The summer solstice has neatly divided 2026 into two. Six months ago, four of the five major planets – from Jupiter to Pluto – were in water and earth signs. All five are now in fire and air signs, suggesting a more dynamic more cerebral, phase in world affairs. Revolutionary Prometheus, now in Gemini for seven years, is clearly about the impact of Artificial Intelligence, which given the planet’s ongoing alignment with Pluto in Aquarius promises to be deep and lasting. Anyone still cheering for the idyllic Age of Aquarius? Thought not.
This month writing commitments elsewhere prevent your astrologer from offering a more comprehensive set of forecasts, so they remain short and hopefully sweet. Wising a happy summertime to all my readers.
Celestial Timetable for July
- The Sun is in Cancer until the 22nd. Thereafter in Leo.
- The New Moon is in Cancer on 14 July at 10.43 BST.
- The Full Moon is in Aquarius on 29 July at 15.35 BST.
- Mercury spends most of July retrograde in Cancer, returning to forward motion on the 23rd.
- Venus is in Leo until 9th, thereafter in Virgo.
- Mars is in Gemini throughout the month.
- Jupiter has newly arrived in Leo and moving forwards.
- Saturn is moving steadily forwards in Aries turning retrograde on the 27th.
- Prometheus is moving slowly forwards in the early degrees of Gemini.
- Neptune is retrograde in early Aries.
- Pluto is retrograde in early Aquarius.
Cancer and Cancer rising
Bask in your birthday moment. While the Sun moves ever forwards, adding another year to your clock, Mercury is backsliding through the Crab’s skies, pointing to a re-evaluation of the past (recent and distant) and a reorganisation of current arrangements. The new Moon of the 14th aligns with practical Saturn; hence property and business are at the forefront. Pragmatism rules.
The Sun’s move into Leo coincides with Mercury moving forwards, meaning you should get a wiggle on and complete your paperwork and deals with The Man. Softer souls, who yearn for a human touch, may have to wait until next month, when Venus is in more accommodating mood and Mars arrives to light your fire.
It has always seemed to your astrologer that a combination of Cancer and Leo in a natal chart is superpowered; you have the signs associated with the Moon and the Sun. With the Lion’s skies alight with Jupiterian promise, it’s worth looking at your birth chart to check if you are, indeed, a two-time winner. If so, you can both have (keep) your cake and eat it! Happy birthday.
Leo and Leo rising
Raise a cheer – the Leo parade starts early this year with the arrival of Jupiter in your skies, promising a glorious 12 months ahead, with the period until Christmas, when the giant planet turns retrograde, especially fruitful. Jupiter represents growth, learning, and downright good luck. Proceed with guarded optimism; guarded because there is invariably a trick in every planetary tale.
The first nine days of July are doubly blessed, with Venus completing its all too brief sojourn in the Lion. Aforementioned tricks arrive later in the month, as Jupiter and your Sun ruler oppose Pluto (the 19th and the 27th respectively), intensifying a major relationship, perhaps to the point where it becomes all consuming- or insupportable. The annual full Moon opposite you in Aquarius on the 29th is a similarly powerful tipping point, but with Jupiter onside, with positive outcome.
Virgo and Virgo rising
You are unlikely to simply crack through your ‘to do’ list when your totem planet, Mercury is retrograde (until the 25th); better to proceed slowly but thoroughly. Disruption on a grander scale may arrive thanks to Prometheus, newly arrived at the peak of your ‘scope, conjoining Mars, a combination aimed principally on August birthdays, Mars’ transit suggests none of you will be short of an annoying hothead from your profession during July.
You do, however, have the delights of Venus in your skies from the 9th, a cue for congenial times and maybe a touch of romance. Enjoy its three weeks stay.
Libra and Libra rising
The zodiac’s other two air signs, Aquarius and Gemini, are both sparked into life at the beginning of the month. September birthdays are in line for unsettling, though not necessarily unpleasant developments, especially concerning any international connections you have. This remains an ongoing theme into August, thanks to Mars in Gemini; expect encounters with people keen to drag you from your comfort zone.
The emphasis on your professional life remains in place, with the new Moon of the 14th opening a new phase, though Mercury’s retrograde means you may need to wait until later in the month for news. Jupiter’s new position in Leo, also leans on your profession, albeit in more helpful ways. For the next six months in particular your standing among your fellow travellers and associates looks lofty. There is definitely strength in numbers; call in some favours.
Scorpio and Scorpio rising
The Sun in fellow water sign Cancer is congenial, giving you licence to think and roam freely, while getting your totem planet, Mars, out of opposition should turn down the volume from opponents. Unless you have your birthday Sun near the beginning of your sign – say 23-26 October, your horoscope provides options rather than enforcement. Venus in Virgo from the 9th is conducive to social events, camaraderie and, yes, maybe romance.
However, Mars, mixed up with Prometheus at the start of the month, may well raise issues about finance and partnerships and getting the correct balance between the two. At the same time comes Jupiter in its new and potent position at the peak of your solar ‘scope. This fundamentally is a Good Thing for the next twelve months, a mixture of challenge and opportunity, a chance to get your name to a wider public and remind the world that, yes, you still have the vibes, you still have ‘it’. However, Jupiter (and the Leo Sun) are in intense opposition to murky Pluto at mid-month, a combination that spells straight dealings on your part. If you are challenged in some way, keep your response muted and conditional, and avoid locking horns with people you suspect are on the dark side. Strong, alert but squeaky clean is the trio you are after.
Sagittarius and Sagittarius rising
Your stars are stacking up pretty sweetly; the zodiac’s other two fire signs are busy while your partnership sign Gemini now has Prometheus in residence (for a mere seven years). Said planet is about liberty, breaking rules, and, on occasion being drastic, all qualities you might encounter in July, when it’s entwined with Mars. Dumping your wearisome main squeeze for a compulsive affair may suddenly seem the sensible course of action, at least if you were born in late November.
Planets elsewhere have fewer extreme suggestions. Most important is your ruler, Jupiter, moving into fellow fire sign Leo for the next year, encouraging all manner of Sagittarian adventure: travel, exploration, knowledge and the simple art of enjoying oneself. From the 9th Venus tops your ‘scope, a call for more attention from the public.
Capricorn and Capricorn rising
Uncertainty hovers over the intentions of a significant other, be it a lover or someone with close ties of a different kind, but until Mercury turns forwards on the 24th, you can’t be certain of their plans. The less weight resting on their decision the better. Fresh starts are in the air, with the new Moon of the 14th providing momentum, plus Venus escaping your eighth house (a place of endless, inconclusive discussions, into Virgo on the 10th brings different perspectives on matters of the heart.
The arrival of Jupiter in the same zone of your ‘scope should encourage you to agree terms and conditions with you-know-who. Pluto in your cash zone is involved, meaning just and fair settlements look easier to come by than the vengeful kind – this is Jupiter, a big if somewhat silent player in your affairs until your birthday.
Later in July your ruling planet, stern Saturn, draws to a halt, a signal to assess material and property progress in the first half of the year and adjust accordingly. Likewise, to ensure that the old homestead is fit for purpose. Peace in the valley? Make it so.
Aquarius and Aquarius rising
Matters of the heart now loom large in your horoscope, as they often do at this time of year when the Sun and other planets transit your opposite and complementary sign of Leo, and your annual Aquarian full Moon arrives. This year is an acute case, however, with Jupiter newly arrived in Leo and making a piercing opposition to Pluto in your own sign at the new Moon of the 14th, followed by the Sun on the 27th. These are oppositions that question partnership commitment (on either side), but which can swing the other way toward romantic obsession.
Much the same story comes from your fifth house of romance, where Prometheus has just a long-term residence, and which at the start of July is accompanied by Mars. The focus on both instances is January birthdays, but both spill into birthdays from later in your sign, including a full Moon in Aquarius on the 29th.Akk of which calls for a cool head with friends and siblings as well as spouses.
Pisces and Pisces rising
There’s plenty of joy in July’s stars, along with a couple of bumps in the road, but patience is also called for. The Sun and a new Moon in fellow water sign Cancer light up your zone of romance, pleasure, creativity and sporting triumph. Mercury in retreat in the same place suggests glitches, postponements and misunderstandings. Don’t miss your date at the party. Plus, Venus moves into opposition (in Virgo) on the 9th, perfect for singles finding and wooing contenders or spending quality time with your main squeeze.
The big bump in the road comes in the shape of Prometheus arriving at the root of your ‘scope, especially for birthdays 19-23 February. This is a planet that likes to challenge and surprise, so an unexpected offer in your career or a sudden need to leave home are both included on the menu.
Aries and Aries rising
Much of your horoscope looks in a hurry – there are certainly new developments – but as long as Mercury is backsliding (until the 24th ) delays and alternative arrangements should be built into your plans. The new Moon of the 14th nonetheless shines a light on your home and family set-up. Saturn in your skies is helping to build a new paradigm here , which you can assess later in the month when the ringed planet turns to retrograde motion.
By then your attention may be diverted to matters of the heart, including any creative projects you have in hand. Venus in fellow fire sign Leo should be showing your way, introducing simpatico individuals into your world, but the real switcheroo is the arrival of Jupiter in Leo (on June 30) for the next year, a gift or artistic endeavours and for a . life stacked with joy and pleasure – possibly too much of it! The full Moon of the 29 this a moment for high jinks.
Taurus and Taurus rising
While the cosmos is pushing you onwards, you are probably digging in your heels and refusing to move. Your horoscope is now making you a couple of offers that even the most stubborn Bull will find hard to turn down. Most important is the arrival of mighty Jupiter at the root of your ‘scope, promising an uplift in your domestic circumstances over the next year, perhaps even a move. Right now is especially important because Pluto is opposite Jupiter, lending it power. Where might the money be coming from? The duo of Mars and Prometheus in your cash zone might have the answer, but it will need radical thought.
Far easier is the move of ruler Venus into your fifth house of parties and romance on the 9th, prime time for Taurean creatives to display their wares, and for those in the dating game to make a move (or two). Bonne chance, cherie.
Gemini and Gemini rising
The money, surprise surprise, doesn’t take care of itself. It needs nurturing and growing as well as spending, especially just now with a retrograde Mercury (your ruler) in play in your cash zone. After the 25th, when Mercury straightens up, things look simpler.
However, there is little simple about another planetary event, the arrival of Prometheus and Jupiter in your skies, the first for seven long years, the second for a mere six weeks. This pair may prove inspirational even in the short term – right now in fact – but more likely is a rush of blood to the head over the next few weeks (that’s Mars typical style) while more profound changes happen as Prometheus conjoins your birthday Sun. Just now birthdays 21-23 May are in its sights.
For 200 years astrologers have turned to Raphael’s Ephemeris to discover where planets, eclipses, lunations and more are going to be in the year ahead -the booklet was first published in 1819 as The Prophetic Messenger. In the years before computing, you couldn’t draw up a chart without its guidance, its planetary motions, tables of houses and the rest. Though there were alternatives in book form, Raphael’s is pocket-sized, compact, and familiar. In 2025, however, the Ephemeris didn’t appear until the year had begun.
Now it has a rival, thanks to bookseller and publisher The Wessex Astrologer, who recently launched an annual ephemeris of their own, The Pocket Ephemeris for Astrologers 2027. It’s marginally larger (A5 size) and the data is beautifully presented with a keen eye for what we planet-plotters want. Instantly indispensable in fact. You can find out more here: https://www.wessexastrologer.com
Astrology Consultations from Pam Carruthers
Readers often ask if I give personal readings. I don’t. My primary jobs remain journalist and writer. By contrast, Pam Carruthers, webmaster, fellow astrologer and a long time friend, is a professional certified astrologer who uses both western and vedic astrology for individual clients.
Pam, who is based in Eastbourne in the UK, has an international clientele. She works online via Zoom. She is a gifted astrologer and teacher and offers Astrology Life Coaching based on your birth chart. This is ideal for those who want to work at a deep level. She also uses Chiron in her consultations and offers two excellent reports to buy. Another service is an intuitive method to find a birth time if unknown.
Pam Carruthers at Healing Stars >