After an eventful month, Leo season kicks off (22 July GMT and AEST) this week. But this year, it isn’t all glitter bombs and French bubbles as you might expect. With Mercury currently in reverse, there’s a sense of ambiguity; not an easy undercurrent at this time of year.
Mid-week, the new moon looks spicy, going head-to-head with Pluto. The energy is giving “this is the start of something big”—even if you’re not intending for it to be prolific. Remember, retrograde cycles are always a time for introspection, so as lofty and playful as that Leo energy might seem on the surface, remember that the stakes are much higher than you might anticipate.
Proceed with caution…
ARIES AND ARIES RISING
This week, the spotlight shifts to all things play, pleasure, and, if you’re in that season of life, maybe even kid-related. But with Mercury retrograde also very much in the picture, it’s not necessarily all smooth sailing. This is the sort of week where an ex could resurface out of the blue… or you might be the one tempted to do the “hey stranger” texting. Or perhaps you’re questioning your decision to volunteer as the manager of your social sports team. Whatever you’re feeling, be mindful that the new moon midweek is a powerful moment. Don’t rush into anything.
Sit with what’s coming up and trust that your desires—and dislikes—are slowly finding a new shape.
TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING
Home might not feel as predictable as you’d like this week. With Leo season shining a light on family, housemates and domestic responsibilities, the focus is firmly on what you do off the clock. But Mercury retrograde could be stirring up tension or conversations you thought were well and truly done. Whether it’s a flatmate dynamic or a simmering disagreement with a family member, the vibe is ripe for reflection. The new moon, which falls midweek, feels intense and could reveal something hidden. Take your time before making big calls about your space or relationships within it.
Now is a time to observe, not act.
GEMINI AND GEMINI RISING
Anyway you cut it, this week, the way you express yourself is the topic du jour. With the Sun and Mercury firmly placing a focus on your communications, especially with siblings, neighbours and anyone in your peripheral orbit, there’s a lot going on. With Mercury retrograde also unfolding, wires might cross, or you may find yourself revisiting old conversations or even tech glitches. The new moon midweek brings a kind of explosive quality to whatever it is you’re dealing with. It could be a moment of insight or a chance to rethink your approach. If things feel foggy, don’t try to force clarity.
Let thoughts settle before hitting send, posting, or confronting. The bigger picture is still coming into focus.
CANCER AND CANCER RISING
You’ve got money on your mind this week as the Sun piles on to an already noticeable preoccupation with cash flow. Now things kick up a gear as you ponder what you earn, spend and value most. Mercury retrograde could signal hiccups, so check your payslip and take a look through your bank statement to make sure everything is on track, even if you don’t usually bother to look. The new moon may bring a bold desire to earn more or spend differently, but try not to act too fast.
Let this be a moment of awareness rather than urgency.
LEO AND LEO RISING
For lions, this week feels extremely personal. Your home season shifts the spotlight firmly on you. But instead of lapping up the attention, you might find this particular energy has you second-guessing your decisions. The way you move, dress, speak or look after your health is all up for consideration. A new moon midweek brings a powerful reset, but it could feel more like a pressure cooker than a party. If something pushes your buttons, try to sit with what’s going on beneath the surface for you. Why does this particular encounter feel so tender? Stay curious and try not to make rash decisions.
What’s taking shape could last for many moons to come. Don’t rush it.
VIRGO AND VIRGO RISING
Hear that? It’s the sounds of chill. After a frenetic few months, you’re moving into a particularly quiet moment on your astrological year planner. With Leo season stirring up your subconscious and Mercury retrograde doubling down in the same zone, it’s less about what’s happening outside and more about what you’re not saying. The new moon may bring a shocking truth to light or prompt a realisation you weren’t expecting. Don’t be spooked if emotions surface unexpectedly. Take the time to notice what you’ve been carrying quietly and what you’re ready to release.
There’s no rush, so trust that clarity is coming.
LIBRA AND LIBRA RISING
Feeling a bit wobbly? It’s not your imagination; it’s in the sky. If the group chat is feeling especially heated, take comfort knowing the astrology matches up. Your friendships, networks and group dynamics are under the microscope this week. With Mercury retrograde stirring the Leo part of your chart, you might be reflecting on where you feel out of step with friends. You could find yourself replaying old arguments or getting dragged into a long-standing feud. The new moon midweek brings a chance to reset or reconsider your wider connections.
If you’re feeling left out or misunderstood, don’t panic. This is a time to recalibrate.
SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING
Your career aspirations are in flux this week. It feels like things are heating up, but the trajectory isn’t necessarily linear. Leo season always makes you think about longer-term goals you’re envisioning, but Mercury retrograde means your professional plans may feel a bit off course. Whether it’s a mix-up with your manager or doubts about your future direction, try to take things one day at a time. The midweek new moon is potent and may bring a surge of ambition or a shift in power dynamics. Let it run its course before you do anything rash.
This is a time to watch and learn, not leap blindly into the void.
SAGITTARIUS AND SAGITTARIUS RISING
This week could spark big questions about how your day-to-day aligns with your belief system. For you, it’s a time to reflect on how you can attune your movement to something more meaningful. You might find yourself daydreaming about travel or going back to uni. With Mercury retrograde in the mix, it’s a time to pause and reflect before taking the next step. The new moon could bring an unexpected insight about your next challenge, whether it involves study, travel or even something deeper (yoga teacher training, perhaps?). Don’t worry if things feel unclear. You’re meant to get comfortable with the unknown right now.
The answers you’re seeking will land when the time is right.
CAPRICORN AND CAPRICORN RISING
You’re being pulled to examine what you share—resources, energy and emotional space—and how you balance your own needs with all the other influences in your life. With Mercury retrograde messing with this part of your chart, things like taxes, leases, intimacy or joint finances may feel a little hard to get a handle on. The new moon midweek could bring a fresh start in how you navigate shared commitments, but it’s not a time to rush decisions. Instead, use this week to reflect on what feels fair and sustainable.
This is a time to reflect on your own spiritual sovereignty and ponder how you can make more space for the things that bring you joy.
AQUARIUS AND AQUARIUS RISING
Your closest one-on-one relationships are in the spotlight this week, with Leo season putting the focus on the people you’re with. That could be your spouse, your best friend, your work wife or business partner. There’s a lot going on for someone close to you right now, and the desire to rush in and fix it will be strong. But this isn’t an issue that’s going to be solved overnight. Let the energy unfold and reserve judgment. Trialling new approaches is fine, but committing to something long-term could be less sensible. As you let go of the steering wheel, notice what comes up for you.
Letting go of control is not easy for an Aquarian, but cathartic, nonetheless.
PISCES AND PISCES RISING
Ready for a before-and-after reveal? Leo season is bringing big, refreshing energy, and your health and well-being are firmly in its sights. You’re being invited to reassess your daily schedules and how you prioritise things that bring you joy vs all the other boring life admin you have to do. There’s a huffiness to the energy, so if you feel yourself getting impatient, stop and consider what story you’re telling yourself. You probably feel a need to control your own time or have a sense of agency over who you show up for. That’s valid, but it’s not a time to kick off.
Reflect on where your needs aren’t being met and what you could do to bring about lasting change.
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