Your July 17 Weekly Horoscope Will Force You to Confront Your Shadow

With Cancer season coming to a close, it's only natural to want to swim back to the shore. Flowing through the first water sign in the zodiac never feels like a walk in the park, but you made it. Your July 17 weekly horoscope is not only healing our collective's heart space but also bringing a refreshing seasonal shift — astrological season, that is.

The week kicks off on quite a romantic note, so feel free to put on those rose-colored glasses. While glimmering through sentimental Cancer, the sun will harmonize with dreamy Neptune, heightening intuition and empathy. This sensitive synergy is gentle, compassionate, artistic, and heartfelt. As if this weren't enough reason to indulge your fantasies and tap into your creative musings, the moon (Cancer's planetary ruler) will be swimming through the mystical depths of Pisces (Neptune's sign of rulership), adorning our emotions with surreal hues that are equally inspiring and romantic. It doesn't end there. Seductive Venus will make her irresistible debut in Cancer, which, in turn, shifts the focus from variety and mental stimulation to the people, places, and things that remind you of home. Venus's journey through Cancer encourages us to prioritize themes surrounding our family, emotional world, and home as well as romance, financial investments, and aesthetics.

But the magic could seem fleeting, especially when considering Mercury's opposition to Pluto (the planet of death and rebirth) the following day. Penetrating and psychically intuitive, this combination of energies can be triggering as it will challenge you to go inward and confront your shadow. This suspicious transit is notorious for exposing secret truths. Then, on July 19, the messenger planet will enter the cinematic sign of Leo, so it's lights, camera, action! Mercury's shift into flamboyant Leo is equivalent to having a microphone in your throat. Playful, childlike, and attention seeking, the atmosphere will become a lot more colorful (not to mention, rambunctious) during this time. The sun, Leo's planetary ruler, will be making an opposition to Pluto that same day, which influences Mercury's debut in Leo: ego trips and power struggles are likely.

On July 21, when the moon enters Taurus, it will conjunct go-getter Mars, the planet of assertion, drive, and passion. This combines the emotional and intuitive with the carnal and instinctive. Together, this synergy is dynamic and desirable, so harness it wisely. Channel this energy the next day as the sun makes its dazzling debut in Leo. It's OK if you've been idling in your cozy comfort zone for the majority of July, but now it's time to put your party dress on.

If you're wondering what this week has in store for you, read on for your weekly horoscope for July 17 through July 23, according to your zodiac sign and your rising sign. For a look at the whole month, check out your July monthly horoscope, and for a look at your year overall, read your 2022 horoscope.

If you feel the need to keep to yourself at the beginning of the week, don't hesitate to do so, Aries. The week of July 17 kicks off on a quiet but pleasant note as lovely Venus slips into sentimental Cancer and your fourth house of home sweet home. If you're already coupled, this is an excellent time to gather with your special someone's loved ones or perhaps invite a close friend to a family gathering. Single and living your best life? Some of you may opt for the HGTV route and decide to adorn your humble abode with a fresh new aesthetic instead. Either way, Mercury and the sun will be in harmony with Neptune, making you twice as receptive to the emotional undercurrents that surround you.

The sun will then make an opposition to powerhouse Pluto on July 19 while the moon conjuncts the wounded healer, Chiron, in your sign. This could be triggering to the ego, especially if you find yourself feeling neglected, betrayed, or unseen. The moon will reach its last quarter phase the next day and then conjunct your red-hot planetary ruler, Mars, on July 21, bringing the heat to your stability-seeking second house of comfort, finances, and values. You're being called to prioritize your sensual pleasures and sense of self-worth. The sun will debut in Leo on July 22, bringing energy and vitality to your festive fifth house of fame, creativity, and children. It's time to reunite with your inner child and do something fun.

We all get by with a little help from our friends, so don't think twice about leaning on your support system, Taurus. This is especially true when considering the moon's shift into compassionate Pisces and your 11th house of community affairs on July 17. Both the sun and Mercury will harmonize with Neptune in the process, which, in turn, promotes feelings of empathy and softens your perception of others. Your lovely planetary ruler, Venus, will also be making its debut in sensitive Cancer and your third house of communication. You could feel the urge to unveil your romantic feelings for someone or simply express your sentiments more than usual. Don't hold back from telling someone how much you care about them.

Speaking of, Mercury will oppose powerhouse Pluto on July 18, suggesting the possibility of an intense conversation. Mercury will be entering expressive Leo the following day, so if there's something you need to wrap up with a loved one (perhaps gain closure with an ex), you may want to go ahead and get it done while you can. By July 21, when the moon conjuncts Mars in your sign, you'll be more prone to being brutally honest as opposed to sugarcoating things. However, from a romantic standpoint, this can be an incredibly sensual synergy, heightening everything from your emotions to your sexual libido. Leo season starts the following day, bringing the heat to your fourth house of home. It's time to tend to your palace and indulge in the royal treatment.

There's nothing wrong with dreaming a little dream, even when it revolves around career matters, Gemini. For instance, the week of July 17 begins with the moon glimmering through fantasy-loving Pisces and your 10th house of authority and reputation, while both the sun and your planetary ruler, Mercury, harmonize with Neptune. It's a good time to tune into the subconscious side of your career goals and professional endeavors and brainstorm your next dream job. Drawing up a vision board would be ideal today, given these serendipitous aspects. The following day, however, your celestial ruler, Mercury, will sit in opposition to transformative Pluto in your eighth house of soul-to-soul connections. Whether personally or professionally, many of you may decide to revisit a significant contract or partnership and perhaps make some changes in the process. Be sure to choose yourself first.

On July 19, the clever messenger planet will make its flamboyant debut in Leo and your third house, which has everything to do with communication. If you have something to say, chances are you'll say it loud and proud. The sun will also be in opposition to Pluto, unearthing important information or intuitive wisdom that will serve your highest good. Granted, you'll be more fond of looking on the bright side of things with Mercury in Leo, but something important is being brought to your attention nonetheless. Also, when considering the last quarter moon in Aries on July 20 — bringing momentum to your 11th house of future visions — many of you may decide to embark on a new chapter, whether it has to do with your professional network or circle of friends. The moon will also conjunct Mars via your 12th house of closure on July 21; consider this an opportunity to make peace with your past.

You're in for a treat before your solar season comes to a close, Cancer. Before the moon wraps up in dreamy Pisces in your exotic ninth house of expansion, the sun and Mercury will harmonize with Neptune on July 17. Maybe it's an opportunity to travel somewhere abroad or a spiritual journey you're about to embark on. Whatever the case may be, know that the cosmos is supporting you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Trust your inner knowing, and let your heart be your compass. Venus will also enter your sign on this day, turning your mermaid-like beauty and charms up a notch or two. At this time, some Cancerians will kick off a long-distance romance or pursue mystical studies. On July 18, Mercury will sit in opposition to transformative Pluto in your relationship sector, triggering some deep conversations and exchanges in the process.

Savvy Mercury will shift into Leo the following day, and the sun will follow in its footsteps, making a challenging aspect to shadowy Pluto in your seventh house of agreements. Given that the moon will conjunct the wounded healer, Chiron, in your career sector, many of you could be in the process of making changes in your career. There's nothing to be afraid of, so follow your intuition. Besides, the moon will conjunct go-getter Mars the following day, bringing passion and inspiration to your 11th house of community affairs. New you, new friend group? Something's shifting in your personal and professional life, and it's all for your highest good. Just in time for the sun's debut in Leo on July 22 — in your stability-seeking second house of comfort — this week is encouraging you to prioritize your bliss and practice more self-love.

The relationship you share with a significant other is healing and evolving, Leo. The week of July 17 will begin with the moon glimmering through Pisces and your eighth house of sex, but it doesn't end there. Your planetary ruler (the sun) and Mercury will be in harmony with Neptune, which will dissolve all boundaries blocking the connection between you and a special someone. (This could also be in terms of your professional life, so pay attention to what comes up for review.) On July 18, the moon will enter warrior-like Aries, bringing emotional emphasis and forward movement to your expansive ninth house of adventure and self-discovery. Whether it's an opportunity to travel or look at the world with a brand-new perspective, the universe is urging you to take the necessary risks. Mercury will also enter your sign on July 19, helping to align your overall sense of direction with your passions.

That same day, the sun will make its annual opposition to powerhouse Pluto, which will likely unveil something that's been hidden from your conscious mind. This could be something surrounding your routine habits and day-to-day lifestyle. If something needs to be purged and/or transformed, know that it's for the sake of your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. On July 21, the moon will conjunct go-getter Mars in Taurus in your 10th house of authority. This will not only inspire you to take the lead, but also shed light on the dynamics at play in your professional investments. Last but not least, are you ready to celebrate another trip around the sun? Your solar season begins on July 22, which is equivalent to a much-needed reboot. The sun feels most at home when transiting through your sign, so you're more likely to feel energized and replenished. Enjoy it!

You're taking a closer look at your social networks and general support systems, Virgo, and being discerning with the people you can genuinely trust. This is especially true when considering the astrological aspects happening on July 17. Activating your 11th house of community affairs and significant others, this harmonious synergy between the sun, Mercury, and Neptune will heighten your intuition. The following day, the moon will enter Aries and your eighth house of intimate unions, shifting your focus to the foundation of your significant partnerships. Is there an equal amount of give and take? Your celestial ruler, Mercury, will also sit in opposition to powerhouse Pluto, creating friction between your perception of the status quo vs. the shadow side of your heart's desires. Whether personally or professionally, something significant is being brought to your attention at this time.

On July 19, your celestial ruler, Mercury, will also be making its debut in Leo in your 12th house of closure, dreams, and unconscious patterns. In other words, your psychic antenna will be fully activated, so pay attention to your intuitive downloads and be sure to journal your dreams. The sun will also be in opposition to Pluto, unearthing themes surrounding the ego and your sense of belonging in the world. On July 21, the moon will conjunct go-getter Mars in Taurus in your expansive ninth house of adventure. Whether you're pursuing a passion project or embarking on a new journey of self-discovery, this dynamic synergy is presenting you with the endurance and stability to make it happen. The sun enters Leo and your 12th house of healing the next day, so consider this an opportunity to self-reflect.

You're sorting our your priorities, Libra. The week of July 17 kicks off with the moon glimmering through Pisces and your responsible sixth house of health routines and daily rituals as well as the sun and Mercury journeying through your bossy 10th house of authority and career while harmonizing with dreamy Neptune. When was the last time to cut yourself some slack? Have you been overextending yourself and investing your energy in the wrong places? Fortunately, this is an opportunity to cultivate more compassion for yourself and partake in more rituals of self-love. Speaking of self-love, your celestial ruler, Venus, will debut in Cancer that same day, adorning your 10th house of reputation with charm and grace. You're making quite the impression on your higher-ups, so don't let this sweet synergy go to waste.

The next day, the moon will enter Aries and your committed seventh house of agreements and significant others, bringing passionate momentum to themes surrounding your one-on-one connections and general ability to compromise. The moon will reach its first quarter phase in this area of your chart on July 20, which, in turn, brings forth momentum and inspiration. Have you been contemplating a professional partnership? Some of you could be taking a romantic relationship to the next level and perhaps meeting a signifiant other's parents for the first time. Given that the moon will conjunct Mars in Taurus the following day in your intimate eighth house of sex, chances are you're ready to seal the deal.

You're following your intuition, Scorpio, and it's taking you to greater heights. This is especially true when considering this week's astrology. For instance, in addition to the moon glimmering through Pisces and your flamboyant fifth house of love and pleasure, Mercury and the sun will also harmonize dreamy Neptune, adding a layer of magic and romanticism to your hopes, wishes, and future visions. Whether romantically or professionally, you're being called to expand your awareness and take the necessary risks in the process. Venus will also make its debut in Cancer and your exotic ninth house of wisdom. Some Scorpios may decide to embark on a long-distance romance, while others brainstorm their next creative venture. The possibilities are endless, literally.

The following day, the moon will enter Aries and your sixth house of daily rituals while Mercury sits in opposition with your modern planetary ruler, Pluto. Your beliefs around a particular situation could be changing dramatically at this time, given that most of you will learn something that was hidden from your conscious mind. The sun will follow Mercury's lead and oppose Pluto the next day as well, and this could unearth the shadow side of your ego or desire for recognition. Either way, it's allowing you to confront and make peace with an idea that no longer serves you. And with the first quarter moon in Aries lighting up your health sector, this could be the beginning of a physical transformation for some. Then, on July 21, the moon will conjunct Mars in your relationship sector, bringing the heat to matters surrounding the stability of your contractual agreements and romantic partnerships. You're equally as stubborn as you are willing to invest, but don't make any impulsive decisions. The sun enters Leo on July 22, bringing energy and vitality to your public career sector. It's your time to shine.

You're going inward and nurturing your intimate connections, Sagittarius. The week of July 17 will begin with the moon glimmering through Pisces and your domestic fourth house of home, family, and innermost feelings, all the while Mercury and the sun harmonize with Neptune in this same area of your chart. Many of you could be healing family dynamics or simply spending more time with your loved ones. Keep in mind, Venus will also debut in Cancer that same day, bringing harmony and bliss to your eighth house of mergers. Some of you may be feeling the call to invest in a romantic connection or commit to a family business to continue a tradition. Whatever the case may be, be sure to follow your intuition as your downloads will be incredibly prominent at this time. The following day, upon the moon's shift into Aries and your romantic fifth house of love, Mercury will make an opposition to Pluto in your second house of value systems. This may create friction between your desire to merge mentally and emotionally vs. a transformation happening around your sense of self-worth.

Mercury (celestial ruler of your relationship sector) will debut in Leo the following day, bringing intellectual emphasis and momentum to your expansive ninth house of wisdom and travel. The sun will follow the messenger planet's lead and directly oppose Pluto in the process, which could bring up themes of me vs. we for review at this time. The moon will also conjunct the wounded healer, Chiron, making it important for you to reflect on the backstory of your fear, pain, or blockages, namely when it comes to your heart's desires. The moon will join forces with Mars in Taurus on July 21, bringing the heat to your sixth house of daily rituals. Maybe it's a new routine you're integrating into your day for the sake of your health or an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness. Either way, it looks like you're ready to invest and dedicate more of your time and energy. Just in time for Leo season, too! The sun will ignite your exotic ninth house of adventure and self-discovery on July 22, urging you to take the necessary risks.

You're learning how to have faith again, Capricorn. For instance, amidst the moon's journey through Pisces on July 17, the sun and Mercury will harmonize with Neptune in your curious third house of communication. Given that the moon governs your relationship sector and the sun is currently energizing this area of your chart, many of you will be feeling inspired to connect emotionally and wholeheartedly with a significant other. Others of you will simply begin to look at a partnership from a new perspective. Having compassion for yourself and others is key. Moreover, with Venus dazzling your seventh house of agreements and one-on-one connections, many of you may decide to nourish on a romantic love match or perhaps invest in a professional partnership.

On July 19, Mercury enters Leo and your intimate eighth house of sex and shared resources while making an opposition to Pluto in your sign. If you've been consciously avoiding a particular commitment or perhaps not seeing the truth about a situation, this revelatory synergy could be deeply illuminating. The dynamic of your relationships could be stemming from trauma or fear, and the cosmos is presenting you with an opportunity to break free from whatever's holding you back. Ironically enough, the moon will conjunct Mars on July 21, bringing passionate momentum to your fifth house of love, passion, and pleasure. Are you ready to open your heart and cultivate more self-love? Leo season will be hotter than ever.

You're reflecting on your values and the ways you can integrate them into your day-to-day, Aquarius. Amidst the moon's journey through Pisces on July 17, both the sun and Mercury will harmonize with Neptune in your stability-seeking second house of comfort, finances, and values. Having said that, if you've been neglecting your sensual delights and overextending yourself in the workplace, this is an opportunity to call your energy back and start again. And Venus (celestial ruler of your fourth house of home and expansive ninth house of worldly pursuits) will debut in Cancer via your sixth house of day-to-day routines, so if you're looking for ways to refresh your tedious work schedule or workout routine, Venus is here for the win.

Looking for love? Venus could also trigger a flirtatious rendezvous or romance in the workplace — be sure to discern between what's business and what's pleasure. Truth be told, the shadow side of your day-to-day commitments could come to light as both Mercury and the sun will make an opposition to shadowy Pluto on July 18 and 19. And though this revelatory synergy is known to be quite triggering, you're being called to confront the truths you've been consciously (or unconsciously) denying. On July 21, the moon will conjunct go-getter Mars in Taurus in your domestic fourth house of home, family matters, and innermost feelings. After taking some time to reflect on your needs and next steps, you could finally feel inspired and energized to move forward on a personal investment. The sun will also debut in Leo the next day, igniting your seventh house of agreements and significant others. Make sure you're committed to yourself before you commit to anyone else.

You're in your element, Pisces. The week of July 17 kicks off with the moon sparkling through your sign while the sun and Mercury harmonize with your dreamy planetary ruler, Neptune. And with the sun and Mercury energizing your fifth house of love, passion, and self-expression, you're not only indulging in your heart's desires but also feeling as inspired as ever. Your inner child says hi, and you're doing the things that bring you joy. It gets better, too. That same day, luscious Venus will debut in sentimental Cancer, bringing harmony and pleasure to your romantic fifth house of creative musings and individual desires. You're basking in the spotlight and tapping into your artistic side. This, of course, validates your contagious swagger and charming seduction style. Harness it wisely.

When the sun and Mercury oppose shadowy Pluto on July 18 and 19, it could create friction between your desire for recognition vs. the foundation of your future visions and social networks. Your authenticity speaks for itself, and your inability to embrace this side of you is no exception — but consider this an opportunity to reflect on the fears or past wounds that have been stifling your self-expression. Did you know that being your most authentic self can make the world a better place? This goes hand-in-hand with the stability-seeking moon-Mars conjunction happening on July 21. Activating the security-conscious sign of Taurus in your curious third house of thought processes, you're being given a celestial push from the heavens, inspiring and motivating you to invest your time accordingly. Only you can determine what's worthy of your precious energy — and with the sun entering Leo the following day, you'll want to be prepared. Leo season will energize your sixth house of health routines and daily rituals, which means it's time to take the lead without fear or hesitation.