Astrology: Turning Tides
By Hilary Harley
July 2026
July is notably spicier than June. For one thing, July is statistically the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and this month will be one of the hottest months cosmically.
Now with Generous Jupiter, planet of abundance in Festive Leo, we find ourselves less reserved and ready to take a leap or two. We are becoming more comfortable with continual changes and more willing to step out on a limb.
While the outer planets have us feeling there is nothing we cannot do, Messenger Mercury retrograde is not so sure. Mercury retrograde lasts until July 23. Retrograde Mercury reminds us to take our time before we commit to anything. Read the fine print before signing significant documents or buying big-ticket items. Use the time to practice the RE words: rest, restore, review, research, relax, etc. The first three weeks of July are perfect for vacation, whether a whole week or two, or just a few days of down time.
Mercury retrograde is the only cosmic force encouraging us to slow down a bit. Gemini Mars conjoined to Uranus are heedless of speed limits. Together, they egg us on at warp speed, committing to projects and people without understanding the long-term impacts. Think Tasmanian Devil meets Whirling Dervish.
So before you become a cautionary tale: watch what you say. Even the most sincere apology often cannot undo the damage. Take a breath and hit the pause button during July.
On Friday, July 10th, Valuable Venus turns into Practical Virgo offering stable, grounding energy. Through the rest of July, Venus goes toe to toe with Mars. Meticulous and precise Venus in Virgo asks whether we really want to speak what is better left unsaid. Better to keep lips sealed rather than dig ourselves into trouble.
Emotions are running especially high under the New Moon in Cancer on July 14th. Feelings are very easily hurt. So, mind your mouth. You never regret the things you do not say. Craft your message carefully now. You will be especially seen and heard after July 23rd when Messenger Mercury turns direct motion. Go ahead now and sign the key documents, book travel plans, and purchase pricey items.
Moving toward the end of July, the lunar nodes change signs. The lunar nodes are directional markers, like a GPS point of origin and destination. Through Spring 2028, the lunar nodes move into Aquarius and Leo. We are increasingly drawn toward inventive, unique, and yes, rebellious qualities. The Lunar North node calls our name. Until March 2028, the North node will cycle through Aquarius. Individuality, marching to our own drum, innovation, repeatedly speaks to us. “Don’t fence me in,” will be our theme song.
This is particularly relevant since the July 29 Full Moon occurs in Aquarius, opposite the Sun in Leo. The energy during the final days of July is incredibly potent. In fact, the impact of this Full Moon is difficult to overestimate.
First, the Sun is tightly conjoined to Jupiter in Leo. Think go big or go home. Exactly opposite the Sun-Jupiter are Powerful Pluto and the Moon in unpredictable Aquarius. The Pluto-Jupiter opposition supercharges already heightened Full Moon energies. Voices will be heard; those feeling undermined and oppressed will rise up now in large groups. This is not energy to mess with. Shock and surprise are the watchwords. Lay low as much as possible from July 26-31.
In an ideal world, beautiful events will unfold at the end of July. For some, they will. However, given the current global state of affairs, expect the completely unexpected. Forewarned is forearmed.