July 2026 astrology; Jupiter enters Leo and nothing will be the same after this month

 

It’s another action packed month of a significant astrological year that will change the world as we know it.

Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Cancer until July 23^rd when it turns direct at 16 degrees of Cancer. Cancer is the most emotional of signs and rules the 4^th house of home and family, and the Sun is in Cancer as well. Cancer is ruled by the moon and is the significator of woman and the planet that rules our emotions.

Cancer is connected to the 4^th house of the zodiac which is also connected to security and home or the ‘homeland.’ It is considered a patriotic sign, and we often see wars with planets in the sign; WW11 occurred with Pluto in Cancer for example.  Mercury however, is retrograde and what is patriotic to one may not be the patriotic to another.

Since Cancer is connected to the emotions and women we can expect to see some upset women over the first 23 days of the month and some will experience this transit as overly emotional or sensitive. Emotions, security and family will be front and center this month.

During retrograde Mercury equipment breaks down, appointments are missed or cancelled and we can experience confusion and brain fog or things may temporarily seem to go haywire.

The stationary periods of Mercury as usually the most difficult and when we see Mercurial energy really change. These periods occur at the very beginning and end of the retrograde.

Mercury retrograde is for re-doing things, re-accessing and basically cleaning out closets both literally and metaphorically. It is an important cycle when new information can be revealed that allows us to correct or change things that needed to be changed. Sometimes we change course altogether if we discover we are something isn’t working. In this sense Mercury retrograde is very helpful.

Retrograde Mercury has a strong connection to the past; old lovers and friends sometimes return or we are flooded with memories of the past. Now is the time to reach out to old friends, clients or anyone else you would like to reconnect with.

Jupiter has entered Leo

Jupiter entered Leo June 29^th and will remain in this sign until July 2027. Jupiter is the planet of luck, gain, expansion and justice, good fortune and wisdom. It is always transiting through our natal charts and changes signs every year. Wherever Jupiter lands in our personal chart is where and how we are affected typically in a positive way and it’s where we see our luck and gain.

Jupiter transiting through Leo will bring a major shift in energies. Leo is the sign associated with the 5^th house of the zodiac; this is the house of friendship, children, love and romance and is the house of fun and entertainment.

Leo is a gregarious and outspoken sign so expect energy to become bold and focused on self expression and creativity. Many will feel a sense of bravery and a desire to be more visible and take chances with risks.

Leo rules the 5^th house so this will prompt people to spend money on entertainment, enjoyment and vacations or other pleasing experiences. Leo is typically a generous sign.

There may be some with over inflated egos and I’m sure this comes as no surprise along with grandstanding. For some there will be an urge to gamble, overindulge or overspend.

Children may become more important in your lives in some way, or some women/couples may decide this year to have a child. 

Jupiter / Leo will encourage self-expression for the performing arts and it should be a good year for movies, TV and any of the arts. Entertainment in general will become more important as well fun.

Jupiter is the sign ruling royalty and we may hear news of royals over the next year.

Leo holds the potential to be around or connect with flamboyant and charismatic people. The downside of Leo is often a need for attention.

Jupiter in Leo will help the fire signs in general along with Air, or those who have fire and air planets in their natal charts. It should greatly help those born under the sign of Leo, Aries and Sagittarius or anyone with planets in these signs.

Jupiter opposes Pluto

Jupiter-Pluto oppositions can bring people into our lives with very strong opinions and some of them may even be fanatical. Jupiter is the planet of luck and gain and it will oppose Pluto the planet of power, bullies, those who try and force their will on others. Jupiter/Pluto transits are typically associated with money, sex, strong opinions, bullies and over blowing things. It also represents grandstanding.

Jupiter begins its opposition to Pluto as soon as it enters Leo with a 4 degree orb and becomes exact July 20^th but the energy is with us all month making this a very significant time of 2026.

The best way to understand how this transit plays out in the world  is ‘to look at the configuration which places the phenomenon in a position of maximum dissonance,’ according to renowned astrologer Andre Barbault.”

Power and control, corruption, scandals and financial matters can come to light and this transit has been associated with terrorism. It  has been connected with disease, plague and financial woes, inflation, boundless amplification and excess, asset and price bubbles and stocks inflated beyond their value and diluted buying power. This aspect is not limited to the US, it affects the globe.

The last time this aspect occurred in Leo-Aquarius was 1789 which began the French Civil War.  On August 26, 1798 the French Assembly adopoted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, demanding liberty, equality, and natural rights for men. At that time Jupiter and Pluto were within a 1 degree orb. On July 14^th, when Jupiter/Pluto were within a 3 degree orb the Bastille was stormed which was the start f the French Revolution.

The same year in the US the ‘Bill of Rights’ was introduced and adopted and Congress founded what is now the State Department and the Department of War, the First Federal Congress was in its inaugural session in New York City, the Tariff Act was passed for revenue and the Executive branch has formed. Jupiter has opposed Pluto many times since but not in these signs as Pluto takes 248 years to circle the zodiac.

The Sun opposes Pluto

July 26-27 the Sun conjuncts Jupiter and joins in the opposition to Pluto and this will be a significant time in the world. Major events can occur approximately 48 hours before and after the conjunction.

The Sun rules the President and leaders; Kings, Prime Ministers and world leaders. Sun-Pluto oppositions are difficult and represent conflict and change.

In our personal lives stay away from those who try and force their will on others, avoid high crime areas and be aware of what you do and say as conflict could occur.

July 3-4^th Mars conjuncts Uranus

Mars-Uranus conjunctions are typically explosive and indicative of unexpected events. This can include arguments, accidents, endings and breakups and any manner of events that change our plans in an unexpected way.

This transit falls over the July 4^th weekend, so this can represent excitement and fireworks which are typically part of the 4^th.  Other kinds of fireworks are possible on a personal level so watch how you handle things and don’t let your temper get out of control if something unexpected occurs.

Be careful if you are traveling because there are likely to be accidents and road rage with this aspect. Fortunately Mars does sextile Jupiter in Leo which gives us some measure of protection and is typically positive but it doesn’t negate the affects of Mars conjunct Uranus.

We could hear news of explosions, explosive incidents, accidents or accidents involving aircraft or hackings/internet issues at this time or unexpected news, incidents or revelations on the world stage.

As Mars approaches 3-4 degrees it will sextile Neptune at 3 degrees and trine Pluto at 4 degrees. Mars-Neptune can be a compassionate and creative aspect and Mars-Pluto can bring out our own personal power in some way and help in dealing with groups so there may be silver linings of some type in the Mars-Uranus conjunction.

Neptune retrogrades

Planetary stations are always significant in our lives and in the world. Neptune stations on July 7^th and Saturn stations on July 26^th this month

When Neptune turns retrograde at 4 degrees of Aries it will not turn direct again until December 12^th, at 1 degree of Aries.

This will bring about more acute sensitivity on an inner level and we may be able to pick up on those things we don't perceive when Neptune is direct. We are more likely to be listening to our own inner voice during this time and creativity and psychic or intuitive abilities may be increased during this time. But, as Neptune turns stationary retrograde things could get more confusing for a time.

If transiting Neptune aspects a personal planet in your chart especially in a hard angle, you could lean toward becoming self deluding, depressed, or overly idealistic. Others may deceive us as well. It is important to be as grounded as possible during these times

Neptune transits can go on for several years and if ever your feet need to be planted on firm soil it is now if you have such an aspect.

Hard Neptune transits often coincide with over idealized relationships, or relationships with those who are really not available for a variety of reasons. We may feel we have met our soul mate or the most perfect partner in the world to wake up and find things were not as we had believed, or been led to believe which leads to discouragement, depression and disenchantment.

Often when Neptune retrogrades we find out that our dreams are not based on reality and this generally occurs during the retrograde of a harsh transit in our charts. This can not only affect relationships but many other areas of our lives depending on what area of the chart Neptune is transiting. If you do not have a hard Neptune aspect, you need not be as concerned and its affects may be completely internal.

Venus enters Virgo July 9^th-August 5th .

Venus is the goddess of love, values and money and is considered ‘at its fall.’  In Virgo which means the energies of Venus and Virgo are not especially compatible. That does not mean this sign is bad or negative, but the energy does not operate as smoothly as it does in say, Libra where it is where it is considered to be ‘at home.’ Virgo can be a very warm, caring, solid and empathic energy, and every sign has its good points and darker side.

The shadow side of this sign is being overly picky or demanding and we can come across to others like this if we are not aware. You may feel as though you are trying to help others help themselves but your desire to help may not be wanted or misunderstood. Therefore it is important to remember during Virgo’s transit most will ask for help if they feel they need it. Hurt feelings or separation can arise if Virgo’s critical nature gets the upper hand.

Expect to pay more attention to personal habits of yourself and others. Getting into a car for example that is full of trash would be a real turn off to Venus-Virgo along with sloppy clothes, hair, nails or anything of this kind. Virgo appreciates common sense, order, cleanliness and punctuality and excels at all of these things.

While Venus is in Virgo we will show our love in more practical ways. For example, rather than wining and dining our love interest we will approach things in a more down to earth manner such as helping with a move, running errands, taking the dog to be groomed or anything of this nature that makes love and affection more real and tangible. Virgo thrives when they are of service to others in some way.

The new moon in Cancer

July 14^th the new moon falls at 21 degrees of Cancer. This will heighten the Cancer energy we are currently under and Cancer rules home and family as well as our emotions. The moon conjuncts Mercury. Mercury rules travel, young people and communication, so we can expect a great deal of communication around this time. It makes no other negative aspects but we may all feel a bit more sensitive.

The Sun enters Leo

July 22^nd, the Sun enters Leo and the Leo season is on until August 23^rd.

When the Sun moves from Cancer into Leo the energy shifts and life becomes more about singles, entertainment and having fun. This is because Leo rules the 5^th house of love, friendships and entertainment.

Leo is ruled by the Sun which gives us life and warmth and at this time of the year is impossible to ignore. Leo energy is confident and bold. This can be a positive time of friendship, fun and summer romance. Leo is an upbeat sign and now is the time to enjoy this part of the summer because when the Sun moves into Virgo later in August things will become much more work oriented.

Leo is a fire sign and fire signs are prone to action, movement and creation, and they seldom let grass grow under their feet. When the Sun is in Leo we often want to shine, be in the spotlight and receive attention, or even come across as dramatic. Leo energy is not afraid to be front and center or larger than normal life and extraordinary. Leo likes attention. Now is your time to shine in whatever endeavor you choose. Take the plunge and be bold!

Even those who like to typically remain behind the scenes could start to desire more recognition and praise for what they do. Shy people may come out of their shell a little more during the Sun’s time in Leo.

Leo is a regal sign that rules royalty, theatre and acting. With the Sun (and Mercury) in a fire element and the power of the Sun in Leo behind it, this becomes a take charge kind of energy. At best this energy can help you take command of your life, express yourself your way in an adventurous and striking way, and inspire more confidence. At worst its worst, Leo can be overly dramatic and too demanding of attention.

Saturn retrogrades

July 26^th, Saturn turns retrogrades and won’t turn direct until December 10^th. It retrogrades at 14 degrees of Aries and turns direct at 7 degrees of Aries.

Saturn's retrograde can be a pivotal time when many changes occur, especially if it is hitting something in your personal chart.

When you experience a Saturn transit, you generally get three passes and the retrograde pass is always the most challenging. Hard Saturn transits are associated with delays, slowdowns, endings and various difficulties depending on what it is aspecting in your personal chart. During its retrograde you may have to work harder to get what you want.

As Saturn deals with our structures in life we may be concerned with basic security issues while Saturn is retrograde both individually and collectively. Retrograde Saturn is a period where some things may slow down a bit and like any retrograde planet is time to reconsider and sometimes back up to take a good luck at what we are working on and where we are going in life. During this 5 month period we may receive new information about something significant or find a solution to a problem that has been plaguing us which is the benefit of the retrograde. Retrograde Saturn is a time of working out issues especially in terms of business but could include any area of life depending on where it is in your chart. During the retrograde period we often work through challenging issues so that when it turns direct we can approach things head on, minus any ongoing problems. This is a time of doing the hard work to accomplish what you want, and at times it can bring personal and spiritual growth as a result of dealing with hard to solve problems.

The Sun conjuncts Jupiter and opposes Pluto today

When Saturn retrogrades this often signals shifts and changes in the world. This retrograde of Saturn is especially significant because Jupiter is opposing Pluto as the retrograde begins and the Sun conjuncts Jupiter and opposes Pluto and this will play out in a substantial way on the world stage July 26-27th.

In mundane astrology the Sun rules the leaders, President, Prime ministers or Kings so we will hear of significant events avoiding leaders that can occur anywhere from 72 hours ahead or after this transit occurs.

July 28^th the Nodes change signs; together we rise

The North and South nodes are not planets but significant astrological points in astrology. They are leaving Pisces/Virgo for Aquarius/Leo and will remain in these signs for the next 18 months or until March of 2028.

The lunar nodes indicate where we are going both as individuals and as a collective, with an emphasis on the collective. In this respect they can indicate the collective destiny, hence at times being called the Nodes of Destiny.

The North Node represents the collective future and what we must learn and develop and it moves into Aquarius.

The South Node represents the collective past, karmic baggage and patterns we must release as well as things that hold us back and the Node moves into Leo.

In a nutshell what must develop at this time is more of a collective interest for all as opposed to a few groups or the wealthiest individuals.  The South Node in Leo means we need to overcome a desire to always be front and center, or have leaders who always desire to be front and center with no real interest in the average person being blinded by the spotlight and the applause.

This doesn’t mean we lose our individuality; we rise through collaboration and collective identity. We must leave behind the types of leadership that are self oriented and seek leadership focused of the good of the collective.

Leadership must shift from those who are in it for applause and being the center of attention to those who champion humanity and the good for all and participation as opposed to perfections. Aquarius is the sign of humanity and represents the collective and our personal communities.

When the nodes shift our collective destiny shifts and we will be moving toward a much more humane and inclusive future.

In the US chart, the Nodes amplify the 3^rd/9^th houses of the chart. The South Node in the 9^th house rules foreign matters and affairs, laws, education, shipping, sea and air traffic, judges and judicial matters, scientific labs and research. It also governs spirituality and religion.

The North Node in Aquarius falls in the 3^rd house which rules telecommunications, transportation, railways, pipelines, news and media, the Post office and neighboring nations. It also rules communication of all kinds.

The last time the nodes occupied these houses was December 2007-August 2009.

This change will be significant on the world stage as the full moon also falls in Aquarius July 29^th.

The full moon in Aquarius at 6 degrees

Never underestimate a full moon in Aquarius because its planetary rulers are Saturn and Uranus. Saturn is the taskmaster and Uranus is the planet of sudden and unexpected events and is often explosive in nature.

Venus squares Mars at this time and this transit is indicative of trouble between the sexes and financial issues.

This moon conjuncts Pluto, the planet that rules the dark undercurrent, crime, corruption and at times rebirth of some sort.

This is the time to make personal changes that can have a significant affect depending on where this transit falls in your personal chart.

The moon’s conjunction to Pluto is significant and the Sun’s conjunction to Jupiter opposing Pluto will bring significant news on the world stage at this time.

This full moon is connected to US President Donald Trump as it opposes his Mars in the 12^th house. This could relate to a health event or something else. When a full moon aspects Pluto there are typically revelations. Mars opposes his moon in the preceding days which typically relates to upsets and the moon is connected to women and emotions.

The outer planets are in positive alignment and will bring about major world change

This month the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) are in positive alignment. The outer planets show us the direction we are headed as a collective and indicative of the times we are in.  As far as I can find these alignments have not happened in the past 1, 000 years. July 15^th Uranus sextiles Neptune and July 16^th, Uranus trines Pluto and these planets are exact. These planets will play out in the world over the next year and beyond. While many things will be affected; especially science and technology, I personally believe this is a time of deep awakenings in the global population. Astrologer Andre Barbualt calls this time ‘the most benefic of the century that will work for the best in a splendid relaunch of civilization. It includes ‘the coming together of the external and internal, rational and spiritual, mind and soul..human beings surpassing themselves while experiencing life on a higher level.’ While it may not happen overnight, we are at the at least at the precipice of some significant change ultimately.