been deceiving yourself, you can get your head out of the clouds and figure out how to proceed. It’s important to accept what is and forgive yourself for mistakes that may have been driven by fear and insecurity. If you’re owed money, you might resubmit invoices and chase down payments. Or you could find a creative way to recoup your losses. This is a good period for looking at your personal values and your attachment to belongings from a spiritual standpoint and perhaps reshuffling your priorities accordingly. On the 20th, optimistic Jupiter dovetails with Neptune, linking your self-improvement with your sense of worth. Enhancing your physical wellbeing, your work ethic, your skillset and your daily routine can help you to feel more aligned with your core values. Jupiter faces off with Pluto hours later, pitting your optimism about increasing your productivity against a subconscious impulse to maintain control. Or perhaps trying to do too much will stress you out and stir up strong emotions. Avoid thinking in all-or-nothing terms. Face what’s going on inside you before you go looking for external causes.

With the Sun blasting into your sixth house of work and wellness on the 22nd, it’s time to take care of business. Use this energy to perform your daily duties efficiently, cruise through your to-do list and make yourself useful—which includes being of service to others. Take pride in a job well done, and remain humble enough not to expect applause for it. This is also a period for getting healthy, which could mean anything from eating a more nutritious diet to making exercise a higher priority. Messenger Mercury gets back in gear on July 23rd, a creative block should lift shortly if you’ve been suffering from one. You’ll also have better judgment when it comes to what makes you happy. After Saturn pivots retrograde on the 26th, you might want to keep a close eye on your spending. If you learn more about finances in general, you’ll feel more on top of yours. You could revise your budget and redistribute limited resources between now and December 10th. Use everything you have at your disposal as wisely as you can and try not to focus on what you lack. Examine your relationship with money and possessions, which has an effect on what you draw into your life. Your self-worth also colors your attitude toward finances and material goods. If you don’t believe you deserve abundance, attracting it is more difficult. The Sun’s standoff with Pluto on July 27th suggests that the feelings churning inside you can impact your health and your work if you don’t face them. If parts of yourself or parts of your backstory are haunting your subconscious, own them instead of hiding them. Dealing with the consequences of past actions, confronting aspects of your personality that you view as unacceptable, facing an old behavior pattern that works against you—all that requires hard inner work. When you intentionally pull skeletons out of your closet and dance with them, they cease to show up uninvited and wreak havoc in your outer life. Bring the hidden side of your nature and unpleasant memories in your life into the light so they no longer control you. Processing what’s within and behind you will empower you to attack the challenges in front of you. So, make the connection between inner and outer wellbeing. A Sun-Neptune alliance soon after that encourages you to draw on your creative talents. Use your highest personal values and priorities as a guide, and they won’t steer you wrong. You can do what needs to be done without focusing too much on personal gain. Relational Venus has a run-in with Mars on July 29th that could generate prickliness and impact your rapport with another individual. To avoid an argument, keep a close eye on your underlying mood. Your own subconscious emotions are likely to set the wheels in motion. See if you can figure out what you need (a hug? time alone? a nonjudgmental ear?), and then ask for it. Several hours later, a Sun-Jupiter rendezvous ignites your enthusiasm, and you could get more fired up about the work you’re doing or become inspired to set a big health goal. Motivation, vision and exuberance combined with a strong work ethic and an ability to pull together a realistic plan will ensure your success. The more meaning an endeavor has for you, the more energy you’ll bring to it. Aim to contribute something to the world. The effort it takes to reach these aspirations will fuel your growth and self-esteem.

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The Sun’s quarrel with Saturn in Aries on July 6th could cause you to suppress your emotions, isolate yourself from loved ones or stop yourself from relaxing. Balance ambition with comfort. Your inner life is just as vital as your outer life. You’re feeling sensitive and possibly nostalgic. Don’t criticize yourself or judge the past. Let maturity provide perspective and wisdom. Your drive is a boon, but rest when you need it. With Neptune backpedaling through your sign from July 7th until December 12th, you may feel like you’re making less headway with your aspirations. It’s an ideal time to step back and adjust your lens. You may be so enmeshed with cherished dreams that it’s difficult to judge if you’ve veered into fantasy. It’s possible to identify so strongly with what you yearn for that separating fact from fiction becomes a challenge. This retrograde will give you enough distance to view the big picture. You might reconsider the image you’re projecting, the direction you’re headed in and ponder whether you’re giving up too much for something (or someone) that isn’t what you imagined it to be. Work on maintaining healthy boundaries and making the impression you want to make. A Jupiter-Neptune coalition on the 20th suggests your growing faith in being happy and fulfilled syncs up with your longing to be the person you were meant to be. Do whatever you can to capture this feeling like lightning in a bottle and tap into it. Jupiter’s standoff with Pluto hours later could bring up intense emotions. You may be harboring fears about achieving a new objective and wondering whether you can make a major contribution that compels people to take notice. All of that is contrasted now with your unbridled eagerness to express yourself creatively and become the person you want to be. See if you can quell your anxiety by contemplating action steps. As your vision of happiness expands and your uniqueness ripens, you push past old limits. That can change how—and with whom—you fit in.

The Sun’s arrival in your joy sector on the 22nd inspires you to express your personality, enjoy life to the fullest and give your creativity full rein. Let people see the real you and make time for what—and whom—you love. Once messenger Mercury resumes forward motion on the 23rd, you won’t have as much trouble putting your feelings into words. If crossed wires recently caused problems, sort them out. And if you’ve been introspective lately, insights into yourself or your past will start to make more sense. With Saturn backing through Aries from July 26th until December 10th, more preparation may be required for you to accomplish everything you want to accomplish in the world. Do some honest soul-searching. Although you might not make visible external progress, if you circle back to fill in gaps in your ambitious plans, they’ll be solid by the end of the year. A Sun-Pluto standoff on the 27th could throw a wrench in your pursuit of pleasure. As your interests, objectives, wishes and ideals have slowly evolved, there’s been a corresponding, gradual shift in your affiliations and friendships. The circle of people in your life may not look the same as it did a few years ago. And your hopes for the future probably don’t either. Perhaps you’re looking for something different in people and in the road ahead. This planetary friction can make you feel like you have to choose between being true to yourself and maintaining a particular connection or giving in to groupthink. Or maybe you feel torn between your love life and your social life. Think in terms of a seesaw, not a tug of war, and aim for balance. Channeling energy into teamwork that makes a difference in the world would be worth your while. The Sun’s chemistry with Neptune soon after that can bring an opportunity to be seen for who you really are. The Sun will shine through the smokescreen that Neptune is putting up between you and others. Showcase your personality and passion and share what’s inside you. Anything from your creative talents to your heartfelt emotions can facilitate an authentic connection with people. On July 29th, Venus’s battle with Mars could produce sharp criticism, and although it’s easy to see what could be improved now, the person on the receiving end of helpful suggestions may not appreciate having their shortcomings pointed out. Remember all the little things you like about someone, and volunteer those instead. The same advice applies if you’re beating up on yourself. A Sun-Jupiter tryst several hours later prompts you to play to your heart’s content. And speaking of heart, wear yours on your sleeve! You’ll have the courage to tell someone how you feel if the spirit moves you. The Sun signifies ego, and Jupiter favors risk-taking, so you might be putting a lot on the line. But both your confidence and your joie de vivre are surging. Challenge yourself to boldly explore your full potential. You can have an over-the-top good time, and aiming to learn something in the process will make it even more memorable. This planetary pair might also spark an attraction to someone from a different background, as it endorses experiences that expand your world.

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The vibrant Sun’s dustup with serious Saturn on the 6th hints that your thinking and communication might be warped by doubt, regret or guilt. Pause to edit what you’re going to say, but don’t ruminate on past words and deeds. Learning from past mistakes will improve your current mindset and interactions. The need to finish something could also be weighing on your mind and preventing you from staying present in the moment. You’ll feel better if you tie up loose ends. After ethereal Neptune shifts into reverse in your subliminal sector on July 7th (until December 12th), you’ll tune in to private feelings you may have swept under the rug if you feared exposing your vulnerability. Longing, confusion, disappointment, melancholy and emptiness can all result from this disorienting planet’s presence in the last house of your chart. But you can also reap the benefits of healing, release, forgiveness, closure, psychic intuition, spiritual awakening, creativity, dreams, empathy, selflessness and a sense of oneness with all of life. You’re afraid of falling into the abyss, but trusting in the divine order of the universe is the net that will save you. Broad-minded Jupiter in your roots angle syncs up with Neptune on July 20th, activating your inner world. A better understanding of your personal history and of your core emotional needs can help you to release what needs releasing. You should feel supported and hopeful enough now to let go of the desire to maintain the status quo. Jupiter’s opposition with Pluto several hours later makes a connection between assimilating your past and developing a new path. The slow overhaul of your career or your overall life direction can be arduous at times as long-standing goals are called into question. A solid home base, supportive family or inner feeling of security can make that process easier.

The Sun slips down to your roots angle on July 22nd, shifting more of your attention to home and family. Spending time in familiar surroundings will make you feel revitalized and centered. The month that follows is a time for getting in touch with your innermost thoughts and taking your emotional temperature. If you feel the need, hole up by yourself and tune in to your feelings. Reflect on the past in an effort to make peace with where you are in your life. Mercury gets back in gear on the 23rd, clearing up garbled messages. Making yourself understood and getting around town shouldn’t be such an ordeal going forward. Saturn will be retrograde from July 26th until December 10th, persuading you to make peace with solitude and delve deeper into the internal journey you’re on. Work on coming to grips with your past. Be choosy about who you allow into your inner sanctum. Sift through old emotions so you can eventually find closure. And mine your imagination for riches. When brought to the surface, they can turn into creative gold. A standoff between the Sun and Pluto on July 27th could pit your drive to succeed against your current low-power mode. There’s a chance that this opposition will play out as some kind of dispute with an authority figure like a boss or parent (or between your parents). If you have a me-against-the-world feeling, your instinct may be to roll up your sleeves and fight the powers that be. But this could be the perfect time to take stock of where you are in your life, contemplate what got you this far and align yourself with the slower pace of evolution in your professional path or life direction. A Sun-Neptune coalition soon after that gives you planetary permission to unplug and unwind. Being is favored over doing when Neptune is in the mix. You don’t have to stay busy every minute. Quiet reflection or quality downtime with people who know you well will help you recharge your battery. When your ruler, amiable Venus, scuffles with Mars on July 29th, the love or happiness you crave may seem at odds with your personal values, your financial strategy or your core needs. This discord can tempt you to go against your own best interests. It can also enhance the allure of something or someone, making it nearly impossible to resist. The Sun’s rendezvous with Jupiter hours later could bring out the domestic god or goddess in you, inspiring anything from cooking and baking to hosting a huge party to going on a decorating or crafting spree. This might also be the right time to look for a bigger (or better) place, invest in real estate or relocate—possibly far away. You’ll have the courage to share your private side and might talk to someone wise who can guide you in your quest to grow out of old patterns.

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A learning experience that pushes you out of your comfort zone is bound to be powerful and has the ability to shift your perspective. The Sun-Saturn discord on July 6th implies other people’s interests or your obligations to a group can squelch your self-worth or finances. But playing an important role and learning from others can help to clarify your priorities and figure out what something is worth to you. On the 7th, ethereal Neptune turns retrograde in your humanity house for the next five months, calling for you to review your friendships and ties to groups and identify unhealthy dynamics like codependency. Did a particular circle of people once seem like a natural fit for you and now you’ve drifted apart? If you feel taken advantage of, misunderstood or out of sync with your crew, you might pull back and suss out the problem. Ask yourself if the relationships in question are based on the actual people you’re dealing with or the version of them you were drawn to initially—which may not be entirely real. If you’ve been helping others, make sure you haven’t fallen into a martyr-victim trap. Aim to connect with people who genuinely share your ideals and support your growth. As optimistic Jupiter syncs up with Neptune on July 20th, you’ll gain faith in the possibility of finding your true tribe. Approach others with a generous spirit and enjoy the feeling of being part of a community. When Jupiter goes head to head with potent Pluto several hours later, it won’t be easy to settle into the groove of a positive attitude. But despite the friction in your head, a hunger for knowledge can ultimately transform your worldview.

Your brain will rev up, and your daily interactions will also benefit from a power surge after the Sun blazes into your thinking-and-talking corner on July 22nd for a monthlong tour. You might become restless and travel or take a daytrip. Let curiosity lead you to stimulating spots and fresh faces. You can communicate your thoughts and ideas with contagious energy, so make a point of connecting with people. Your ruler, messenger Mercury, turns direct on the 23rd, improving your financial judgment and ironing out the kinks in money matters. If you’ve held off on negotiating your pay rate or asking for a raise, you finally have a green light to talk. With Saturn going retrograde on July 26th, you’ll continue to examine your friendships and group affiliations. What needs to change in order for them to flourish? How are they already changing? Do you need to sever any toxic ties? Are you setting good boundaries? Professional networking, team endeavors and social media efforts could be in limbo until December 10th. The Sun’s squabble with Pluto on July 27th could generate a spirited debate or a heated disagreement. This could be a teaching moment, so don’t duck for cover. Aim for a dynamic exchange of views instead of trying to score points and win an argument. There’s a chance that this tension will be confined to your head, in which case you can make the most of it by pursuing a quest for deeper meaning and higher consciousness. Part of you just wants to meet new people and learn more about the world, while part of you may be inspired to embrace a movement, cause, philosophy or religion and see it through to the end. Sometimes it’s good to question what you thought you knew for certain. Soon after that, the Sun’s harmony with Neptune indicates you can effortlessly vibe with old and new friends alike when you put yourself out there and speak your truth. If you have an opportunity to make your voice heard, the best use of your platform might be to advocate for others with kindhearted compassion. Shared ideals can enable you to bond beautifully with other people. Venus’s run-in with Mars in Gemini on the 29th could create an internal conflict between the allure of nesting and the drive to get tons done. Or you might come on quite strong and upset the equilibrium in your family or home. You may need to watch your tone and soften your approach if you want to keep the peace. It’s easy to overdo it when red-hot Mars is charging through your sign. Find a way to let strong feelings out and still maintain a positive mood. Several hours later, a Sun-Jupiter rendezvous can fire you up to meet people, share your views and ideas with enthusiasm, go to bat for something you believe in, become active in your community or gather a lot of info. You can learn, brainstorm, circulate, write, travel, publicize and plan. Maintain a positive attitude and total transparency.

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