Mercury slows to start its retrograde in the first week of August, opposite Saturn, which is already retrograde in Aquarius. With Mars forming a square to Mercury, we will likely feel tension from these turnarounds. We may be turning a corner but not the one we expected. It may feel like we’re moving backwards through something we’d rather leave behind.

As Venus moves through Leo opposite Saturn, we might not feel good about what we must do, or because we’re prevented from doing what we want. Mars amplifies its influence on Venus in Leo, making us feel more passionate about what we do.

With Saturn’s strong presence and aspect to planets lining up in opposition, we must consider the consequences of any of our actions. The Sun’s entry into Leo by mid-month boosts our confidence despite Saturn. Yet such confidence is hard won, earned through a lot of hard work and initial self-doubt. We must adapt to the changing landscape and keep moving forward despite the retrogrades and oppositions.

Venus then slips uncomfortably into Virgo, where we’re likely to find ourselves complaining, possibly about what others are doing - or perhaps about what they’re not doing we think they should.

Mercury’s backtracking into Cancer complicates Venus’ transit through Virgo, especially as Venus is conjoined Ketu. Before the fall, there’s one last blowout in August as Venus transits Leo. This is likely enjoyable but frustrating, especially around travel plans and everyday life. The mood is likely to then drop by the end of the month as Venus enters Virgo.  

August is far from business as usual (Mercury retrograde and Venus debilitated) and may lead to economic challenges, especially as Venus and Ketu align.

I hesitate to predict financial catastrophe, as Saturn’s strength in Aquarius may keep things stable enough. Yet we might still see significant challenges ahead. Certainly, the mood begins to drop in line with the fall of Venus.  

Have a time-out with Mercury retrograde in August if you can, and enjoy Venus in Leo as it reappears in our evening skies and puts on an entertaining show.

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Mars continues to transit Aries for the beginning of the month, forming a sextile with Saturn. Although this aspect is helpful, it’s also tense, as Saturn’s strength, now stationing retrograde, pulls back on the forward momentum of Mars.

Saturn’s retrograde and aspect on Mars demands careful consideration, prompting us to rethink impulsive actions. This may be a case of having to revisit our long-term plans repeatedly.

On July 12, Mars enters Taurus, joining Uranus and Jupiter. This transit could be very disruptive, but whether that’s good or bad depends on what’s being disrupted.

This may disrupt supply chains, for example, possibly due to power outages or issues with infrastructure. Natural disasters may be to blame. Expect some disruptions, especially around July 15, when Mars conjoins Uranus by an exact degree.

The more positive expressions of Mars in Taurus, that of determined action with fortunate outcomes, are more likely as Mars joins Jupiter by mid-August, signalling a more hopeful period after some initial disturbance.

Another expression of the erratic Mars-Uranus combination is likely felt at the Olympics, which may have a lot of stops and starts. But it may also show some new world records and personal bests. Let’s hope that’s all that’s broken.

Jupiter buoys up Mars and Uranus. Ye whether that increases the chaos or holds things together depends on the circumstances. This combination may bring all kinds of breakthroughs and innovations in science and technology. Yet it may predominantly express itself in more extreme weather and major seismic activity.

Mercury quickly moves from Cancer into Leo in July but slowly returns with its head bowed in contemplation come August. July prepares us for the review. It does so by slowing down the planning so we can reassess.

In Cancer, Mercury is more emotional and reactive, especially when it’s opposed to Pluto in Capricorn. This brings a need for more security to offset the challenges we face around changes we have no control over.

By July 19, Mercury enters Leo, crossing a sensitive point it will revisit twice more because of its retrograde in August. This may bring some initial chaos and uncertainty in practical matters such as travel, trade, and communications. The world may seem more unsafe.
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Mars aspects Mercury in both Cancer and Leo. This square aspect can cause strong reactions to perceived threats (Mercury in Cancer) and the need to express oneself (Mercury in Leo). With Mars also conjoining Uranus, we may say things we later regret, or try to push things through prematurely.

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