Astrology of July 26 - Aug 1, 2026

GENERAL OVERVIEW

This week should see developments related to the conclusion of the Mercury retrograde that ran from June 29 to July 23. The drive and/or friction brought by a hyperactive Mars in Gemini (said to be ruled by Mercury) had been slowed down by the messenger planet moving in reverse; and in this case, Mars has been adding extra frustration or conflict to the typical tech snafus, miscommunications, and delays associated with the retrograde period (this due to a “mirroring” of the two planets on either side of the solstice axis, called “contra-antiscia”). You probably began to see some movement by this past Friday or Saturday on whatever has felt stuck, and you can continue tracking progress this week.

Early this week, we will also see the Sun form aspects with Pluto (an opposition) and Jupiter (a conjunction). With underworldly Pluto, there will be light shone upon things we fear, power issues, or things that generally happen out of view – with stark differences between what we think of as light and dark. Sun-Jupiter conjunctions (culminating on Tuesday) generally feel very positive, optimistic, and expansive, making the opposition with Pluto even more interesting.

READINGS SPECIFIC TO RISING SIGN

ARIES RISING: Say the thing! As Mars has been in your 3rd house of communication and local surroundings, perhaps you’ve had the urge to make an important announcement, or maybe things have felt a bit tense around your neighborhood. With Mercury now moving direct in your 4th house of home and family origins, a change of pace in this area of life is likely to grease the wheels. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your creativity, children, or how you experience pleasure.

TAURUS RISING: Mind your money. As Mars has been in your 2nd house of finances and belongings, perhaps you’ve had a push to bring in more or been threatened with money troubles. With Mercury now moving direct in your 3rd house of communication and local networks, you might see if the people around you could help with whatever needs are arising. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your homelife or relationship with your parents.

GEMINI RISING: Mars has been bringing heat and friction to your 1st house of identity and selfhood. This could mean having lots of energy to burn, but be sure not to overdo your workout – this is a good time to protect against injury. With Mercury now moving direct in your 2nd house of money and belongings, prior backpedalling in your finances are likely to be working themselves out now. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your ability to express what’s on your mind, or your connections to those in your immediate surroundings.

CANCER RISING: Take a deep breath. As Mars has been in your 12th house of the unseen and subconscious, perhaps you've been wrestling with vague but challenging scenarios running through your mental landscape. With Mercury now moving direct in your 1st house of conscious mind and self, a shift in thinking could help integrate whatever lesson is trying to come through. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your material resources.

LEO RISING: Trouble with friends? As Mars has been in your 11th house of relationships of affinity, perhaps you’ve been feeling pressure from your crew, colleagues, or others connected with your public work. With Mercury now moving direct in your 12th house of hidden things, perhaps a solution will arise from a dream or a hunch that comes during an idle afternoon. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your sense of self and identity

VIRGO RISING: Do the thing! As Mars has been in your 10th house of career and legacy, perhaps you’ve felt the urge to make your next professional move. With Mercury now moving direct in your 11th house of colleagues, friends, and audience, it’s likely that you’re beginning to see fresh possibilities and offers of assistance arise from those who share your worldview. This week is also likely to shine some light on the expansive nature your dreams and inner thoughts have recently been experiencing.

LIBRA RISING: As Mars has been in your 9th house of big-picture meaning, perhaps you’ve had the urge to take a long distance trip or publish your next major work. With Mercury now moving direct in your 10th house of career, a shift of energy in your worklife may help grease the wheels. This week is also likely to shine optimistic light upon your relations with friends, colleagues, or others who share your worldview.

SCORPIO RISING: Time to share. As Mars has been in your 8th house of shared resources and collaborations, perhaps you’ve seen a joint project shift into high gear. With Mercury now moving direct in your 9th house of big-picture meaning, watch for subtle shifts in your worldview that might help smooth out the process. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your career or visible roles in your community.

SAGITARIUS RISING: As Mars has been in your 7th house of significant 1:1 relationships, perhaps you’ve experienced some friction between you and a domestic or business partner. With Mercury now moving direct in your 8th house of shared resources, new developments in this area might help you channel that heat into a more constructive direction. This week is also likely to bring light and optimism to your worldview, spirituality, or sense of adventure.

CAPRICORN RISING: Getting down to business. Mars is said to be in its joy in your 6th house of responsibility, work, and health; it brings the drive to get things done, but can also represent the friction that breaks things and causes accidents. With Mercury now moving direct in your 7th house of partnerships, let your significant other(s) speak their care and wisdom into how you approach the things you are working on. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to the projects and resources you share with others.

AQUARIUS RISING: As Mars has been in your 5th house of creativity, pleasure, and children, perhaps you’ve had the urge to paint all day – or maybe things have been a bit challenging with your kids. With Mercury now moving direct in your 6th house of work and responsibility, forward progress and resolution regarding the stuff that “just has’ta get done” can give you more bandwidth to attend to what Mars is bringing. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your partner(s) and/or partnership(s).

PISCES RISING: As Mars has been in your 4th house of home and parents, perhaps you’ve been eager to work around the house – alternatively; perhaps you’ve experienced some conflict with those who raised you. With Mercury now moving direct in your 5th house of creativity and children, this might be a good time to tackle home projects with a creative flair. This week is also likely to plant new seeds of optimism related to your health, worklife, or pets.