Brace yourselves for the summer of 2018, stargazers. There is plenty of heavenly action in our futures.
For one thing, we’ve got two solar eclipses and one lunar, which will mould you into a better version of yourself if you let them. Next, the second Mercury retrograde of the year will last from 25th July to 18th August. Luckily, there couldn't be a better time to slow down and enjoy the summertime heat. Want to avoid making mistakes during Mercury in retrograde? Check over and read through everything important (contracts, emails, those gossipy texts) at least twice — doing so will save your sanity and you’ll feel way more secure. Even once we're free of Mercury retrograde, it won't exactly be smooth sailing. If you're looking for the perfect day to make any big decisions, wait for Mercury to move into Virgo from 6th-21st September. This precise sign's influence will ensure that your thoughts flow with clarity.
Mercury isn’t the only planet going retrograde this summer. Mars will be retrograde from 26th June to 27th August, which means that this summer may be full of hot and heavy (but short-lived) flings. Keep an eye out if you’re interested in something a little more serious. Meanwhile, coupled folks will be well-served to remember these dates: 21st June, 7th August and 8th September. Mars and Venus will be dancing together all summer long, setting the scene for a great night out.
Read on to see how the planets could impact your summer plans.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Have you been itching to get away this week? Hold that thought, dear Ram. While your travel planet, Jupiter, is in retrograde, it’s best to be vigilant about every detail so that you can avoid travel woes like missed flights or lost luggage. Listen to your keen sense of intuition to prevent needless stress.
Pay attention to family during the first solar eclipse on 13th July. Your family will love you unconditionally no matter what, but you still need to be gentle with them during this sensitive time. While Mars, the planet of action and decision, is retrograde, be sure to triple-check every impulse you feel and choice you make. Take time to ask yourself if hasty purchases and sudden career moves made during this time will be sustainable. You’ll thank us later.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
Are you testing out a new look, Taurus? Working with your image is a great way to keep things light this summer. And levity will be at a premium for you, Bull, as lunar eclipse on 27th July is likely to rock your world. Keep an eye on the things that stabilise you: your work, family and wellbeing.
Never fear, Venus will cheer you up on 7th August when it posts up in Libra until 9th September. The planet of love (and your ruling planet, to boot) will help you live your best life by urging you to pursue a greater sense of health and happiness. You’ll be shining from the inside out in no time.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
Ain’t life a peach, Gemini? While the eclipses of July and August will be unusual for everyone, there’s no need for you to stress out. By August, you may notice a shift in your relationships with family members close in age to you. Prepare for check-ins with your siblings and cousins.
Your task during this period is to accept that everyone changes and that we’re not the same people we were yesterday. This September, from the 6th to the 21st, communication planet Mercury will be transiting Virgo, helping aid a peaceful time with your family.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
Spend the rest of June making it rain, Crab. Venus is in your sign until the 29th, encouraging you to pamper yourself when you feel like it. Not only will a little self-care help you feel prepared for the rest of the summer season, your friends will be happy to see that you're looking after yourself (and not just tending to the needs of others).
All this R&R is building toward a serious wakeup call: When the solar eclipse on 13th July swings by, it will remind you to curb your spending. It’s always smart to be wary of over-indulgence. Amplify your sense of self-worth in August by learning a new skill (it just might give you an edge at your job). You’ll be a natural soon enough.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
One of the most beautiful things about you, Leo, is that you are tenacious! That famous Leonine trait may be tested this summer, as the two upcoming solar eclipses will call on your willpower and create some much-needed change in your life. Change isn’t always fun, but you can still learn from it.
The first eclipse on 13th July will challenge your sense of spirituality and may even redefine how you appear to your social circle. The second eclipse on 11th August is in Leo, your very own sign, which will enact any changes that you should have made during the first eclipse. Get ready to let go of what isn’t serving you anymore.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
You just might come through all of this summer's eclipses unscathed, Virgo. And if you do, it'll be thanks to your natural tendency to organise, declutter and toss out things that are no longer necessary. As the Marie Kondo of the Zodiac, you’re reasonably cool with eclipses and their effects.
The first eclipse will ask you to remove people from your life who you don’t need, while the second will encourage you to reevaluate vices that might be holding you back. In August, you might strike a jackpot or finally receive things you've long coveted, due to Venus making moves into your money house that month.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Sweet, carefree Libra, listen up. The 13th July solar eclipse is likely to shake up your career house and you need to be ready. Changes are in motion, which may push you to decide quickly on your next move (and we know how much you dread making rushed decisions).
The second eclipse will show up in your house of creativity. You may need to explore some new options at work, possibly ones that incorporate more technology into your everyday tasks. Once you get a handle on it, you’ll be whistling your way to easy street on 22nd September.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
Strategic Scorpio, your hard work is (finally) paying off career-wise. Things will get hectic on 22nd June, so trust that you’ll be busy, but you’ll be loving it. Why? July’s solar eclipse will turn the world into your personal, professional playground, which is precisely what you need right now.
Watch out for family drama on the 27th, as water signs may feel the effects of the lunar eclipse that night especially hard. Luckily, it’s nothing you can’t handle, tough Scorpion that you are. The second solar eclipse will arrive on 11th August in Leo and is also expected to affect your career. But beware: The changes might not be as pleasant as those of the last solar eclipse.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
This summer's eclipses will be manageable, Sag, thanks in no small part to your healthy sense of perspective. The first eclipse on 13th July travels through your eighth house of death, rebirth and sex (and sometimes haircuts!). You may feel a little more on edge than usual, but as long as you keep it cool, you'll be able to weather the storm.
The second eclipse on 11th August brings ( sigh) taxes into the picture, so if you or your partner have any unpaid bills, it's time to take care of them one way or another. You can let problems pile up until they're too much to handle, or you can face them head-on, Archer.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
If your ideal career features plenty of opportunities to work from home, you're onto something, Cap. You can achieve any goal once you've set your mind to it, and working from the comfort of home is only helpful for your overall success strategy. The first eclipse on 13th July will affect your love and relationship house, cleaning out anyone who does not need to be there. It's not fun to see romantic interests leave, but keep in mind that it's often for the best.
The second eclipse on the 27th will offer you the opportunity to sort out any financial missteps you may have taken or bad habits you may have acquired recently. During both celestial events, your goal is clear: It's time to clean up to create the best "you" there is.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Be careful where your money's going at the end of June, Water Bearer. Neptune is retrograde, which is excellent for those who want to attack getting out of debt. The first solar eclipse on 13th July shakes things up at work and, with Pluto joining the fray as well, you could consider changing careers entirely.
You need to keep a low profile during the lunar eclipse on 27th July. It will hit your sign harder than any other during this time, thanks to Uranus. Slow down and recharge. The second solar eclipse on 11th August occurs in Leo and will be focused on your romantic partnerships. Keep your mind and heart open to your partner if things get tough.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
Luckily for you, Pisces, the 13th July solar eclipse won't be too rough. It will create minor disruptions at work while passing through your sixth house of work and health, but these issues are out of your control — try not to sweat them.
Have you gotten in touch with your spiritual side lately? The stage will be set to do so on 27th July, when the lunar eclipse shakes up both your spiritual planet and house. You may see former colleagues moving on to other workplaces during the 11th August solar eclipse. On the 23rd, you'll be inspired to work toward your own career goals and start a new path. Good luck!
Illustrated by Janet Sung.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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