Aries, July 2016

Astrologically speaking, the last few weeks have been very difficult for you, Aries, because your ruling planet Mars was retrograde. While Mercury retrograde brings delays and miscommunication, Mars retrogrades bring anger and struggle—and the fear that things will never move forward. Fear not, Aries; Mars retrograde is over! It ended on June 29 (after beginning on April 17), and early this month, you will enjoy some good vibes.

Sweet Venus in nurturing Cancer will trine (one of the easiest astrological aspects) your ruling planet Mars in psychic Scorpio on July 6, which will not only boost your intuitive abilities but also bring harmony to areas of your life that are undergoing transformation.

Expect things to ease up around complicated money situations (like debts, taxes, or inheritances), but also around sex and intimacy. If you're hoping to get close to someone, today is definitely a day to circle in your calendar.

Mercury in Cancer also trines Mars in Scorpio on July 10. Mercury rules communication and logic, so some conversations about sex, money, and change will come your way or become much easier for you to think about and process. Shit's been so overwhelming the last few weeks! But finally, things are becoming easier and clicking into place.

The new moon in Cancer arrives on July 4, planting new seeds in the sector of your chart that rules home and family! You're not famous for being domestic, Aries, but enjoying your home, and connecting with your roots, is the theme of this new moon in emotional, nurturing Water sign Cancer. Energetically cleansing your space is a wonderful way to work this new moon's energy. New moons symbolize new beginnings, so if you're looking to move or redo your space, this is a great time to do it!

While "home" could literally mean the place that you live, in the context of astrology, this could also mean, generally, sheltered and protected. Reflect on this during the new moon! Do you feel uneasy and unsafe? Self-care during this new moon means defending yourself and creating a secure environment around you.

Cancer is a crab after all—their shells are armor, protecting them from the outside world. As an Aries you're ruled by Mars, the planet of war, so you're no stranger to armor; use this new moon to strengthen yours.

The Sun and Mercury in Cancer confront the lord of the underworld, Pluto, on July 7, which will bring manipulations and shady behavior to the fore. Watch out for possessive and obsessive thoughts at this time. This could be a rough time at home and at work, but you can navigate the difficult energy by being open to change and asking for help—something you really don't do enough, Aries. You might be the sign of independence, but that shouldn't mean that you have to do everything alone!

The full moon in Earth sign Capricorn arrives on July 19, illuminating the sector of your chart that rules fame and fortune—just in time for a slew of planets to enter fellow Fire sign Leo, the sign of royalty! Reward and recognition are on their way, and the second half of July will be major for figuring out your creative goals—and just for having some fun!

Full moons bring revelations and climax, so expect some around your career or your reputation. Capricorn is the sign of success—but also of maturity. It takes patience and wisdom to climb great heights, and Aries, sometimes you expect things to happen overnight. Don't hurt yourself this way. Realize that things take time, and know that, during that time, you will gain so much knowledge, confidence, and respect. Use this full moon to reflect on what success means to you.

Sexy Venus enters Leo July 12, followed by chatty Mercury on July 13, and the center of our solar system, the Sun, on July 22. Leo is warm, fun, and creative, and these planets activating the portion of your chart that rules creativity, parties, and romance will be exciting. Wherever the Sun is hanging out in the zodiac points to what your main focus should be. So make yours partying, Aries.

It shouldn't be too hard, thanks to seductive Venus bringing you plenty of admirers, and Mercury bringing you plenty of invitations and messages. The first bit of the month is definitely about securing your home base, constructing a comfortable zone for yourself. But once that's wrapped up, the vibe will totally shift: Expect plenty of dates, party invites, and boosts in creative inspiration.

July wraps up with wild Uranus beginning its retrograde in your sign, Aries, on July 29, and communicator Mercury entering Virgo on July 30. Uranus is an electric, genius energy, so expect plenty of great ideas to come your way then, but also be mindful of the erratic, chaotic vibe it can create. Realize that, because it's in your sign, you may feel totally wired—or fried—as Uranus slows down and turns retrograde.

Mercury loves being in practical, analytical Earth sign Virgo, and this will be a fantastic time for you to get organized, clean up, tackle your to-do list, check in with your health, and rethink your wellness routine. All the partying you'll do with the planets in Leo will have consequences—hangovers, your favorite underwear gone missing, whatever. Mercury in Virgo will help you clean that all up! Enjoy July, Aries, and see you next month!