Monthly Horoscope: Aries, July 2018

Things are complicated this summer when it comes to taking action—even if that action is rooted in self-defense (which is precisely what the crab’s shell is for)—due to your ruling planet Mars being retrograde in Aquarius. Teams you’ve been working with are suffering from infighting, you’re feeling irritable, and drama is popping up in your social life.

Here’s something for you to reflect on, Aries: In your life, have you felt safer in unfamiliar places, or in spaces you considered home? It’s time for both to be places you feel comfortable and secure in, and that means getting clear on your boundaries and expressing them… just try not to express them in an all-out fight on July 5 when communication planet Mercury opposes Mars! People are going to be in an especially argumentative mood on this day; however, some lucky energy is in the air, thanks to the Sun's connection with benevolent Jupiter. For you, sweet ram, this connection will bring a swell of emotions, a boost in intuition, a heightened sensitivity, and the opportunity to connect very deeply with your intimate partners. Easier energy flows on July 8, when the Sun connects with dreamy Neptune and finds you healing many deep-rooted issues.

Chatty mercury squares off with Jupiter on July 9, bringing lots of talk, an especially busy vibe in your love life, and negotiations or brainstorms around your creative projects (as well as money to make them happen!). Just make sure you don't make promises you can’t keep, and if someone tells you something that sounds too good to be true, don’t be naive, Aries!

Also on July 9, sweet, sexy Venus enters earth sign Virgo. Yes, Virgo is all about purity and perfection, but don’t be fooled—this earth sign is as lusty as any! It’s just extremely picky. Venus in Virgo will bring blessings to your everyday routine, make life at your day job a bit sweeter, and find you running into cuties as you do your errands. This is a fantastic time to edit your closet or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Venus makes an exciting connection with electric Uranus on July 11, bringing you some surprises—Venus rules money in addition to love and beauty, so watch out for some interesting shifts around your financial situation. Venus also makes a harmonious connection with Saturn on July 14, which bodes very well for your public reputation and career. People are discussing plans and commitments, and there’s a productive energy in the air.

The one day this month I would circle on your calendar is July 24, when Venus opposes Neptune: this is a crucial time to get grounded, avoid paranoid thinking, and tap into your intuition. You might be wondering why you do so much even though no one seems to care, or why you try so hard to quit smoking, maintain a certain diet or whatever health kick you're on, even though it doesn't go anywhere—this is frustrating as hell. But this is the time to be realistic about what kind of delusions you might harbor, not to punish yourself because you tried something and it didn't work out the way you expected. Think of this as a turning point, not the end where you give up all hope. An unexpected turn will come the next day, July 25, as the Sun squares off with brilliant Uranus, the planet of eureka moments.

This month is mega-emotional, especially during the solar eclipse in Cancer on July 12, which will stir up some very sensitive issues concerning your home, family, and past, as well as those themes we discussed earlier like safety, privacy, and security. As you sit with these heavy emotions, it’s important to remember that whatever you’re going through won’t last forever; things will change and grow—just like the moon, always waxing and waning. This is a hugely powerful time to build an altar in your home to honor your ancestors and the people who have come before you. Energetically cleansing your space is a fantastic thing to do at this time, too. Don’t plan too many things to do during this eclipse, since you’ll want time to take it easy—the energy is very moody and you'll want some space. One thing to note is that eclipses often expose secrets—and this one, thanks to the Sun’s opposition to Pluto, will reveal secrets about people in power or people who are simply power hungry. Someone you looked up to may turn out to be a total jerk—or you may discover they were fighting with powers even more dangerous than you previously understood.

The Sun enters Leo on July 22, a bright spot during a heavy and emotional eclipse season that creates a flirtatious energy and finds you in the mood to create art and have a good time with friends. Venus makes a lovely connection with lucky Jupiter on this day, creating a fun and social mood. Mercury retrograde begins in Leo on July 26, finding you running into past crushes, lovers, and people you’ve collaborated with creatively. You might even visit a place where you used to party but haven’t been to in years—it will be interesting for you to see how much you have grown, Aries. As with all Mercury retrogrades, save important purchases for another time and watch out for miscommunications and delays, especially when you’re traveling or signing contracts. Slow down: Mercury retrograde is time to look back, not plow forward—and with your ruling planet Mars retrograde, too, new projects really shouldn't be your focus right now. Instead, take a look at the work you've placed on the back-burner, and connect with friends from your past.

The lunar eclipse in Aquarius lands on July 27, creating a dramatic shift in your social life. Again, eclipses are tiring, emotional, and dramatic, so be gentle with yourself at this time. Things are changing and you might feel frustrated that situations are out of your control—eclipses are time to let go, and the tighter your grip, the more frustrating this time will be. You’re very focused on winning, Aries, but now is the time to simply be and feel—not fight, climb, or convince. Aquarius is associated with the Star card in the tarot, a card all about hopes, dreams, and innovations… make wishes during this eclipse, sweet ram. Some rough arguments and big egos will emerge during this eclipse, due to the Sun opposite Mars, and secrets are coming out that concern the themes anger and pride. But Venus will make a helpful, powerful, and creative connection with Pluto on July 27 as well—real, deep transformations will be made. Good luck this month, dear ram, and see you in August!