If July had a tagline, it would be ‘wait and see’. ‘Wait’ because the first few weeks rounding out Cancer season are your cosmic cue to calm yourself. Put your OOO on, schedule some annual leave (even if you’re not going further than your local bakery) and take some time to reset. 

‘And see’ because July also marks the beginning of Leo season, Venus retrograde and a spicy little speed bump around 22 July. Leo season is always a time for a little drama, and with this one coinciding with Venus retrograde and a big Pluto aspect, well, let’s just say, it won’t be boring.

If you can’t stand the suspense, cast your mind back to July-August of 2015 when Venus was last retrograde in Leo for a hint at what kind of themes might come up. Whatever happens, bide your time, and put off any matters of the heart until a later date.

I always recommend reading for your rising sign rather than your sun sign. You can find out your rising sign by casting your chart here. Want to learn more? Check out my new book The Astrology Of You: Finding Love, Creativity and Soul Purpose In Your Birth Chart or find me on Instagram at @emma_vee.

There’s a certain sparkle to the first 10 days of the month, as your appetite for play and pleasure have you getting up to all kinds of mischief. Long lunches, shopping sprees, rowdy dinner parties—they’re all a little too good to resist. Don’t beat yourself up, from the 11th onwards, things feel a little less debauched…at least until Leo season arrives. Once Venus goes retrograde (23 July), don’t be surprised if a certain someone from the past slides into your DMs.

Tip: Eat, drink and be merry with the people who know you best, especially in the first three weeks of the month.

There’s intrigue in the air this month as Venus retrograde, one of your most exciting astro seasons of the year, officially kicks off (23 July). It marks the start of a 40-day period where relationships, pleasure and what you value come firmly into focus. Issues and people from your own personal archives, especially your childhood, could resurface. Lean into the famous Taurean patience and hold off any sudden decisions. This is a cycle to observe, not action.

Tip: Savour the chill of Cancer season (until 23 July) by revisiting your favourite books, films or shows. 

Your mind’s on your money and your money’s on your mind the first few weeks of the month as Cancer season casts a spotlight on your cash situation. Follow the breadcrumbs and try to respond rather than react the first two weeks. By the new moon (18 July), you should have a much clearer idea of what you need to do next to start moving towards your goals. Take aim, and believe that ‘that thing’ really could happen.

Tip: Stay open to wild-yet-unexpected inspiration from the mid-month until late July (11 – 28 July).

The month starts with a glorious light bulb moment bringing a clarity and decisiveness you haven’t felt in forever. A full moon not long after (3 July) helps set the wheels in motion. Turn to a trusted confidante for support on how to get things off the ground. Later in the month, there could be a little pushback (possibly from that very same person) but try not to get sucked into the drama. This too shall pass. 

Tip: Resist the temptation to lash out on luxe purchases this month… they’re almost certainly bound to end up on the return rack.

If you’re feeling a little scattered the first few weeks of the month, take comfort in knowing it’s in the sky. While there’s a part of you in desperate need of some quiet time, the FOMO will also be coming in hot (you can blame Mars and Venus for that). As difficult as it may be, July is a month to at least try to honour the call to lay low. Once your home season kicks off with Venus retrograde (23 July) you’ll be unstoppable.

Tip: Get away for a while, book a staycation or take some time off the apps, especially between 10 and 23 July.

There’s fun to be had in July as the Sun illuminates your social sphere. The first 10 days of the month look especially sweet for a weekend escape with your crew. From the 11th onwards, you could be thrown a few curveballs. This is not the time to be a wallflower—advocate for yourself and don’t be afraid to dig your heels in if someone (especially those closest to you) try to boss you around. The sky is on your side to stand strong—so, do just that. 

Tip: Load up your car with all the cheese, a case of rosé and your favourite humans for a weekend getaway in the first 10 days of the month. 

Convincing people to do things (while having them think it was their idea all along) is one of your most underrated superpowers. That stealth leadership muscle of yours is on lock from day one in July, helping you do the quiet boss lady thing you do best. Embrace the flow and focus on making an impression at work—especially before Leo season (23 July) kicks off. If you’re worried about ruffling feathers, tread gently around the 22nd.

Tip: Prioritise wellness—especially after the 10th. Anything that helps you shake off your worries and gets you moving (heels class, perhaps?) will do nicely.

The wheels are in motion this month for some major moves – especially around your work. With Venus preparing to go retrograde (from 23 July), pay attention to the people, themes and feelings that come up for you in the first three weeks of the month. There will be clues as to exactly what you’ll be revisiting, as well as the people who might be resurfacing or the opportunities that could resurface. Stay curious, stay kind, and let things happen naturally. You’ll be moving through this lesson until September!

Tip: A little precautionary boundary setting—even if it’s just a quiet word in your mind to say “I will not put up with any of their rubbish today”—will help minimise drama with friends.

Feeling limber? You’ll be on your toes this month and the challenge will be how well you can juggle it all. After a pretty low-key start, things get a little more serious from the 10th onwards. How you reconcile a burning desire to immerse yourself in a new project (possibly work related) with the reality of your home life—whether that’s showing up for family, or just paying the rent—will be the month’s greatest challenge. Try not to get carried away. Things feel decidedly less shady—at least financially—once Venus goes retrograde (23 July). 

TIP: Keep burnout at bay by putting self-care practices first—anything involving salt water will be especially nourishing.

How are your leave balances looking? The medicine for Capricorns in July is to step off the treadmill (literally and figuratively speaking) and take things down a notch. It won’t be easy, but setting yourself a new goal (to relax), should be top of your list. With the Sun casting a glow over your love life, it’s a lush moment to get lost with someone you hold dear. Letting your guard down and sharing what you need from each other is the ideal way to spend the new moon (18 July). 

TIP: Find yourself someone (extra points if they’re a Cancer) and make them your accountability buddy to do less. Check in with each other to report on how much you’re NOT doing for a change.

Brace yourself for the ghost of boyfriends and/or girlfriends past this month. If you’ve been paying attention, maybe you already know who is about to come waltzing back into your life. With Venus retrograde (from 23 July), you’re getting a masterclass in relationships, romance and what you truly value (hint: it might not be what it once was). If there’s no sign of that person, look out for recurrent themes. The same relationship doesn’t always take the exact same form. 

TIP: Take a leap and pitch that wild idea around 17th when greenlights and eloquence will help you seal the deal.

The moody waters of Cancer season are a relaxing spot to bob about, eat good food and watch your favourite shows, especially the first 10 days of the month. After the 11th, things feel more serious, with big decisions requiring plenty of strategic thinking and long-term planning. It may feel like things are at an impasse—especially around the 21st—but there is a way to strike a balance between brazen grit and a more measured approach. Take the best of both options, compromise is the only way forward.

Tip: Ground yourself by revisiting an old ritual that helped boost your baseline of confidence (think: early morning gym classes or regular manis), especially after the 23rd.