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** Your Starcast for July 22 to August 23

It's time to step into your own personal spotlight as the Sun transits into dramatic Leo on July 22. As you are focusing on yourself, keep in mind that a thorough relationship review is also important during this period as the love planet Venus turns retrograde in Virgo on July 27. The full Moon in team-player Aquarius on July 29 reminds you that your friendships are just as important as your relationships. The messenger Mercury leaves sensitive Cancer with a transit into bold Leo on August 4 when people will not be shy about telling you what they think. You are ready to explore some new territory as Jupiter turns direct in nomadic Sagittarius on August 6. Then Mars enters talkative Gemini on August 8 and the volume turns up. Also on August 8, Venus, now retrograde, re-enters fun-loving Leo for a review of your recent past. A new Moon in Leo on August 12 brings you everything you need make this a memorable time. Enjoy! Then it's back to work as Mercury enters its own sign Virgo on August 19 and you are ready to raise the bar and accomplish something. Give your mind something with this analytical sign prominent. We end this period with the Leo Sun forming a conjunction with serious Saturn on August 21. If you've been working hard, you get the reward now. This marks a new beginning for you. It's time to set yourself on a profitable path!

July 22: Mercury quincunx Jupiter

When big Jupiter aspects another planet, it is like placing a magnifying glass on that planet's qualities. Mercury represents how you think and what you say, and magnified by Jupiter, the tendency is to say too much or something you should really keep to yourself. So count to ten when you want to tell anyone anything. Make sure you don't say something in the heat of the moment that you will later regret. Otherwise, you'll spend the week making apologies, and there are so many better ways to spend your time!

July 23: Sun enters Leo

The Sun entering its own sign shines a big bright light on you, making you as noticeable as a Leo -- whether it's like the dignified presence of Robert Redford or the showy style of Madonna. In this sign of creativity, leadership and fun, it's time to make sure you are in the center of your own solar system rather than orbiting around someone else's. Lights, camera, action!

July 24: Mars square Neptune

When earthy, practical Mars in Taurus meets mystical, spiritual Neptune, you may question what you are doing and why. This square is a great reminder that the most practical, material parts of your life can benefit from a dose of the spiritual bigger picture. It's all about keeping the nuts and bolts in place while maintaining your dreams and ideals as your prime motivation. Otherwise, this square serves to remind you how often you can undermine your best-laid plans and be your own worst enemy.

July 27: Venus turns retrograde

Don't be surprised if someone from your past contacts you. When Venus, the planet of love, turns retrograde, it is time to focus on your important relationships. And since all retrograde periods signal a time of review, it can be helpful to revisit the past to more deeply understand your current relationships or to assimilate more thoroughly events and conversations that didn't get your full attention previously. In Virgo (the sign of work, health and service) assess the most practical parts of your relationships. Ask yourself: What are we doing for each other and how are we helping? The wonderful thing about Venus going retrograde is that this review process is invaluable to the continued growth of a relationship. It can help you take care of unfinished business and gain a deeper perspective on the status of your current relationships. Although people tend to withdraw overt affection during Venus retrograde periods, this stepping back allows Neptune (the planet of spiritual love and the higher octave of Venus) to step forward. Sometimes we need to reassess the state of our relationships to see if we are heart-connected. If this period is unsettling, look to see if your relationships are in line with your ideals, your inner values, what you wish to receive.

July 29: Full Moon in Aquarius

The full Moon is associated with heightened emotions even when it's in Aquarius, an air sign known for detachment. This full Moon marks the culmination of what you set in motion at the new Moon in Cancer on July 14. Whereas back then, lead by such a sensitive water sign, you were focused on what you wanted to nurture and protect, now you want to bring those ideas and plans into the wider world. An Aquarius Moon activates our desire to be part of something bigger, whether it's your local community or getting involved in a global initiative. Air signs love to communicate, so socialize and catch up with your friends or join an organization that promotes a cause close to your heart. This is also the Moon that emphasizes the need to be independent, unique and free. The goal here is to connect with others and also be your own unique, original self. Moon times are always about making sure you find your own current emotional niche. So, in the days following the full Moon, but before the next new Moon, get a plan together to maximize what's great or to make changes that will make you feel more comfortable.

This full Moon will most affect those born July 28-August 1, October 28-November 1, January 25-29 and April 25-29.

July 31: Mars square Saturn
Mars entered earthy Taurus on June 24, (the day before the Saturn-Neptune opposition), bringing determination and the desire to follow through on your plans and projects. Yet, with this square, somebody or an event lets you know that it is necessary to stop and consider alternatives. Something needs to be taken into account before you can proceed. Don't try to push through or you will encounter plenty of resistance. This is a hard-working square and yields wonderful results for those who now to handle themselves appropriately.

August 2: Sun trine Jupiter

When Jupiter gets close to turning direct (it will do so on August 6), it does so in a supportive trine to the Sun. With a Leo Sun trine retrograde Jupiter in Sagittarius, there is plenty of optimism and enthusiasm to form beneficial partnerships and invest in cooperative ventures. You have big ideas and with Jupiter still retrograde, loop back and see where previous contacts might be worth a second look or conversation. Social opportunities can bring you what you want. Fire signs love to be active, so look for plenty of movement as people and countries reach out, partner-up, and invest in the future.

August 4: Mercury enters Leo

Have something to say? So does everybody else! The communication planet in this bold fire sign wants everyone to pay attention. Dramatic announcements and proclamations are common during this transit. Nobody wants to play second fiddle and issues of respect and how everyone is treated are extra important now. To make the most of this transit, just make sure that you give the same respect you want to receive.

August 6: Jupiter turns direct

Jupiter has been retrograde since April 5, 2007, and a lot has changed since then. Things you thought were going to happen, didn't. There have been delays in projects and plans. There have been some social and economic changes as well, and more than a few of you have made significant lifestyle changes. You are more than ready to move forward with your projects and plans -- and it's time. Get those revamped projects moving!

August 6: Mars enters Gemini

Do you have a plan, a book or a point of view that you want to sell? Take energetic Mars and place it in Gemini, the premiere sign of communication, and you have all of the necessary ingredients that create a consummate salesperson. On the other hand, Mars is also known as the warrior, making this a combo that often shows up when people are argumentative; so make sure you sell without being pushy or overbearing. If you get too heated or angry, you'll sabotage everything good that can happen during this transit. Mars will remain in this sign until September 28.

August 8: Retrograde Venus re-enters Leo

Feeling a bit of deja vu? You may feel like you've been here before -- and you have! Get out your calendar and fill in your social schedule as the planet of relationships re-enters one of the most fun-loving signs of the zodiac. Venus entered Leo on June 5 and then headed into Virgo on July 14, where she turned retrograde on July 27. Still retrograde, Venus now re-enters Leo, signaling a new stage of your relationship review. Whereas in Virgo it was important in assessing the most practical parts of your relationships and reviewing how helpful you are to each other, Leo is all about expressing your love and appreciation in a noticeable or dramatic way. Think back to the period between June 23 and July 27, because you will be revisiting those themes, people and relationships for the rest of August, all of September and the first two weeks of October. It brings to mind the saying 'How can I miss you when you won't go away?' Luckily it's Venus that's sticking around though -- so count your blessings!

August 12: New Moon in Leo

The new Moon is always a time of new beginnings. In Leo, be creative, play, have fun and step into your leadership role. Open your heart and express yourself! Be the Sun in the center of your own solar system. Shine! What can you do that will increase your confidence? Why not find a new hobby, join an acting class or attend an astrology lecture? What ever you do, start something -- whether you pursue a dream goal, idea, plan or project. The Moon increases in light between the new and full Moons, so at the new Moon, put energy into something you want to grow or become stronger or more important in your life. The power of the new Moon phase is in effect until the full Moon. Neptune in Aquarius opposes this new Moon (the exact Sun opposite Neptune occurs next week on August 13) while Mercury conjuncts, emphasizing a theme of either creatively inspired or muddled and confused thinking. Look to the houses in your own chart where the bold Leo new beginnings are taking off while keeping a close watch on how the world is responding to you. This new Moon will most affect those born August 10-14, November 10-14, February 7-11 and May 8-12.

August 13: Sun opposite Neptune

When the Sun opposes Neptune, we have reached the midway point of the Neptune retrograde cycle. Neptune turned retrograde on May 24, and this retrograde period will last until October 31. While the Leo Sun is all about creativity and self-expression, Neptune in Aquarius represents the quest for a better life, for freedom, equality, peace and contentment for all. So while it is important to make sure that you are tending to your own hopes and dreams and examining how you can live your life more fully (Sun in Leo), you will be reminded during this opposition that it is equally important to pay attention to the needs of the larger world, including your community and the Earth itself. Examine the house in your own chart where this opposition occurs for greater insight.

August 14: Mercury opposite Neptune; August 18: Mercury conjunct Saturn

The communication planet Mercury joins the ongoing Saturn-Neptune opposition, when it is important to evaluate how realistic your ideas and plans really are. On the 14th, with Neptune in the picture not necessarily everything is being revealed. So think before you leap. Meditate before you act. By the 28th, when Mercury conjuncts Saturn, the rule-maker, there exists a possibility to nail down an agreement. This is a serious conversation. Make sure you know the rules and boundaries of your discussions.

August 19: Mercury enters Virgo

Mercury is quite at home in Virgo -- one of its own signs (the other is Gemini). In this analytical sign of high standards, you are ready to raise the bar when it comes to your own undertakings, efforts and ideas. No slackers or couch potatoes here! Your mind wants something to do. Get off the sofa, get out a notebook and make a list of what you want to accomplish. Just make sure you analyze without getting on the hamster wheel of turning the same thing over and over in your mind. Once you know how to proceed, put it into action!

August 21: Sun conjunct Saturn

Any conjunction marks a new beginning, and when Saturn is involved it's important to step into your authority. Saturn also provides an important reality check. It shows you the tools you have to work with based on previous building. Astrologers have a saying with this one: You get what you deserve. If you've been working hard, you get the reward. If you haven't, you get a great sense of what you need to do next. Either way, use this time to set yourself on a profitable path.

August 23: Sun enters Virgo

Virgo is a sign that has a beautiful blend of idealism and practicality. It's why so many entrepreneurs are born under this sign. Earthy in nature, yet with a highly adaptable sensibility, Virgo reminds us that dreams are attainable when you roll up your shirtsleeves and commit to the work required. What a great time to write down your goals and begin the process of manifesting them! Why not decide something now that you want to accomplish by the end of the year -- and then accomplish it? You can do it!

August 23: Mars opposite Jupiter

This air/fire mixture is a bit flammable! Mars currently occupies the air sign Gemini -- a time where few people are at a loss for words. Big, expansive Jupiter is in Sagittarius, a sign of beliefs, philosophies and religions. Mars and Jupiter are on opposite sides of the fence in this opposition, and you and the world are likely to be very aware of your differences in ideas, beliefs and points of view in general. Of course, what you do with that realization is what counts! Try to not take on too much or open your mouth before you've thought carefully about what you want to say. Dial back on the need to convince anyone to come around to your point of view. Instead, why not celebrate diversity? It would be a boring world if we were all exactly the same!

Enjoy the Sun's transit in Leo!

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