Hidden Insights: Astrology for the week of 23 July 2017

Ready or not, here we roar! With the courageous New Moon in Leo and the Sun, Moon and Mars all together in the earliest degrees of this fiery and lionhearted sign, Hidden Insights has advice for a week where bold choices have lasting consequences.

Venus and Saturn are opposed in Gemini and Sagittarius throughout the week, stretching diplomacy to the breaking point. So, while we’re feeling increasing power and confidence, we may simply be unable to agree on anything with those around us.

In the early hours of Tuesday, 25 July 2017, the Moon will briefly join Mercury and the North Node in the late degrees of Leo, providing extra emotional charge to any mental drama. Mercury is now moving away from its exact conjunction with the North Node but still has important messages on offer for those willing to let their imaginations run away with them.

Mercury enters its home-sign Virgo on Wednesday, 26 July 2017, returning some much-needed earthy sensibilities to our thinking and communication. But from Monday, 24 July 2017, this trickster is in the shadow period of the next Mercury retrograde cycle.

It’s likely that, as clear-cut as our options may seem now, we will have to — yet again — return to reflect on our decisions. Be mindful not to be overly attached to your best laid plans. And with Mercury eventually due to return to Leo, it’s worth being aware that any drama occurring now is likely to be ongoing for many weeks to come. So choose wisely where you focus your intent.

The current configurations suggest belligerence or theatrics for their own sake. It’s also an opportunity to empower the self through uplifting story-lines that make each of us the hero of our own journey.

Thursday, 27 July 2017 finally sees Mars and the Sun in an exact conjunction after weeks of build up. As Mars and Sun become cazimi (an exact conjunction) and experience their “New Mars,” there’s a place of honour for the henchman on the throne, and with it an opportunity to foster powerful alignment between our actions and our heart-centered consciousness.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up for your sign this week:

Aries (21 March — 19 April)

Aries, the biggest enemy you’ll face this week is your own indecisiveness. You can make whatever it is that you want happen, and when it comes to your creative life you’ve got all the fire you could want for. It’s just that you may not be sure where to channel this enthusiasm. For now, I recommend picking anything at all. You may have to backtrack, or you might change your mind later, but that’s ok. Making a wrong move is much better than making no move at all.

Your New Moon ritual object is a starting pistol.    

Taurus (20 April — 20 May)

It’s the perfect week to unleash your creativity at home, Taurus. Your inner child requires that home be a safe space. So, check in with yourself and how you feel. Could it be cozier or less cluttered? Do you need to create a boundary to make sure you get peace and quiet when you need it? Maybe you need some colour on the walls, to listen to some nostalgic music, or to move some furniture that’s keeping unhelpful vibes lingering.

Your New Moon ritual transforms home into a sanctuary.

Gemini (21 May — 20 June)

If life’s been lacking a little something, then now’s the time to bring some of your bolder ideas to life, Gemini. If it’s enthusiasm that’s missing, then starting the conversation with people around you can be enough to galvanize you into action on an exciting project. Make sure it’s the right people, though. Surrounding yourself with optimistic, proactive go-getters can be an excellent way to inspire yourself into action.

Your New Moon ritual helps you to avoid any compulsion to compare or despair.  

Cancer (21 June — 22 July)

You’ve come into your power over the last month, Cancer, which has been challenging, liberating and critical for you. If you have become increasingly emboldened lately, you may feel tempted to continue forging ahead fearlessly. This can be positive, but not if your main fuel is a sense of righteousness that leads to disregard for others. Consider this a gentle reminder not to forget to value the needs of those closest to you as you continue to take charge of your life.

Your New Moon ritual builds rapport.

Leo (23 July — 22 August)

Now’s not the time to be kidding yourself or others, Leo. It’s also not the time for escapist behaviour, or for letting yourself get away with all the old tricks that ultimately keep you engaged in self-limiting cycles. This lunar cycle provides you with a powerful springboard that could take you far. But you’ll have to be extra careful to make sure you’re engaging with your creativity as constructively as possible to make the most of it.

Your New Moon ritual opens your heart and your eyes.

Virgo (23 August — 22 September)

It’s likely to be some time before you reach full comprehension, Virgo. You might feel it’s therefore in your interest to hold back in some way, preferring to wait and see what’s going on before letting yourself fully participate. To be honest, there’s not much point in doing this and all you’re likely to gain is a sense that you’ve missed out. Don’t let the chance of an imperfect or messy result prevent you from trying.

Your New Moon ritual encourages surrender.

Libra (23 September — 22  October)

You’re in need of a radical new approach, Libra. With so much Leo emphasis at the moment, the focus is on bringing some joie de vivre back into your wider social network. Things may have stagnated without you realizing. Trudging forward without a game plan won’t serve you or anyone else. If this is what’s happening, then it’s time to start brainstorming all the ways you can bring some fiery, vital Leo energy into the picture.

Your New Moon ritual manifests multiple joyful connections.

Scorpio (23 October — 21 November)

Is how you present yourself to the world in conflict with your core identity, Scorpio? Hopefully not, but sometimes this can happen without us noticing. The New Moon in Leo presents you with an opportunity to shed some dead skin and leave behind an aspect of your identity that no longer represents the current you. It also provides a chance for you to dream up a vision of something to replace what’s become outmoded.

Your New Moon encourages you to be bold.

Sagittarius (22 November — 22 December)

You may have to jump through a few extra hoops this week to keep life harmonious, Sagittarius. Your natural optimism comes in handy here, and can prevent this from becoming something worthy of resentment. Another fortunate factor is that all this activity in Leo is providing high-octane fuel for your imagination. Getting a happy result may take a little more effort, but it will be well worth it.

Your New Moon ritual is an invitation to your most enthusiastic muse.

Capricorn (22 December — 19 January)

You need to surrender any need to be taken seriously, Capricorn. Being respected for your mastery or professionalism isn’t something that you necessarily have any right to, no matter who you are. And anyway, how do you know for sure what makes you so worthy? Returning whole-heartedly to a position of beginner’s mind will not only help you deal with any bruising I’ve just inflicted on you, it will also lead you back to the passion and curiosity that are markers of the truly successful.

Your New Moon ritual helps you lighten up.

Aquarius (20 January — 18 February)

Keeping the faith is easier said than done this week, Aquarius. But that’s not to say it can’t be done. It’s just that maintaining momentum and determination takes dedication. If you’re in need of inspiration, then watch your companions who easily demonstrate optimism rather than dismissing them. If you’re in need of more of these kinds of people in your life, then cast your net wider.

Your New Moon ritual helps you fake it ’til you make it.

Pisces (19 February — 20 March)

An important cycle has come to a natural end, Pisces. It’s necessary for you to say goodbye and close the door, but apart from that, you can do without indulging in any extra melodrama in regards to this. It’s worth remembering that although something might be over, you haven’t actually lost anything. You’re far better off using your energy creatively to conjure up new experiences than focusing on the past.

Your New Moon ritual closes a door and opens a window.