We closed out June on cool note as fire planet Mars started its two-month retrograde, but rest assured, things are about to heat up in a big way. To put it lightly, this July is going to be one for the books. It's only just begun, but let's start by looking at the end of the month.
Mercury starts its second retrograde of the year on the 25th, in which it will, as it is wont to do, ask us to reflect on how we communicate. This is no delicate request. As we mentioned, Mars is also retrograde and will stay that way for the whole month, causing our energy and drive to slow way down.
The solar eclipse on the 13th will bring both positive and negative aspects of our lives to light, so prepare to confront hard truths and celebrate unexpected wins, as either or both could await you mid-month. And remember to breathe: Ultimately, this celestial event will make us stronger, better people.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Opportunities abound this month, Cancer. You've likely been enjoying the fruits of your labour for some time now, and that won't end any time soon. Get ready to cash in on the 22nd when the sun moves into your second house of value and possessions. The other current guest star in this house is Mercury, your planet of spirituality, who will be hanging out all month long. Keep an eye out for more earning opportunities during the messenger planet's stay.
If you work in an industry that focuses on sales or trade, Mercury, aka the communication planet, will be at your side, helping you discover lucrative solutions at the office. Make the most of your honeymoon phase with Mercury before it goes retrograde on the 26th.
The lunar eclipse on the 27th will affect your self-image, so spend some time reflecting on the person you're becoming. Don't take this as an invitation to slip into critic mode, though. Instead, let this be a practice round of showing yourself the same patience and kindness you usually show others.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Solar eclipses affect you a little bit more than everyone else, Leo, and that's because the sun is your ruling planet. But normally, you don't like to hide from your challenges. You'd much rather burn 'em down.
But, eclipses are necessary in life, and even you deserve to take a rest from the limelight. The 13th's eclipse will smack you right in the spirituality sector, making you confront your values and self-image. How much time have you been taking to reflect? This month, make meditation a part of your regular routine. Sitting with yourself will help you better understand your view of the world. From there, it'll be important to see if your personal outlook aligns with how others perceive you.
Who's the Lion? You are. The solar eclipse on the 27th is going to put your relationships (both romantic and professional) under a magnifying glass. If all goes as planned, you'll end this month knowing who is really here for you and who you're here to help.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
This is your lucky month, Virgo. The solar and lunar eclipses this July aren't going to affect you as much as they're expected to affect the other signs. That said, your friends and family may experience some drama thanks to matters beyond our control during the 13th's solar eclipse. Be ready to lend an ear and listen. We spend so much of our time talking about our own experiences and feelings that we often forget to look outside of ourselves for a broader perspective. You have a brain for processes and systems, Virgo, and this month will ask you to put it to use.
Your natural ability to see "the matrix," aka the binary code of this world, makes you a perfect shoulder to lean on during times of confusion. Just make sure that you don't get treated like a doormat — create boundaries you need now. Make sure your relationships consist of both give and take, grow and reap. The lunar eclipse on the 27th of the month will be working its way into your professional life and combining forces with the Mars retrograde. These celestial events will work in tandem to remind you to pick your battles.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Is your natural superpower the ability to be chill at all times, Libra? Sometimes that's how it seems to us, from where we stand on the outside looking in. Your challenge this month will be to maintain your cool, calm, and collected persona when the July 13 solar eclipse occurs in your professional zone. If you work for yourself, it'll be especially important to keep the chaos from getting to you.
If you work somewhere that has an HR team and you're feeling unsure of your career path or just slightly off-kilter, book a meeting with them and find out what you can do to course-correct. The solar eclipse on the 27th will move through your fifth house of creativity and children. If you're a parent, your little ones could be working to establish their identity as individuals right now. Encourage them to grow with a new hobby or skill.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Have you heard of BDE yet, Scorpio? This is your sign's secret superpower, also know as confidence! Where does your self-esteem blossom from? We'd say from strategy, intelligence, and impeccable timing, given your sign's penchant for making plans. The solar eclipse on the 13th will arrive in your house of death, sex, and rebirth. As ominous as this might sound, this could actually mean great things for your career, especially if you're ready for a change.
The lunar eclipse on the 27th will pass through your house of family and home, with change-maker Uranus right alongside it. Be prepared for anything on this date, as water signs are set to feel the eclipse's effects more intensely than others. Remember, the best houses are built from the ground up and come with a steady foundation. How stable is your family's current foundation?
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
July may be a bit of a rough month for you, Sagittarius, but it's nothing that you can't handle. The solar eclipse on the 13th will be passing through your eighth house of sex, death, and rebirth. This is a profound house to host a solar eclipse and it may nudge you to take a big step back from the hubbub of your life and look at the bigger picture.
Do you share an income with a partner? Sit down with them and reevaluate your shared spending. What you can do to prosper as a couple in the short- and long-term? The lunar eclipse on the 27th will occur in your third house of communication and could bring even more money matters to light. Do you have a plan for your student loans? Are your investments paying off? It may feel overwhelming while you're in it, but this eclipse will ultimately help you sort out your financial goals and determine where you see yourself going.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
You're at the top of your game, romantically speaking, Capricorn. If you're single, you've been attracting all kinds of potential partners (whether you've picked up on their flirty hints or not). But the solar eclipse on the 13th may ask you to get serious about your prospects — who will come out on the other side when this celestial event is over?
To make sure that you're spending your precious time wisely, scale back your schedule to the frontrunners only. After all, what Cap doesn't hate wasting their time? This period will shed light on anyone who isn't "here for the right reasons." If you're attached, it might be time to have some tough conversations, but they'll ultimately make your relationship stronger. On a less romantic note, the lunar eclipse on the 27th will illuminate any bad spending habits that you need to kick. Even responsible Goats could tighten the purse strings sometimes.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
If you're not happy at work, Water Bearer, this July will help you strategise your next big move. Forces beyond your control could have you rethinking how much you like your current position, even your industry as a whole. Start working on editing your social media presence now — you never know what a potential employer might dig up.
You'll also be well-served by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Learn about how you can self-advocate for a raise or a promotion, Aquarius, because you really do deserve it. Finally, don't forget to check in with superiors to see what you can do to advance to the next level. The lunar eclipse on the 27th will profoundly affect you, since it will take place in your sign. And what do you know, it will be working in tandem with your ruling planet, Uranus, to boot. The planet of change wants you to look back on what you've accomplished and how you can get where you want to be.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Cue the sigh of relief: July's solar eclipse, arriving on the 13th, won't be earth-shattering. You may notice that your coworkers are a bit more stressed out than usual. Caretaker that you are, you know that the best thing you can do is support them.
This solar eclipse occurs in your house of creativity, encouraging you to start that project or act on those ideas that you've been dreaming about. You never know where your passion can take you with hard work and planning. The lunar eclipse on the 27th will happen in your house of spirituality. But, much like the solar eclipse, you'll be in the eye of the storm, Pisces, stuck watching everyone else do their best to weather it. Take notes and listen to their experiences. Your unique perspective is a learning opportunity. You'll be so prepared when you're presented with a similar situation down the line.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
How's that retrograde treating you so far, Ram? Your ruling planet, Mars, is out of bounds all month, which means you might be feeling a little weird, but, hey, weird can be good, especially if you've been seeking a new perspective on old problems. And here's some purely good news: This month could bring you a whole new group of friends, if you're ready to put yourself out there. Try a friendship app like BumbleBFF and look for people who will inspire you and help you live your best life.
The solar eclipse approaches on the 13th in your house of home and relationships. Translation: The universe is asking you to settle down until the 22nd of July to work on home improvement projects and spend some much-needed time with family members. You could even mix the two by looking for new furniture or upgrading that one irksome thing about your home with the help of your sibling or parent. Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference. The lunar eclipse on the 27th will also hit you in the house of family and home, which signals that you need to solidify your base before you can get started on anything else. We know you don't love moving slowly, Aries, but give it a try just this once.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
July is going to be a pressure cooker of a month for you, Taurus. The solar eclipse on the 13th is arriving in your house of home and family, which may mean girding yourself against familial drama. Your first line of defence? Brush up on your listening skills, Bull. Siblings will need support and they'll come straight to you for it. They're used to counting on you, so make yourself as available as you want to be — and set boundaries if you need to.
The upcoming lunar eclipse on July 27 will affect you more than others, as it hits your house of family and your house of career. Prep for this shakeup by dusting off that CV, taking some classes to enhance your skill set, and prove to the powers that be just how indispensable you really are. Challenges make us stronger, Taurus, and by the end of this month you'll be strong as hell. July isn't all trials and tribulations, though. Venus, your ruling planet, will trine Pluto, your love planet, on July 27. In other words, don't ghost on plans with your friends on or around this day. Love will be in the air and you'll want to spread it all around.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
This month is asking you to take a good, long look at your finances, Gemini. Think of it as the tax season for your sign (feel free to pause and roll your eyes). The solar eclipse on the 13th will ask you to evaluate what you might be wasting money on and how you can redirect your income to help you out in the long run. You never want to end up in a situation where cash isn't accessible, so consider setting up a simple plan that won't leave you the creek. You aren't usually a big planner, but the peace of mind that comes with a rainy day fund is worth the extra work.
Speaking of the long-term, use this celestial event to pin down your financial goals, too. Whether you hope to buy a house, upgrade to a new flat, or budget for all the weddings you said you'd attend this summer, laying these wishes out on paper will help you rest more easily.
Then, the lunar eclipse on the 27th will affect your house of travel, so if you're leaving the country, you ought to invest in some travel insurance and triple-check your itinerary now. Even the most laid back Gem won't like the surprises that come with holiday slip-ups.
Illustrated by Abbie Winters.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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