Patience with the Past
Mercury’s retrograde times can be vexing if we forget that they’re times for catching up rather than hurtling forward. When our Mercury minds are racing ahead of us, the way we take in information can be like eating a meal without noticing the bites. When Mercury turns retrograde (June 29, 2026, 10:36 am PDT, at 26º15 Cancer), it’s time to slow down and pay attention to what we’re feeding our minds.
Mercury’s retrograde periods are generally favorable for hindsight, and especially in nostalgic Cancer. Mercury stations on the Sabian symbol 27 Cancer, A storm in a canyon, so it’s not just pleasant memories that will bubble to the surface. Old hurts and old grudges are waiting to be mended, but that process sometimes begins with a storm of emotions. Be patient with yourself, with others, and with the past.
Like a Swallow to Capistrano
On the first day of this year, I swore I would make no resolutions beyond trying to be a kinder and better version of myself.
I lied.
Well, that’s not exactly true; I was sincere, actually. But old habits die hard, and I didn’t stick to that no-resolution resolution.I soon returned, like a swallow to Capistrano, to my calendars and planners and markers, sketching out an ambitious schedule designed to increase my market share of the planet.
Half a year later, those calendars and their neglected goals look a bit faded, have curled up a bit around their yellowing edges. They are a little bit embarrassing, like old photographs taken when you were very young and innocent and hadn’t quite filled out yet.
Near the beginning of each calendar year, a New Moon in Capricorn (this year, that was on Jan. 18) signals a fresh commitment to becoming your best, most successful self. At midyear, the Capricorn Full Moon (June 29, 2026, 4:56 pm, at 8º14’ Capricorn) is its mirror image, the response to its call.
It’s time to face the optimistic pages of those calendars and planners and compare them with your progress to date. This Full Moon squares Saturn, and with a bit of determination and hard work, there’s still time to change your strategy—or even your resolutions.
There’s Leo, and Then There’s Leo
When Jupiter enters a new sign, it awakens a desire for more in that area of life. When it enters Leo (June 29, 2026, 10:52 pm PDT), it brings the desire for more recognition, more creativity, and more fun. Does that mean we’ll get those things? Not necessarily – but having noticed that they are missing in our lives to some extent, we’ll likely pursue them.
Bear in mind that the Moon’s South Node will enter Leo on July 26 for an 18-month stay. The South Node points toward tendencies or qualities that may be holding us back from growth. How do we reconcile this great Jupiter push with the need to temper some of what Leo represents?
Well… there’s Leo, and then there’s Leo. Jupiter in Leo is an invitation to reclaim joy and creativity, to inhabit your whole heart — while the South Node cautions against the Leo shadow side of dominating the room, being too eager for applause, or tying our self-worth to getting attention. The sweet spot lies in embracing Leo’s heartfelt expressiveness and creative joy because they feel meaningful, because they make us feel alive – and not out of hunger for constant validation. Jupiter’s message is “grow,” and the South Node says “don’t cling;” and together they encourage us to shine, but without making the spotlight the point.
Activating the Upcoming Planetary Cascade
This week, Mars in Gemini activates the giant outer planet configuration that peaks between July 15 and 24, connecting Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, each at 4 degrees of their respective signs. I’ll cover it in more detail over the next couple of weeks, but for now, let’s consider how Mars in Gemini is kicking things off through language and movement.
The conjunction of Mars and Uranus (Fri July 3, 2026, 11:08 pm PDT, 3º52’ Gemini) is the opening charter in a 2-year story of innovation, bright ideas, and breakthroughs. At this point, there’s no way of telling what will eventually come of this week’s fleeting ideas or careless comments; in time, as this cycle unfolds, all which come much clearer.
Mars sextile Neptune (July 4, 2026, 5:44 pm PDT, 4º24’ Gemini-Aries) is an invitation to direct your energy and actions toward a noble goal, to define and defend your ideals. Sextile aspects tend to show us what is possible if we make an effort, and Mars in particular is at its best when it strives in a particular direction and gets rowdy and cranky when it doesn’t. Don’t let this moment pass without meaningful action.
And Mars trine Pluto (July 5, 6:06 am PDT, 4°46’ Gemini-Aquarius) is one of the less stressful connections between these two, but it’s still no walk in the park. It warns against giving your power away, especially the power of your speech, your name, and your ideas. The nature of the trine could make it feel much easier to yield to what someone more powerful wants you to say, believe, or do. Instead, wield your words with courage and the power of your own convictions.
