You may become supersensitive and slightly delusional while the sun is currently
opposing idealistic, imaginative Neptune. You could also be torn between doing
good and doing damage when optimistic Jupiter and spiteful Pluto perfect their
challenging square on Friday. Beware extreme beliefs and exaggerated fears,
and take comfort in Venus as the goddess settles into cozy Cancer on Saturday.
Mercury goes retrograde on the 9th (until September 2); then, on Tuesday, Mars
leaves willful Leo for circumspect Virgo. The rewarding sun-Pluto trine (we
must have done something right!) and Perseids meteor extravaganza are scheduled
for Wednesday. Things are looking up!

Aries

Your approach to problems and pleasures alike may change dramatically after
your Mars ruler leaves enthusiastic Leo on the 10th and settles into detail-oriented
Virgo for the next seven weeks. Productivity becomes as desirable an end as
creativity; being accurate may prove just as satisfying as being praised. Rams
born in mid-April can have it all – the love, the learning and the luck
– when the fiery Leo sun and powerful Pluto in Sag support your natal Aries
planets. Meanwhile, because Mercury is backsliding through your house of romance
and recreation, slow down.

Taurus

Finally, your Venus ruler leaves dualistic Gemini, where it's been flitting
about since April 3, and enters down-home Cancer. Emotional security –
and the other kind – becomes more important, although you shouldn't
be afraid to take a chance that could pop up as the week progresses. Although
it might not be apparent, when it comes to romance and games of chance, you
can be quite lucky right now. Don't let your reluctance to change keep
you from capitalizing on Jupiter's expansive good fortune while you still
can. Come fall, it'll be gone.

Gemini

Mainly mid-June Gemini natives are caught in the middle of the power struggle
between righteous Jupiter in your Virgo home base and suspicious Pluto in your
Sagittarius house of partners. A philosophical tug-of-war can be confusing and
exhausting, especially since your Mercury ruler, retrograde in cautious Virgo,
is in no position to help you sort through the information you're receiving.
Not until Mercury goes direct on September 2 will you begin to see the entire
picture, so try to postpone important decisions until then.

Cancer

Flirt away. Having magnetic Venus in your sign, but only until Labor Day, will
draw attention to how good you look and make you quite popular with both genders.
Although some folks might be impressed by the savvy way you wheel and deal,
you'll tend to favor the humanitarians, eccentrics and independent thinkers
among us who want to introduce you to something new. Meanwhile, financial matters
might not go smoothly while Mercury is retrograde in your house of income and
assets. Not the time to ask for a raise.

Leo

Insisting on “my way or the highway” tactics (no matter whether you're
right or ultimately proven wrong) can pay off around the 11th, as the Leo sun
aligns with obstinate Pluto in Sagittarius, a hopeful, high-spirited fire sign
like your own. You'll be able to display greater authenticity and authority
than you (or your partner) imagined, because now you can tap into hidden sources
of the kind of power secretive Pluto provides. Some of it is purely sexual,
some of it your life-or-death instinct at work. Trying to get pregnant?

Virgo

Look for a chance to grow at the expense of someone from your past when ethical,
enthusiastic Jupiter in your sign is challenged by manipulative Pluto in your
Sagittarius nadir. Perhaps the situation won't be as dastardly or dramatic
as all that; maybe it'll simply be a problem with the plumbing or something
else at home that is not immediately apparent. As long as you're in such
an expansive frame of mind, you might as well go after the goodies you truly
want. Do the research – but no major expenditures while your Mercury ruler
is retrograde.

Libra

Working women, domestic goddesses and artists in various mediums can weave
a magical spell over your career now. Be nice to those who are in a position
to make you feel more secure about your place in the world. While your Venus
ruler visits your Cancer midheaven – until Labor Day – family, feminism
and the promise of fame can spur you on to greater heights. If it's important
that you achieve at least one of your goals, know that despite delays and Mercury
retrograde, this is the month to try. Friends or an organization may play an
auxiliary role, but don't count on them to grease your way.

Scorpio

The patience to follow through, to pay attention to the smallest detail, is
available if you need it. And before autumn begins, you probably will. Thank
your Mars co-ruler for finally getting to Virgo, the sign that actually enjoys
making things as good as they can get. And while perfection is not your usual
cup of tea, achieving your goal, by any means necessary, is. Because Mars teams
up with Mercury and Jupiter, the planets that govern publicity and the media,
you're likely to appear smarter or hipper than you really are. Fun for
some.

Sagittarius

For the next 10 days, it should be easy to do something difficult. If you've
been fearful about making a crucial change, now, while the life-affirming sun
favors anal-retentive Pluto in Sag, would be the time to start. Pluto is a powerful
energy; it represents the disease and the cure, abuse and recovery, and other
heavy-duty things we'd rather not think about. But while the force is with
you, it would be sheer folly (a Sagittarius trait, for sure) to ignore it. Other
people's resources are available for the asking.

Capricorn

Wouldn't you know it? It's August, vacation time for the shrinks,
and your unconscious is lit up like the sky during the Perseids meteor showers.
One revelation about the past after another, plus a spiritual epiphany to blow
your mind! The opportunistic sextile between prescient Jupiter and your realistic
Saturn ruler next week favors good judgment and long-range planning for success.
It's also the first supportive alignment these giants have made since their
conjunction in Taurus in May 2000. Think back – what has changed?

Aquarius

If you're feeling at all uncomfortable about a casual friendship or your
affiliation with an organization, now would be a good time to deal with it.
Sunny Leo energy tends to emphasize the upside of relationships; it's also
more forgiving than most signs. And while affectionate Venus trines your Uranus
ruler midmonth, any change of heart would have a positive effect on you personally.
The Leo new moon on the 15th in your house of partners can inaugurate a new,
more generous way of interacting with allies and antagonists alike.

Pisces

Mercury retrograde in your Virgo partnership house from August 9 to September
2 suggests that you be very careful dealing with significant others. Don't
overlook the smallest detail of any agreement you may be considering, and double-check
all information you receive – this includes casual conversations with your
mate. Misunderstandings galore! Also, you tend not to see the forest for the
trees while Mercury is busy critiquing the small stuff. Better to table discussions
entirely and opt for fun and frolic instead.

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