Monthly Horoscope: Sagittarius, July 2018

The month opens with ups and downs: On July 5, the Sun makes a harmonious connection with lucky planet Jupiter, bringing good vibes your way—especially around healing past emotional issues. There is also an argumentative energy in the air as communication planet Mercury opposes the planet of war, Mars (which is currently retrograde in Aquarius, finding you rethinking your often over-the-top communication style). The vibe eases up on July 8, when the Sun makes an easy connection with dreamy Neptune, creating a gentle mood, especially around home and family.

Jupiter, by the way, is your ruling planet, so whenever it’s busy in the sky, we know you’ll be busy down here on Earth. On July 9, messenger Mercury will square off with Jupiter, kicking up a ton of conversation. Don’t make any promises you can’t keep and don’t place any bets—Mercury retrograde is coming, after all, which means that people will rethink many commitments they’ve made this month, and things will require a second look.

Also on July 9, love and money planet Venus enters earth sign Virgo, illuminating the sector of your chart that rules your career as well as your reputation and public life. As Venus moves through hardworking, analytical Virgo, you’re going to figure out what’s truly meaningful when it comes to your professional goals and popularity. Does being perfect equal success? That’s something for you to ponder as Venus moves through Virgo, a sign that’s preoccupied with improvement. Above all, what does perfection mean to you?

Don't confuse Virgo's methodical vibe with rigidity—especially on July 11, when Venus connects with rebel planet Uranus to bring a sparkle and an unexpected a-ha realization to your everyday routine. This is an exciting day at work, with innovative energy is in the air! Another fantastic day for your career and finances is July 14, when Venus connects with Saturn, the planet of responsibility—hard work pays off! The mood is productive, and people are discussing their plans and commitments.

Your ruling planet Jupiter ends its retrograde in Scorpio on July 10, so expect some interesting dreams to arrive, and note them down in your dream journal. Let yourself catch up on extra sleep. Scorpio is a very sensitive, psychic sign, so don’t be surprised if you feel overwhelmed by people’s energy right now. As Jupiter changes directions, it's a fantastic time to check in with a counselor to discuss—and work through—some of your deepest wounds.

Our first eclipse this month is in Cancer on July 12, which will be a sensitive time for you—keep your schedule open because you will feel very emotional and need time to rest. Cancer is a sign that’s ruled by the Moon, and it’s wise to remember that the Moon has its phases. It waxes and wanes and affects the tides—and water, of course, is an element tightly associated with emotions. Remember: Emotions can swell, but they pass. You won’t feel this pain—or joy, or fear, or even a romantic crush—forever, because these things come in waves, rolling in before receding again. Feelings are constantly moving, so don't try to grip on to them—have you ever tried to grab a fistful of water? Use the powerful energy of this eclipse to let go. This is a fantastic time to consciously honor, and then let go of, the past. Some difficult endings may take place, due to the Sun’s opposition to power planet Pluto, and some manipulative or shady behavior may be exposed… but as any Sagittarius knows, the truth must always be honored.

The Sun enters Leo on July 22, illuminating the sector of your chart that rules travel and higher learning and encouraging you to do what you love most: learn and explore. A good mood is in the air as Leo season kicks off, thanks to sweet Venus connecting with your ruling planet, lucky Jupiter. On this day, creativity is flowing and a helpful energy is in the air, too.

We hit an interesting rough patch later this month: Venus opposes Neptune on July 24, bringing confusion and longing, and the Sun clashes with Uranus on July 25, bringing surprises and inspiring many to go their own way. Be mindful of paranoia during this time, Sagittarius, especially around work or your private life. If you’re feeling confused about these themes, don’t take action just yet—find ways to feel grounded instead. Surprises in your schedule are likely to pop up, but hopefully some brilliant eureka moments will, too.

To top it all off, Mercury retrograde begins in Leo on July 26. We’re currently in a Mars retrograde in Aquarius, which is putting you in an argumentative mood and pushing you to rethink communication. Mercury, of course, is the planet of communication, so be especially mindful of miscommunication during its retrograde. Because this Mercury retrograde in Leo will activate the travel and learning sector of your chart, make sure to double-check your itineraries and be aware of errors on any papers you’re filling out for school. A message from long ago and far away may reach you during this time.

The lunar eclipse in Aquarius arrives on July 27, revealing crucial, or even shocking, information—you’ll never see things the same after this. A blowout argument may occur, especially with the Sun opposing Mars, which is currently retrograde. People are in a very irritable mood. It’s important to know that you can’t always fix everything—it might be time to let go instead of tinkering away. Venus does make a harmonious connection with Pluto on this day, creating a hopeful energy and bringing potential opportunities for us to connect deeply and intimately.

You’re an optimist, Sagittarius, which helps you stay strong during eclipse season—an emotional, exhausting time when we're tested, secrets are revealed, and major endings (and beginnings!) take place. Do you believe in destiny? If so, eclipses are intense times when fated moves are made; if you've been veering off your true path, this is the time you'll be thrown back on it. Good luck this month, Sagittarius, and see you in August!