Leo (23 July – 22 August)
Mercury Retrograde
This could feel like a stop-start month for you so pace yourself accordingly. There are a couple of reasons why. Firstly, the planet of communication, Mercury begins the month in your star sign, Leo. Yet, on the 7th, Mercury turns retrograde and spends the rest of July in retreat.
This is invariably a time when you’re best not to make any major decisions. Instead, shift things around and change your routine so you get a chance to look at life from a different angle. You could reconsider a personal issue or think about how you come across to other people.
Leo rules your image and profile, your personal goals and aims so it’s about you. When Mercury shifts direction on the 7th, take care what you say and do. The other planet pulled into the astrological picture is action planet, Mars. In fact, on the 8th, Mercury and Mars make a powerful conjunction but with Mercury on go slow, this isn’t necessarily efficient and effective.
Passion & Activism
In fact, three days later, Mars clashes with Uranus in Taurus, so this period of the month feels fiery and tempestuous. Mars in Leo is urging you to get things moving in your life and there’s often a sense of urgency when Mars is involved. However, this is a push-pull scenario for you and it’s worth remembering that Mars not only rules passion but anger as well.
Tempers could flare during this peak time of the month so be aware of this and try not to act impulsively. Uranus is currently in Taurus and your career and vocation sector and this is the other area of your life where there’s a lot going on.
It might feel as if you don’t fit in at work or that other people are getting ahead while you’re left out. This could be professionally or socially in relation to your work colleagues. You’re wise to concentrate more on your own goals and aims this month than try and please other people.
You have Mars on your side until mid-August, adding courage and strength to your personal tool-box. If things aren’t working out as you would like, do whatever you can to build your self-esteem and confidence and work towards your own goals, your next steps.
Be aware that you could also get pulled in to other people’s disputes or business. In fact, you might find yourself at the forefront of a protest or new developments. Your stars are aligned to propel you into an activist role fighting for what you believe in, getting your own and other people’s voices heard.
Eclipse Season
The other major activity this month’s includes two powerful eclipses which cut across the Cancer/Capricorn axis of the zodiac. Eclipses are rarely easy because they often coincide with drama or a sudden turn of events. Also, they tend to bring what’s hidden to light.
On the 2nd, there’s a New Moon or Solar Eclipse in Cancer and the most hidden sector of your horoscope. Two weeks later, on the 16th, there’s a Full Moon or Lunar Eclipse cutting across the Cancer/Capricorn axis of the zodiac.
This is about work and health, your lifestyle and routine on the one hand. It’s probably been quite challenging for you in these areas, either during this eclipse cycle from July 2018 onwards, or even further back. April 2019 was a key month in this respect. This is because of the movement of the tough planets, Saturn and Pluto, in Capricorn, along with the South Node.
Put all this together and you might be dealing with stress, unemployment, low energy or ill-health. It’s not easy astrology and the key is to look at where you can let go and do less not more. Taking good care of yourself is important during this eclipse phase.
Slowing Down, Caring For Others
Try not to wear yourself out, especially if you’re dealing with authority figures or bureaucracy. As Cancer rules the hidden sector in your horoscope, sometimes this flags up a secret enemy or someone working against you.
Cancer also rules rest and retreat in your horoscope, so create more space and quiet time for yourself. Plus, Mercury retrograde presents an excellent opportunity to take time out and be by yourself. Listen to your natural instincts and slow down so you can hear your inner voice.
Caring for yourself and others is a key theme of the current eclipse cycle. The Cancer/Capricorn axis is about being of service, sacrifice and surrender. You may choose to put your life in the hands of God or follow a spiritual path and let go of outer achievements or success. That’s the most radical outcome of this current cycle. Yet, in some way, large or small, you may find yourself shifting your priorities.
Recharged & Refreshed
Also, it is hard to keep a good Leo down! And, if you do look after yourself well this month, you can recharge those batteries and find yourself feeling refreshed and rejuvenated by the time the Sun enters your star sign, Leo, on the 23rd.
The Sun rules vitality and energy and it’s a real confidence boost when it moves into your star sign. Plus, there’s a New Moon in Leo on August 1st, the same day that Mercury turns direct. Therefore, use the astrology to plot and plan your next steps ready to take action late July and into early August.
Love Affairs
There’s also a private theme when it comes to love this month as Venus, the planet of love and relating, is hidden away in Cancer from the 3rd to the 28th. In fact, Venus is closely connected to the eclipses. Therefore, what’s happening in your partner’s life may impact on you, especially if they’re dealing with work or health issues.
If you’re not in a relationship, Venus in Cancer is a classic symbol for unrequited love or a love affair. The 25th looks dreamy. Here too, take the pace slow and make no big decisions.
On the 28th, Venus enters your star sign, Leo. Therefore, by the end of the month, you may find that any love or personal issues can be resolved. Or, at the very least, you know what you want and how to go about making it happen.
View this month as an up-swing, a trajectory that takes you low at first but then shoots upwards at turbo speed. Your life could look very different by the end of July.