New York Fashion Week is still a month-and-a-half away, but the world could feel like a giant step-and-repeat right now. (Is that Kim Kardashian West in a sheer Dior number?) All week long, the flamboyant sun and fierce Mars stroll arm-in-arm down Leo's catwalk. Turning heads and getting recognition for our hard work should be the goal. But make it all about you, instead of getting caught up in a game of compare and despair. The sun and Mars can inflate the competitive vibes and even puff up egos. Shine in your unique way and be supportive of others who are doing the same.
On Tuesday, messenger Mercury is on the move, zipping into its home sign of Virgo until August 31. The cosmic cycle sharpens our critical thinking skills. Bring on the lifehacks! This sensible cycle reminds us that, yes, there probably is an app for that. Heads up: Mercury will turn retrograde from August 12 to 31. Start preparing now by backing up important files, password protecting sensitive data, and firming up your end-of-summer travel plans. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Leo
July 23 to August 22
Leo en fuego! The flamboyant sun and fierce Mars align in your sign all week, powering you up for some major moves. Take a chance on your dreams and get into action. The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, so get your glitter platform sandals on some fresh terrain. And don't make it a nimble baby step — take a bold leap. Better to err on the side of being "too much" than play it safe and risk being underwhelming. Watch your combative streak though! This planetary pairing can bring some power struggles with other strong personalities. There's room on the world stage for everyone, Leo, so never mind what they're doing — focus on bringing your " A" game.
On Tuesday, your focus turns to finances as mindful Mercury moves into Virgo and your money house until August 31. Instead of stressing about your bills, start thinking of ways to increase your earnings. You could start a side hustle before the summer is through or sign up for a short-term training that elevates your earning power. Leo entrepreneurs: Is it time to raise your rates — or maybe give a few influencers a freebie in exchange for some social media buzz? Do review all your expenses with a fine-toothed comb, especially since Mercury will be retrograde for three weeks starting August 12. Cancelling a recurring charge that you barely use or switching mobile phone plans can open up cash for your rainy day fund.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
Tell them how you really feel, Virgo. This Tuesday, expressive Mercury (your galactic guardian) rolls into your sign until August 31, removing all filters. You've never had a shortage of ideas and opinions — and now they will come rushing out, for better or for worse. Try your best to deploy some tact — especially once Mercury turns retrograde for three weeks on August 12! With the communication planet in your corner you could slay with a podcast, blog, even your own book. This candid energy can help you cop to a crush. Maybe it's time you 'fessed up to your legit feelings for the one that got away.
Another reason you might be ruminating on the past? All week long, the sun and pot-stirrer Mars are in close connection in your 12th house of healing and the subconscious. Stay off the anxiety-producing substances like sugar and coffee — and don't overdo it on the canned champagne or watch Chris Hayes right before bed (a couple hours earlier, yes). You're going to be feeling pretty keyed up with the sun and Mars here, so anything you can do to calm yourself down would be wise. Sunrise yoga, writing a diary, evening walks, and cooling baths? Now we're talking. Squeeze in a therapy session and reconnect to supportive friends. Do the inner work — and don't do it all by your lonesome. It will be a huge relief.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Make it a group thing, Libra! All week long, the brilliant sun and motivator Mars co-captain the cheer squad in your 11th house of teamwork. With these two energising heavenly bodies in close connection, you could assemble the perfect squad to pull off a goal — or share your enthusiasm with your existing tribe, lifting everyone's spirit in the process. Having a hard time getting hyped? Ditch the downers and surround yourself with more positive people. Simplistic as it sounds, you are affected by the company you keep. Seek out people who have triumphed over challenging situations and find out their secret sauce. There's no "one size fits all" recipe for success, but their stories (or webinars!) will inspire you to go for your dreams.
Starting Tuesday, the way you spend your alone time will also come into focus. Mental Mercury downshifts into Virgo and your subconscious 12th house until August 31, turning its beams on your internal world. It's easy to zone out with too much Netflix or lose hours mindlessly scrolling through Snapchat and Insta. But those distractions are blocking you from connecting to your brilliant thoughts. Start a morning diary-writing practice — or create a dream diary because your sleep will be filled with fascinating imagery now. Learn how to meditate. Find an amazing therapist, shaman, or coach. Tuning into your psyche is a powerful process, even if that means dealing with insecurities or sadness. But don't worry, Libra. Talking about the tough stuff with supportive people will be deeply healing, not depressing. P.S.: What you discover could rouse inspiration for some powerful creative work.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Emerge, Scorpio! The planets will pull you out into the public eye, like it or not. Swap the swimsuit for a power suit, because all week long, the confidence-boosting sun and make-it-happen Mars are sharing a flight through your ambitious 10th house. Don't let people grab up all the opportunity as you nap under a beach umbrella. Summon your competitive spirit and get into action, promoting yourself strategically and charming the influencers. Unless you speak up, people may not be aware of your aspirations or what you're capable of. Your initiative gets you the gig!
And truly, Scorpio, it is all about who you know. This Tuesday, social Mercury moves into Virgo and your 11th house of teamwork and tech until August 31. Gather your tribe, both virtually and IRL. Expanding your network will open the doors to experiences and opportunities — ones you didn't even realise were available. This Mercury cycle could deepen your interest in politics and activism - and your inner geek gets a boost from this Mercury cycle. Watch online tutorials, sign up for webinars, swap in a new theme for your website. And make sure all your sensitive data is protected from trolls before Mercury turns retrograde from August 12 to September 5. Perhaps it's time to pick a stronger password.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Let freedom ring! Your indie spirit is blazing brightly this week as the sun and daring Mars conspire in Leo and your worldly, adventurous ninth house. This wild and passionate week will bring more than the usual share of spontaneous thrills — quite possibly including a (bra-less?) overnight visit or a heavenly hookup with a hottie from a different cultural background. Give yourself a longer leash so you can flirt, wander, and explore new vistas without feeling guilty. You won't take kindly to people putting restrictions on your time. But temper, temper: Getting mad at people who expect you to keep your promises doesn't really make sense, Sagittarius. Be considerate. If you're going to break appointments, do so with proper advance notice...before you commit yourself to something "better."
But work won't be too far from your mind. On Tuesday, clever Mercury grooves into your goal-oriented 10th house until August 31, pumping up your ambitious streak. You could end the summer with a feather in your cap, setting yourself up for an even more profitable and successful autumn. But you'll have to focus! With your broad and varied interests, you're prone to biting off more than you can chew. Pick one or two missions you want to complete before September and pour all your energy there. With Mercury turning retrograde from August 12 to September 5, you could collaborate with some influential people from your past — or pick up an unfinished effort and get it done at last!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
A shot of truth serum with that frozen margarita? You're not holding back, Capricorn — not with expressive Mercury flowing into your candid ninth house from Tuesday until August 31. Exchange the polite formalities for real talk, even if it rocks the boat. People cannot be mad at you when you're just being honest — and many will be relieved that you called out the elephant in the room. That said, this Mercury phase can make you prone to preachiness. Vocalising your beliefs is one thing, but expecting everyone to follow the Law of Capricorn is quite another. Leave room for dialogue and debate. Truth is a matter of perspective, after all.
Some of your heart-to-hearts could take the form of spicy pillow talk, too! All week long, passionate Mars and the confident sun are mingling in Leo and your erotic eighth house. Simmering attractions heat up quickly — and you may be shocked by how forward you're being. Ah well, Capricorn, if there was ever a week for you to take the lead in love, this would be it. Let them call you thirsty — the attention you bestow is still totally flattering. Coupled Caps could play out a secret fantasy or enjoy an overnight staycation in a hotel, just for the fun of it.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Two is your magic number this week, Aquarius, so let another Zodiac sign have your Independent Spirt Award. With passionate Mars and the shimmering sun aligned in Leo and your relationship house all week, you're ready to take a chance on romance. Forget about waiting for others to make the first move or lay out an offer you can't refuse. Fortune favours the boldest Aquarians now. Vocalise your desires, but not in a thirsty or pushy way. Instead, paint a picture of your ideal scenario. Whether for business, pleasure, or a creative collaboration, what amazing things could the two of you pull off together?
Your urge to merge gets stronger than ever starting Tuesday as mental Mercury moves into Virgo and your erotic eighth house until August 31. This sultry cycle brings out the vixen in you — and for a change, you won't mind a little cat-and-mouse gaming. Play a little harder to get, hold back a few of your witty observations and let people wonder what you're thinking. Just don't be so mysterious that no one can read you — especially since Mercury will be retrograde from August 12 to September 5.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Are they relationship material, Pisces? If not, you can't be bothered — not starting Tuesday as expressive Mercury moves into Virgo and your commitment zone until August 31. You're ready to invest in people who can go the distance, both in love and other areas of life. But if you don't ask the right questions, how will you actually know where they stand? Your go-with-the-flow M.O. could be wasting time. Those "feelings" you get may reveal an attraction, sure, but that's not enough to build a dream on. Ask direct questions (in a sweet and charming way) and you'll know if you've found a keeper or are just dealing with a temp. Coupled Pisces, this Mercury phase can improve your communications. Make an effort to be a better listener but also to express your needs sooner, like before you're heated AF and ready to scream!
On that note, little things can get under your skin this week as the sun and agitator Mars share a flight path through your persnickety sixth house (see: the boss who demands everything on a super tight timeline, the coworker who doesn't pull her weight). Get thee to the gym, Pisces! (Or the dance studio, outdoor pool…wherever.) Burning off that frustration with physical fitness will be a sanity-saver. With the motivating one-two punch of the sun and Mars, you might try a more challenging activity like stand-up paddleboarding or acro-yoga.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Sift, sort, and systematise! Mindful Mercury heads into Virgo and your efficiency zone until August 31, helping you whip your life into shape. Start by clearing away clutter. If you haven't worn it or used it in over a year, put it in the charity shop pile and move it on out. Then, pledge to live a more curated life. To avoid a repeat of the past, assemble your treasures into a savvy closet organisational system like this one. Next up: deleting junk mail and foldering messages you need to save. You could achieve Inbox Zero by September. With the clearheaded space this provides, you can capitalise on this productive cycle to get ahead at work and reboot your fitness goals. Heads up: Mercury turns retrograde for three weeks on August 12, which could turn up the pressure at the office. With diligence you could really gain the edge — one more reason to get your s*** together!
Of course, all work and no play would never be a winning strategy for Rams. Thankfully, your ruling planet, Mars, is in cahoots with the sun all week, as the two mix it up in your flirtatious and flamboyant fifth house. An attraction could heat up quickly and even if it's just a one-time thing, it's sure to be memorable. Enough dropping hints, though. Pursue with passion and put more oomph into everything you do. This is one week where it wouldn't hurt to be a little more dramatic — as long as you stop short of making a scene.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Say it with roses, Taurus. Or maybe a sexy playlist, a curated gift, or another special touch. This Tuesday, communicator Mercury floats into your fifth house of glamour, romance, and fame until August 31. Express your adoration in more obvious ways. Take the lead in love. This will bring a quick return on investment. Be sure to lavish some of that loving on yourself! Crafty Mercury can help you cultivate a signature style and develop your creative gifts — a talent that could quickly turn you from a civilian photographer to an Instagram influencer. Who knows? Heads up: Mercury will be retrograde for three weeks, starting August 12. Make sure your game is airtight before you present anything to the public. You could also hear from an ex. If that sounds like trouble, prepare in advance and block that profile!
Be more considerate of your relatives and roomies this week too. Aggro Mars and the ego-driven sun are in close connection all week, flowing through Leo and your domestic zone. The clanging around in the kitchen and the dirty dishes you leave in the sink seem like NBD, but not when you come home after everyone's sleeping or wake up to a bunch of flies buzzing around. Or maybe you're the neat freak stuck with the slob or living with someone whose schedule is so different. Perhaps a new domestic arrangement is necessary, Taurus. Time to call U-Haul?
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Nothing turns you on like a meeting of the minds — and this week will not disappoint. With passionate Mars and the bold sun connecting in your thoughtful third house, intellectual stimulation is everywhere you turn. Seek out people and activities that get the wheels turning, from an activist meetup to a weekly independent film night. (You might even organise the gathering yourself, Gemini.) In love, a friendship could cross into more romantic terrain — and it could heat up faster than you think! In a relationship? Check your argumentative streak. There are other ways to get attention or keep things "interesting" besides picking a fight.
Starting Tuesday, you might just turn a solo project into a sister act. Your ruling planet, Mercury, cruises into Virgo and your female-focused fourth house until August 31. Cultivate stronger connections with the women at work. Joining forces could bring a win for all of you — and even better office conditions — before summer is through. Visiting a GF from back in the day could be the perfect summer getaway while Mercury is retrograde for three weeks, beginning August 12. Start planning now! And while you're at it, get a Pinterest board going for home decor. This domestic Mercury cycle can help you find affordable hacks for adding sparkle to your space, like hanging self-adhesive wallpaper or fastening new hardware to cabinets and dressers.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Quiet and shy — you? With mouthy Mercury cruising through Virgo and your communication house until August 31, you'll toss that astrological myth right out the window. You'll have the gift of gab for the rest of the summer, but don't waste your wit on superficial chatter. Flirt with a new love interest and solidify friendships with people who you want in your life for the long haul. Partnering up on work and creative projects could also bring a huge win-win. One catch: Mercury will be retrograde from August 12 to September 5, so hammer out all the details before then and even put your agreement in writing. Who's responsible for what and how will you divvy up the profits? Make sure it's all crystal clear.
Go easy on the social butterfly routine while at work this week, though. With the sun and go-getter Mars aligned in your money zone, there's a bigger mission to pull off. If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to mentors or have a sit-down with your boss to get input. Don't distract yourself with social media or an extended lunch break — you could miss a chance to position yourself as the office superstar. It's better to ask questions and "bug" people than to let this opportunity die on the vine. Ready to circulate and find a new gig? Shop yourself around, Cancer, and if you work in corporate, consider these woman-friendly companies.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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