The biggest and best news of the week: Mercury goes direct just before midnight tonight, July 31, at 11:58 PM EDT (just before dawn, August 1, at 4:59 AM BDT). But don’t jump into action immediately—take a deep breath and be glad it’s over. This Mercury Retrograde was such a slog that I’m sure it turned several skeptics into believers. If you want to be safely away from the detours and delays of this retrograde, try to wait until August 4 or 5 to put any new plans or projects in motion. While it might require patience to wait out these next few days, it will be worth the discipline to get back on track the first week in August.
Jupiter is the next biggest and bestest news of the week. Currently in Sagittarius, its Home Sign, and about to go direct on August 11, Jupiter sits at the midpoint of Sagittarius—at 14°—for nearly all of August. We love Jupiter’s 2019 summer residence, mostly because Jupiter is a big, fat, happy planet, whose only failing is its tendency toward excess. Its influence is at its peak in Sagittarius, and given the gloomy political climate, a little over-the-top positive excess would be a welcome relief. But what makes Jupiter’s station in Sagittarius exceptional is a series of trines it forms to several planets lining up in Leo—that fiery, passionate, dramatic Sign of summer that loves romance and thrives on creativity and self-expression.
Mars’ transit through Leo was the first of these positive interactions. We’ve been under the influence of an energetic Mars/Jupiter trine since July 17. It was exact on July 25 and, I’m sorry to report, ends this week on August 2. But Jupiter is already busy trining the Sun, also in Leo, and that positive interaction generates a convivial, optimistic, and generous atmosphere that is certain to bolster a sense of goodwill. Jupiter symbolizes humor, and that devotion to the funny means we can anticipate all kinds of jokes, from the really stupid and silly to sarcasm that’s sharp as a razor. This Sun/Jupiter trine lasts until August 13.
But that’s not all. The Moon enters Leo early this morning and by the end of the day, a Moon/Jupiter trine fans emotional and creative fires, and some of those hot blazes burn quite brightly and for longer than the Moon’s position in Leo.
On Monday, August 5, Venus, also in Leo, moves into a trine with Jupiter, stoking the urge to take a chance on love. This positive interaction lasts until August 12, and it’s so strong that even if you aren’t in the mood for love, you could be persuaded to dabble with a flirtation or two. Even if romance isn’t your thing, this same Venus/Jupiter trine can stoke the fires of creativity, so if you’re looking for a muse that just won’t quit, you’re likely to find it under this influence.
Interestingly, all of these trines more or less come to a conclusion when Jupiter goes direct on August 11 (except for Mercury, which doesn’t begin its trine to Jupiter until August 18). While I am extolling the virtues of the next several Jupiterian weeks, try not to mistake the positive charge of Jupiter for a return to normal—we’re far from normal and won’t be returning anytime soon.
What’s more, the same day Jupiter goes direct, Uranus goes retrograde approximately 12 hours later. Yes, the planet of surprising plot twists begins its review of the havoc—social, political, and spiritual—of the last nearly eight months. As many long-term readers know, when Uranus changes direction, the routines of daily life resonate with a Mercury Retrograde signature, especially when it comes to technology. You don’t have to back up your files, but it would be wise to do so anyway. That week is certain to be chaotic.
So here’s the gist: For the next two weeks, we’re in a sort of honeymoon phase, with Jupiter trining all those planets transiting Leo—consider it much-needed astral relief (although the last time I said there was a smidgen of planetary relief, I was wrong). Mid-August the ethers start to intensify again, and we’re back in the thick of our ongoing personal and planetary transformation, trying to find solutions that unify and remedy the seemingly endless destruction of ignorance and fear. If ever there was a time for kindness, it would be now, and in the days, weeks, and months that lie ahead. Let’s pool our spiritual resources and find ways to inspire our fellow travelers by example.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
You’re in a deeply inspired phase that could yield actual, tangible benefits, but to reap those rewards you have to set realistic goals. I’m not suggesting you reject the updraft of enthusiasm, but I am advising you to make sure you can put your feet on the ground when necessary.
Taurus April 20-May 20.
Reexamine your definition of home: Is it a physical place? A specific locale? A state of being? Whatever it is—and it could be an aggregation of qualities, some practical and some ideal—try to identify the qualities that give you a deep sense of safety and security. Belonging is often more than speaking a native tongue.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Those heartfelt conversations with others continue, and as they do, be sure the focus is on authenticity, but be careful not to wield your words as weapons. This phase is about being aware of what everyone is feeling so that you can identify the patterns creating what does and doesn’t work in your relationships.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Yes, this phase is about money and how you can improve your finances, but it’s also about deepening your appreciation of your gifts and talents. Focus on building wholesome self-esteem—not too enamored of your gifts and not falsely modest—and you’ll emerge with a sturdy confidence that’s based on true value.
Leo July 23-August 22
The secret of your success is your ability to encourage others to be the best they can be despite any obstacle or interference. Part of that quality is your innate generosity of spirit, but another part of it is purely practical: when you help others to do their best, they naturally want to help you do the same.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Although some of what’s occurring is difficult to digest, you’re inspired by the bravery, determination, and compassion of those you love. Rather than trying to make sense of the situation, which may not be the best way to comprehend its magnitude, reach out with your intuition and let your mind feel its way to a new awareness and understanding.
Libra September 23-October 22
The emphasis on community continues, and it matters not whether you’ve found your tribe and are comfortable settling in or you’re still searching for that place of true belonging. As you continue this process, be aware of that old cliché, “home is where the heart is.” It may be overused, but it is still true.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
The emphasis is on career and the financial news is still positive, which means there are several opportunities to make tangible progress toward improving your situation. Just remember to keep your goals realistic—you’re under the influence of Jupiter, after all, a force that encourages all sorts of excess.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It doesn’t really matter whether you want the attention or are enjoying it—you’re in the spotlight regardless of your preference. But that doesn’t translate into answering every demand for your time and energy. If you’re uncomfortable or burdened by what’s happening, take a step back and call “time out.” You don’t have to fulfill every expectation—even your own.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
You’ve had to deal with a lot of shifts and you may not be sure how to integrate what you’ve learned. Jupiter’s expansive capacity for inspiration is available right now, making it a good time to contemplate the essence of those lessons and what’s required to apply the wisdom you’ve been gathering.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
It’s all about relationships—including your relationship with yourself—so seize this moment to get in touch with the depth of your emotions. I know it’s sometimes difficult for you to express your feelings, but those you love need to know just how much you care.
Pisces February 19-March 20
The emphasis is still on doing what you love, and again, this is not necessarily about work, although it could be. As you think about what you love to do, try to also figure out how to spend as much time as possible following that bliss. Even if you can’t quit your day job, all those other hours will be joyfully spent.