Rockie Horoscope

Remember that when Mercury changes direction, you're more vulnerable to the random bits of mayhem that usually precede and follow the actual date, Friday the 28th. If you anticipate fender benders and appliance meltdowns, perhaps you'll be more conscious and better equipped to navigate the Messenger's flip out of retrograde. Being aware of loving Venus' friendly overtures to the weirdness and weirdos represented by Uranus is something else entirely. Their supportive trine relationship often comes as a total surprise. Who knew? Relying on sheer luck while the extravagant Leo sun squares expansive Jupiter in Scorpio on Wednesday can cost more than you wanted to spend, but it could also bring in the big bucks. Take a chance?

Aries

Now that Mercury will be moving forward again, think about taking steps to resolve the household or family matter that has held you in limbo, waiting for the other shoe to drop, all July. You could also wait to see how things work without your input. Meanwhile, to protect and preserve your recent accomplishment, leap, like the agile Ram you are, over an obstacle or unexpected delay that may get in your way while the Leo sun and by-the-rule-book Saturn conjunct around the 7th. Forgo immediate satisfaction, and remind yourself of your long-range goal.

Taurus

If you don't believe that "patience is the key to heaven," step back and watch what happens as the Leo sun and slowpoke Saturn join forces to rearrange the favors you've recently received. This could be a tough interlude for Bulls because of contraindications: Your pleasure-loving Venus ruler encourages taking the line of least resistance, while the life-sustaining Leo sun advocates caution, plus a well-meaning partner may promise more than he or she will deliver when the time for action arrives. And what about your somewhat dubious reputation?

Gemini

Who, besides the Lord, giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other? That's the situation you could find yourself in during the next few weeks. Try to remain tentative about present-day negotiations until you see what the relentless Leo sun hath wrought. Plus, you may need to adjust to your Mercury ruler's change of direction and assimilate the info it revealed while it was retrograde. What about having fun in the summer sun? Not so much this year, not while Mars (in nitpicking Virgo) threatens the very foundation of your happy home. Earthquake insurance?

Cancer

The idea of a quirky romance could be uppermost in your thoughts because having affectionate, flirtatious Venus in your sign is nothing if not fascinating. Mercury turning direct in Cancer also emphasizes the power of the mental process. However, financial matters can overshadow every other question while the sun in your Leo money house wavers between optimism and pessimism, urging you first to be generous, then Scrooge-like. The full moon on the 9th should bring money issues to a head; the cockeyed romantic notions soon follow.

Leo

Why is this year different from the others? What does fate have in store for Leos born in the first 10 days of August? Some of you will be asked to expand your sphere of influence, no matter what it costs, when your sun ruler is provoked by growth-oriented Jupiter. Others will find a reason to close up shop and deal with a pressing personal matter during Sol's merger with Saturn. And Lions who have been dazzled or deluded by a significant relationship could achieve clarity once the full moon in your Aquarius marriage house sheds light on that situation.

Virgo

Colleagues or fellow club members can exert greater influence after your Mercury ruler comes out of retrograde. If a matter affecting the group has been tabled during July, look for its resolution around mid-August, assuming that at least for now your partner agrees with the consensus of opinion. Having ballsy Mars in your sign might make you seem feistier than usual. Perhaps you're gearing up to fight for a project whose growth potential seems truly tremendous. Now would be a good time; next season or next year could be too late.

Libra

No one expects to get a raise when you're coping with the summer heat and taking it easy. Nonetheless, conscientious Libras who care about their jobs and their bosses could be rewarded while generous Jupiter in your Scorpio money house captures the attention of the demonstrative Leo sun. Since productive Saturn is part of this mix, additional responsibilities will follow. Incidentally, if you can transcend the purely personal benefits and consider the social or cultural implications, this would be a good time to put your idea for a better future forward.

Scorpio

A few things to juggle: First off, affectionate Venus coming on to one of the offbeat characters hanging around your Pisces house of romance and other pleasurable pastimes. Second, fortuitous Jupiter in Scorpio being challenged by the Leo sun to chase after a lifetime goal, no matter the degree of difficulty. Third, realizing that your action-packed Mars coruler is onboard and, until Labor Day, will provide the energy and courage to achieve that aim. But if you don't have confidence in your skills or are content to rely on Lady Luck, so be it.