Last week, Hidden Insights didn’t know where to start, there was so much going on, but this week couldn’t be more different. It is rare that not a single planet makes an aspect for an entire week, but that is what is happening. This gives us a chance to regroup, recharge, and spend time cooling off. This is a blessing after the chaos of last week. Lingering effects of the eclipse may still be evident, with minor surprises for many on Thursday,19 July 2018, when the Moon reaches its first quarter in Scorpio. Of course, it’s important to note that while this is a quiet week as a whole, there are still planetary transits that will affect your own personal natal chart.
Even though there are no aspects occurring in the sky, we will still be influenced by a few planets. The first is Jupiter, which last week was stationed direct, and this week it’s starting to pick up speed. Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius will feel this energy the strongest, as these signs have been more heavily influenced by Jupiter over the last few months.
The world is also preparing for Mercury to station retrograde next week. In astrology the period leading up to this is known as Mercury’s shadow, as the planet slows down and prepares to change directions. Here, we observe the little annoyances that get under our skin. Again, this clearly shows us that it’s time to make plans for the future, and refocus our intentions for the second half of the calendar year. Enjoy the mellow energy; more detailed horoscopes will return next week.
Astro Homework
With an absence of global celestial influence this week, your homework assignment is to breathe. The stars are asking us to relax and unwind, and we need to listen to them.
Take time each day to be still and quite. I like to think that when the sky is silent, we need to listen to ourselves.
For those of you who want a little help getting started with meditation, Spiral Nature offers a great article to help you with “Meditation: Four techniques to get you started.”
Aries (21 March — 20 April)
Your time reflecting this week should be spent finding a way to bring more creativity into your life, Aries. An itch to be artistically expressive is likely to surface, and there may even be a way for you to make money with this. Expect your most active day to be on Thursday, though tension at home could make it difficult for you to fully unwind. Keep yourself focused with breathing exercises, and take time to relax — this will help keep these annoying influences from getting in the way.
Essential oil: Rosemary
Taurus (21 April — 20 May)
Focusing on creating a peaceful environment at home is on your mind this week, Taurus. You want to find a way to make your space more comfortable. This is because there has been tension in your home, and that may be best for your mental and physical health. As Jupiter speeds up this week, you are able to refocus relationships at home, and build a stronger support network. Try reaching out to an older woman in order to get clarity on an issue that has been bothering you.
Essential oil: Bergamot
Gemini (21 May — 20 June)
As your ruling planet continues to slow down, Gemini, you may feel lethargic and want to sleep more than usual this week. If possible, honour this need and catch up on some rest and relaxation. This will help put your mind at ease, and solve any headaches. Soon you’ll be dealing with a hectic schedule again, but this week you can prepare for these upcoming responsibilities. Also, you might want to schedule a routine physical with your doctor to keep your body working the best it can.
Essential oil: Ginger
Cancer (21 June — 20 July)
Something in the back of your mind this week is telling you to put some money aside for something special, Cancer. As Mercury continues to slow, this feeling is likely to intensify. You instinctively know that your finances may need to be adjusted for a while, and your budget may need to become stricter within the next two weeks. Follow your instincts and start planning now. Even though you feel the need be financially cautious, you’re also feeling inspired to get away and have a good time. These conflicting energies may make much of the week seem rather confusing. If you find a way to express yourself through writing, art, or music, you can satisfy this urge, while still saving money.
Essential oil: Peppermint
Leo (21 July — 20 August)
Mercury is slowing down in your sign, Leo, and as such an outgoing sign, this may not feel particularly comfortable for you. However, this is a good time to resolve old conflicts with a friend that may have put a strain on your relationship. You’re also more focused on what is important to you. Perhaps it’s time to think more about your inner self, as opposed to your outer and public persona. If you’ve been feeling stuck at home or in your home life, you get the opportunity to start making progress towards the change you have been craving.
Essential oil: Pink Lotus
Virgo (21 August — 20 September)
Rumours and gossip are starting to pop up around you, Virgo, especially at work. You’ll want to keep a low profile to avoid getting caught up in a river of misunderstanding. At this time, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. If you can process the truth is in what others are saying, it could be useful information by the end of August. Also this week, you may make progress with a family member in a situation that has been stalled since March. Things here are starting to come out in the open, and you’ll need to prepare for the inevitable conversation that could lead to the revelation of a secret.
Essential oil: Labdanum
Libra (21 September — 20 October)
You need to take a break from the social scene this week, Libra, and spend more time with yourself and your family. It may even be time for you to begin thinking about stepping away from groups, teams, or organizations that are no longer interesting or useful to you. Of course, you don’t want to make any drastic moves right now. However, you do need to consider what is important for you to be a part of, and what is not. Financially. things are looking good this week,as Jupiter picks up speed in your sector of financial resources. Just be cautious about overspending, if you’re spending less time on activities with others.
Essential oil: Petitgrain
Scorpio (21 October — 20 November)
Supervisors at work may get under your skin this week, Scorpio, and it seems as though they are not communicating effectively. This will also include those in positions of power outside of work. So, if you run into the police, a judge, or public official, it may not be the best time to challenge what they have to say. If you do need to have a conversation with someone in these types of positions, make sure you speak clearly, concisely, in short sentences, and check for understanding.
Essential oil: Celery seed
Sagittarius (21 November — 20 December)
It’s time to start taking responsibility for your own happiness, Sagittarius. Mercury’s slow speed gives you the opportunity to get in touch with loving yourself, and take time to figure out what makes you happy. The stars indicate that travel and adventure need to become a bigger part of your life, though it’s not likely you’ll be able to do as much of it right now as you want. That said, now is the perfect time to figure out how to make it a priority. Lately, you’ve been battling more than one internal demon, and now you can regroup to conquer fears in your life. The best way for you to do this is to experience the freedom of adventure.
Essential oil: Juniper
Capricorn (21 December — 20 January)
Addressing our own mortality and some of the darker aspects of the human experience can often be uncomfortable, Capricorn. This week you’ll need to put your skills of practicality to the test as you examine this area of life. It’s never too early to consider what you want your final wishes to be. You’ve noticed a lot of death lately, both physical and metaphorical. Thinking about your own end of life plans will help you process some of this. Try not to confuse this thinking with believing your life is in danger. You are perfectly safe and healthy — it’s just time to start considering some of these things.
Essential oil: Frankincense
Aquarius (21 January — 20 February)
Your mind is beginning to swim with thoughts of commitment, relationships, and how you interact with others, Aquarius. This week’s energy focuses on how to fully integrate someone else into your life. That is to say, if you want to join together with a friend or romantic partner at all. You may be thinking about ending a partnership. Now is the time to ask yourself how you feel about this person, though you shouldn’t make a decision just yet. Take this week to evaluate their role in your life, as you may have to adjust some aspects of your professional life in order to make things work.
Essential oil: Camphor
Pisces (21 February — 20 March)
Finding a way to balance your health routines and work are likely to be an important part of this week, Pisces. Ask yourself if you’re getting enough exercise, if you’re sitting too much at work, or if you’re packing healthy lunches. The two should blend seamlessly together, and that will be your puzzle to solve for the week. There are many ways to incorporate healthy habits while at work, and research will show you the skills you need to make it happen. You may even want to find a way to get your coworkers involved in healthy habits so that you can support one another.
Essential oil: Palmaris
