July is about protecting our creative and emotional energy. While the Sun is in Cancer, our personal planets—Mercury, Venus, and Mars—travel through Cancer, Leo, and Virgo in close succession. Together, Cancer and Leo are like our cosmic parents. Leo makes sure that we’re expressing our authenticity with confidence. Cancer looks out for our hearts and cares for our tenderest parts. Virgo, meanwhile, creates a safe container for us to share our gifts and receive the gifts others have to give us. This month’s energy invites us to reflect on what our creativity needs to truly thrive and how to manage and tend to our emotional lives so that we feel regulated and capable.

On July 1st, the Sun and Mercury were conjunct (on top of one another) in Cancer, creating a trine with Saturn in Pisces. Trines are flowing aspects that amplify complementary energy—and this one is especially potent. With the Sun, representing identity, and Mercury, a symbol of communication, in a positive relationship with Saturn, the planet of limits and boundaries, we have a chance to get really honest with ourselves about how we want to be treated and what’s in alignment with our authentic purpose. For the first week of the month, try journaling about what your ideal day would look like, what your ideal relationships would look like. Which parts of that vision are possible now? What would you have to say “no” to in order to get closer to that vision? You may also find it easier to express that “no” to whoever needs to hear it.

On July 11th, Mercury moves into Leo, and Mars heads into Virgo. Mercury rules Virgo and Mars is, like Leo, associated with fire. The two planets are in one another’s comfort zones, having a spirited conversation with each other. Mercury in Leo encourages us to be bold in what we say, to promote ourselves and our work, and to love more fully, with intense warmth and compassion. Mars in Virgo helps us turn our attention to the role we play in others’ lives, seeking a balanced way to give our loved ones and our communities the care and consideration they need without depleting ourselves.

Mars in Virgo has a clear message for us about burnout. Mars wants to do it all. Mars can push themselves; they are the beating heart of ambition and drive amongst the heavenly bodies. Mars gets it done. And Virgo, wanting to be of service, to keep things organized and well defined, can give too much of themselves away. This transit comes with a warning: before extending yourself, check in with your body and go back to your vision and your values first. Choosing not to engage in a job, a project, or a social gathering does not mean you are not capable. Mars in Virgo is here to remind you that the first person you need to make plans with is yourself.

Both Mars and Venus have been opposite Saturn in Pisces for the last few weeks, with Mercury joining them on the 27th—during a conjunction with Venus, no less. These three planets will continue to be in opposition to Saturn into August. This triple opposition is demanding. Oppositions are challenging aspects that create friction in our lives. For the duration, it’s important to try to pace yourself. Saturn in Pisces influences our subconscious and brings up themes from karmic cycles, childhood, or our ancestral inheritance. You may find that issues from your past (or your family’s) emerge to obstruct your creativity or confidence. But within the energy of the transit, the ailment is the antidote. These blocks have come up so that you can prioritize tending to them, giving you the space to grow through them.

Notably, three of the slow-moving generational planets—Pluto, Saturn, and Neptune—are all retrograde through the summer. When the generational planets are retrograde, the effects are felt on a larger, more global scale than in our individual daily lives—at least the parts of our personal experiences that we’re conscious of. These retrogrades often occur over the summer months, affecting the collective consciousness and inspiring change. Pluto represents radical transformation, Saturn systemic structures, and Neptune the communal imagination. Through July, August, and September, we may see corporations and governments reconsidering major public decisions or reigning in big plans for the future (especially in the realm of technological advancement). This sacred pause is likely to elicit discomfort for some. Your job is to do the work to create the utopia you’re dreaming of in your own small corner of the universe.

The Sun heads into Leo on July 22nd, opposing Pluto over in Aquarius. With the Sun in its native sign, shining directly on Pluto, we might find clarity about what needs to change within us so that we can claim the space we deserve to take up in the world. This transit also reminds us that we do not need some static form of authenticity to understand who we “truly” are. Changing and evolving is an inherent part of your being.

Mars creates a trine with Jupiter on the 24th, and Mercury joins Mars in Virgo on the 28th. As the energy moves away from Cancer, towards Leo and Virgo, we can take what we’ve learned about setting boundaries and nurturing ourselves and let it transform our approach to community. When we have compassion for ourselves, we can extend kindness, support, non-judgement, and understanding to others. In this way, we can incite meaningful change—together—in the systems we’re working to dismantle or rearrange.

Keagan (she/her) is a writer, tarot reader, and astrologer. Find her on Instagram @moonsingemini to book a reading. Subscribe to her monthly tarotscope newsletter here.