Monthly Horoscope: Leo, July 2018

The vibe is bold as hell on July 5, when the Sun (your ruling planet!) makes a harmonious connection with lucky Jupiter and communication planet Mercury opposes warrior planet Mars, currently retrograde. Let’s break this down: On one hand, the energy is confident—even egotistical—as the Sun, the center of the solar system, connects with the planet of growth (and exaggeration) Jupiter. It’s a fab time to express yourself creatively or go on an adventure, and especially for you, Leo, this will be a great time to find peace with emotionally charged issues from your past. But with all that B.S. behind you, and with chatty Mercury confronting angry Mars ( limping around and retrograde), you’re ready to say things that many people may not be prepared hear. Be gentle, Leo!

If someone just got dumped, maybe wait a minute before letting them know you think their art sucks. If you’re working with a colleague on a project or sorting something out with a lover, really ask yourself if they’re truly able to act on the requests you’re making, or if opening the conversation will just lead to drama—the mood is so sensitive right now and things could really get blown out of proportion, so maybe wait for another day! Tact is so crucial right now. Watch out for arguments and do not say things impulsively. Again, be kind! And if you find yourself confronted by someone who wants to say mean things to you, know that Mars retrograde means that people don’t know how to work with their anger—don’t poke at the situation, and take the necessary steps to keep your composure. Fortunately, a cooling calm arrives in the form of the Sun and Neptune connecting on July 8, encouraging a spiritually united, peaceful energy, and allowing you to see the beauty in everyday tasks. It also inspires you to add healing activities to your schedule, like massage or meditation.

July 9 is an exciting day as Mercury squares off with Jupiter, creating a busy energy with plenty of conversation taking place—this is especially noticeable at home, like if you’re moving or rearranging your living situation, or if you’re connecting with family or loved ones. Keep in mind that Jupiter ends its retrograde on July 10, helping you move forward around themes not just relating to your home and family, but also things like privacy, safety, and security. Just make sure you don’t overbook yourself!

Sweet, sexy Venus enters Virgo on July 9 as well, bringing blessings to the financial sector of your chart! Virgo’s vibe is very picky—this is a fantastic time to go shopping, as racks that once overwhelmed you with options are suddenly easier for you to sort through with the precision of Venus in Virgo. As for dating? Expect to be just as picky about the people you date. Leos love to be spoiled, and while Venus is in hardworking Virgo, you’re just not into anyone who is a slacker! July 11 is an especially exciting day for Venus this month, as it connects with electric Uranus and finds you up to some unexpected and kinky behavior! Not in the mood for romance? That’s fine—this could also manifest as a surprising blessing at work or in your finances. July 14 is another day to circle on your calendar for Venus, as it will connect with taskmaster Saturn: an opportune time to discuss commitment and contracts, not just in your love life, but also at work!

Have I mentioned yet that this month is going to be majorly intense? This is thanks to the eclipses; the first in Cancer on July 12, which will also find the Sun (the source of all life, and your ruling planet) opposite Pluto (the lord of the underworld, the planet of death and rebirth). The doors of fate are opening, but you can’t make sense of what’s on the other side at this time. You’re feeling like you’re lacking perspective, and with the Moon in moody Cancer, emotions are swirling at the speed of light. Many of these feelings you can’t even verbalize—so much will be happening at a subconscious level during this eclipse. The Sun’s opposition to Pluto finds us all collectively confronting fears and navigating power struggles. Issues around control are being tackled and questions like "will my world end if….?" are in the air. Eclipses are cosmic bookends—your life prior to the eclipse is not going to be the same as it will be after—but aren’t you ready to see what’s on the other side? This month's second eclipse is in Aquarius on July 27, during which the Sun will oppose Mars (which is retrograde), making it a crucial time for you to confront relationships that need to be cut off. Venus will make a helpful connection to Pluto, granting you access to resources (time, money, and energy—a massive resource during eclipses, when people feel overworked, emotional, and exhausted). Relationships will end… not just with lovers, but with enemies, too.

Leo season officially begins on July 22 and the Sun shines its spotlight on you, encouraging you to simply be and express yourself. A playful energy is in the air as charming Venus connects with generous Jupiter on July 22, creating an optimistic vibe in the middle of eclipse season. Just watch out for confusion on July 24 when Venus opposes the planet of illusion (and delusion) Neptune, especially when it comes to money, particularly cash you share with other people, or with things like debts or taxes.

Unexpected drama kicks up in your social life as the Sun squares off with Uranus on July 25; however, some brilliant a-ha moments may also arise, and connections with unexpected and eccentric people are made. You’re sick of whatever shit you’ve been dealing with and you’re so ready for something new and interesting—and to enjoy your independence—as this cosmic combination goes down.

Before I let you go, one more thing: Mercury retrograde starts on July 25 on the west coast, and July 26 on the east. And it’s in your sign! Mercury retrograde sucks for the obvious reasons: miscommunications, technical difficulties, and forgetfulness. Don’t be surprised if you have to do everything twice. However, you might also find that something you’ve misplaced pops back up, and you might also enjoy the chance to slow down—Mercury retrograde asks us to pause and reflect, instead of rush and push forward. You could run into people from your past or even see visions of yourself from the past… so much is changing this month thanks to the eclipses, so take advantage of this time to reflect, Leo. The wisdom you’ve gained as you age may find you making surprising discoveries as you reconnect with your former life. Good luck this month, and see you in August!