For All Signs: Mercury will turn retrograde on July 25. This week on July 7 we enter the pre-shadow that lasts about 2.5 weeks as Mercury appears to decelerate. The retrograde period, as Mercury seems to be rolling backward, lasts about 3.5 weeks. At the end of the Mercury retrograde cycle there is an after-shadow period as the planet begins to catch up to its normal forward motion. On this cycle Mercury will turn direct again on Aug. 18. There will be an after-shadow clean up period through the end of August. Mercury rules communications, common business practices, and travel, among other things. It is generally not a good idea to make decisions while it is retrograde because not all the information is available or may prove faulty. Use this time to clean up unfinished projects, meditate, and reflect upon future plans.
Aries: Irritability and a tendency to short temper may be your companions this week. Beware the temptation to obsess over minor issues. Take especially good care of your body at this time. You are in a physically low cycle and subject to accident or minor injuries with tools, or vehicles.
Taurus: Venus, your ruling planet, moves into the sector of life related to children, recreation, and romance. The goddess of love is happy in this territory and often brings new energy and light wherever she goes. Opportunities to share your love, personal or humanistic, will prove rewarding.
Gemini: Drive and handle tools carefully this week. Give special attention to unusual messages or to new people who enter your life during this time. A “teacher” crosses your path in the form of a person, a book, or the right message that will steer you in the next favorable direction.
Cancer: (June 20 – July 21) This is a fine time for a vacation. You would especially enjoy the natural world, so make it a point to take walks and let yourself be nourished by plant life, sunshine and flowers. Relationships with children and/or lovers go favorably.
Leo: This is likely to be a really favorable week if you spend time with home, hearth, and family. Do not push anyone’s “hot” button, because the result won’t be amusing. Being near a body of water would soothe your soul.
Virgo: Stay behind the scenes at this time. Support the team. Don’t press to get your way if there is opposition. Life will be smoother this way. Spend more than usual time in the quiet zones. It will be refreshing. If you must press forward, prepare for an energy consuming battle.
Libra: You have a need to be alone and quiet during this month. That is why social life is in a dip. Give attention to your inner life and notice what your thoughts may be manifesting. Is it really what you want in your future? Think carefully. Focus on your dreams as a means of discerning what has been unconscious and wants to surface.
Scorpio: This looks like a week in which you really want to say your piece, but you have a sense that would be a bad idea. Agreed. Your ruling planet, Mars, continues to retrograde. If someone “attacks” you, then you may safely defend yourself. But if you want to snipe at anyone, you’d best keep it to yourself for now.
Sagittarius: Aspects to Jupiter, your planetary avatar, promise a beautiful week. You may enjoy one or more soulful connections with friends or family. An unexpected gift may come your way. It is not necessarily expensive, but it is meaningful to you.
Capricorn: Aspects are not the best for the Goats at this time. You may feel isolated or as though no one around you can possibly understand who or what you are. The inner critic could overrun your mind if you allow it. Remember that feelings come and go like waves. They never remain the same.
Aquarius: Taking a bold path may suit your preference now, but it is not the greatest of ideas. You will meet pushback from unexpected places. A better tack is to use your power of persuasion in order to gain a following. Carefully explaining the wisdom of your desired path gains supporters, one at a time.
Pisces: Your overall creativity is up a couple of notches. Interests such as poetry, painting, crafts and anything that allows you to enjoy the display of color will perk up your senses. Love and spiritual life flow freely through your heart at this time.
Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at (704) 366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. (There is a fee for services) http//www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.
