Self-care rules supreme this month as the sun beckons you to cancel plans and spend more nights (and days) at home. “Homebody” isn’t high up on your IG bio, but once your ruling planet changes signs (5 July), staying in will feel a lot more appealing. Capitalise on the energy by clearing out keepsakes at your parents’ place or spending an afternoon looking through your old yearbooks.

Tip: Refill your cup by spending time with family

July brings an unusual mix of excitement and relaxation that could work out to be a rather delicious balance… if you don’t go too far in either direction. Mars fires up your motivation (from 5 July) and should have you feeling especially psyched to work up a sweat. Balance it with plenty of recovery time, preferably with your all-time favourite book or TV show (Sex and the City from the start again, anyone?). Anything goes, so long as its familiar.

Tip: Make the most of your motivation by signing up for a 28-day challenge at the gym

There’s a slowness to July that should encourage even the busiest Geminis to take moment. With your ruling planet changing signs into sensual Taurus (5 July), investing in yourself will be a key theme. Reflecting on your spending will serve you well, but remember compassion is key. If you go a little overboard (entirely possible while Venus is frolicking in the part of your chart ruling your appearance), don’t beat yourself up. 

Tip: Treat yourself to some fashion and beauty buys that align with your values

With your home season in full swing, you’ll be feeling all the feels this month. The Sun and Mercury will have you feeling quietly confident, ready to take a leap of faith, especially around your career. You could be extra busy socially, but be careful not to overdo it. There is potential for some tension, particularly in the second half of the month, so tread carefully around sensitive friends.

Tip: Back yourself and take a leap of faith at work

Your mission, should you choose to accept it this month, is extreme self-care. Think of it as a quiet but necessary offseason before the most wonderful time of the year (Leo season) kicks off (23 July). Anything restorative, healing or introspective will do wonders for your soul. Sleep-ins, social media sabbaticals and ocean swims are all highly recommended. 

Tip: Recharge your batteries with a week (or two, or three) off social media

July is the perfect month to put work on the backburner (no small feat for Virgo people) and make time for friends. Cancer season (until 23 July) is all about recharging your batteries with your favourite people, and this one looks especially lush for D&Ms and delicious food. With Jupiter nudging things along, a low-key getaway with friends is most definitely in order. 

Tip: Book an epic Airbnb and getaway with a group of your favourite people

There’s a certain sparkle around July for Libra folks, especially the first couple of weeks. The conditions are optimum for you to to nurture the seed of a new idea at work, or in your side hustle. Cancer energy is all about receptivity so rather than trying to force things, be patient and let them unfold in their own time. All should become clearer mid-month (around 16 July) when the Sun and Mercury meet up.

Tip: Remain open and receptive to new opportunities, but don’t force anything

Consider yourself on notice from the sky to quit talking about it and finally take some annual leave. With the Sun and Mercury lighting up the part of your chart connected to travel, you’ll be feeling inspired to get away from it all. If the mere thought of airport queues is too much to handle, schedule a staycation and give yourself rest. Your ruling planet looks a little tricky (from 5 July) onwards so plenty of self-care and patience will be in order.

Tip: Splurge on a treatment in the name of stress relief

Talking about money is rarely easy, but this month you’ve got the support of the planets to be brave and address the elephant in the room. Whether it’s a debt you’re owed (or owe), or an underlying anxiety over your five-year plan, the first few weeks of the month looks ideal for having sensitive cash conversations. Approaching the situation with compassion and kindness will help dilute any awkwardness.

Tip: Research how to spend your money in a way that aligns with your values

Underneath that steely exterior there’s a cuddly teddy bear that needs just as much love as the rest of us. The problem is, you’re so capable, people forget! This month, let the softness of Cancer season help you drop your guard. Be vulnerable. Watch a sad movie. Cry over your favourite playlist. Write a love letter. Do anything that forces you to get in touch with your emotions, then go tell someone exactly how you feel.

Tip: Plan a nostalgic day out with your favourite person

After a ridiculously intense six months, July is your time to pause and reset. Feeling your feelings isn’t usually a priority but that’s exactly what’s in order the first few weeks of the month. Give yourself permission to rest, relax and gently fall apart (privately if you prefer). Restorative movement—think, Yin yoga or anything in water—will feel especially good.

Tip: Put your health first and schedule loads of blank space in your calendar

The slow juicy feels of Cancer season will be a sweet reprieve after an intense few months. Socially you’ll be in flow, ready to switch that OOO and go play. Lazy days on the beach or between the sheets (or a mix of both) should be your primary goal. Creatively you’re in the flow too, so make sure you write down any brainwaves—especially mid-month you’re your artistic vision reaches a year-long high.

Tip: Make lots of space in your calendar for fun and creativity 

Hot tip: try reading these horoscopes for your rising sign as well as your sun sign. You can check the Co-Star app or have your charts read by an astrologist to see what your rising sign is.

Emma Vidgen is an astrologer and meditation teacher. Follow her or book a reading @emma_vee and @thewayward.co.