You’ll need a steady inner compass to keep you on track this week—the astral winds are strong, so strong that nervous systems are in need of extra care. Even if you like being buffeted by powerful currents or you enjoy the surprise of unforeseen detours, you’ll need some sort of homing device keep you on course through the week’s twists and turns. Also, moods are more than a little testy, especially today and tomorrow—actually, most of next week—as many struggle to contain anxiety about what’s coming next.
There’s no need to worry about the future—we are constantly creating it in the moment by everything we think, say, and do, which is why this week, holding fast to your center will help you navigate each day with greater skill.
The source of shift is multilayered. Several planets are changing Signs—Venus, the Sun, Mercury, and then Venus again on July 31. When planets change position, the concerns of daily life reflect that new focus, and emotional bodies tend to take more than a moment to adjust. So give yourself and those you love time to integrate and metabolize the new perspectives. And be aware, these shifts aren’t the only transitions of the week. Two planets begin retrograde phases—Venus, on July 25 and Uranus, on July 26—and as they review their recent history, we review ours.
Just like last week, you’ll need a list to track the astral action:
(1) Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, just moved into Virgo, on Saturday, July 18, but she doesn’t stay there for long. Venus only lingers in the first moments of Virgo for the next nine days. On Saturday, July 25, Venus goes retrograde, and on July 31, she reenters Leo, where she stays for nearly the next three months. Don’t despair—there’s nothing stagnant about this retrograde phase. Venus is in Leo and Leo loves romance and drama. What’s more, the goddess of love stays close to Jupiter until mid-August, stirring expressive and expansive—and in some cases, extravagant and excessive—liaisons. Mark your calendars: Venus goes direct on September 6. She enters Virgo, again, on October 8.
(2) The Sun enters Leo, today, and Mercury follows close behind early on July 23. Ah…Leo…the Sign of creativity, fun, risk, and self-expression. Anticipate lots of creative energy, especially as August unfolds, and Uranus moves into positive alignment with that Leo fire, sparking inspiration and innovation.
(3) And speaking of Uranus, we are in the thrall of a Mars/Uranus square. This pernicious interaction began on July 17; it’s exact July 25 (such a busy day) and ends on August 2. Mars represents physical energy. Uranus represents kinetic energy. And when they clash through a square, the sparks of that friction tend to manifest as rebellion, volatility, and aggression. Hold on fast to the desire to make peace, and as this square bristles through the week, you’ll have a better chance of maintaining your equilibrium. Spend the excess energy in healthy ways—exercise and meditation would be good choices, to name just two non-violent pursuits. Today, the Moon, in Libra, joins this square, as it squares Mars, in Cancer, and opposes Uranus, in Aries. The Moon’s presence exacerbates relationship issues, especially themes of safety, security, and personal independence.
(4) And continuing to speak of Uranus, it goes retrograde on July 26 and stays retrograde until Christmas Day. All week long, as Uranus “turns around,” certain facets of daily life related to technology are going to be screwy. Be patient and pretend it’s a Mercury Retrograde iteration, and just to be safe, back everything up now—really…now. As it makes its “course correction” Uranus squares Mars, so do your best to refuse the temptation to throw your computer, tablet, or smart phone at the wall. Just breathe, please. (More about Uranus Retrograde next week.)
We are used to retrogrades slowing things down, but neither Venus nor Uranus will slow down the pace of daily life—if anything, they will accelerate certain areas. This rapid pace is sure to threaten the stability of regular routines, which could result in a mild case of psychic dislocation—yours or others’. Do your best to be patient with yourself as you adjust to the new view, and also make an effort to be patient with your fellow travelers—not everyone is skilled at transitions, especially when so many happen simultaneously. And please be kind, especially to children, who often feel these astral winds more keenly than grownups.
Sun Bursts: If you know your Ascendant and/or your Moon Sign, read that too.
Aries March 21-April 19
You’re going to need great coping skills to manage all that needs managing. Relationships, personal as well as professional, are the primary focus, but it’s not just significant others that present challenges. It’s also what gets generated for you to do as a result of those partnerships. You can shoulder the load, but you also need to take really good care of you.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Work-related conversations with colleagues and clients pose the biggest problem, if only because the possibility of everyone blurting out information could create several awkward situations. Be patient and don’t agree to promises and commitments you can’t keep. Choose your words wisely, and you’ll emerge from these interactions without too many hassles.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Instead of viewing your situation as a financial crisis, reframe your perspective. Of course, money is important. But what’s really being challenged is your ability to stand firmly in your authority without having to diminish others in order to demonstrate your strength. Yes, this is a huge task, but you’re up to it, all you have to do is stay flexible.
Cancer June 22-July 22
No one likes to have her authority questioned, but that doesn’t mean you have to destroy the “non-believer.” Take your stand and stay true to yourself. Just be aware that a benevolent leader gathers more followers than a belligerent one. So rather than reacting in the heat of the moment, breathe, and consider a response that will generate beneficial results.
Leo July 23-August 22
Take a big, deep breath, and as you exhale, release any pent-up inhibitions or anxieties you’ve been holding onto. You’re finally in charge and can set your own course. Be grateful to the goddesses and gods for this opportunity, and rather than squander it being self-indulgent, use it wisely. You have a rare opportunity to bring your dreams to fruition.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Even as others frolic about, for you the next several weeks form a chrysalis of self-examination. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the hard questions, and be unstintingly honest with yourself. I’m not suggesting there is something wrong. I am simply advising you to prepare for a spotlight—Jupiter moving into Virgo on August 11—that will reveal your brilliant transformation into an illuminated butterfly.
Libra September 23-October 22
You’ll need to find healthy ways to blow off steam, especially when it comes to professional partnerships and interactions that challenge your sense of fairness. You may fail the emotional sobriety test by shouting and stomping your feet, but never mind. If you can find the humility to apologize, you’ll be able to smooth ruffled feathers and restore peace.
Scorpio October 23-November 21
You’re in a highly active phase of career opportunities. Set your intentions on what you want to accomplish, and be sure to put work at the top of your list, even if you are retired. Oh…and don’t even worry about the retrogrades—they will work on your behalf, so much so, that you could find yourself thinking about taking a vacation.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
I would be surprised if you wanted life to move at a quicker pace, but…hey…I could be wrong, particularly when it comes to how brightly the fires of your creativity are already burning. Stay open to even more inspiration, and don’t hesitate to spend this energy utterly devoted to your creativity.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
It’s a partnership issue that manifests as a power struggle, particularly when it comes to who has the final say. There is no escaping the strife, so rather than persist in the competition, devote your time and energy to finding a compromise solution that will benefit all the players. It isn’t always necessary to win, especially in this current moment.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Expect squabbles with co-workers and/or bosses about who should be in charge of what. And anticipate some of those interactions to be peppered with harsh words spoken more in the heat of the moment than the depths of the heart. Don’t take in any negativity. Instead, hold fast to your inner peace, and just let these confrontations become memories.
Pisces February 19-March 20
Continue to rely on your innate fluidity and flexibility, and rather than engage in conflicts you might later regret, find your way around the conflict. I’m not suggesting you wimp out or surrender an important personal value. I’m simply advising you to wait until there is a more propitious time for confrontation.
Ralfee Finn specializes in Transformational Astrology. For readings, call 1-212-222-3232, write P.O. Box 343, New York, NY 10025, visit AquariumAge.com, or e-mail ralfee@aquariumage.com.
Copyright © 2015 by Ralfee Finn