Hi everyone, and welcome to July’s eclipse edition of Stars to Stories.
If you have a pulse right now, first of all, congratulations! I’m thankful you’re alive and that you’ve done the hard work of self-preservation up until this point. We might take our place here on earth for granted at times, but life is no easy feat.
Things are dangerous right now, and there’s hardly even any need to look up at the sky to figure that out, although it can be quite comforting to do so. Devastation is ever present, and our hearts are tender after being battered with so much fear and sadness.
Unfortunately, we’re entering a month where Mercury retrograde might only be a small part of our problems. We have two eclipses coming up in Cancer and Capricorn, in which Pluto and Saturn play starring roles, and the celestial temperature is as spicy and inflamed as the weather will continue to be.
Eclipses carry all sorts of mythologies with them, and for good reason. If anything is consistent in this world it is the sun, so to see it completely blocked out by the moon during the daytime, even if just for a few minutes, is a life-changing experience. Day becomes night, and warmth suddenly chills. Birds fly back to their nests, confused by the shock in the environment.
Take a cue from the birds and go to bed early, slow down your schedule, and stay home when you need it. If your body is calling for your attention, mind it before it has to signal you in a much more dramatic way.
The total solar eclipse when the new moon will block the sun’s light will happen at 11° Cancer on July 2nd. The path will arc over the bottom of South America, and will not be visible from anywhere in the U.S.
Two weeks later, on July 16th, we get a partial lunar eclipse at 23° Capricorn where the shadow of the earth will pass over the full moon, blocking out the night’s light. Most of the world will be able to see this one, except for the U.S., and parts of Russia and Northeast Asia.
In the coming days, stay out of harm’s way, and look after each other. I’ll be back to meet you in August when the astrology will certainly have more positive benefit.
May you feel guided by what’s beyond.
xo Laura
Scroll down for horoscopes by sign and read for your ascendant or rising sign if possible.
(If you’re curious to find your rising sign, go to astro-seek.com. After you enter your birth information look to the left of the circle to the line that says AC. If you’re intrigued, confused, or both intrigued and confused you can email me at starstostories@gmail.com for a consultation.)
Aries
This month, the eclipses are creating tension pertaining to your living situation, parents, and family, and where you want to see yourself heading in the world. Something about your identity and vitality is getting shaken up when it comes to conversations and communications about how you’re seen publically, as well as at home. If there are issues you’re angry about involving a boss or a parent, ignoring them won’t do. Find a time to clear your head, and face the situation as directly and peacefully as possible if you want to gain some closure and move on.
Taurus
This month, you’ll feel stalls in areas of life pertaining to communication, travel, and learning. Is there an authority figure or instructor you’re at odds with right now? Are work-related issues preventing you from going on that trip you were hoping to take? Your vitality and energy may seem to wax and wane dramatically this month because of this. However, if the last few days of the month start to speed up resolution, it may not be until the second half of August that you begin to feel your strongest.
Gemini
This month, your ruling planet, Mercury, is in retrograde motion until the end of July. You might be revisiting money issues and finances as it relates to your home, neighborhood, or a family issue. Have you been spending too much on fun outings around town? Or if your living situation is sucking on your reserves, it might be time to move. If you carry significant debt, it would be beneficial to come up with a grounded plan to minimize costs and what you owe. Restructuring your financial responsibilities could give you peace of mind this summer, even if it’s not your idea of a good time.
Cancer
You might find more relaxation now that Venus has moved into your home sign and Mars out of there and on its way into Leo. However, there seems to be boundaries and limitation that pop up in relation to your money and the way spending plays out in your relationships. Has a parent interjected in a way that doesn’t feel right to you? Is there a financial issue that you need to revisit with a significant other? Honor your emotions and don’t try to squash anything uncomfortable that you’d rather hide. Take a deep breath and sit down to talk it out when you’re feeling the most vitality.
Leo
In July, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes for you, more than you may even know. What’s important is not to burn yourself out with too much work, too much activity, and too much drive in general. If a partner’s been demanding way too much from your usually vital self, let them know in the kindest way possible. The fun of summer can’t be enjoyed if you’re feeling depleted and neglected. If you’ve already been indulging in too much pleasure and not tending to the very real needs of your body, there may be a price to pay.
Virgo
This month’s focus will be on revisiting old friendships and what you used to find fun. There may be a struggle to balance what you’re spending on hobbies and pleasure, compared to what you’re bringing in from work. Or are you feeling weighed down by the idea of monetizing something that you used to do purely for the enjoyment of it? It may be time to join up with a new group that fits your interests better, or let go of a social obligation that no longer makes you as happy as it used to in the past.
Libra
Emotions might run high this month, especially if you’re revisiting friends or old associations from years ago. Is it because there’s a friend who feels more like family than family does? Because something from your past, your roots, doesn’t entirely reflect you anymore? Among all the conflict this may bring to your identity, know that the change is ultimately for the best. Tend to the loss you may be feeling now. Anything you clear out and restore for yourself will lead to positive shifts ahead and may come in more quickly than you’d assume.
Scorpio
You should have a bit more vitality this month, even if there is still back and forth to attend to, or a career issue that hasn’t been ultimately decided on yet. Even amidst unexpected events, July will be a lot more about setting up and preparing for what will come forward in August. You appear to be unusually public this summer and driven forward to achieve your goals. Establish the firmest foundation you can in the meantime, as talks and communication seem to shift rapidly with the hot summer winds.
Sagittarius
If you’re feeling a bit aimless or confused, things will begin to pick up speed in the second half of July, and hopefully continue on in a more optimistic fashion. You have positive highlights to come scattered throughout August and September. While there could be daunting conversations to be had with family members about responsibilities, doing so will allow you to venture off on your adventurous plans come Autumn. There will be continued luck for you in the coming months, so set yourself up properly, without assuming everything will simply take care of itself.
Capricorn
If things seem to be standing still this month or limiting you in some way, that is not the entire story. While it may be that you’ve been weighed down or burdened, there is ultimately movement afoot. This is a lesson in resilience that too shall pass. Do what you can to lighten the mood for yourself so that each day is not just a repetitive grind. Try taking the time for a meditative, contemplative outing that could give you peace of mind. Simply heading to the library for a good book might refresh you in the ways that you need right now.
Aquarius
In July, you’ll be unusually focused on your work, especially if it involves editing, writing, or going over past documents. All of this might feel like a lot to you already, besides whatever’s going on in your family. It would be helpful to give yourself the space and time you need to reexamine the ways you conceive of your home or ancestors, especially around issues of inheritance or if there’s a sticky situation involving a will or house. If you are longing for some of the more lighthearted moments of summer, they will be more easily enjoyed in August.
Pisces
Whereas you might be facing pressure this month involving friend groups and the ways you like to relax, your career dreams appear to be building up. Are usually supportive people telling you to get real, when it seems that your fantasies feel within reach? Does it look like limits and setbacks are piling up at the moment even though your aspirations are too? Work will play a much more significant role in August, but so will your luck. Why not try getting as grounded as possible and as optimistic as you can at the same time?
Note: these horoscopes are intended as words of stimulation and suggestion, not as cardinal rule or unbiased fact. By engaging with this page, you agree that all choices made based on the information provided in this column are your responsibility alone. Take a breath and be well!
