If Mercury's flip into retrograde on Independence Day doesn't make you disoriented, not to mention very late, the holiday weekend could be quite spectacular. All signs share in the sun's rewarding trine to prosperous Jupiter on the 30th, while a comfortable connection between loving Venus and stable Saturn on Sunday supports relationships with staying power. As for true believers, a no-holds-barred polarity between passionate Mars and faith-based Neptune, while not exact until the 5th, can dramatically color Fourth of July festivities. Venus heightens our desire for instant gratification when the goddess is provoked by erotic Uranus on the 5th. Less than an hour later, lucky Jupiter in sexy Scorpio turns direct. Midday Thursday, while we're fondly digesting all that has happened, the nurturing Cancer sun completes this week's rare grand water trine by supporting altruistic Uranus in Pisces. Surprise!

Aries

Whoa, there. Pull on the reins before your fiery Mars ruler comes up against Neptune's glassy-eyed idealism. Only die-hard sports fans are experienced enough to handle the surge of high hopes (and devastating disappointments) that take place during the every-two-year opposition. However, this July Fourth holiday, blind faith might be more compelling than reason or even rhyme. Find a suitable way to channel the planetary challenge, something that won't hurt you or your friends. Make a movie, join the fife and drum corps, be the designated driver.

Taurus

Photographers, designers and musicians should be able to handle the promises imaginative Neptune makes this week; they can envision where these fantastic offers could lead and how they'll make their careers more glamorous. The less aesthetically inclined should steel themselves for a sudden change of heart, perhaps from their union or a professional organization. These quick about-faces are to be expected whenever your Venus ruler squares flaky Uranus. Same goes for lovers. However, you needn't feel victimized; in a couple of weeks, those folks might reward you.

Gemini

Extend the Independence Day holiday. Since your Mercury ruler goes retrograde in the middle of the day, the assumption that you'll make significant progress back at work could turn into a pipe dream. But if you have to edit a proposal, revise a budget or otherwise reevaluate what was accomplished during June, then reporting for duty is advisable. However, it might take more than the customary three weeks of Mercury's retrogression to finalize financial matters; the Messenger doesn't leave your Cancer money house for good until August 10.

Cancer

This year, a Crab's best birthday present could be the opportunity to experience
something you weren't expecting. Thank Jupiter, dispenser of wisdom and wealth,
in Scorpio for the first summer in 12 years, and futuristic Uranus in Pisces
??? floating through that artistic sign since 2003 ??? for forming
a beneficial grand water-sign trine with the Cancer sun. Seriously, though,
consider any chance you get to go beyond the limits you've set for yourself.
This fortunate alignment doesn't last for long; around Thanksgiving, Jupiter
will move on.

Leo

Lions with natal planets in maternal Cancer (you pussycats know who you are) may also benefit from the powerful grand trine in water signs. Because your sun ruler claims one leg of the triad, you'll have access to the dual gifts offered by the other two: sudden fame and considerable fortune. Favorable contact with gigantic Jupiter tends to make everything bigger and better, while the rewarding sun-Uranus trine can provide the shock of recognition that radically alters the approach you've been taking to a tricky financial matter.

Virgo

Your Mercury ruler's retrograde trip will likely affect interaction with colleagues and fellow club members. Take all the time you need to work out snafus, misunderstandings and delays; if you rush through matters that should be approved by everybody in the group, you'll probably have to do it over once Mercury turns direct on the 28th. Virgins born in August might be oblivious to Mr. Memory's mischief, since it is revisiting a part of your life that may be buried in your unconscious. If you want a revelation, try hypnosis.

Libra

Most signs have the option of taking a summer vacation; Libras, instead, receive stronger incentives to expand their influence and, this year, because prosperous Jupiter is in your Scorpio money house, their salaries. The rewarding trine between the creative sun in your Cancer career house and the planet of growth is the first in a series of supportive aspects. By the end of the week, you might have a breakthrough that'll propel your ideas far ahead of the competition. Will this upset a temperamental co-worker? You'd better believe it.

Scorpio

Don't let a daydream turn into a major distraction. While your adventurous Mars co-ruler and imaginative Neptune come face to face, you're apt to be engulfed by a wave of idealistic hooey. However, now that you've been warned, you can decide whether you're still going to turn a blind eye to a dubious situation or whether this is the time to call that bluff. But if all you'll cop to is how great things are, now that the sun is favoring protective Jupiter in your sign, well, that's okay too. C'est la vie.

Sagittarius

If you can relinquish all hope of making significant progress while Mercury is retrograde in your house of other people's resources, perhaps you'll be able to relax and enjoy the next three weeks. The fewer expectations, the fewer disappointments. However, it wouldn't hurt to take time to check figures, rethink plans that were made and learn a lot more about the folks you're dealing with. Wining and dining could be mutually advantageous. This is also a good time to deal with tax matters that were postponed in April.

Capricorn

Get ready to repeat some recent treats. Although Mercury turns retrograde in Leo, the little guy spends most of its trip down memory lane in your tender Cancer complement. From July 10 until August 10, Mercury will be traveling through your house of significant others again, along with the baggage those relationships bring with them. So what you thought was already history could still have plenty of traction. Meanwhile, the Cancer sun may send you someone to support your attempts at breaking new ground. Cruise the neighborhood, and online too.

Aquarius

While lots of positive astrological events take place over the Independence Day holiday, the one that can have the strongest effect on you personally is the reward the Cancer sun offers Uranus, your ruling planet. For some Water Bearers, the supportive water trine will manifest as an unexpected windfall; for others, as a memorable family occasion; and for still others, as a job well done. Although you might not be aware of the whys or the wherefores, you can also thank benevolent Jupiter in your Scorpio midheaven for watching over you.

Pisces

Water, water everywhere and more than enough to drink. How wonderful is it to be smack in the middle of a glorious grand water trine? Finally, after enduring the ups and downs of living with unpredictable Uranus in your sign since 2003, there's a handsome reward in sight. After the Cancer sun trines generous Jupiter in Scorpio on the 30th, it turns its beneficial rays on Pisces. Anytime between then and the 6th, you could be blessed by the compassionate Cancer vibe, which, for some very lucky Fish, will be emanating from your house of romance.

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