By Emma Vidgen

Horoscope July 29–August 4: How To Lay The Groundwork Ahead Of Mercury’s Retrograde

Don’t sweat the small stuff, and be open to serendipity.
Horoscopes
Art: Kimberlee Kessler

There’s a ‘last drinks’ feel to this week that could have you feeling like you’re getting ready to make a move… or racing to the bar to squeeze in one last shot (it is Leo season after all!)

As the moon moves through her last quarter and Mercury slows in preparation to go retrograde next week, expect to feel gripped by a sense of urgency to finish what you’ve started.

It’s a balancing act. While Venus and Uranus embolden our appetite for spontaneity and play, especially Thursday/Friday (AEST and GMT), Mercury and Mars are out of step all week, evoking an undercurrent of discord. Stress less about things being perfect and reframe things to be “good… for the time being.” If you don’t get it done, land it perfectly, or seal the deal, you know you’ll have another opportunity. Mercury is about to turn retrograde which means there’s plenty of time to revise, redefine and reconsider in the coming weeks.

On Sunday (AEST and GMT), a new moon in Leo invites a little energetic rest, perfect for scrapping any unfinished to-do lists and reconnecting with the simple things that bring you joy.

Remember to always read for your rising sign, rather than your sun sign to get the most accurate read. Cast your chart at theastrologyofyou.com to learn your sign.

Want to learn more? Check out my book The Astrology Of You: Finding Love, Creativity and Soul Purpose In Your Birth Chart ($24.95, Hardie Grant) or find me on Instagram at @emma_vee.

ARIES AND ARIES RISING

An unexpected flirtation or spur-of-the-moment celebration towards the end of the week looks like the high point for Aries folk. When a random invite slides into your DMs, don’t hesitate; say, “Yes please!”. No need to overthink it, enjoy it for what it is. Come Sunday, carve out time to think about how you can make more space for play and silliness – just for the fun of it. No highfalutin goals or game plans are required.

TAURUS AND TAURUS RISING

PayPal password at the ready, baby’s ready to shop! With your financial realm getting majorly activated from Mars, the moon and Jupiter (especially Tuesday) this week, you’ll be hard-pressed not to spend big. Taureans on a budget, you have been warned! On a less frivolous note, there’s a window to do things differently with a close family member towards Friday, which could lead to a new lease on the relationship. Trust that things could be different – in a good way.

GEMINI AND GEMINI RISING

It may technically be Leo season but there’s no shortage of sass in your neck of the woods this week. Tuesday (AEST and GMT) looks especially buzzy as Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and the Moon encourage you to go for gold and move with (possibly reckless) abandon. An unexpected win in business could also put a little pep in your step towards the end of the week when Venus and Uranus pave the way for an offer you can’t refuse. Enjoy, but don’t get ahead of yourself. With Mercury retrograde just around the corner, things may change a few times before you sign on the dotted line.

CANCER AND CANCER RISING

Intuition is a Cancerian superpower and this is a good time to trust it above all else. If something (or someone) feels a little off to you, let that be enough for you to take a step back from the situation. By the end of the week, things should feel less wobbly, and the overwhelming urge to treat yourself could result in some unplanned retail therapy. If buyer’s remorse strikes on the weekend, use the new moon energy on Sunday to set some new cash goals.

LEO AND LEO RISING

There’s a little spice in the air this week with Mercury and Mars ensuring words are both precise and a little snappy. Friends and/or group activities could feel tense – especially in situations where cash is involved. If you’re booking a weekend away or heading out for dinner, be clear about who owes what before the bill arrives. On the plus side, there’s serendipity coming your way at work before the week is out. If a new opportunity presents itself, back yourself and take a leap.

VIRGO AND VIRGO RISING

While your ruling planet may be loving life in your home sign, best-laid words may land a little sharper than you mean to, this week. Ideal if you need to advocate for yourself, but in situations where you’re trying to maintain the status quo, it’s not so easy. On the plus side, a little shot of good luck on Friday could present a much-needed windfall. Come Sunday, go to ground to reflect on how you need to prepare to get ready for the month ahead.

LIBRA AND LIBRA RISING

The moon is waning but you ain’t slowing down! While Leo season continues to pull focus on your social life and connection to wider communities, the big activation this week is around travel and learning. Expect to feel extremely motivated to get out of town (literally) when Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and the Moon imbue some seriously itchy feet around Tuesday (AEST and GMT). Later, a surprise invitation or message on Friday will have you feeling on top of the world. Don’t overthink it, just enjoy!

SCORPIO AND SCORPIO RISING

There’s a lot of mental energy pinging around this week as your ruling planet stirs the pot and emboldens communications with a certain sass. It could be entertaining, but it could also be a distraction from larger questions– namely around your career. With Venus and Uranus pointing towards an unexpected win before the week is out, thinking long and hard about what you actually want to do next, in a professional sense, will mean you’re not having to try and figure things out on the spot as opportunities arise.

SAGITTARIUS AND SAGITTARIUS RISING

Expect plenty of action early this week as things get very busy in the lives of your nearest and dearest. With the waning moon activating Jupiter and Mars, it feels like they’ll be at the centre of some major developments. Your role is more support crew than main character energy, but your counsel – and honesty – will be greatly appreciated. On Friday a little gift from out of nowhere spells good times on the job, encouraging you to get out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizon. If a secondment or development opportunity comes up, reserve judgement and just see where things could lead.

CAPRICORN AND CAPRICORN RISING

If you’re feeling extra jumpy or flighty this week, resist the temptation to take it out in a Pilates reformer bed. While the rush of energy activating the health and wellbeing sphere of your chart may be inspiring an extreme fitness challenge, now is not the time to overdo it. Take it easy, and break things down into small but manageable steps. On Friday, the planets suggest a little windfall for you (or maybe a partner). Celebrate by setting some new, indulgent spending goals. You’ve most definitely earned a little treat!

AQUARIUS AND AQUARIUS RISING

Good things are happening for those close to you this week as Venus and Uranus suggest a cycle of aligned timing, serendipitous meetings and spontaneous opportunities. With the astro weather delivering sweetness towards the end of the week, the good vibes are coming in hot. It’s a nice finish to what could feel like an intense week. With Mercury and Mars stirring up communications, day-to-day, you could feel a little bit fried. If it all gets too much don’t be afraid to step away from the party and take a minute to recalibrate.

PISCES AND PISCES RISING

One-on-one conversations look significant this week, as Mercury and Mars set the scene for some action-packed discussions. As lively – or final – as things may seem, be prepared to pivot and shift. Issues that impact your closest family, or where you’re living (or both) could be in flux. Sign in pencil, or better yet, ask to for time to consider your options. Mercury retrograde is just around the corner, which means things are likely to change again next week. In other news, a new opportunity connected to your health or work could help set you on course for a fresh start in the coming month.

This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.