Aries, your month starts with a bang, and we’re not just talking about 4th of July fireworks. Mars, Neptune, Pluto and Uranus are activating key parts of your chart, sparking unexpected events and drama. See what these planets have in store for you with Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto: The Impact of the Astrological Outer Planets by James Burgess and Julia Sophia.

Domestic matters and projects around the house may also be calling for attention. Things will ease up (and romantic opportunities may arise) toward the end of the month. There’s much to look forward to. The Sun enters Leo on the 22nd. Mercury stations direct on the 23rd, and the Full Moon invites you to spend time with friends on the 29th.

Even if things don’t go as planned, they’re likely to work out anyway, Taurus friends! Bickering and miscommunications are possible with Mercury retrograde until the 23rd. But, your ruling planet Venus offers stability and keeps your relationships afloat as it glides into Virgo on the 9th. Just watch out for a Venus-Uranus square on the 13th, which can bring relationship issues to a head or cause tempers to flare, even for your dependable, patient sign.

Rest assured, Leo season will bring more time with friends and family as the Sun transits your 4th house of family and self-identity starting on July 22nd. Mirror the drama and unexpected twists and turns of this month with the coming-of-age novel In Wonderland by Joyce Maynard. Young Frances is pulled into a world of power, privilege and intrigue when’s she’s hired as a mother’s help for a wealthy family vacationing on Maine’s Lake Catherine.

Did life just get a little sweeter, Gemini? You may well feel that way. Tread carefully until Mercury stations direct on the 23rd. Otherwise, you might open yourself to impulse buys and unexpected expenses that could deplete your resources. If you need to make a big purchase, make sure to shop around and compare prices to find the best deal.

Fortunately, the New Moon on the 14th may reveal a potential income stream or lucrative side hustle. Meanwhile, Venus enters your domestic 4th house on the 9th. Accept this invitation to feather your nest, redecorate or solve emotional issues related to your closest relationships. The month closes with a travel-friendly Full Moon on the 29th and a Mercury-Venus sextile on the 24th that gives you the power to truly express what’s in your heart. If you’re craving a romantic escape with a side of fantasy and mythology, dive into Dominion, the first book in Jean Kwok’s Silk and Iron Trilogy.

With the sun in your sign, it’s your turn to shine, Cancer! While your naturally private sign might feel shy during this Mercury retrograde cycle, enjoy the extra attention when it comes. Find opportunities for meaningful self-expression along the way. With Venus moving into your 2nd house, which governs personal resources, it’s time to embrace your romantic feelings or make time for a little self-love and self-care starting on July 9th.

With the New Moon in your sign on the 14th, you’re poised for a glow-up. Meanwhile, the Sun enters your financial sector on the 22nd, ending monetary worries and giving you a chance to earn extra cash at work or through a meaningful side project. Explore feelings of romance and self-love this month with award-winning poet Maya C. Popa, who’s been named one of the top poets of our generation. If You Love That Lady: Poems is a contemporary poetry collection inspired by 19th century courtship letters and romantic poets like Keats, Byron and Shelley.

Excerpt From “Dark Matter”
Desire’s what’s the matter
with our lives, a sea parting
to reveal another sea.
Its command renews,
swells and beckons:
you’d be a fool not to love
until the last second.

Lately, you may be feeling quiet and introspective rather than gregarious and outgoing. But things will change when the Sun enters your sign on the 22nd. Party! In preparation, make time for self-care, get a relaxing massage or read a cozy romantasy book like The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance. Chiara Bullen’s debut novel features everything from Druids to dragons.

Quiet activities are especially favored around the New Moon on the 14th. So give yourself permission to rest and relax. Lions aren’t always on the hunt. They are comfortable basking in the Sun too! Finally, July may be a lucky month for you. Venus moves into your financial sector on the 9th, and the Sun and Jupiter align on the 29th. Be careful what you wish for. It just might come true.

Naturally analytical and practical, it’s your time to indulge this month, dear Virgo. Venus enters your sign on the 9th, encouraging you to amp up your external vibes with a new haircut or wardrobe refresh. Attend all the parties, but be selective about what invitations you choose since Mercury is still retrograde until the 23rd. The New Moon on the 14th is a great time to connect with friends. You might meet someone new!

A Mercury-Venus sextile on the 24th creates the perfect conditions for a romantic date night, spicy romance or even a love triangle inspired by Jennifer Lambert’s supernatural romantasy Among the Thorns. It’s perfect for those who enjoy morally gray characters, dark romance and animal companions. While reading can be an enjoyable distraction, make sure to tie up any loose ends at home or at work before the Full Moon on the 29th.

Scorpio friends, the forces are with you. Now, you can move past obstacles and unleash your full potential. On the 5th, you’ll benefit from a trine between your ruling plants Mars and Pluto. This supportive aspect will amplify your self-confidence and energy. Aim for the stars, and target your most ambitious, audacious goals. With your passion and strategic qualities, you can get there.

As Venus moves into your social sector on the 9th and the Sun moves into Leo on the 22nd, you may finally feel like things are coming together. Whether you’re a dreamer or a goal setter, get your life on a better track with Jia Jiang’s Easy Discipline. Discover the EASY method for developing strength and self-discipline and loving what you do. The secret ingredients are Enjoy (love the work), Artistry (think and work like an artist), Systems (develop habits to consistently show up) and Yourself (align ambitions with strengths). It really does sound easy, for once!

Despite some minor hiccups as we wrap up the latest Mercury retrograde cycle, most things are going your way, Sagittarius! Venus moves into Virgo on the 9th, giving your career and reputation a boost. It may also help you achieve long-term goals. The New Moon on the 14th may bring a financial windfall or other good news that can make up for unexpected expenses early in the month.

July’s Buck Moon peaks on the 29th with the Sun and Jupiter in near perfect alignment. It’s the ideal time to plan a Full Moon party or connect with family, neighbors and friends. Rediscover the joys of family and friendship with Michiko Aoyama’s Matcha on Monday. This follow-up to Hot Chocolate on Thursday features 12 overlapping, interrelated vignettes about the joys of human connection.

July may bring some problems or challenges your way, but thanks to your naturally disciplined and persistent nature, you have the resources not just to get through them but to solve them. Venus enters your travel sector on the 9th, helping you to expand your horizons. Single or looking for love? You may find that you have a new admirer with shared interests around the New Moon on the 14th.

The end of the month brings major changes in energy. The Sun moves into Leo, allowing you or your partner to bring in extra cash. As Saturn stations retrograde on the 26th, it’s a fine time to tackle overdue projects around the house. Whether it’s painting, decorating or making your nest extra cozy, you have until the end of the year to put your ideas into action. Gather inspiration and level up your skills with Nailed It! The Essential Guide to Do It Yourself, written by Laura Deller of @houseprojectuk.

Things may be far from smooth this month, dear Pisces. Mercury retrograde can result in communication problems, essentially when it comes to close relationships. Neptune stations on the 7th and remains retrograde through mid-December. It’s time to pay special attention to your finances now. Try to stay on budget. Avoid impulse purchases, and be prepared for unexpected expenses.

Luckily, Venus enters your partnership sector on the 9th, paving the way for better times ahead. Things clear up toward the end of the month when the Sun enters Leo and Mercury turns direct on the 23rd. Sweet relief! If you need help keeping your finances in order during this extended Neptune retrograde cycle, check out Your Money and Your Mind or Kiplinger’s The Wisdom and Wealth Solution: Unlocking the Secrets of Happiness, Purpose and Financial Security with Living360.