Just when you thought you had a handle on eclipse season, the planets have another cosmic event on the way that’s sure to shake things up this week: Mercury retrograde.
Mercury, the planet governing, technology, travel and information, will turn retrograde from July 7 to July 31 and, in turn, send our minds a-spinning.
During this three week cycle, messenger planet Mercury will be travelling retrograde through Leo (beginning July 7) and then in Cancer (beginning July 19). Hidden agendas come boiling to the surface during this phase, as messages go awry and confidential information gets leaked.
You may have heard friends say, “Oh, no – it’s Mercury retrograde!” And if you’re not apt at reading mercury’s retrograde cycle, you probably don’t know what that really means for your chart. Good news: you don’t need to be an astrology buff to comprehend the meaning of mercury retrograde. Simply put, the reason that Mercury retrograde gets so much attention is that it universally affects everyone much in the same way.
RELATED: What The New Moon And Solar Eclipse In Cancer Means For Your Zodiac Sign
Pro tip: “Try not to start anything new. Focus on activities that start with the prefix “re-,” which means to go back. Re view all your contracts before you sign. Re new your commitments, rather than making new ones. Prepare to repeat yourself often. Re unite with old friends. Redecorate a room. Re kindle a romance,” according to the AstroTwins.
To help you navigate this cosmic minefield, we asked astrologer Tanya Obreza to share her weekly horoscopes below. Scroll to discover what the new moon and solar eclipse have in store for your zodiac sign.
If you celebrate your birthday this week, you share with:
Your Year Ahead
This year will come to be seen as a real turning point, both professionally and personally. July and August bring a focus on money and work. But cash is likely to flow both ways – in and out. The mood of the year? Go for it! In matters of the heart, too. So make sure you save plenty of time for socialising. Venus lambadas into your sector of self over the next two months, bringing with it an invitation to dance to a wilder beat. Don’t worry if you’re feeling lost for moves, just let someone else take your hand and show you how. Couples become more risqué, possibly with a romantic getaway in mind.
Aries (March 21 – April 20)
Best Day: Sunday 14th
This week may not go as you would like, which could leave you feeling uneasy. But don’t get into a tizz trying to figure out whether you’re doing the right thing. Remember, that energy follows thought: what you think or feel is what you get. The more positive your thought and actions, the better the outcome.
Taurus (April 21 – May 20)
Best Day: Friday 12th
You have plenty to think about this week, so do exactly that. Just don’t act on any of your ideas. With Mercury sidling backwards, it’s not the right time to make final decisions. Also, after the solar eclipse last week, the cosmic dust again needs to settle before you move on major issues. In matters of love, too – tread warily.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21)
Best Day: Tuesday 16th
Cancel as many appointments as you can this week, especially those you may particularly dread. Instead, slide on your slippers, put your feet up and get comfortable. This is one of those mind-spinning times when life can far too easily turn into a stress-fest. Keep a low profile – it could be the wisest thing you’ve done for ages. Simply, relax.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
Best Day: Friday 12th
With both Mercury and Venus in a mean mood this week, beware of letting relationship misunderstandings or upsets get out of hand. This is a time when envy, jealousies or gossip could run rampant. Avoid becoming too caught up in other people’s romantic dramas – or you may end up taking the blame for whatever goes wrong.
Leo (July 23 – August 23)
Best Day: Sunday 14th
A sympathetic ear might not be enough for friends going through a rough patch; prepare to give practical help as well. In matters of love, trying to understand someone’s quirks makes a relationship challenging. But the full moon on the 17th should bring you back together – and much closer than before.
Virgo (August 24 – September 22)
Best Day: Saturday 13th
Some Virgos feel frustrated living life on someone else’s terms, so politely make clear what will work for you and what won’t. Elsewhere, you’re chasing answers to important questions that could make a huge difference to your life. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t worry. A partner or close friend has your back.
Libra (September 23 – October 23)
Best Day: Monday 15th
Sometimes a time-out does the trick, Libra. Take a day off from whatever is making you tetchy (a retrograde Mercury, no doubt) and, pretty soon, you should start to feel right again. Talking to an objective friend can also be of assistance. It could help you to stabilise a situation, and then make positive changes from there.
Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)
Best Day: Friday 12th
While your composure usually keeps you out of trouble, less sensible minds seem determined to stay on a collision course. So, again – you may have to clean up after others. Recently, too, you’ve been more insular. This week, emotional barriers start to tumble and you once again confidently share your love.
Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21)
Best Day: Wednesday 17th
Why can’t every week be this like this, with manna pouring from the heavens and your success ready to soar? At the very least, others finally get to appreciate your efforts. With the cosmos also offering its financial stamp of approval, pitch your dream project to anyone willing to listen. You may be surprised where that lucky break comes from.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Best Day: Thursday 18th
Stand by for a catapult out of what has seemed a never-ending rut. Many Capricorns are now asked to take risks and if you see this as welcome news, change will be embraced with a sense of adventure. But for those who opt for a more familiar path, the ride might not sit so smoothly. Sure a change of direction can be disruptive, but equally liberating.
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Best Day: Saturday 13th
Despite what your professional ambitions might be, life has a habit of occasionally turning priorities upside down. There are times when you simply have to delegate at work, and turn your interests towards having some fun. And this week that’s exactly what you should do. You can’t argue with such a hearty dose of planetary enthusiasm.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Best Day: Monday 15th
Life can have a serious edge to it, but this week injects some much-needed sparkle. Whatever happens, Mercury forces a slowdown – which is probably welcome news. Even if you can’t come to a complete standstill, try going with the flow. As you cruise through each day, you may be pleasantly surprised at who’s stepping along beside you.
