Cancer, July 2016

Happy solar return, Cancer! As the weepiest sign in the zodiac, I know someone will sing "It's My Party (And I'll Cry If I Want To)," but honestly, July isn't too bad astrologically speaking, especially after the garbage month that was June. Because your sign is ruled by the loony, moody Moon, let's start by examining July's new and full moons.

The new moon in Cancer is on July 4! It's fitting that the USA is a Cancer, isn't it? Cancer rules home and family, and America's patriotism is incredibly strong. Anyway, enough about the US; let's talk about you: The new moon is all about you connecting deeper with yourself about your feelings, your goals, how you present yourself, your identity. Is your branding as good as America's, Cancer? This new moon is your time for a fresh start.

The full moon in Earth sign Capricorn arrives on July 19. Again, you're ruled by the Moon, so expect to be very sensitive at this time. This full moon is all about relationships for you, Cancer, both romantic and non-romantic. Improving communication and gathering information will be big at this time, so if you're hoping to have an important conversation, come to an agreement, or get more facts, this full moon will be very illuminating. Full moons are wild—be sure to let loose during this one. The Sun is in Cancer, your sign, after all!

Venus, Mercury, and the Sun all enter royal Fire sign Leo this month: Venus on the 12th, Mercury the 13th, and the Sun on July 22nd, shining a spotlight on the part of your chart that rules cash, your talents, and your self-esteem. It's funny how the amount of money in our bank accounts, and the way we feel about ourselves, are lumped into the same house, isn't it?

Here's my reconciliation of this grouping: It isn't how much you have in your wallet that reflects your worth as a human being but rather, how you treat your money, or waste (or use) your talents. It's a reflection of how highly you think of yourself—how healthy your self-worth is.

Does Leo think highly of itself? Yeah, I would say so: It's the sign of the performer, the stage hog, the ham, the king and queen of the jungle. So please, Cancer, take a hint from Leo and love yourself. Spoil yourself this month, especially at the end of July, when the Sun is in Leo. Make a vision board of your future wealth, health, and general prosperity. Decide you're hot shit—no one else can decide this for you. Compliments and praise from others are meaningless when you don't believe in your worth.

Expect lots of talk about cash and worth to flow around you this month, and notice that your taste could become a little bit glitzier or gaudier than usual. You're in an opulent mood for much of July, little crab.

Uranus in fearless Fire sign Aries begins its retrograde on July 29, during which time it will highlight the sector of your chart that rules reward and recognition, your career and public life. Genius Uranus is all about innovation and invention, so use this time to try a new method or apply a new technique to a project that's been stuck. Find a way to revamp your reputation or reconsider your career goals. Ask trusted mentors, or people who have accomplished what you wish to achieve, how they got where they are. Gaining a new perspective at this time is a wonderful way to work the energy.

Uranus is in Aries, a sign that's obsessed with being number one—are you concerned with being the best, Cancer? You're known as being one of the more reserved signs in the zodiac; however, you and Aries have more in common that most people know. As the heads of your seasons (you, summer, and Aries, spring), both you and Aries are Cardinal signs.

Cardinal signs take initiative, get things started. Cardinal signs, being the first signs of a season, definitely enjoy being in first place at everything they do. Ask yourself, Cancer: Do you feel like you're on top? What's holding you back from stardom? Take time this July to review your approach to worldly success.

Logical Mercury enters the sign of analysis, Virgo, on July 30, activating the sector of your chart that rules your mind. While you are one of the most psychic signs in the zodiac, your sign isn't exactly famous for your communication skills; however, with Mercury in Virgo, you'll be an effective communicator and as mentally sharp as possible. Any important conversations that need to be addressed, or contracts that need to be signed, will benefit from this.

I hope you have a lovely birthday, Cancer! And I hope your friends get you great presents, because if they don't, you'll be super pissed about it by the time the Sun rolls into Leo. It's funny how you can be chill with something one day, and furious the next. Oh well! Blame the moon, and see you in August!