I’m happy to report that this week continues the dreamy and romantic themes that defined the earlier part of July. The moon is waxing after last week’s beautiful new moon in Cancer, and the challenge is to figure out when it’s time to make a move versus when it’s time to just relax and enjoy the summer. Tension is building as Mars—in usually steady Taurus—approaches a conjunction with extreme Uranus, an aspect that brings unexpected events and sudden shakeups. The full impact of this aspect won’t be felt until the 15th (when it goes exact), but it will be building all week. As much as it might feel “safe” to stay in your comfort zone, at this point, resisting the change is more destructive than taking a big leap.
Venus, still in sensitive Cancer, connects with spark plug Uranus on the 8th bringing an open-minded and progressive influence to creative and romantic pursuits. Think of this as softer encouragement to take things in a more experimental direction. Mercury sextiles Jupiter on the 8th, encouraging positive thinking toward this new approach. Then the Sun trines Saturn on the 10th, bringing patience and allowing us to see how much progress we’ve already made this year toward our goals.
Venus connects with hazy Neptune on the 11th, amping up all kinds of romantic daydreams. But this watery, emotional landscape doesn’t last as Venus enters Leo later on the 11th, encouraging a bolder and more direct approach to love. Just be careful this doesn’t turn into an obsessive crush when Venus opposes power planet Pluto on the 12th.
(Horoscopes follow for each sign. If you know your rising sign, reading for that sign too will provide further insight.)