This Week in Astrology: July 12 to 18, 2026

This Week in Astrology: July 12-18, 2026

July 12th to 18th, 2026

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and by aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The New MOON occurs on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, at 5:43 AM EDT.

On Tuesday morning, the Sun and Moon align in the sign of Cancer. The New Moon in Cancer is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Crab. These include honoring our deepest, most irrational and intimate, feelings; recognizing the sense of security and safety we derive from whatever it is we call home; allowing ourselves to accept support and offering support to others; and starting a project aimed at improving our domestic lives or a major long-term venture.

With this potent Cancer energy, we have the chance to make important changes in our lives that will benefit us well beyond this Moon cycle.

It’s time to make some plans and set the stage for reaping the rewards from our new beginnings, as little or big as they may be, in approximately two weeks’ time after the Full Moon occurs. Concentrate on new ways to enhance family life and domestic affairs, and to build up your feelings of security and safety.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 59 minutes of Cancer, affecting people with personal planets and points at approximately 18 to 26 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

This New Moon aligns with retrograde Mercury, and it’s hard to see our path, but our discomfort with the past can be very real now, motivating new beginnings.

The New Moon Chart:

This phase of the Moon occurs at 21 degrees and 59 minutes of Cancer, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 18 to 26 degrees of the Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) most significantly.

The above chart wheel is excellent for visualizing essential chart patterns as it shows the positions of the major or core bodies. The following chart wheel has additional points such as Chiron, the asteroids, and more, which can be studied for more refinement or additional analysis:

NEXT WEEK:  The next Moon phase will occur on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026, at 7:05 AM EDT, when the First Quarter Moon will happen.

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(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Cancer; Mercury is in Cancer; Venus is in Virgo; Mars is in Gemini.

The Sun is in Cancer from June 21-July 22. We are self-protective and insular under this influence. Our attention turns to our nest–our families, homes, and anything that makes us feel “at home,” safe, and secure.

Nurturing and caring for our loved ones and pet projects come into focus. Emotions run deep, and we easily tune in to the world of feelings. Note that we are more in tune with the Moon while the Sun is in Cancer.

We may not want to grow up and face responsibilities or the outside world during the Sun-in-Cancer cycle. We should watch for dependence when we’d do better for ourselves otherwise. However, it’s a robust transit for recognizing our needs for comfort, safety, and familiarity. We’re inclined to form strong bonds and protect our loved ones.

Mercury is in Cancer from June 1-August 9 [a longer than usual transit due to Mercury’s retrograde from June 29th to July 23rd, entirely in the sign of Cancer]. When Mercury is in Cancer, we move from the desire for quantity with information to the need for quality. We think, speak, and take in information on a deeper, more instinctive level. We have less interest in what is universal and more interest in what affects us personally and the people close to us. Our thoughts are colored by our emotions, making it more challenging to be objective.

We have outstanding and detailed memories during this cycle. We’re more likely to absorb information about the emotional background or atmosphere/setting around us, picking up on moods and tones in addition to facts.

While we may not have great confidence in our ability to generate new or original ideas, we have a well-developed sense of humor and radiate warmth in our communications. We take great interest in (and notice of) personal issues and interactions during this period. We don’t care much for intellectual stands if they’re devoid of a personal or heartful element, and we need intimate settings to express ourselves fully.

Venus is in Virgo from July 9-August 6. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just being there for our lovers. Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo.

Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual, but Virgo is also quite practical and mental. In addition to our romantic natures, what we purchase and the types of entertainment we enjoy during this cycle are ruled by whether or not they make sense and serve a practical purpose.

We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent at this time. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners or relationships, picky, nervous, or worried.

During the Venus-in-Virgo cycle, we can gravitate to, and find some benefits in, holistic healing, acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional boosts. We’re keenly interested in ways to enrich our lives and boost our well-being. “Health is wealth” could be a motto now. In fact, we might enjoy health-boosting activities more than usual. Businesses promoting nutrition, wholesomeness, and well-being might prosper at this time. Commitment and attention to detail are also more prominently considered virtues now.

In love, we’re not very showy, flowery, or demonstrative. Instead, we show our love through being of service. We’re conservative with money, pleasure, and romance at this time, ready to analyze and dissect these matters. This can also be a time when helping others, particularly with good advice regarding these Venus-ruled things, can be prominent and successful. We might meet friends or lovers through our work or health-pursuits. We can take a special interest in handiwork, crafts, lists/sorting, and bookkeeping.

Mars is in Gemini from June 28-August 11. In Gemini, Mars is versatile and flexible but not especially determined or focused. We should watch for becoming so scattered that we’re ineffective. However, it’s an excellent period for diversifying our interests and understanding the power of our communications.

It’s an excellent time for strategizing and devising useful tactics to achieve our desires and goals. We’re resourceful and clever, and we know how to use words effectively.

Perhaps most notable during this period is our tactical skills. We know how to maneuver things to get our way. We use words to charm and express anger. We’re very talkative, and animatedly so, when passionate and enthusiastic about a topic.

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Jupiter is in Leo.

Jupiter is in Leo. Read more about Jupiter’s transit of Leo that began on June 30th, 2026, and will last until July 26th, 2027.

Saturn is in Aries. Saturn is in Aries from May 24th, 2025 to September 1st, 2025, and then from February 13th, 2026, to April 12th, 2028. Read about Saturn’s transit of Aries.

Uranus is in Gemini.

Uranus is in Gemini from July 7th to November 7th, 2025, from April 25, 2026, to August 3, 2032, and then from December 12, 2032, to May 22, 2033. Read about Uranus in Gemini in its calendar page.

Neptune is in Aries. Neptune first transited Aries from March 30, 2025, to October 22, 2025, but it returned to Pisces. Now, Neptune is in Aries for the long haul: from January 26, 2026, to May 21, 2038, and then October 21, 2038, to March 23, 2039. Read about Neptune’s transit of Aries.

Pluto is in Aquarius. Read about Pluto’s transit of Aquarius. Note that Pluto finally completed its journey through Capricorn on November 19th, 2024, from which time Pluto stays in Aquarius for many years to come.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Virgo from July 9-August 6. This is a time when we express our love through practical means and gestures–running errands, doing detail work, or just “being there” for our lovers. Essentially, we fuss over our partners, sometimes a little too much! Our availability and accessibility is a sign of love.

Love needs to make sense and have a purpose with Venus in Virgo. Virgo is an Earth sign, which is sensual but also quite practical. We could easily feel guilty if we are too self-indulgent during this cycle. We can be a little shy and prone to worry. We pick up on many different cues, attempting to analyze every detail of our lovers’ reactions and responses. We could worry ourselves sick agonizing over details! In the process, we can miss out on the bigger and perhaps more meaningful cues.

As well, Virgo is a sign that can live very much in the mind in the middle of an experience, failing to enjoy the moment. Self-consciousness can get in the way of enjoyment. Rendering services to others can fill a need, and can be an expression of love. The shadow side of this position is being overly critical of our partners, picky, or worrisome.

This week: Energies from Sunday to Tuesday are complicated. We might disconnect from our hearts in some ways. This can be a time of more frequent separations, at least on an emotional or affectional level. This disengagement is possibly only temporary. Because our confidence and, consequently, our timing can be off now, it’s best to choose this time to reflect rather than innovate, seal a deal, or otherwise move ahead. We can be flighty with one another, unsure whether we want to be close to someone or free from ties temporarily. We can be dodging commitments, preferring to keep our options open.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Virgo If it makes sense you love it, and if it doesn’t you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right (especially with respect to your health) are some of the qualities that come to the fore at a time like this.

Venus trine Chiron July 9-10. A commitment-friendly transit. Love can heal old wounds. We are open to romantic feelings.

Venus opposition Moon’s North Node (conjunct South Node) July 9-10. This is a time for reviewing our attachments in terms of whether they are contributing to our growth.

Venus parallel Chiron July 11. Relationships go through healing and reparation. We’re open to romantic feelings, and more willing to act upon them.

Venus square Uranus July 12-13. We might have to deal with issues of freedom versus intimacy during this period. Peculiar or impulsive attractions are exciting, but unlikely to last very long. Treat them as passing fancies, and enjoy them while they last–but try to hold off on making any big decisions with regards to love today.

Venus quincunx Neptune July 13. Idealism and disappointments in love. Avoid becoming blinded by what you want to see, rather than what really is. Doubts about love.

Venus quincunx Pluto July 13. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus semi-square Mercury July 13-14. Communications between lovers are superficial and unsatisfying, and perhaps awkward. Superficiality in romantic expression may exist now.

Venus quincunx Saturn July 22-23. A feeling that we may not be able to express our affections, or that our affections will not be received well, can undermine us in our relationships. Fear of rejection, emotional distancing, and over-sensitivity.

 

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Saturday, July 11th, from 6:11 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Saturn), until the Moon enters Cancer the next day, Sunday, July 12th, at 6:46 PM EDT.

VOC on Tuesday, July 14th, from 5:44 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:35 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Wednesday, July 15th, from 6:27 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Thursday, July 16th, at 8:08 PM EDT.

VOC Moon on Saturday, July 18th, from 6:14 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Sunday, July 19th, at 12:57 AM EDT.

July 2026

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

It’s important to note that there are more factors to consider in addition to the windows listed below. The following windows are starting points. For example, you generally don’t want to elect a new venture when a very challenging aspect is applying, and it’s preferable to elect a time when a particularly positive aspect hasn’t yet perfected (is applying rather than separating).

The Moon is waning this week until the New Moon on the 14th, which is generally thought to be unfavorable for new beginnings, although with some exceptions. The Moon is waxing after the New Moon on the 14th, which is generally considered favorable for new beginnings, but also with exceptions.

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity occurs this week at the Cazimi Moon on Tuesday, July 14th, from approximately 5:15 AM to 6:10 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Cancer. Another window occurs from approximately 9:00 PM EDT on Friday, July 17th, until Saturday, July 18th, at approximately 6:10 PM EDT, while the Moon is in Virgo. Note that Mercury is retrograde during these windows.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

May 28
, 2026, 7:48 PM, Ceres enters Gemini
Jun  1, 2026, 7:55 AM, Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  5, 2026, 5:55 PM, Juno Retrograde at 11 Aqu 00
Jun 13, 2026, 6:46 AM, Venus enters Leo
Jun 19, 2026, 5:19 PM, Chiron enters Taurus
Jun 21, 2026, 4:24 AM, Sun enters Cancer
Jun 28, 2026, 3:29 PM, Mars enters Gemini
Jun 29, 2026, 1:35 PM, Mercury Retrograde at 26 Can 15
Jun 30, 2026, 1:52 AM, Jupiter enters Leo
Jul  7, 2026, 6:54 AM, Neptune Retrograde at  4 Ari 25
Jul  9, 2026, 1:22 PM, Venus enters Virgo
Jul 22, 2026, 3:13 PM, Sun enters Leo
Jul 23, 2026, 6:57 PM, Mercury Direct at 16 Can 19
Jul 26, 2026, 3:56 PM, Saturn Retrograde at 14 Ari 45
Jul 26, 2026, 8:46 PM, True Node Rx enters Aquarius
Aug  3, 2026, 4:10 PM, Chiron Retrograde at  0 Tau 52
Aug  6, 2026, 3:12 PM, Venus enters Libra
Aug  9, 2026, 12:28 PM, Mercury enters Leo
Aug 11, 2026, 4:30 AM, Mars enters Cancer
Aug 11, 2026, 10:43 AM, Juno Rx enters Capricorn
Aug 12, 2026, 10:54 AM, Ceres enters Cancer
Aug 14, 2026, 5:41 AM, Pallas Retrograde at 22 Ari 39
Aug 22, 2026, 10:19 PM, Sun enters Virgo

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).

See also: The Astrology of 2026 – Overview and The Astrology of 2027 – Overview.

Explore more astrological events in my calendar.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

This Week’s Calendar

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury conjunct Sun. We are especially sharp, communicative, and open at this time, as our wants are aligned with our thoughts. It’s a favorable time for solving problems. What we say or write now has impact, for better or for worse!

Venus square Uranus. Values and tastes may clash, and group activities may suffer as a result. Impulsive attractions to both people and material goods can lead us astray. Avoid impulse buys at this time. Some instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness is probable in romantic relationships. We may not see eye to eye, and we might be taken off guard by unexpected events. This is not a favorable aspect for beauty treatments because they could have unexpected results. We may struggle with freedom versus intimacy issues at this time. Hold off on decision-making with regards to finances.

Venus quincunx Pluto. This is a time of adjustments and re-assessments in our close personal relationships and/or with regards to our social lives. Issues of power and control can arise. Unreasonable or irrational fears of loss, or jealousy, could also emerge.

Venus quincunx Neptune. Under this influence, we are apt to see what we want to see, rather than what actually is, when it comes to both financial affairs and affairs of the heart. Still, we tend to doubt our perceptions of perfection. The end result is a feeling of insecurity on romantic and social levels. Avoid making large purchases and commitments at this time.

Mercury semi-square Venus. Difficulties in social or romantic communication are possible today. On the other hand, we may make more efforts to be polite and to communicate. Hypersensitivity, and lack of mental discipline. Our minds wander.

Mercury semi-square Uranus. We can have flashes of insight, but tend to be scatterbrained. Our ideas and communications may not be well-received because they don’t seem to others to carry weight. Our minds are not peaceful or harmonious under this influence, and irritable tempers, sarcastic speech, and dogmatism are negative expressions of this energy.

Uranus sextile Neptune. We’re seeking (and finding) illumination. It’s a time of more openness to alternative ways of living, believing, and expression. We’re receptive to different or unusual experiences and ideas. At the same time, we’re averse to any form of force-feeding spirituality or belief systems, preferring our freedom to follow our intuition. It’s a time to reform and update how we express compassion, care for the underprivileged, pursue our dreams, seek escapes, and do art and creativity. However, we can also be more sensitive to stimulants.

Uranus trine Pluto. We more readily tap into our deeper ambitions and motivations, and this knowledge of and connection with our inner selves can lead to terrific new directions. It’s a powerful period for psychoanalysis, as we’re just detached enough to delve into our personal psychology more objectively. We recognize the need for change and reform, but also realize that having a solid plan of action is to our great benefit. As such, it can be a time of measured, deliberate change-making. It’s a fine time for forging new alliances and friendships. We might awaken to hidden or dormant talents, including inventiveness, or recognize a stronger desire for independence and freedom. The desire for new experiences is strong.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. Explore Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe.

See also: The Astrology of 2026 – Overview

Astrology Chart of Today/Now in my Free Report section shows the current chart with interpretations.

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trend overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

JULY 12

The Moon continues its transit of Gemini until 6:46 PM EDT, when it moves into Cancer. Our stores of compassion and imagination are readily accessible, and we’re open to latching onto something that inspires us this evening.

However, the inferior conjunction of the Sun and Mercury occurs today, marking the middle of the Mercury retrograde phase. We get a unique window into the past as it might impact our future. It’s an important time for new ideas, although they’re very new and raw at this “birthing” stage. There is an awakening happening at this time as we release old patterns and begin anew. It’s a good time to process recent events and ideas, and to begin looking at problems or issues from a new perspective and understanding, mainly related to home, family, and nurture. Significant new ideas are born at this time, and they’re likely to have staying power or significance down the road. What we say or write now has more impact than usual. Still, we may not have all the facts necessary to reach a solid conclusion, and we might later have to revise our plans or decisions.

The Sun approaches a parallel to Mars today, strengthening our resolve and quickening our reactions. This transit increases energy and enterprise.

The Moon continues its void period today until the Moon enters Cancer at 6:46 PM EDT.

JULY 13

Venus forms a square to Uranus this morning, a quincunx with Pluto and Neptune this afternoon, and heads toward a semi-square with Mercury, complicating our interactions and assessments of value today.

The Venus-Uranus square presents a potential challenge or struggle as our values and tastes clash with our need for change. This transit can temporarily disrupt love, pleasure, and social activities. We can feel torn between wanting closeness and freedom. It may be that impulsive attractions to people or material goods can lead us astray, so it’s best to be cautious and mindful of our decisions. Instability, restlessness, and rebelliousness are possible themes, especially in our relationships. It may be best to hold off on financial decisions, as there is a tendency to act impulsively rather than thoughtfully.

We may also feel discontent with our current pleasures or pastimes, and a change may be satisfying at this time. It’s wise to tame restlessness or avoid abrupt moves, but consider our needs for growth and a change of pace. Ideally, discomfort with the status quo can lead to highly creative workarounds and improvements.

Today’s Venus quincunxes can also bring some uncertainty. However, uncertainty is often a precursor to growth. There can be reassessments of close personal relationships, spending, entertainment, or social life. We might want to see things realistically on the one hand and prefer to nurture a fantasy or look the other way on the other. There can be insecurity or doubt about others or our own feelings and perceptions. Indecision is likely. Fears can disrupt the flow, but they can also help us see what we previously overlooked. Ideally, by working through these uncertainties, we can emerge more self-aware.

As well, we’re heading toward a Mercury-Venus semi-square, exact early tomorrow, and our words may not reflect what’s in our hearts. As we strive to get the words just right, we may fall short in our sensitivity. We may be in two minds about a matter, and decisions can be hard to come by. Nevertheless, we’re making an extra effort to cooperate.

JULY 14

 

The Moon is void from 5:44 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to the Sun), until the Moon enters Leo at 6:35 PM EDT.

JULY 15

 

The Moon is void from 6:27 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a trine to Saturn), until the Moon enters Virgo the next day, Thursday, July 16th, at 8:08 PM EDT.

JULY 16

 

The Moon continues its void period until the Moon enters Virgo today at 8:08 PM EDT.

JULY 17

 

 

JULY 18

 

The Moon is void today from 6:14 PM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to the Sun), until the Moon enters Libra the next day, Sunday, July 19th, at 12:57 AM EDT.

 

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in Gemini

Our basic instinct is to communicate, think, and learn under the influence of Moon in Gemini. We are motivated by a desire for variety and by an instinctive curiosity. The Moon in Gemini is light-hearted, breezy, spirited, and curious, but it can also be restless and fickle.

The Moon in Gemini generally favors the following activities: Mental and communicative actions, and more than one activity at once. Reading, learning, letters and emails, errands, writing, teaching, making connections, cafes, light and airy meetings, short trips.

When the Moon is in Cancer

 The restlessness of the Gemini Moon gives way to an instinctive need for peace and quiet. A feeling of belonging and safety is what motivates us under this influence. The Moon feels right at home in the sign of Cancer, as it rules the sign. This Moon position has much healing potential. Although insular by nature, our feelings run deep, making it an ideal time to get in touch with what motivates us.

The Moon in Cancer generally favors the following activities: Domestic activities, those that involve awareness of personal needs. Home decor, family get-togethers.

When the Moon is in Leo

The Moon in Leo speaks to our "inner child". It's a warm, generous, whole-heartedly loving position. Pride keeps us from pettiness, but it can also prevent us from opening up and revealing how we are truly feeling. We are on stage, our feelings are grand, and we appreciate some drama in our lives. We are easily threatened by anything that seems to be impersonal. This is a time when we seek attention--when we want to stand out for our special qualities. It's a strong time for romance and any creative activity as well.

The Moon in Leo generally favors the following activities: Creative activities, activities involving children, generous undertakings, undertakings in which personal recognition is desired, and risk-taking.

When the Moon is in Virgo

We instinctually gravitate towards practical activities under the influence of a Virgo Moon. In an urge to set things right, we might easily find ourselves re-organizing and rethinking plans. Emotional satisfaction comes from solving problems, making order out of confusion, and helping others. Health matters might come into focus. We notice the smaller parts that make up the whole, and instead of letting nagging details bother us, we might work on ironing them out so that we can feel more confident moving ahead.

The Moon in Virgo generally favors the following activities: Mental pursuits, work activities, services, and routines. Activities that would benefit from tending to details.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2026 – Overview

The Astrology of 2027 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits