Astrology for July 17 - July 23 2025

Welcome Leo Season, Mercury Retrograde in Leo 15º

On July 17, Mercury in Leo stations retrograde at 15º. We can expect the typical themes of a retrograde here, especially in the few days before and after today’s exact station. Themes of miscommunication, delayed responses, technological mishaps, mental confusion, and the like. However, this Mercury retrograde lasting until August 11, is significant. It may bring back conversations that happened between April 17-May 21 2025, when Mars was direct in Leo after a long stretch of his own retrograde. Themes of ego, pride and power-struggle may return. Information from the Mars/Pluto opposition that took place on April 26 may come back around and reveal a new layer to contend with. Mercury retrograde in Leo will challenge our conversations and exchanges during this time period, and as Leo is a fixed fire sign, passions and declarations will run high. We are being pushed to retry, redo, retest, rethink about some of our heart’s desires and how to claim them. Just make sure not to confess and profess with ill intention, false claims, or ego driven impulses. Those are the ways in which this transit is sure to joyously dish out humble pie by the slice. Creative projects can undergo some chaos at this time. Revisiting older or already underway projects can find long anticipated loose end tie ups. Starting new creative projects is not as favorable. Calm the mind, challenge the ego, and listen to the heart. Find balance between individual and collective interest. How have desires changed? How are they still changing? How are you challenging your ego’s position in why you want what you want? How are you testing out these desires? At who or what’s expense?

On July 19, the Sun in Cancer squares Chiron in Aries at 27º. Similar to Mercury retrograde in Leo, this aspect involving Leo’s ruler, the Sun, will also be a form of an ego check. The Sun wants to shine, it is how we maintain vitality and self-expression. But in hard aspect to Chiron, the planetoid of our deepest wounds and highest forms of healing, there is a challenge to face here. Are we truly choosing the higher path in upgrading heart’s desires? Are we void of care for self in others in our pursuits? Are we choosing gluttony and escapism over healing? This is a healing journey checkpoint. Something uncomfortable comes to light that needs to be looked at. A festering wound that needs attention. Facing pain of the past. Feelings desiring action.

On July 20, Mars conjuncts the South Node in Virgo at 19º. Similar to the Sun square Chiron, but with more depth and intensity, we have an amplification of past action, past karma, past lives etc. This can signal a release, an ending to something old and longstanding in regards to how we take action, organize our efforts, or operate physically. In Virgo, this can absolutely trigger body or mental health issues. We can confront old anger, resentment, injuries, whether physical or to the ego. This is likely an energetically intense day, one intended for facing problems and releasing them via appropriate action. With the nodes involved, whatever we choose to acknowledge and act on in matters of repair and the past, can either push us forward and leave us feeling lighter, or hold us back with heaviness, as lessons must be repeated. Can’t skip karmic homework. Choose with deep intention today. 

On July 22, the Sun enters Leo until August 22 while in a sextile with Uranus in Gemini at 0º. This brings a shift in energy that is lighthearted, rather social and inquisitive. We are inspired to move toward the new and next. We are excited to broaden horizons and be available to new experiences, new opportunities. Excitement in learning. Curiosity in how to expand the sense of self. Unexpected invites, ideas, or creativity. 

On July 23, Venus in Gemini squares Mars in Virgo at 21º Let’s remember that Mars has just had a conjunction with the South Node in Virgo, and although he has passed through that transit by now, themes of past karma is fresh. Venus confronts Mars with matters of the heart, coming to challenge Mars on ego, the ability to pivot through change, and most importantly how to communicate effectively when we get it wrong. Both of these signs, Gemini and Virgo, are ruled by Mercury, currently retrograde in Leo. Not helpful. Sexual tension. Mental frustration. Although we may be called to recount details of the past in regards to our one-on-one relationships, we are very likely just bringing it up for yet another round when Mercury stations direct in August. Important matters must be discussed, yet, confusion, miscommunication, and distraction are likely. Consider there is more nuance to feel through. That when others are involved, it may require more time to effectively grasp all perspectives. 

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@readingsby_NOAsquares Chiron in Aries at 27º. Similar to Mercury retrograde in Leo, this aspect involving Leo’s ruler, the Sun, will also be a form of an ego check. The Sun wants to shine, it is how we maintain vitality and self-expression. But in hard aspect to Chiron,