Monthly Horoscope: Gemini, July 2018

But Mercury, your ruling planet that's always getting itself into trouble, will oppose Mars on July 5 as well, so watch out for arguments. Mars is currently retrograde in fellow air sign Aquarius, causing you to reconsider many of your long-held beliefs—what you thought was true is being challenged, and you're getting into arguments about it early this month. A creative energy flows at work on July 8, as the Sun connects with imaginative, whimsical Neptune. And on July 9, your ruling planet Mercury squares off with Jupiter, stirring up a lot of exciting conversations—again, the mood is optimistic, but watch out for exaggerations, especially when it comes to discussing plans or schedules.

Also on July 9, sweet Venus enters Virgo, bringing blessings to the home and family sector of your chart. This is a wonderful time to spruce up your space! Venus rules beauty and is especially picky in Virgo, making this a fantastic time for you to redecorate and edit the pieces that stand out in your home. Venus also rules love and harmony, making this a fantastic time to connect with your family or roommates, or cozy up with a lover you want to grow closer to. Venus will make an exciting connection with Uranus on July 11, bringing surprises your way. On July 14, Venus will connect with Saturn—this is a fantastic time to discuss plans, commitments, and even boundaries with your intimate partners (as well as anyone you share money with, since Venus also rules cash).

On July 12, there is a solar eclipse in Cancer and the Sun opposes power planet Pluto, making it a very intense and emotional day. Eclipses clear things that no longer serve us from our lives, but they also nudge us toward the direction that will serve our higher purpose. The tighter you cling on to things now, Gemini, the more frustrating this energy will be. This is a crucial time to be wise about your spending and reflect on whether you feel valued at work and by the people you share your talents with.

Cancer provides a very nurturing energy, but this eclipse in Cancer demands that you get real about how much energy you’re sharing with the world, and deeply consider how it’s being rewarded and valued. It’s time to put a stop to situations where you’re not being properly appreciated for your effort. Eclipses often expose secrets, and this one is no exception: with the Sun’s opposition to Pluto, people who have been shady about money—or who have been manipulative or psychic vampires—will be exposed and confronted.

The Sun enters Leo on July 22, which will shift the energy a bit and find you in a busy mood—running around town, having conversations, making deals, and shaking hands. Venus connects with Jupiter on this day as well, making the start of Leo season a bright and social one. Things get murky as Venus opposes Neptune on July 24, causing the lines to blur between your public and private lives. A deep longing is within you and you’re feeling like it might never be cured—but in true Gemini fashion, things quickly get shaken up, and some exciting surprises and eureka moments land as the Sun squares off with brilliant, electric Uranus on July 25.

Mercury retrograde in Leo begins on July 26, finding you running into people from your past and reconsidering many of the conversations you've had this month. Be sure to double-check any paperwork you’re dealing with at this time, as miscommunications and errors abound during Mercury retrograde season! This is the time to work on projects that have been put on the back-burner instead of taking on new ones, as well as avoiding signing contracts or making important decisions. If you’re traveling, watch out for delays, car trouble, and sluggish commutes.

Texts will vanish and phone calls will go unanswered. Use this time to slow down—reunite with a sibling, visit an old haunt. Reconnect with the past! With so many retrogrades this summer, it’s time to take stock and review, not plow forward. One piece of advice: Mercury will retrograde in Leo, a fire sign known for its pride and big ego. Don’t be a show-off or know-it-all this month—you will regret it!

The month wraps up with a lunar eclipse in fellow air sign Aquarius. Though Aquarius is detached and logical, you can expect to be completely in your feelings during this time, contemplating deep, existential shit and totally questioning everything you thought you knew. But don't fear, Gemini! I know how important knowledge is to you, and you'll definitely receive some amazing wisdom during this time. Remember, eclipses remove what is no longer needed from our lives, and leave us with what’s meant for our highest good. This eclipse is especially testy as the Sun will oppose retrograde Mars—people are in the mood to argue, and some relationships will come to an end. But Venus will connect harmoniously with Pluto during this eclipse, too, encouraging deep, intimate connections, and finding you clearing out old emotional baggage. Good luck, dear twin, and see you in August!