Monthly Horoscope: Libra, July 2018

But there is some tense energy early this month, too: Mercury will oppose warrior planet Mars (which is currently retrograde and therefore in a very bad mood), also on July 5, which will find people in an argumentative mood—you’ll especially see this play out in your social life. You love fun, flirty banter, but someone might take something you say the wrong way, or vice versa.

Easy, dreamy energy flows on July 8 when the Sun connects with Neptune, especially at work—the vibe is lax and creativity is flowing. Just make sure you’re not doing everyone else's jobs in addition to your own—you sometimes take on too much for the sake of pleasing people, Libra. Everyone is making big promises and you're excited to do as much as possible as Mercury and Jupiter square off on July 9—don’t overextend yourself! You might feel compelled to show off, too; however, with your ruling planet Venus entering Virgo and activating a shy, quiet sector of your chart, you might find you don’t really want all the attention you'd been seeking.

When Venus enters earth sign Virgo on July 9, expect your already high standards to get even more particular—Virgo is super picky. Virgo is associated with the Hermit card in the tarot, and while you are all about relationships, even you will crave some time alone. It’s unlike you to choose a night in over a night out, but Venus in Virgo wants you to get some beauty sleep. It’s definitely time to focus on self-care and self-love. July 11 is a perfect time to get yourself a new sex toy as Venus connects with electric Uranus! An unexpected hookup is possible as well. And, while Venus is in Virgo, you’ll feel even more private about your love life than usual, making a secret fling possible. If you’re already in a relationship, ask your partner/s what their secret fantasies are and share yours, too—this is a great time to explore those together.

July 14 brings another productive day for your ruling planet Venus as it connects with Saturn, encouraging a helpful energy around discussing your emotions and boundaries, as well as planning and making commitments. It’s not the cuddliest, most affectionate vibe, but it is constructive! A more social energy flows on July 22 thanks to the start of Leo season, plus on this day, Venus and Jupiter will connect to create a helpful atmosphere, especially on the financial front.

The trickiest day for Venus this month is arguably July 24, when it will oppose hazy, dreamy Neptune, finding us feeling confused about what we want—this is an important time to conserve your energy. Don’t make any sacrifices as a dramatic gesture during this time. People are craving affection, but insecurity is also in the air (Neptune is the planet of fantasy and delusion). This is a thorny time—it’s possible romance will be in the air, but don’t believe every I love you whispered in your ear. People could be full of shit right now, either because they’re con artists, or simply because they’re drunk or delusional. This could be a powerful time to make art or pursue spiritual pursuits; however, you need to find ways to stay grounded and avoid paranoid thinking.

Venus isn’t the only thing you have to watch out for this month: There are two eclipses plus a Mercury retrograde that we haven’t even discussed yet! The first eclipse this month is in Cancer on July 12, which is the one that will be major for your career—an amazing, exciting fresh start is here! However, the spotlight might feel overwhelming and you could be totally in the dark about what these new opportunities mean for you or how you feel about them. Eclipses are emotional and exhausting, but feeling weary and teary when all eyes are on you is overwhelming as hell. It’s important that you cut off people in your life who are draining your energy, due to the Sun’s opposition to Pluto during this eclipse. Pluto keeps many secrets, but these secrets sometimes see the light of day, and this eclipse may be when they come out!

Drama is in the air on July 25 when the Sun squares off with Uranus, so watch out for shake-ups and surprises in your social life. Mercury retrograde begins in Leo on July 25, which also will be major for your social life—expect to run into friends from the past. You may now rethink your affiliations with groups or associations you once thought you shared values with. In fact, you’re reconsidering what’s important to you and what you want for the future. Don’t forget the usual Mercury retrograde rules: Avoid signing contracts, watch out for miscommunications, try not to travel, be mindful of delays, watch out for technical difficulties, and hold off on making big purchases. Use this time to slow down and catch up with old friends!

The lunar eclipse in Aquarius arrives on July 27, bringing a major emotional release around your creative blocks and issues concerning your love life. Aquarius is a sign that’s cool and logical, but there’s nothing cool or logical about eclipses—they’re emotional and complicated, often bringing up issues we can't describe. It’s time to admit that something you’ve been thinking of as “so simple” maybe isn’t so cut and dry—and let yourself cry. Endings are taking place, especially due to the Sun opposing retrograde Mars: something you needed to cut off in the past but never truly let go is now ready to be released. Your ruling planet Venus connects with power planet Pluto, encouraging strength and helping you navigate these turbulent emotions. If you hook up with someone during this eclipse, expect to it to be powerful as hell (and probably very kinky). This is a magical time to process your emotions and to let go of the past, Libra. Good luck this month, and see you in August!