Aries Aries
July 16 ~ July 30
Saturn, the planet of commitments, structure, and responsibility stationed retrograde in your sign on Saturday, July 12. You likely felt the heavy undertow in the days leading up to it. Although, you would have felt not only the weight of it slowing down before stopping, but the gravity of its station through midnight on Monday, July 14. Saturn will continue its retrograde through Aries until Sept. 1, when it slips back into Pisces, offering a final review of karmic lessons before returning to Aries on Feb. 14, 2026. This marks a pivotal point in your journey. Whether you are revisiting, re-doing, or preparing for a new chapter, Saturn is asking you to build with intention. You may feel time reshaping around you, echoing a natural rhythm you can no longer ignore. It’s not about rushing – it’s about realigning with what truly matters. Step back. Breathe. See the larger arc of your future. Inner work is not just suggested, it’s essential. This is where you find the gold. Mercury joins the retrograde chorus in fellow fire sign Leo on Thursday, July 17, reversing in fellow fire sign Leo while forming an angle of loving ease with Venus in Gemini on Friday, July 18, setting a lighter and creative tone for the weekend. Let connection, beauty and curiosity lead the way. Venus is also moving into a square to Mars in Virgo for nearly two weeks, shifting the mood back into refinement with friction, and making patience and precision your best allies. Adding complexity, Venus will also square the lunar nodes, stirring the karmic pot. Old issues may resurface – particularly unresolved themes around values, worth, and expressing what you need. This is your chance to nip this cycle in the bud for good. Mercury will be retrograde until Aug. 11, and will remain in Leo until Sept. 2, giving you a creative window for re-imagining, joyful expression, and heartfelt moments. A re-connection with someone special or a surprising reunion is likely with Saturn and Neptune in Aries sextiling both Uranus in Gemini and Pluto in Aquarius. The energy builds toward a New Moon in Leo on Thursday, July 24, bringing a wave of renewal and heart-centered fire, opening the door for more passion and play. But with the Venus/ Mars square still in place, keep putting a sincere effort into your growth and the gain will be glorious.
Remember: It’s the in-between that counts, and how you spend your dash, from beginning to the end!
~ Alexander Popovkin