Fantasy and faith affect much of what occurs this week, despite the harsh reality Saturn represents when it conjuncts the willful Leo sun on Monday. A glimmer of progress, a shot at diplomacy may peek through as farseeing Jupiter aligns favorably with militant Mars on Tuesday. However, impressionable, imaginative Neptune can cloud the picture when it becomes a major element of the Leo-Aquarius full moon midweek. On Thursday, Mercury leaves Cancer, where basically it's been since June 3, for 17 days in Leo.

Aries

It's not simply more of the Leo-Aquarius full-moon madness. Even if an offer doesn't seem so great at first, what comes your way as your Mars ruler forms an opportunistic relationship with prosperous Jupiter midweek shouldn't be summarily dismissed. Particularly if the deal isn't supposed to pay off until the holiday party season. That's when Mars' merger with the giant planet can initiate a two-year cycle of high income and high spirits for you and, in partnership or not, a Sagittarius who is somewhat significant in your day-to-day routine.

Taurus

Some call it “creative fervor,” others “critical overload.” Your choice depends on how much can be accomplished while energetic Mars in Virgo fuels enthusiastic Jupiter in Scorpio. Although you might not have much influence over the process, you'll be hard-pressed to deny that something of fairly huge proportions is happening to either your sweetie or your business partner. Meanwhile, there's a good chance you'll be distracted by a frustrating family matter that comes to a head during this “Who should I believe?” full moon.

Gemini

Having a problem with your sibling or neighbor? The issue that's been festering for a while could erupt this week as the insistent Leo sun burns a hole through the resistance Saturn has put up. Add the loopy lunar influence of an Aquarius full moon, and you could be wondering, “Who exactly is the crazy one?” Since your Mercury ruler enters egocentric Leo the next day, your answer might well be ” 'Tis I!” Unless you're a bona fide, fully accredited mad scientist, leave the weird theories to someone else. Concentrate instead on making money.

Cancer

The last few days of having Venus in your sign should be milked for all they're worth. Such tenderness, such a sweet disposition, such an attractive body! Soon enough – next Saturday – the love goddess will move on to Leo and pounce on her next victim. However, your moon ruler may set the stage for a dramatic intervention during its full-moon performance midweek. That's because mystical Neptune in Aquarius and Luna are so close they're emitting the same glamorous essence. Try to make the magic last until the new moon on the 23rd.

Leo

Happy birthday to Lions celebrating this week; probably a very happy birthday for those who have been striving to improve their status among people with clout. If you didn't receive a significant reward for your hard work last summer, it may come through when your sun ruler merges with productive Saturn, certainly before Saturn leaves Leo next August. Just make sure that illusory Neptune in your house of allies and antagonists doesn't send a doppelg??nger to rain on your parade during the Aquarius full moon midweek. Double-check the guest list.

Virgo

A subtle hint last week may have prepared you for whatever opportunity – be it apparent to the people concerned or a complete mystery – pops up when ambitious Mars in your sign forms a favorable connection to protective Jupiter in Scorpio. Whether their supportive sextile increases your bank account or your stockpile of knowledge depends on Jupiter's position in Scorpio's house. The Scorpion has a gift for collecting information and keeping it a secret until it absolutely, positively must be revealed. Interesting, huh?

Libra

Despite the haughty demeanor of a colleague, this full-moon week could be a lot of fun, especially if you let your imagination run away with you. Dancers, musicians and card-carrying magicians get an extra shot of star power as the moon merges with glamorous Neptune in Aquarius, a sign that's particularly compatible with Libra. So take those people with you and find a Lion celebrating a birthday you can all play with. By now, you might need a break from both your doting Venus ruler and chatty Mercury in your career midheaven.

Scorpio

Whether you make a last-ditch attempt to succeed with a project that began almost two years ago or get to taste the fruits of a good idea made manifest, when your Mars co-ruler sextiles lucky Jupiter in your sign, you're bound to feel the effect. That the aspect occurs on 8/8, a fortunate date in the Chinese calendar, could turn into an additional benefit in a year of good fortune. Don't think it's been particularly good? Then wait and see what happens when the creative Leo sun in your midheaven and the popular Aquarius moon perfect their annual polarity midweek.

Sagittarius

Heartfelt Leo can be fun for Sagittarians looking to escape the daily drag of a stifling summer. So it should come as no surprise that the Leo-Aquarius full moon may transport you to places that exist primarily in your imagination or to those you can visit online. Fantasy-filled Neptune in Aquarius, the sign ruling cyberspace, is quite prominent this week, and you are quite susceptible to its influence. Creating another “Narnia” is not as far-fetched an idea as it seems. Not while your philosophical Jupiter ruler and crusading Mars are on the same track.

Capricorn

Don't be fooled. The tendency to fall for a scam or become the butt of a joke grows as the moon approaches fullness this week. That's because deceptive Neptune in Aquarius is emitting a powerful influence over us all. For Goats, it might mean that something funny is going on in your second house of assets and values, the one governed by Aquarius. As well as in your eighth house of sex, taxes and other people's money, the zone ruled by Leo. Because your Saturn ruler will exactly oppose Neptune as the month ends, this is probably no laughing matter.

Aquarius

This could be a very big week for the Water-Bearer. Since the annual Aquarius full moon this year conjoins visionary Neptune, the image you project can have a stronger influence than usual. Pick carefully the picture of yourself that you want people to come away with. Because Jupiter and Saturn, indicators of vast social changes, are involved, the impression you make can last a lot longer than anyone anticipates. On a less-than-global note, be especially kind to a partner who may be having a hard time living up to his or her exalted reputation.

Pisces

Charity, this week, doesn't begin at home. You can be as shitty to the people who live there as you like, since the dues you'll be paying are to the cosmos, not the community. Obligations at the workplace might also take precedence over your family's requests; also, if you have time to seek the advice of a health professional, take it. Try, as well, to squeeze in some quality time with your main squeeze; affectionate Venus in your Cancer house of romance and recreation is coming to the end of her all-too-short visit.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.