After last week’s watery eclipse, here at Hidden Insights we kick off the week with the beginning of Mercury’s second retrograde of 2019. In Leo, this will trigger very expressive forms of communication. Conversations will become passionate and fiery energy fills the air. The sign of Leo rules expression, entertainment, children, the ego, and passion. Any Mercury retrograde represents a time we need to be cautious with our words; however, this retrograde requires added restraint. Heated conversations and debates surrounding children are also likely during this time, so be aware if you care for developing humans.
Early in the week, Venus will make a lovely sextile to Uranus on the same day that the Mercury retrograde aligns with Mars. This spells trouble for romantic relationships, where battles for power and competing egos can produce hurt feelings. This influence is strongest on Monday, 8 July, and it is advisable to tread carefully with loved ones until Tuesday, 9 July, when the energy has passed.
The week begins to come to a close as the Sun makes a harmonious trine with Neptune, and Mars makes an electrifying square with Uranus. Together these aspects produce determination and confidence, which set the stage for the weekend. There is also an aspect of generosity in play as well. This softer energy helps mellow the intensity of the week, which allows many to indulge in leisure activities. The challenge here is brought by Mars and Uranus, which can cause accidents, and an inability to control aggression. Fortunately, the Sun and Neptune temper this energy and turn it controlled progress. This is a great time to map out goals you dream about achieving.
Astro Homework
This week’s homework assignment is all about learning to exercise patience. Neither Mercury nor Leo are very patient, which makes the retrograde a particularly trying time. The next three weeks will test our patience, and this week we need to find creative ways to battle impatient feelings.
There are a number of self help books, blogs, and tools that can be found in every library or Google search. Pick a few to try, and allow this Mercury retrograde be a time of learning and growth, as opposed to frustration.
Aries (21 March — 20 April)
Let yourself wander this week, Aries, as right now it may be difficult to stay on a solid path. This will be a welcome change of pace from your typical race to the finish line mentality. For those born under the sign of the ram who have children, you can expect a whirlwind of chaos on Monday and Tuesday if you try to hold onto anything too stable. Be playful, and go with the flow, as there is plenty of time to take care of more mundane responsibilities later in the week. Aries without children can expect the same type of whirlwind, though it will most likely manifest as a sudden urge to tear things in your home apart in order to clean out or rebuild.
Flavour: Strawberry
Taurus (21 April — 20 May)
Has your domestic life felt stagnant lately, Taurus? If so, you will have the opportunity to break free from the rut you are stuck in. This week brings the opportunity to make significant changes to your living space. Even if you can’t pack up and go, you might want to check out ways to rearrange your surroundings. Making even a minor change could drastically shift the flow of energy in your home, which could halt the explosive argument expected midweek. If you haven’t spent a significant amount of time out of the house by the end of the week you may be forced into the outside world on Friday. Don’t be stubborn, and allow your friend to treat you to dinner or lunch.
Flavour: Caramel
Gemini (21 May — 20 June)
Your ruling planet stations retrograde this week, Gemini, and typically you are able to handle these periods better than your peers. However, this time around, you are the lucky recipient of its backward motion in the house that rule communication and transportation. Minor delays during your daily travels are possible this week, and you may want to get ahead of the game on getting your vehicle serviced, if you own a car or truck. Of course, not all Geminis will have mechanical issues, though you can be certain to experience headaches in this area of your life. On the bright side, a surprise financial error is in your favour, and it’s possible to get a small chunk of cash before the week is over. If this happens, be certain to put it towards vehicle or travel expenses.
Flavour: Pistachio
Cancer (21 June — 20 July)
Money plays an important role in your life this week, Cancer, as you are likely to experience several conversations about income, debt, or funding. Do your best not to become irrational if financial situations don’t go your way. Instead, rebudget and make a change to your spending pattern. A new relationship begins on Tuesday, 9 July, and you are excited to see where a friendship or business opportunity leads. However, you need to proceed with caution, as moving too fast in any direction right now will leave you disappointed next month. As the week comes to a close, a playful conversation with a friend will shake free the week’s stresses.
Flavour: Espresso
Leo (21 July — 20 August)
This week’s Mercury retrograde occurs in your sign, Leo, which makes it a very personal experience. Right now you feel as though others don’t see you for who you truly are, and you worry about your reputation. While you may be inspired to make changes to your appearance or approach to others, you need to be patient. If possible, avoid making any major changes. Conflict at work early in the week leaves your ego feeling bruised, though the situation is not as serious as you believe. Be extra careful with your words right now, and exercise restraint in expressing opinions. Avoid giving input this week in favour of soaking up information.
Flavour: Mango
Virgo (21 August — 20 September)
You may be feeling a bit lonely this week, and that’s ok, Virgo. We all occasionally need time to rest and retreat. Just be careful not to dwell too much on the past, or any regrets you may feel inclined to entertain. As the week progresses, you will feel less melancholy as your regular energy levels begin to return. This will be enhanced by a friend who is excited to share good news with you on Thursday, 11 July. Try not to feel obligated to go out and celebrate, as you still may be holding onto the need to remain introverted. Take life slowly right now, as you are in a phase of healing and rejuvenation.
Flavour: Fennel
Libra (21 September — 20 October)
Independence is the name of the game this week, Libra. Those you typically have leaned on for support may be unavailable right now, which may feel slightly uncomfortable. But by embracing solitude, you can begin to see the world around you more clearly, which helps you focus on your future. An argument on Wednesday is possible, so be prepared to defend your feelings to others. As the week comes to a close, the Sun and Neptune restore harmony to your work environment as you navigate the cloudy waters of professional responsibilities.
Flavour: Cucumber mint
Scorpio (21 October — 20 November)
A major change at work is possible this week, Scorpio, as Mercury stations retrograde in your tenth house. Here you need to be particularly mindful of your words with supervisors, as disagreements are likely. As Mercury joins with Mars you have the opportunity to assess satisfaction with your work, and can make professional connections with others in a different sector of your employment. You may be called to learn a new task on Tuesday, which you should approach with caution and patience. As you spend so much time dealing with changes at work, it could affect your personal relationships. If a delicate conversation between home and work balance comes up on Thursday, it would be best to be the silent participant.
Flavour: French vanilla
Sagittarius (21 November — 20 December)
If you have travel plans for this week, Sagittarius, double check all of your reservations and your bank account. A delay or major blockage could put a serious damper on your holiday. Even if you are not planning a long distance getaway, you should still be cautious when doing any type of travelling, including local. The opposition between the Sun and Saturn on Tuesday strikes your axis of debit and income. While many may consider this to bring tension and loss of income, there is actually a greater chance of surprise money coming your way. A refund or rebate will arrive before the end of the week.
Flavour: Pumpkin
Capricorn (21 December — 20 January)
Questions about the fairness of give and take between you and another person pop up this week, Capricorn, and you will need to examine if you are giving or taking too much. As you are assessing personal and joint value, don’t be surprised if a secret or two comes to light. This particularly Mercury retrograde could expose a financial secret you have worked hard to keep quiet. Even though you may be battling with internal conflict, others can’t help but pay closer attention to you right now, and a relationship that has been on the fence could become long lasting. Just be cautious not to initiate completely new relationships right now, or they will come to an abrupt end in August.
Flavour: Walnut
Aquarius (21 January — 20 February)
Finding harmony within interpersonal relationships is never easy, and it often require periods of uncomfortable growth. This week triggers one of those periods for you, Aquarius. It may be necessary to establish verbal guidelines about join responsibilities, boundaries, or expectations from friends, loved ones, or romantic partners. These conversations are never easy, but they are necessary. Responsibilities around the home are highlighted, and these conversations will most clearly surround household chores. Either you or someone you live with has not been doing their fair share, and the issue needs to be addressed. A chore chart or verbal agreement about who is responsible for what will be necessary in order to avoid future conflict.
Flavour: Chocolate fudge
Pisces (21 February — 20 March)
Embrace to-do lists this week, Pisces, as the need to get your daily life in order takes precedence over all other responsibilities. It is often easy for you to flow from one task to another in a seemingly disorganized fashion, which typically works for you. However, right now you need more structure. If necessary, ask a friend to help you organize things. Virgos are particularly skilled at this, so if you know someone with a great deal of Virgo in their chart, they should be your go-to expert. As you get organized, it may be difficult to fully relax, and it seems as though everyone around you is having a good time while you are stuck with responsibilities. Try not to let this get you down, as your hard work will pay off over the weekend.
Flavour: Parmesan
