Astro Iris July 18: Mercury Goes Retrograde—Buckle Up!
It’s that time again—Mercury is hitting the brakes and going retrograde, the second time this year. Can you imagine the chaos if this planet pulls its backward dance 3 or 4 times a year? 🙃 We’d be drowning in typos, missed emails, and “I thought you said Tuesday” moments!
This retrograde lasts 24 days, from July 18 to August 11, spinning backward through 15 to 4 degrees of Leo ♌️. Starting today, it’s time to fix what we’ve been procrastinating on or straight-up ignoring. You know those “eh, it’s fine” or “it’ll do for now” moments? Yeah, they’re coming back to haunt us with a vengeance 🫢😉—maybe even annoyingly so 🥶. No more cutting corners; it’s time to revise, rework, and redo.
This retrograde kicks off right on the Ascendant (in Bucharest, RO) and in a super cozy alignment with Venus in Gemini ♊️, Mercury’s home turf ☺️🤍. Uranus is also chilling in Gemini, vibing nicely with the Sun 🌞 and Pluto. Translation? If something breaks, fix it. If you’ve been planning to sign a contract, buy something, review info, or learn a new skill, this is prime time. Inaction (aka laziness) is the priciest mistake—trust me, it’ll bite you when you least expect it.
We might also see early signs of change—possibly tech-related—in how we learn, teach, think, communicate, or express ourselves. Think new gadgets, marketing trends, ads, or entertainment shifts, likely inspired by other cultures. These changes will ripple out collectively.
On a personal level, this retrograde hits hardest in the life areas ruled by Leo, Gemini, and Virgo. Here’s the cosmic tea for each sign:
• Aries ♈️: Get ready for a burst of creative, game-changing ideas with long-term impact. Got a bold, artsy project? Launch it! Just watch out for those sneaky, unofficial flings 😇🥰.
• Taurus ♉️: You’ll get more family time or have clarifying convos to strengthen those bonds. Thinking of a home reno or investing in yourself? Now’s a great start. Just keep an eye on your wallet.
• Gemini ♊️: Expect epiphanies about how you think, talk, sell, or shop. Ready to level up your skills? Self-study or a new course might call your name.
• Cancer ♋️: Your finances could get a glow-up, or you’ll rethink your relationship with money. Got a long-term investment in mind, maybe family-related? Reassess and go for it, but don’t overspend.
• Leo ♌️: You’re the star of this retrograde, so the spotlight’s on YOU. Be a kind, assertive lion, not a roaring, argumentative one. It’s a great time to master communication or rethink your spiritual connection.
• Virgo ♍️: This transit shakes things up deeply. Expect endings, new beginnings, or project continuations. You might connect with the divine in a fresh, intimate way. Feeling spendy? Check if it’s a need or just a whim.
• Libra ♎️: Time to revisit relationships and resolve what you’ve been dodging. Thinking of switching up your friend group or how others see you? Now’s perfect for clarity—and you might attract new allies or protectors.
• Scorpio ♏️: Career and social status are in focus. Considering a career pivot or a new role that fits you better? Mercury’s got your back to reassess. Watch out for Lilith stirring up fears—face them head-on.
• Sagittarius ♐️: Jupiter in Cancer is pushing a major transformation, and this retrograde helps you slow down to see what needs changing. Dreaming of a faraway vacation? Check availability and book it.
• Capricorn ♑️: Time to rethink how you communicate and manage shared resources. Want more clarity? Listen to others’ needs, then blend them with your own.
• Aquarius ♒️: Love life getting a refresh? Official relationships get clearer, and unofficial ones might go public. You’ll shine in groups—take action with confidence and responsibility, and support will follow.
• Pisces ♓️: Your focus shifts to daily work and health. With your rulers in key placements, you’ll have the courage to drop illusions and zero in on what needs fixing. Got plans to organize your work or health routine? Start now and tweak as needed.
July 19: Sun in Cancer Squares Chiron in Aries
On July 19, the Sun in Cancer ♋️ squares Chiron in Aries ♈️, hitting the 9th and 6th houses. It’s like water (Cancer) trying to play nice with fire (Aries). Jupiter in Cancer gives the water team a boost, so any inner fire 🔥—those wounds that burn you up inside—needs to be cooled or tamed. But you’ve got to choose to let go of the pain. Clinging to it out of fear keeps you stuck in the same place, with the same people, in the same old story. Let it go, and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that pop up.
By July 30, Chiron retrogrades in Aries. Depending on your choices, you’ll either get support for healing or learn the hard way through pain (physical or emotional). Take an hour to check in with yourself:
• Personal life: How’s your actions, reactions, ego, or generosity? Balanced or off?
• Family and roots: Are you doing too much, too little, or nothing at all?
• Work, health, vitality: In harmony or out of whack?
Too much of anything balances out with too little, and nothing at all gets balanced by a sudden flood. Either way, it’ll feel intense. Wisdom is key—spot the issue and make the right call.
July 20: Family Sunday Vibes
On July 20, it’s all about family—whichever family feels like home to you. That’s all I’ll say. 💖
