Scorpio, July 2016

Each sign is ruled by at least one planet, and you, Scorpio, luckily got two. Is it because you're so good at negotiating? Or because people can't resist your mysterious, sexy way? Or maybe you're just a master manipulator.

Anyway, Mars, your traditional ruling planet (Pluto also was assigned to you after discovery) had been retrograde from April 17 until the end of last month, June 29. As we all know by now, thanks to Mercury's amazing PR, retrogrades are horrible, and being that Mars rules war, this retrograde was especially intense.

To make matters worse, this retrograde started out in Sagittarius, and totally messed with both your self-worth and bank account, and then retrograded right back into your sign! Mars's retrograde in Scorpio was rough: You felt stuck, overwhelmed, angry yet impotent. But it's finally over, and a new month has begun! Let's look at what July has to offer.

The new moon in fellow Water sign Cancer comes on July 4, activating the sector of your chart that rules travel, learning, and exploration. If you're planning on taking a class or going back to school, now is the time to put your mind to it. Hoping to travel? Use the new moon's energy to help you plan your trip.

Sweet Venus in nurturing Cancer trines (one of the easiest astrological aspects) Mars in your sign on July 6, which will toss some good luck your way. Expect to be in a philosophical, optimistic mood. You're totally a deep thinker—but hopeful for the future? Not always, but seductive Venus might be able to coax a smile out of you today.

Of course, nothing lovely lasts forever. Mercury and the Sun in Cancer oppose your other ruling planet, Pluto, the lord of the underworld, currently in Capricorn on July 7. Watch out for arguments, gossip, and lies. You are not one to fuck with, but someone could make a mistake.

You could also be the shit-stirrer—if so, it's likely because deep transformations are taking place, and you're not sure how you feel about them, or where to go next. If you're feeling uneasy, use Pluto's ability to probe and transform in a positive way by seeing a therapist—talking things out is definitely recommended since mental, philosophical sectors of your chart are being activated.

Communication improves when logical, chatty Mercury trines Mars July 10. In addition to talking things out, journaling, and taking on a new study of some kind, will be therapeutic. Also: You may receive some news from a faraway place, as well as engage with the media or publish something!

The mental realm and communication continue to be highlighted this month during the Full Moon in Capricorn on July 19, which will illuminate a vast amount of information for you to dig through, my little scorpion. The climax of an ongoing conversation could come now, or a deep revelation could be made. It's also worth noting that the full moons ask us to find balance and harmony in our lives. For you, Scorpio, the Capricorn full moon wants you to come to a place where you trust your judgment while still knowing that there is so much more for you to learn.

A bunch of planets enter the sign of royalty this month: Leo! Venus enters Leo on July 12, Mercury on July 13, and the Sun on July 22. Leo is the stage hog of the zodiac. You can be a little shy, but Scorpio, you love the spotlight as much as the lion!

These planets in Leo are activating the sector of your chart that rules fame and fortune, so expect to shift your focus to career and popularity toward the end of the month. Charming Venus and chatty Mercury could definitely attract some awesome opportunities your way, and the bright, shining Sun will certainly bring you recognition.

That said, your work and daily responsibilities could experience a bump or two when the planet of chaos and electricity, Uranus, stations retrograde in Fire sign Aries on July 29. We love Uranus: It's wild, inventive, and innovative, and actually, Uranus pausing in the sky to go retrograde could bring you some genius flashes of insight and inspiration. But it is the rebel of the zodiac, so when it comes to a halt, you may find that your daily chores and responsibilities face some shakeups—think miscommunication, disorganization, and a generally erratic vibe.

Communicator Mercury enters grounded Earth sign Virgo on July 30, stirring things up in the friendship and community sector of your chart! Expect to hear plenty from your friends. It's funny that the sign of analysis, Virgo, rules the social sector of your chart—unless someone is adept at dissecting a person, problem, or situation, you just can't get along with them. They need to be on your level of intuition and understanding, or else you'll get super bored! Expect to make some good connections as Mercury hangs out in Virgo.

Good luck this month, Scorpio, and see you in August!