Go Cancer, it’s your birthday! Until the 22nd when Leo steals the spotlight. It’s a pretty eventful month with Jupiter turning direct on the 10th and Mars retrograde throughout (There really is no point starting that diet at the moment as motivation will be hard to muster) read more about Mars retrograde here.

There are two eclipses: a partial solar eclipse in Cancer on the 13th and a Blood Moon and total lunar eclipse in Aquarius on 27th. Often these events are like pressing hard reset, or fast forward on an area of your life. The ancients, and some modern astrologers say they can foretell doom and usually accompany major changes or headlines in political or big world events.

Venus is the only planet to change signs this month from Leo to Virgo and there are 5 retrograde planets this month, Jupiter turns direct and then Mercury turns retrograde just in the last week of the month.

Mercury retrograde and Mars retrograde are in opposite signs Leo and Virgo – expect the cold shoulder, expect dramatic outbursts, expect gossiping friends and old flames.

Counterbalancing the air and fire is a lovely (albeit melodramatic at times) trine between Jupiter and Neptune, but with them both being retrograde at the moment there is an element of being more introverted rather than extroverted in their expression. This will be turned into a grand trine from the 11th to 13th of July as the moon in Cancer completes a trine to both planets, making for a very nice and harmonious connection as well as the Sun completing the trine from the 5th to the 9th.

July 2018 Horoscope Key Dates

• 05th – Sun trine Jupiter | Mercury opposite Mars
• 08th – Sun trine Neptune
• 09th – Mercury square Jupiter
• 10th – Jupiter enters direct motion
• 11th – Grand Trine Moon–Jupiter–Neptune
• 12th – Sun opposite Pluto | Venus trine Uranus
• 13th – Total Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon at 20°41’ Cancer at 02:48 GMT
• 14th – Venus trine Saturn
• 22nd – Venus sextile Jupiter
• 25th – Sun square Uranus
• 26th – Mercury Retrograde in Leo
• 27th – Sun opposite Mars Rx | Partial Solar Eclipse 4°45’ Aquarius at 07:51 GMT
• 28th – Venus trine Pluto

Are your ears burning Aries? It’s possible that you will be the subject of discussion among friends and it could relate to an issues which occurred back in mid-May when Uranus entered Taurus. Be aware that you may have spontaneous tendencies this month, particularly on the 7th which will feel incredibly unstable. Exercise caution and engage your brain before your tongue does any damage.

The eclipse on the 13th brings powerful feelings for you, possibly involving your work, or a particular individual there. An encounter with someone that has persuasion power, sows the seed of change in your mind. With home and fun highlighted you might decide to look for a job which works for you more and strikes more of a work-life balance.

The Sun enters fellow fire sign Leo on the 22nd and until that point, family and home life will be in the spotlight.

Mercury spends most of the month giving you a reason to do things for the pleasure of them rather than prioritising the stuff that feels like a chore. You might be thinking about how to develop your hobbies or perhaps you want to spend more time playing rather than working. You will have a chance to develop your knowledge whilst doing things which bring fun into your daily routine and allow you to express yourself more freely. Engage your need for variety by having spontaneous nights out rather than trying to plan too much in advance.

The Full Moon puts friendships and communities under the spotlight, and with Mars retrograde in the mix you could have a rather short fuse or a friend might not be operating with their best intentions. You will see the situation for what it truly is on this day.

This month your ruling planet Venus is the only planet (other than the Sun) to change sign, from Leo to Virgo. Up until this point, you will be happy to indulge yourself and enjoy those little luxuries – and why not when the Sun is shining? It is likely you have allowed yourself to indulge a little too much, so from the 10th having a little more control over your pleasure seeking impulses should feel a little easier. It’s a great time to get in touch with your body and your mind, doing some yoga or dance to getting the creativity flowing.

The 12th might have you spending impulsively on items that aren’t your usual taste. Take advantage of this time to introduce a positive habit which will benefit you in the long run. If you want to look and feel good, now is the time to say those positive affirmations or go on a diet! The total eclipse will be occurring in your courses and communication zone, so if you have been thinking of studying, this could be a great time to start; just make sure you check the small print before signing up.

The Sun moves from Cancer to Leo on the 22nd, and when it does, there is a really lucky day for you. If an opportunity comes your way, make sure you take it! Mercury Retrograde presents the potential to see old friends and get in touch with the past and times when you felt free of responsibility. Keep your eyes peeled for kitchen appliances on the blink; Mercury loves to reek havoc with technology! There have certainly been changes since Uranus entered your sign back in May and it is likely you are more open minded to a more holistic way of living.

The Full Moon and total solar eclipse on the 27th presses fast-forward on your career and public image house and with Mars retrograde in the mix, take extra care when conducting yourself at work. It’s possible that there are some people around you who don’t have your best interest at heart. It is advisable not to act impulsively – If you have been thinking of redirecting your energy into a completely new career, this Full Moon should give you the push you need.

Get your moonwalking shoes on Gemini! This month your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde in Leo towards the end of July. Expect dramatic gesticulation, unnecessary verbosity and theatrical conversations. Communication is highlighted and a dramatic outburst with friends could leave you regretting the way you handled the situation. Remember: stating things with confidence doesn’t make it a fact and others could take you more literally than initially intended. So starting a war of words with someone is not advised right now; You might come away shocked with the outcome.

Try not to say anything that could get blown out of proportion on the 9th, as Mercury meets challenging aspect to super-sensitive Jupiter at this time. Foot-in-mouth syndrome alert! Just remember if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

The 13th is a very positive feeling time though it is also a time where things can be blown out of proportion. With Jupiter in direct motion it could be a time where you find yourself seeing the future more clearly but understanding there are still some deep issues which need to be worked through.

You get a chance to truly reflect on what you value during the total lunar eclipse in Cancer. Having financial obligations and repayments, this may well be the time where you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. This Blood Moon brings an element of sudden movement and finances, so you could decide to book a night away or invest in a course in your local area.

Fortunately this month, home will be a place where you can retreat and recharge if necessary, so if you are feeling a little averse to chatting with the neighbours or the cashier in your local shop, stock up and hunker down at home.

The Full Moon in Aquarius at the end of the month highlights how much you just want to get away and travel, as well as wanting to expand your knowledge. If you have been looking at higher education, or dealing with affairs with a foreign flavour, you might have to go back over some of the fine print before committing to a decision. Definitely don’t be too hasty in decision making when both Mars and Mercury are retrograde.

Your entire outlook gets a power-up this month as the Blood Moon occurs in your persona and identity zone. You might find yourself having flashbacks, as though a pandoras box of memories has been opened up for you. This changes your perspective on a lot of things and could drastically change how you view and value yourself.

Keep a close eye on your finances at the beginning of the month Cancer as it is likely you will need to unexpectedly spend out later in the month – budgeting could soften the blow.

With Mercury retrograde highlighting your possessions, you could be going back and returning purchases, or deciding you want to reorganise your home.

You just seem to know exactly what to say this month, particularly from the 10th when Venus moves into your communication and friendship house. If you need to sweet talk yourself into, or out of a situation, it will come easily for you this month. Local area and home is also highlighted so spending out on your home, decorating or just having some friends round for dinner is on the cards.

With Mars retrograde highlighting your house of other people’s money, be mindful of investments and borrowing at this time as you might bite off more than you can chew.

The Full Moon at the end of the month in conjunction with Mars highlights your career aspirations and your shared goals and aspirations. With big changes in your friendship groups, you might find yourself looking back at an old job more favourably. Don’t act on this impulse, but note your observations and what you feel from it.

Happy birthday Leo! It’s your time to shine! The Sun enters your first house from the 22nd and you will get a sudden burst of vitality from your previous subdued and lethargic feeling. Integrating the recent changes that have occurred on a psychological level will be born in a more public way into your persona, allowing you to change habits or ways that you have done things for a long time.

Mercury retrograde in your first house highlights an element of backtracking on your part and you could change your mind on an issue of lending and friendship. “Never a lender nor a borrower be”, is something my mum always said to me and it really helped me to avoid issues with friends who didn’t ever pay back what they owe. Or it could be that you have decided to borrow from a friend and find that you haven’t got the means to pay them back. It goes deeper than this though, you could discover at this time who your real friends really are.

The total lunar eclipse occurs in your relationship house pressing a hard reset or fast forward for you. This New Moon is entwined with Mars retrograde and you could find yourself the subject of other people’s aggression. As this is occuring in your relationship zone, there is every chance an old flame could get in touch – unfinished business? You could also find yourself backing out of a relationship or partnership if you have recently been seeing someone. One thing’s for sure, if you are dating a colleague, or fancy one, you might find yourself wanting to keep things under wraps for a while as the spotlight on you and all that marshal energy is making you spontaneous and unpredictable; your relationship may be thrust into the spotlight. Try to avoid altercations at work! You probably won’t come out on top.

The Full Moon and eclipse on the 27th highlights your charitable side and triggers a need to want to get involved in a type of giving or charitable event.

Spending time with your social circle is fun but over the past few weeks you may have been burning the candle at both ends. With the New Moon in your house of social affairs and group activities, the seeds are being sown for a new project to be started, perhaps an event, or some way of raising money; you could find yourself doing something charitable and humanitarian. Be mindful that you also might have to sort out friction among your friends as people start looking back at past hurt and blaming each other. You might have to be a mediator for the early part of the month!

With the New Moon in Cancer on the 13th, a situation causes you to take a deep look within; the seed for irrevocable transformation from within spurs you to take control of your life. It is likely to be a subconscious realisation for now but will eventually develop into something far deeper and more meaningful, and quite likely, something very original too.

Your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde toward the end of the month; you might try and figure out some of your friends and whether their intentions are as true to you as they seem. Old friends may also be in touch during this time and you might have to go back over some of your conversations to work out why you are feeling this intuitive doubt with someone in your circle.

With Venus crossing over to your image and personality zone you will have the tact and persuasion skills of a pro. You might also get a sudden confidence boost after feeling a little less attractive. You might have even changed your eating habits a bit in order to lose a little weight – This is when the work will have paid off and you will start to feel a bit better about yourself.

The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 27th is also a total lunar eclipse and blood moon highlighting work and the daily grind for you. You might get a sudden realisation that you need to change your lifestyle, or a that something in your routine just isn’t working for you anymore. With Mars retrograde in the mix, you will be looking back towards what you really enjoy and makes your heart sing. But initially you could feel rather stuck in your situation and the frustration of that situation will be obvious to those around you. Realigning your passions and pursuing what means the most to you rather than doing things out of obligation are important right now.

Venus is the only planet (other than the sun) to change signs this month. Venus is currently in you friendship zone until the 10th where she dips into a solitude loving space. You may only want to be surrounded by your nearest and dearest at this time and even that might be a bit too much company for you.

There will have been an emphasis on work and your professional outlook which will be getting you some recognition for what you do, whether that is among your colleagues or peers.

On the 12th a moment of realisation or deeper reflection from within grants the opportunity for change which you welcome. It could be over a relationship, or emotional baggage, be it yours or someone else, but it is the beginning of liberation for you. Followed shortly by the New Moon and partial solar eclipse on the 13th which occurs in your work zone; even if you have been recognised for what you do, you might have an inkling that it isn’t quite what you want to do. It might spark the beginning of a new you and a complete change of image. The next 9 to 18 months will reveal your true ambitions and desires.

Mercury goes retrograde creating a social and friendship feedback loop. Perhaps an old friend gets in touch or you could find yourself backtracking on a commitment you have made. Having the energy to keep the peace this month will feel tiring to you.

The Full Moon on the 27th lights up your hobbies and passions zone and with Mars retrograde also in this area, it’s likely an old friend or flame could get in touch and possibly on a mission to straighten things out if things weren’t left on good terms. Or they could be back to cause you more stress. If you have been spending too much time on your own enjoyment for a while, it might be worth looking at what you have been sacrificing in the meantime. In August Mars dips back into your home zone, so make sure family and your own personal space isn’t being compromised because you have a fear of missing out.

Your traditional ruler Mars is retrograde this month and for you will be affecting your home life. Deeper issues may come up for you at this time and this is a great opportunity to work on old wounds and let go.

Tensions on the 12 could be problematic as you have to deal with other people and their quirks. It might be that some of your more challenging qualities are shown up for what they are, or you are dealing with a challenging person who enjoys making life difficult for you (I can see the smug smirk on their face as I write).

Mercury retrograde this month is in your public image and reputation zone as you might have to go over things you have already done previously or draw on previous experience in order to move forward. Your friends might be able to advise you at this time, and it’s possible work takes over for you in many ways – much to the detriment of your home life.

Your modern assigned ruler, Pluto, is still in Capricorn but this month he is opposed by the New Moon and partial solar eclipse.  This is a powerful and deep process for empowerment, though it might be inspired through a situation where the power seems to be out of your hands. Your philosophies and faith in the future could be tested at this time and trigger that turning over of a new leaf for you. If you have recently met someone or got involved in a situation that seems too good to be true, it’s probably the case. Be wary of people with a guru complex.

The Full Blood Moon on the 27th highlights home life and with Mars retrograde also getting involved, it is likely you will need to address some issues at home, or perhaps with a family member. You are likely to be feeling pretty grouchy on the run up, and during the full moon exposed to some arguments. If you are living with a partner, try channeling Mars in a more productive way – going for a run or getting some exercise (particularly in the bedroom) could help matters. With Jupiter going direct in your first house, if you have been particularly sensitive and introspective, from the 10th, the feeling will ease. This is an abundant and opportunistic planet so you will likely be feeling the benefits of him in your sign. If you have had a change of philosophy or have decided to take up a course or teaching, you could find this is where you really get into the swing of things or get some awards or achievements for your hard work.

Jupiter turns direct this month! In the deep dark belly of Scorpio, you are bound to be finding lots of hidden gems in the recesses of your subconscious. With your ruling planet in the 12th house at the moment, it will now be in direct motion for the rest of it’s time there and you are likely to be deeply involved in losing yourself in someway, perhaps through drinking more, or being involved in meaningful activity or work of some description.

Again this month there will  be another grand trine for you involving the Sun in Cancer and Neptune in Pisces from the 5th to about the 7th, just before Jupiter turns direct. This highlights your area of contracts, commitments and other people’s baggage – either a sacrifice has to be made or you wake up to a delusion about a situation. It’s likely you have been making an unconscious sacrifice in your home-life.

When Jupiter goes direct on the 10th, it is likely you will have a realisation or some clarity about what your next steps will need to be and how you wish to proceed in this situation. If you have been too trusting or haven’t taken the bigger picture into consideration you might see things for what they really are. When the Sun enters Leo on the 22nd the bigger picture will come into full view and you will feel a sense of good spirit, vitality and renewed energy. You might decide to book yourself a hot holiday somewhere nice.

Mercury retrograde could bring some old friends or even old partners back to you, if you are in a relationship you might decide you want to start making real plans for the future. You could find regressing back to your University days or seeing old friends. With Venus in Leo at the beginning of the month, indulgence will come easy, and you could find having a positive outlook of the future leads you to wanting more money. The rest of the month will be spent enjoying group or social activities through your profession. You will be viewed favourably at work during this time.

The New Moon occurs in your contracts and shares wealth zone and for the first time which seeds the beginning of a process which could be an investment longer term. With other people’s money being a theme, it might be worth looking at how to manage your finances and create a budget to keep an eye on your personal stash. If the idea of getting a mortgage, or speaking to solicitors in order to deal with the legalities of life’s bigger commitments has presented itself to you, now is the New Moon to plant this seed and see how it grows.

The Full Moon on the 27th is entwined with Mars retrograde occurs in your house of local area, siblings and communication. It is likely some buried anger will be brought up which will need to be talked out and resolved, you might not be having fun anymore, or the romance has fizzled from your relationship. You can express your anger in a letter or verbally communicate it.

Remember  to think before you act for the whole month as Mars retro has us all acting a little more spontaneously than usual.

Saturn is weighing down on you Capricorn and will continue to do so for some time. But you aren’t scared of hard work, and may even be enjoying the discipline this heavy planet is bringing to you. It might feel like you are carrying the world on your shoulders at times, but you have been taking it in your stride and the enormous changes and transformations you have been going through have everyone impressed and cheering you on.

Your point of focus this month is on relationships and commitments and it might be time that you take things a bit more seriously. If you are looking for romance, meeting someone around the New Moon could develop into something special. The New Moon in this area of your life gives the impression of a deeper process of realisation which is seeded on the 13th and will unfold over the next 9 to 18 months.

Mercury retrograde occurs in your commitment zone and work is also highlighted at this time. If you have signed a contract or made a promise to someone, you could find yourself going back on that agreement. Attracting wealth isn’t too much of an issue at the moment and having more money at this time which will come in handy if you need to put some aside for your holidays, travels and/or higher educational aspirations.

The Full Moon and total solar eclipse highlights your self-worth and possessions so it is likely on the 27th your values will be tested and you could find you have a little more money. With Mars retrograde also occurring in this area of your life you may also find yourself wishing for your own space rather than living with others, prompting you to look at how to change your situation using your resources. Change is coming easily to you at the moment as you are having a helping hand from Uranus who is in harmony with the differences you want to make in your life. Your involvement with local groups, meeting new people and communications gets a wake up on the 7th-9th of July which precedes Jupiter’s direct motion on the 10th. During this time you could feel an ease of expression if you need to communicate something, or talk about the future of a friendship or relationship.

With both your ruling planets, Uranus and Saturn both in earth signs at the moment you are likely to be having great manifesting ability and practical skills. The Shift from Aries to Taurus will have you feeling very different.

The Sun highlights work and relationships for you this month, with your colleagues and personal relationships being at the fore. The New Moon in Cancer highlights your routine and work helping you to see what you want for yourself in the bigger picture. It definitely won’t be light fluffy stuff taking your interest, with a need to do something meaningful and make a difference.

Venus gives relationships a boost at the same time so you will be feeling the benefits of her abundance and will seem more attractive to other people. You will also be able to sweet talk other people at this time and any of your suggestions will be taken on board willingly during this time. If you are interested in pairing up or looking for love, Venus has been doing her thing in your relationship zone since early June and she will be there from the 10th of July so take advantage! You might also find you have a lot of female friends around you at this time and enjoy an abundant social life.

When Mercury retrograde occurs at the end of July, your relationships and partner zone gets highlighted again, only this time it could be an old flame or friend getting in touch. Possibly a current partner might backtrack or change their mind about a commitment they made to you. Alternately they might decide that they want to make a deeper commitment to you after looking back at how far you have come together.

The Blood Moon and total lunar eclipse will have an impact on your entire outlook and way you engage with the rest of the world. This eclipse could cause you to take a bit of time out and figure things out as the changes occurring in your home life and the deep transformations in your professional image and career, you are going through a metamorphosis which has now had the fast-forward button pressed.

Mars retrograde will also directly affect you and you might be feeling low energy. Sometimes an eclipse and Mars to the first house can bring a period of enforced downtime with them, sometimes you get a cold, sometimes you prescribe yourself a few ‘mental health days’ (sick days when you aren’t sick). There seems to be a  commitment and a communication issue highlighted around the full moon. It’s advisable not to be too spontaneous at this time, and try not to act on your impulses.

With your traditional ruler Jupiter turning direct this month, going with the flow might be that little bit easier for you Pisces. You will have ease of expression this month especially from the 5th to the 13th.

Highlighted for you this month is creativity and passion. With the Sun cruising your fun zone until the 22nd it will be very easy for you to express yourself, and you may even meet someone to have a lot of fun with. accompanied by Venus making her annual journey into your relationships zone on 10th and for the rest of the month, enjoy added attractive power and the potential for a relationship if you are looking for that sort of thing.

Things at work or in your daily routine might feel a little upside-down for a while as Mercury goes retrograde at the end of July. Work and homelife will be brought to your attention and you may decide to visit family and old neighborhood to reconnect with your roots again. Seeing old colleagues and re-igniting your networks is another great way to use this transit. It could also be time for  a pet health check as animals smaller than a goat are indicated here.

With the New Moon on the 13th triggering a new phase for you in your creative outlet and passions, you might release old attachments to previous lovers and open yourself up to someone who will have a very positive impact on you. Feeding your passions on the new moon will give you a new lease of life and a project with colleagues could take on a life of it’s own.

Hold tight Pisces, Mars retrograde occurs in your solitude and secret enemies zone so the most part of this month could be spent trying to dodge poison arrows from an undetectable source. Low energy and the need to go within could occur and on the 27th you might discover the person who has been energetically vamping on you. Don’t let this person make you feel like you aren’t worth anything. By August, you will be feeling empowered so hang in there and remember to hold your head high and your aura fully cleansed. I prescribe some grounding and protecting meditations to keep you on top form.