Monthly Horoscope: Capricorn, July 2018

Conflicting energy is in the air on July 5: On one hand, a generous vibe flows as the Sun connects with jovial Jupiter, but on the other, an argumentative mood is created as communication planet Mercury opposes retrograde Mars. Mars retrograde is an especially testy time, and this one in social air sign Aquarius means that working in harmony with others is going to be difficult—and you’ll feel this hit where it hurts: your wallet.

Of course, money isn’t everything, but as an earth sign, cash is an important symbol of security to you, so if someone is ungrateful, shady, or disrespectful of your money, time, or energy, then it hits you were it really hurts: your heart. The mood is social right now, so try to enjoy it—but understand that issues around money are going to be heated. Things smooth out on July 8, when the Sun connects with dreamy planet Neptune, creating a sensitive, empathetic energy around communication and in your relationships. It’s a fantastic time for a deep heart-to-heart!

Excitement is in the air on July 9, as Mercury squares off with Jupiter and creates a hugely talkative atmosphere, which might stir up some drama in your social life. People are oversharing—don’t be one of them! Also on this day, Venus enters fellow earth sign Virgo. Flirtatious Venus is especially picky in Virgo, and while this will find you in a curious mood—eager to travel and try new things—you’re still going to be your usual, practical self. Venus might be romantic, but romanticizing the past, present, or future just isn’t what it’s about in analytical Virgo.

An especially exciting day to go on an adventure, text your crush, make some art, or generally have a good time is when Venus connects with wildcard Uranus on July 11. July 14 is a tamer day for Venus, but just as great: it makes a harmonious connection with Saturn, encouraging an easy atmosphere for talking about plans and commitments.

But it’s not all roses for Venus this month: The planet of love and beauty will oppose hazy Neptune on July 24, creating insecurity and confusion around your social and love lives—you’re confused about where you fit in, and working through creative blocks leaves you feeling helpless. Venus’s opposition to Neptune is also a highly sensitive time for romance: feeling ungrounded in your relationships will be super frustrating. Avoid paranoid thinking, and find ways to center yourself. Remember: Venus in Virgo is logical and cool-minded… but it doesn’t matter how smart or discerning you are, anyone can be gaslit. Neptune is the planet of fantasy but also of delusions, confusion, and deception—so stand up to its manipulation. Walk away and talk to someone you trust for help!

The solar eclipse in Cancer arrives on July 12—this is a big one for your relationships. Eclipses clear things, situations, and people that aren't in our best interest out of our lives—but sometimes, we don't want to let go of that crush, job, or habit. We cling—but, dear Capricorn, the tighter your grip during this eclipse, the more exhausting and emotionally draining it will feel. It's time for an upgrade in your life around partnership—connect with people who can match you in both responsibility and availability.

This eclipse is in Cancer—a sign most astrologers call the crybaby of the zodiac. Let yourself cry, Cap… now isn’t the time to be tough! If you’re feeling unsure about which way things are headed, take comfort in the fact that things are supposed to be a bit unclear right now, because you are at the very beginning of a new phase. You need to get a sense of this new landscape around relationships and connecting before you can move forward with plans and goals. One of the reasons why this eclipse will be so intense is because on this day, the Sun will also oppose the lord of the underworld, Pluto, finding all of us confronting some very deep, possibly uncomfortable, truths. Fucked up power struggles will be revealed and control issues will be exposed. For you, dear sea goat, all of this will be going down in your relationships.

Leo season begins on July 22 and the Sun illuminates a very sensitive sector of your chart—issues concerning topics we usually wouldn’t discuss at the dinner table are popping up constantly, like your sex life or money situation—even matters like death or grieving. Leo is a sign astrologers call dramatic, and yes, Leo season is quite intense for you. Everyone else might be enjoying the sunshine during Leo’s summer; however, you, the most goth sign in the zodiac, are dealing with some very deep stuff.

During Leo season, this is the question I want you to ask yourself: Do you keep yourself from complaining, asking for help, or sharing your feelings because you don’t want to be "dramatic?" None of these things are inherently dramatic, Capricorn, so please cut yourself some slack when it comes to sharing your pain—reaching out is good, healthy, and—your favorite word—productive! You don’t have to do things alone. Even having a good friend, lover, or counselor do nothing but sit with you and witness your pain during a hard time has value.

Mercury retrograde begins in Leo on July 26. Conversations that were had over the last month or so will be reconsidered and you’re running into people from your past… and thinking about your past a lot! There could be a situation you thought you were over, but now realize that you need more closure. Pay off an old debt to make good use of the energy. Mercury retrograde asks that we slow down, not speed ahead—so focus on finishing old projects instead of starting new ones. Avoid signing contracts and scheduling important meetings if you can, since miscommunications abound during Mercury retrograde. Mercury rules commerce as well, so don’t make big purchases now, either. If you’re traveling, be mindful of delays and check your itinerary twice.

The lunar eclipse in Aquarius arrives on July 27, which will kick up huge drama for you around finances—something that’s been building up will now reach its climax. Eclipses reveal information, so expect to see the truth about a situation now, especially one concerning worth or value. Money isn’t all that’s on your mind—emotionally, this eclipse will bring up a lot of feelings around security for you. Endings will take place as the Sun opposes Mars retrograde in Aquarius, likely ending situations that should have been cut off long ago. Fortunately, a hugely expressive energy is in the air as Venus connects with power planet Pluto, breaking open blocks around creativity. This could also manifest as very sexy—even kinky—energy! Good luck, my lusty goat, and see you in August!