July 2020 Horoscopes: Creating Change through Compassion
Last month’s energies centered around finding power in vulnerability and in being our most authentic selves. Some of this energy continues into this month as we reflect on what we’ve learned about who we want to be and use it to find practical ways to manifest our desired trajectory and the change we want to see in the world.
This month Saturn, the planet of karma and karmic debts, is transitioning out of Aquarius and into Capricorn. Saturn has been in retrograde since May and has been directing our focus towards our personal and collective histories these past few months, illuminating clearly our triumphs and our shortcomings. Saturn brings with it a karmic reality check, reminding us of the weight of our history and tasking us with creating our place in it. As a collective, we’re being asked to acknowledge America’s racist history, which has continued into our present and is being brought forward into the future by the institutions which brought us here in the first place. On a personal level, Saturn in retrograde asks us to commit to balancing our karma by committing to creating lasting, loving action and change in our lives. Saturn, the planet of living by the golden rule and reaping what you sow, moving into Capricorn reminds us of our personal responsibility within our relationships, our communities, and our world. It asks us to think critically about the systems and institutions we participate in and it asks us to embrace our innate interconnectivity. Our actions reach across space and time, connecting us to everyone and everything around us, which makes caring for ourselves and others, deeply, personally, and intentionally, a matter of personal and collective karma.
Saturn in Capricorn in conjunction with Cancer season motivates us to use our compassion, for others and ourselves, to motivate our sense of responsibility. It is also a good time to commit to rethinking/reinventing your work life. Whether it’s finding a new job, asking for a promotion, or restructuring from the ground up. Whatever you’ve been sowing these past few months will be coming back around to greet you. Remember that we only ever grasp the moment and the goal is to achieve a flow of moments throughout a lifetime. It’s time to take personal and collective stock of what we can learn from our reflection, both in space and in time. A time for us to collectively and personally accept responsibility for our actions and understand their true power and potential. Saturn is here to tell us it’s a time to reassess the structures and institutions of power which often escape accountability.
During the full moon in Capricorn on the 5th, we will be asked to examine our social circles. Who needs our guidance? Who needs to be let go? And Cancer season is here to ask us how we can learn to love differently and how we can learn to advocate for others from a place of deep love and healing intent that includes everyone- no shortcuts. Mercury will FINALLY be out of retrograde on the 12th so it will be a good time to move forward with any communications you’ve been waiting for the right time to articulate, and begin having conversations about change, compassion, and accountability without the added weight of MercuryRx.
The sun will also have made its way into Leo on the 22nd, giving us a boost of confidence, and in our performance, but also giving us an increased potential to experience vanity and selfishness. Try to encourage that Leo-like confidence into the rest of the month because on the 27th Venus and Neptune may stir up bitter discouraged, disillusioned feelings which may cause confusion and fear. Instead, channel your energy into learning something new as Mercury and Neptune team up on the 30th to renew our love of learning.
Now is the time to be asking ourselves and each other: How can we turn the emotional upheaval of Cancer season into practical Capricornian action? What relationships in our lives require change and accountability? How do we engage our family, friends, and communities in meaningful impactful conversations about equity? How can you show yourself and others compassion? Can self-compassion be quitting a job you hate to do something you love? How can compassion be used to confront racist systems and create a more equitable culture? How can we use our privilege to dismantle inequitable privilege itself? How can we create a better work culture? How can we push past hierarchical systems? Is compassion the key to holding ourselves and others in love and accountability? What practical steps can you take to create a brighter future? What reparations need to be made? How can we learn to love differently? What work do we have to do on ourselves and for our world?
I invite you to remember that astrology is a tool for reflection and self-awareness. It is a tool we use to take the temperature of the world and reflect on how we might respond. Horoscopes allow us to reflect on ourselves and our world. It helps us pay attention to our moods and relationships and opens us up to finding new ways to navigate our thoughts and actions. It’s important to remember that anything I write here is meant to be used as such a tool and not as a prediction. The stars and planets do a lot of talking, but ultimately we each must decide our own path in life.
The Astro literate are invited to read their venus and moon signs first. :)
Artwork: Denae Manion
Dearest Aries, July brings for you a continued focus on your personal and interpersonal world. One of your greatest strengths is your amazing ability to push things forward even when everyone around you seems to be pushing back, or running in circles. This vast resource of energy has gotten you through more than one difficult situation. With everything going on in your life right now remember that you can call on this vast resource of energy to help you in all areas of your life, not just one. You can apply this energy to healing past trauma, finding a good work-life balance, advocating for others, or finding a new livelihood that better suits your strengths and goals. The 5th brings a full moon in Capricorn and a lunar eclipse. Pay attention to your feelings towards your social life, with everything that’s happening in the world, people’s truth has been revealed everywhere-sometimes in beautiful and ugly ways. Have a candid moment with yourself and reflect on who and what you have outgrown and are ready to move on from. Let go of harmful people, bad family dynamics, poor role models, and find new heroes that motivate you to be the best version of yourself. Look out for some spontaneous joy, and creativity that may head your way on the 22nd, allow yourself to seek some fun and entertainment during this time. On the 30th take some time to slow down from the fight and reflect on what feels like growth, and what makes your heart feel light while remaining grounded.
Inner Work: Align your behavior with your sense of purpose. Learn how to engage in genuine self-reflection without engaging in self-harming thoughts. Reflect on mistakes in a mindful way that gives yourself room to grow. Ask yourself how you can use your strengths to overcome intergenerational trauma.
Artwork: Denae Manion
My dear Taurus, one of your greatest strengths during uncertain times is the steady magic that surrounds you, your ability to remain a constant in a troubled reality. You tend to try and assume the best in people and rarely keep anyone around you who’s true colors have disappointed or hurt you. Your stubborn nature sometimes causes you to write off anyone who disagrees with you. But with all the hurt in the world right now we need to be pulling each other closer not pushing each other away. Your leadership skills are required this month, and this means you will have to use a steady guiding hand to chart a path not only for yourself but for others as well. Now is a time to ask yourself who needs your steady guiding hand. Who can you bring back into the conversation and engage with? Reflect on who you are still learning to let go of. Remember to set boundaries and hold them firm, especially in your romantic life. Process the emotions and reflect on the core memories and life lessons that have brought you to where you are. On the 25th your ruling planet Venus will no longer be in retrograde, expect a little retrograde hangover from this until at least the 29th, don’t be afraid to use this time to feel into your past, take time to rest, and reconsider. Reflecting on the past might be painful, but not taking the time to learn from our mistakes can be even more so. Accepting a reality because it is comfortable and familiar is a trap that will keep you from true happiness.
Inner Work: Take a leap of faith, the arrow of time flies ever on towards the future, it is the only place there is to go, align yourself with your purpose, and trust that your arrow will hit the target.
Artwork: Denae Manion
My sweet joyous Gemini, although you may be feeling tired from the amount of courage you’ve been exuding the eclipse on the 5th should give you a bit of rest, especially if you use the time to direct your focus towards having rejuvenating quality time with your key relationships, so that you can relax and then get straight back to work-because this month the world needs you to share your unique perspective. On the 12th your ruling planet Mercury, the planet of travel and communication, goes direct, giving you a boost in productivity, social connection, and potentially renewing your traction in activist circles. The new moon in Cancer on the 20th may bring up emotions about the onslaught of attention that fills up every minute of your google calendar. It’s okay to take a step back, whatever it is your reporting on, or who you’re reporting to can wait, at least long enough for you to take a few deep breaths and find your center. This year you’re learning how to rely on yourself, and find a balance between independence and teamwork. Don’t let others take away from the time you need to create this balance for yourself. On the 22nd your voice will be especially powerful to others. Now is the time to engage in important business conversations, write to your representatives, fight for the causes you care about, and share your story.
Inner Work: It can be hard to express our real emotions but if we do not share our most authentic selves with those around us, we will never feel fully secure in our relationships. It’s time to take a deep dive. Take a risk on yourself. #because you're worth it.
Artwork: Denae Manion
It’s your season dear Cancer! You’ve been working hard to build enough trust in yourself and your relationships to let people in and see the real you. Try not to let insecurity get the best of you on the 5th when the lunar eclipse amps up any mistrustful feelings, if someone isn’t being upfront with you that’s different then someone who’s openly expressing values that don’t align with yours. Try to keep in mind that we’re all on our own journey through space and time. Let go of people who don’t respect the work you put into them and reinvest in yourself. On the 20th feel free to retreat for a minute, leave your phone at home and go for a walk, put on some music and dance in the living room, give yourself a break from the weight of constant connection with the news. On the 22nd remember that burning a bridge you’re standing on is not always a good idea. Find a way to engage with difficult coworkers professionally and productively without compromising your integrity. You’ve got the emotional intelligence to get it done and possibly change hearts and minds at the same time. One of your greatest strengths is your ability to make decisions with other people in mind, use this compassion to fuel your drive to create a better, more equitable future.
Inner Work: Show up for yourself and your commitments. Be gentle with your fears, be brave enough to show a little trust in yourself- trust you are making the best choices you can for yourself in this moment. Trust that you know how to set a boundary and listen to when your mind and body is asking for your care.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Dear Leo, I know you’re anxiously awaiting your season, hoping you’ll be able to have the best social distancing birthday ever and being nervous that maybe it’s selfish but needing some kind of release anyway. On the 5th try not to get caught up in a texting or commenting war, new information may be about to come to light which will help you decide how to proceed and Mercury retrograde will end on the 12th. Any difficult conversations you need to have will flow easier after you’ve had a little time to think it through. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, they will guide you in the direction of what kinds of relationships you need in your life right now. During the lunar eclipse in Cancer, take time to reflect on the relationships that have fallen in and out of your life. Who are you missing, what are you mourning? On the 22nd Leo season will arrive and with it a positive attitude and a clear head. Use your positive influence to fight for the causes you care about, reorganize your closet, and spend time enjoying your body and your health. You have an uncanny ability, almost a Captain-America-like ability, to give advice and pep talks in such a heartwarming way that even the hardest insight sinks deep into the other person’s mind. Use this skill for good.
Inner Work: You don’t need others validation to be a star. You’re every bit as amazing now as you were when you were being complimented. Nurture yourself by treating your body to what it needs to be healthy- not what you think it needs to be more attractive.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Dear diligent Virgo, one of your greatest strengths during times of crisis like these is your ability to have foreseen and prepared for every worst-case scenario. Try not to spend all your time assessing the news and your COVID-19 exposure. The past few months have been hard enough without having to strategize every waking moment of your day. On the 5th you may experience some shaky ground but the 12th will bring you back into a state of organization and your decision-making skills will begin to feel sharp again. On the 20th the new moon will allow you to process and recharge so that you can get back to kicking butt and taking names. Carry this forward into the rest of the month and let your talents shine. You’re happiest when you feel useful so be useful, get it done! Reach out to your connections and see who you can collaborate with. Listen to the young people in your life and see what wisdom they can offer you. Try to reflect on what brought you joy in the past, and what brings you joy now. On the 22nd consider that maybe it’s time to rethink your source of income. Now is as good a time as any to begin making your dreams come true. You’ve got the skills. Trust that the people who love you will support you in your pursuit of happiness.
Inner Work: You can only control yourself. You can only truly know what works for you-what works for you may not work for anyone else. Try not to project yourself onto others this month. Instead, reflect on your own history and your own future. Consider what energy you’ve put out into the world. Try to listen instead of offering advice. Consider letting others speak first and instead of jumping in with a solution, asking them what they think a solution might be. You might find yourself in a very different kind of conversation.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Sweet Libra, saver or worlds, equity warrior, the world has never needed you more. Although lately, you’ve been learning that it’s okay to follow someone else’s lead when you’re feeling indecisive- it doesn’t mean you can’t change your course later. You always have the power to choose and create a completely different reality for yourself. You can choose to be a leader as much as you can choose to be a follower. If you’re feeling like you’re having trouble staying present in the moment just remember you are always exactly who you are at any given moment. Stay true to your authentic being, listen to your intuition and you’ll be just fine. The eclipse on the 5th may leave you feeling betrayed, paranoid, or hurt by those around you. Family drama may arise. You don’t have to text back if it feels like it’s going to ruin your whole day. Try to refocus on yourself, there will be a more productive time to engage with the war after Mercury retrograde ends on the 12th. You’re feeling a little vulnerable dear Libra, so take some time to curate space for yourself that doesn’t just feel safe, but intentionally sacred. On the 20th try to get outside and share the sunshine with a chosen loved one. It’s the new moon making it a good time for new adventures. Let the Leo energy later in the month motivate you to continue using your voice to speak up for liberty and justice. You don’t have to have all the answers Libra, get creative, you can create space for others to share their voices and solutions.
Inner Work: Pay attention to what feels like home. How can you carry that with you throughout your day? How can you manifest your intentions into action? How can you share what you need with your loved ones in a way that supports both of you? Advocate for what you need. Curate your space, whether that’s organizing your bedroom, or cleaning up the yard, make it into a place that feels like home.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Welcome to summer, my dear Scorpio! Venus is finally out of retrograde and your love and sex life is starting to feel a little more comfortable. There’s been some surprises and disappointments in your social life recently and the eclipse on the 5th may leave you feeling suspicious and your trust scattered. Try not to let stress cause you to lash out at those who are only trying to be there for you. And remember that having the courage to apologize is a quality that garnishes gratitude from others and will leave you feeling lighter. There is grieving happening in the world right now, it’s okay to be angry, scared, and sad. Lean on the stress-relieving skills you’ve learned. Being transparent with your emotions will only make you that much stronger and build your trust in yourself, help you identify the people in your life you truly support you and help you figure out exactly what it is you want. Speak up at work on the 22nd, it may be that the changes you’ve been wanting to see just needed that extra piece of support from you to make it happen. Don’t be afraid to share your creative vision. Recognition for your hard work may be just around the corner.
Inner Work: Try not to deal in absolutes like NEVER and ALWAYS, aka “I’m never dating a Gemini again” or “They ALWAYS do that.” Division is what got us to this place in history in the first place. Your ability to look directly into the heart of darkness without flinching is exactly the same skill you’ll need to begin asking yourself what it is you really need from the people in your life, and the change you want to make in the world. Be the change.
Artwork: Denae Manion
My dear Sagittarius, one of your greatest strengths, is your ability to learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others so that the next time- you know exactly what to do. You’re about to begin a new kind of adventure so take some time to reflect on your past and what you want to take with you. On the 1st take time to evaluate your relationship with your finances, try to build your savings. Your hard work is being rewarded; you may even find yourself set on a new career path. On the 5th things may become unbalanced in your relationships, stay focused on what is important to you, and accept that everyone is on their own journey in life. Try not to bring up past traumas in the heat of battle. On the 12th revisit any lingering pain in your relationships. Then return to putting your energy into your work and share your optimism with the people around you, they need it more than ever. On the 22nd dig in your heels and get dirty, you’re feeling confident in yourself, and you CAN go the distance. You have the intellect to make a real difference in the world around you, think about what skills you have to contribute.
Inner Work: Keep up with the practices that keep you grounded. Getting enough exercise, sleep, eating healthy, and maintaining your hobbies will keep your head in the right space.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Happy July Capricorn! The eclipse in your sign this month may have you feeling like you’re ready to make a plan, to make a plan, to revise and redirect your plans. Slow down a little, with everything in society in a state of flux, there’s no need to have to “figure it all out” right now. Accept that it’s not always easy to find the answers you’re looking for. Try to remember there is a difference between being firm about something and being harsh. Take time to reflect on your relationships. It’s okay to hold others accountable for their actions, in fact, it’s necessary to build a better world and better relationships but it’s hard to build something if you burn the bridge out from under the people you’re trying to reach. Tap into diplomacy.
Inner Work: You’ve been busy getting back to basics these past few months, refining your core beliefs, figuring out what feels good for your body, what routines keep you sane, and what self-care practices feel more like going through the motions than deeply important and rejuvenating. What feels like genuine self-care? Doing a face mask and watching Gossip Girl for the 100th time? Working towards your fitness goal? Going to that meeting or going to the river? Writing in your journal? Keep asking questions about yourself and the world around you. Every question invites an answer and you’re learning how to be the version of yourself you love the most.
Artwork: Denae Manion
My dear Aquarius, your humanitarian beliefs have been at the forefront of your mind recently. You fight hard for the people you love and it’s okay to let them return the favor. With so many people in need of advocates, it can be just as hard to go on as it is to rest but it is vital that you do both. Try to be proactive, ask for what you need, don’t be afraid to delegate, cut people out, and free up your energy to do something new. On the 12th pay attention to what pursuits your mind is seeking. Research needs to be done, awareness needs to be spread. What is your spirit telling you? Where do you need closure? On the 22nd expect some increased stability in your relationships and your desire to reach out to people you haven’t seen in a while. On the 27th be on the lookout for new monetary opportunities.
Inner Work: Learn how to pace yourself. You have a tendency to give in to a sense of urgency that causes you to overwork yourself to accomplish one thing only to end up completely exhausted when it’s time to tackle the next project. How can you push yourself forward without letting anxiety get in the way of getting the proper rest you need to avoid burnout? Life is a long haul, step away from your phone, camp out on a lake, and the plan you’ve been laying out will look different in the morning.
Artwork: Denae Manion
Dreamy Pisces, you have an uncanny ability to know when others need you to step up for them. This month make sure you’re also stepping up for yourself, protecting your heart while still allowing vulnerability to show through. Last month, Neptune, your ruling planet, went retrograde making decision making a bit tricky, and causing some old insecurities to rise to the surface. You may experience some paranoia on or around the 5th as we all experience a heightened sensitivity to our emotions and our relationships. Decide which difficult conversations are worth having and what relationships are better to walk away from. Stay in tune with your own needs and when Mercury retrograde ends on the 12th you will have an easier time getting your point across to others. Things may feel a bit lonely right now. But trust that those around you are cheering you on to success. Your contributions matter and your example motivates others. Don’t give up. On the 22nd make that push you’ve been putting off.
Inner Work: You tend to need alone time in your life to be fully present in social situations. But sometimes you’re not very good at balancing the scale. Pay attention to what feels like solitude and what feels like isolation. Think about your place within your social circles- are you a quiet influence steering the ship? Do you feel like a valued member of the group? Are you standing off to the side or are you in the center of the conversation? Just because you tend towards one style of social interaction doesn’t mean it can’t feel good to try out a different one. Try it out, see what happens.
