The New Moon in Cancer aligns with the Sun at 9:16pm on July 9th, starting a four week long lunar cycle focused on emotions, family, home and nurturing. Issues of emotional health and well-being and the care of families and children are highlighted. Enjoy some self-care, cooking and hanging out at home with your loved ones.

The Messenger of the Gods, Mercury, enters Cancer on July 11th, getting us out of our heads and into our hearts and feelings. People will be moody, even weepy, and that could include you, so be compassionate and understanding when dealing with others. This planet of communication interacts with Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, pulling these outer planets into conversation concerning collaboration for a more secure future that includes sensitivity and practicality. On the 22nd, Mercury enters Leo for a fast 2 week opportunity to freely express yourself through love, passion or creativity in whatever manner gives you the most enjoyment.

Pleasure-seeking Venus in Leo is fairly active early in the month, getting us to express ourselves through enjoyment, fun and love. If you have children in your life, make time for some play. Or… remember what it felt like to be a kid and re-ignite that part of your life in some capacity. Energetic Mars, also in dramatic Leo, aligns with Venus on July 13th, revving up our dramatic, romantic or assertive engines, possibly adding angst or aggression to the picture. Mars will exit fiery Leo for practical Virgo on the 28th.

On the 21st, gentle Venus enters detail-oriented Virgo for 3 and 1/2 weeks of discernment and critical choices. When she opposes expansive Jupiter on the 22nd, there needs to be a balance between intuition and skills for effective and rewarding outcomes. Also on the 22nd, the Sun moves into its rulership of Leo where it can shine over the following 4 weeks of vacation fun, creative expression and childlike exploration. If you have a need for individual expression of your talent or strength, this is the time to take center stage!

Late in the month, Jupiter retrograde leaves Pisces on the 28th, to finish out the year back in Aquarius and share his dreams and impressions for the future with the collective, whether friends, an organization, or a group endeavor.