Written in the Stars - Week of July 3

Venus Conjunct Jupiter — When the planet of charm and beauty kisses the planet of joy and wisdom, we crave good food, great conversations and the promise of fun with the elevation of spirituality. Boundless optimism reigns! Enjoy yourself; just be careful not to overextend or overindulge.  

ARIES

March 21 — April 19

You're a competitive soul at heart, Aries  — even the mildest of you. So why not play your life the way you play a game? Look at the board, assess the players. Your mind is extra-sharp right now, with Mercury lending you some wit and quickness in your House of Communication. Just don't be in such a rush to speak your piece that you say something you regret — there could be some ego clashes, especially around your home or family, with Mars goading the Sun in your House of Home. If you can unite strategy and play, there's no stopping you.

TAURUS

April 20 — May 20

Put your money where your mouth is this week, Taurus. The planet of wit, speed and intellect is in your House of Wealth, indicating that examining your cash flow could increase it— whether you need to market yourself, "sell" an idea to someone or just reinvigorate your budget. Be careful with your horns this week, bull, as you're more inclined than usual to railroad others, with Mars charging at the Sun in your House of Communication. Someone could test your patience or bruise your ego — rise above. Keep the long-term goal in mind and keep going. It's your gift.

GEMINI

May 21 — June 21

How would you like to become a master of efficiency, Gemini? Oh, it may not sound glamorous, but if you really put your shoulder into improving your material circumstances under your current stars, you could make a lot more headway than you might expect. Sober Saturn is in your House of Work and Routine, and he's reviewing the habits that have taken you this far — which hold you back from meeting your true potential, and which propel you toward it? You've got the stellar wherewithal to cultivate a happier, healthier life, now. Major gains are forecast.

CANCER

June 22 — July 22

Lead by example this week, Cancer. Your stars say that someone around you may be grumbling about the load they're forced to carry even as you carry one twice its size right next to them. You're a sensitive soul, and often your immediate reaction is to offer to help shoulder others' burdens — but not only will that make your path a slow and painful one, it saps the joy of the journey. Put yourself and your own priorities first  — you can show others how to take care of their own business without saying it in pithier, more colorful words.


LEO

July 23 — Aug. 22

Never let 'em see you sweat, Leo. That's one of your mottos. And you may be putting in some overtime in creating a sunny, strong facade when on the inside, you may be feeling quite adrift, caught up in the powerful emotions currently sweeping through your chart. If you need a retreat, take one, if only long enough to survey the terrain and regain your footing, straighten your course. Some obstacles and restrictions have frustrated you, but ask yourself what role your deep fears have played in creating or playing along with them. Your stars forecast a great new start. Rise to the occasion.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 — Sept. 22

Normally, you can get quite comfortable in a rut, Virgo. Oh, don't look at me like that. I'm sure you keep the rut nice and neat and pretty, but now those cozy walls are starting to close in a little. Your stars say it's time for a change, and your old methods won't produce the same result, as you're already shedding your old skin. Change is good  — a rise in prominence and recognition is forecast. Let things be a little nebulous and strange for now, especially regarding your relationships  — Neptune's veil is over your House of Partnerships. By the time they've cleared up, you'll have carved yourself a new path, and one not remotely resembling a rut.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 — Oct. 22

Your scales are swinging, Libra, and it's OK to feel a little off balance. Pluto, the planet of death and transformation, is shaking foundations in your House of Home and Family, leaving you buried in the rubble of old emotional structures. Pluto only destroys to build again, and your stars forecast a new rise from your past — and the more you learn from your past challenges and make positive changes, the better your future will be. Step up to the plate and swing with all you have. Your allies are nearby and ready to support you, and just plain show you a good time. Make time for fun!

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 — Nov. 21

You've put in a lot of hard work recently, Scorpio, and dealt with a lot of hold-ups, false starts and disappointments. But one of your strengths is that pain and hardship only make you stronger, only make you burn more intensely to overcome. Your stars say your tenacity will be rewarded now. Sober Saturn is in your House of Personality, making you give yourself a serious personal check-in/check-up. What's the state of the union? Your intuition is extra keen, and you're likely to get recognized for your accuracy now. Take time to decompress and just be with yourself this week.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 — Dec. 21

How's your calendar looking, Sagittarius? Because your stars say that friends, flames and wannabes will be flocking to you now, attracted to the easy wisdom and savvy you project. They want a piece of the action. Some would just like to take a chunk out of you, period, out of envy. And you may be willing to indulge in some of that rivalry this week, as you're feeling quite fired up. Instead of releasing this energy on some poor soul, channel it into your true passion to see amazing results. Jupiter and Venus are lighting up your reputation  — don't waste this potent magic.


CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 — Jan. 19

Go with the flow this week, Capricorn. Let plans evolve, change, dissolve completely. Your stars say that you're being led down the right path, no matter how dense or winding it may appear at times. Your future landscape is changing for the better, but if you resist, you could make the trip more painful for yourself and others. Watch out for that dry wit of yours this week. Mars and the Sun are bringing things to a head in your House of Partnerships, indicating ego clashes or arguments. Keep your cool. Your power is in your tenacity and grace.


AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 — Feb. 18

You've been endowed with some temporary superpowers, Aquarius. You've been craving a change, and now you've got it. With Mars and the Sun going head to head in your House of Routine, your stars say it's time to get charged up about creating a daily routine that supports your goals  — the first of which should be your personal joy and fulfillment. Are you feeling a bit pinched in the career department? What excites you? Dive into it fearlessly, without asking too many questions and risking analysis paralysis. You've got what it takes, and that's all that matters.

PISCES

Feb. 19 — March 20

Ride the wave, Pisces. Your stars say that destiny is playing a major part in your world right now, arranging things behind the scenes and letting you play them out. It's all for the best! Pleasure, creativity and excitement are forecast for you, along with a few more changes as you settle into your new routine. The Sun is challenging Mars in your House of Play, indicating that you might enjoy a little friendly rivalry or contest this week. Just watch out for ego clashes. Spend time with your closest loved ones. With Jupiter and Venus shacking up in your House of Partners, plenty of love abounds.