July 16-31 2025 Astrology Forecast: Mercury Retrograde & “Gods of Change” New Moon in Leo (written)

Mercury turning retrograde and a “Gods of Change” New Moon in Leo highlight the second half of July.

We also have Chiron turning retrograde, flowing support for life-purposeful committed partnerships, strategic relationship healing from a Double Thor’s Hammer, and much more!

This forecast covers this half-month’s most important astrological events. Also check out my award-winning This Week in Astrology audio podcast and YouTube video forecasts!

Click astrology graphics to see larger images. Some resource links may occur more than once, since many link to single-day forecasts from social media.

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As of July 16 …

The Moon is waxing (there was a Capricorn Full Moon on 7/10).

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Pluto is retrograde through 10/13.

Neptune is retrograde through 10/22.

Saturn is retrograde through 11/27.

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A Sun-Juno-North Node Grand Trine continues thru 7/18.

A Venus-Mars-Pluto Thor’s Hammer continues thru 7/24. 

A Venus-Mars-Lunar Nodes T-Square continues thru 7/30. 

A Sun-Saturn-Uranus-Neptune-Pluto Cradle continues thru 7/31.

Jupiter squaring the Saturn-Neptune midpoint continues thru 8/2.

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The Saturn-Uranus-Neptune-Pluto Mini Grand Trine continues thru 4/16/2026.

The Uranus-Neptune-Pluto Mini Grand Trine continues thru 9/6/2029.

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7/17 (Thu)

Venus Quintile Neptune

Creative and spiritual magic are in the air with Venus quintile Neptune (14°8′ Gemini-2°8′ Aries).

Neptune is the higher octave of Venus. Venus is human creativity, while Neptune is divine creativity. With Venus in Gemini, enjoy exploring different creative modalities!

This Venus-Neptune combo can also help you forge a stronger relationship (Venus) with your higher self (Neptune). With Venus in Gemini, you can also more easily receive messages from on high and channel information from divine wisdom.

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7/18 (Fri)

Mercury Retrograde

Mercury turns retrograde at 12:45 am EDT (15°34′ Leo). It will turn direct again in 26 days on 8/11 at 3:30 am (4°14′ Leo).

The Usual Advice

As always, Mercury retrograde is better for reflection than new action – although it’s a great time for repairs and completing what you’ve already started. If possible, delay major purchases and contract signings until Mercury is direct.

Travel and communication may be more challenging than usual, so double check your arrangements. Take care that you clearly understand what you’re being told and are being properly understood. And back up important data!

Leo

Mercury’s retrograde is entirely within Leo. This is great for reflecting on how you’re doing as a leader or entertainer. You can also contemplate Leo’s other meanings, including children, fun, and recreation.

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7/19 (Sat)

Two Chiron Aspects

There are two Chiron aspects today: a Sun-Chiron square (27°6 Cancer-Aries) and a Jupiter-Chiron quintile (9°6′ Cancer-27°6′ Aries).

Both aspects let you step out as a healer or wisdom giver.

The Sun-Chiron square has the Sun in Cancer, so emotional and family healing get special support. With Jupiter in the quintile, you can more easily embody the role of the wisdom giver.

Chiron is the wounded healer, so these aspects might stir up some challenging emotions. If so, you could clear them with surprising ease and speed with my free Healing Invocation!

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7/20 (Sun)

Peaking Thor’s Hammer Catalyzes Relationship Growth

Do you make the most meaningful growth when things are purring along smoothly, or when you have to overcome challenges? Isn’t it during the more difficult times?

You could have opportunities to improve your relationships and creative expression as Venus, Mars, and Pluto form a Thor’s Hammer. This intense aspect pattern started on 7/15, peaks today (7/20), and ends on 7/24.

With Venus in Gemini, try a variety of problem-solving approaches until you find one that works. Mars in Virgo carries a similar message: keep refining your approach until it serves you optimally. In relationship healing, seek solutions that serve both you and your partner.

For dealing with relationship challenges, you may find some of the ideas in my relationship post helpful.

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7/21 (Mon)

Hard Rectangle Offers Life-Purposeful Empowerment

Wealth and power can be stimulated by a Hard Rectangle that starts today (7/21) – if you clear the heavy energies obstructing them! It peaks on 7/26 and ends on 7/31.

A Sun-Pluto opposition is at the heart of this semi-hard aspect pattern. Pluto represents wealth and power, as well as the emotional healing that will open the door wider for them. Pluto also supports occult practices, soul-blended sex, and intensive research.

The Sun is in Leo during most of this aspect pattern, offering extra support for your activities as a leader or entertainer.

The lunar nodes form the other corners of this Hard Rectangle. They suggest approaching these themes in alignment with your life purpose.

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7/22 (Tue)

T-Square Supports Soul-Aligned Relating and Creating

Relationships and creativity that align with your soul purpose are energized by a T-Square that started on 7/13, peaks today(7/22), and ends on 7/30. It includes Venus, Mars, and the lunar nodes.

Venus carries the core meanings of relating and creating. Her square with Mars energizes and amplifies these themes. The presence of the lunar nodes makes it easier to do this in a way that supports your life purpose.

With Venus in Gemini, try to connect with a variety of appropriate people and enjoy more diversity in your creative expression. Mars’ placement in Virgo can help you be of greater service, and take what you’re doing to a higher level of refinement.

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Sun Enters Leo

Also on Tuesday, 7/22, the Sun enters Leo at 9:29 am EDT. To learn about the Leo energies lit up by the Sun, see my 7/24 Leo New Moon interpretation.

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7/23 (Wed)

Venus Square Mars

A Venus-Mars square (21°0′ Gemini-Virgo) fires up relationships, creativity and more. With a 90° square, you may need to “turn a corner” in these areas. Challenges may come up for resolution, while you can take good situations to the next level!

Venus rules relationships, creativity, and money. Her placement in Gemini encourages playfulness and a variety of approaches.

Mars can energize your actions as a warrior, initiator, sexual being, or entrepreneur. His placement in Virgo can amp up your ability to serve, refine what you’re doing, and focus on health.

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7/24 (Thu)

“Gods of Change” New Moon in Leo

One of 2025’s strongest New Moons lines up at 3:11 pm EDT (2°8′ Leo). It’s so powerful because it tightly aspects all three outer planets and Saturn, and also squares Chiron!

For starters, any Leo New Moon is great for new beginnings or fresh energy in playing your role as a leader or entertainer. Leo energy also supports connecting with kids or your inner child, and taking time for rest and relaxation.

Aspects

The “Gods of Change” Mini Grand Trine

This New Moon forms a Cradle with the Mini Grand Trine formed by Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, which endures until mid-2030. Saturn is also part of this aspect pattern through mid-April of 2026.

I’ve written a lot about this Mini Grand Trine. After all, it’s the most important astrology event of the decade!

These three outer planets, known as the “gods of change,” are the most potent game changers in astrology. It’s front page news when any of them steps into the spotlight. When all three combine their power, as they are now, it’s historic.

How historic? These gods of change haven’t come together this powerfully since the American Revolution. And they won’t be this strong again for another 170 years. This is, quite literally, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Looked at one way, the power of the New Moon adds extra energy to the effects of the Mini Grand Trine. It also goes the other way: the Mini Grand Trine supercharges this Full Moon’s potentials!

To learn more about this world-changing Mini Grand Trine, including Saturn’s effects, click here.

Let’s also take a quick look at the specific opportunities offered by each of these planets.

Pluto

Pluto can help you have more abundant wealth and power. He supports deep emotional healing work, and supports profound death-and-rebirth processes — which can unlock magnificent awakenings beyond your wildest dreams!

Pluto also supports sacred soul-blended sex and occult practices, which can be done entirely with the energies of love and light.

Neptune

Neptune supports spiritual awakening, inspired creativity, and operating in flow state. Neptune can help you work skillfully with your dreams, and help you embody greater unconditional love and compassion.

Uranus

Uranus can help you magnificently embody your unique, one-of-a-kind human self. He can send you intuitive hits, and loves it when you serve others with the special gifts and talents you most love to use!

Saturn

Saturn can help you be mature, responsible, and productive. He can help you manage your time well, and “plan the work and work the plan.”

Saturn can also help you serve as a wise elder, and take “hermit time” when you need to recharge in your own private space.

Chiron Square

This New Moon also squares Chiron. As I noted above when discussing two Chiron aspects on 7/19, Chiron can help you step out as a healer or wisdom giver. And, since Chiron is the wounded healer, he might stir up some challenging emotions.

My free Healing Invocation has helped thousands heal these old traumas more quickly and easily than they thought possible!

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Peaking Cradle Boosts the “Gods of Change” Mini Grand Trine

Also on Thursday, 7/24, a Cradle peaks with the Sun, Saturn, and the “gods of change” Mini Grand Trine.

This Cradle started on 7/14, peaks today (7/24), and ends on 7/31. This harmonious aspect pattern includes the Sun, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

The Sun further empowers all the potentials of the other planets by shining its light on them. Since the Sun is the core of personality, it also makes it easier for you to embody the tremendous potential of these slower planets!

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7/25 (Fri)

Sun Opposite Pluto

There’s a Sun-Pluto opposition at 2:33 am EDT (2°35′ Leo-Aquarius). I discuss its potentials in my 7/21 Hard Rectangle interpretation.

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7/26 (Sat)

Hard Rectangle Peaks

The Sun-Pluto-Lunar Nodes Hard Rectangle that started on 7/21 peaks today (7/26) and ends on 7/31.

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Magical Mentation with a Mercury-Uranus Quintile

Also on Saturday, 7/26, your thinking can be divinely inspired with a Mercury-Uranus quintile (12°45′ Leo-0°45′ Gemini). Mercury represents human thought, while Uranus is the mind of the divine. The quintile is a fairy dust aspect that can open extraordinary connection to divine inspiration and consciousness.

Be sure to ask your higher self for insights. And stay tuned for intuitive flashes!

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7/28 (Mon)

Flowing Support for Life-Purposeful Committed Partnerships

Any committed partnership that aligns with your life purpose enjoys harmonious support, thanks to a Kite that starts today (7/28), peaks on 9/5, and ends on 9/17. This flowing aspect pattern includes Juno, Jupiter, and the lunar nodes.

Most people initially think of committed partnership as romantic. But a committed partnership could also be personal or business-related.

The asteroid goddess Juno rules committed partnership. In Scorpio, she encourages you to open to new depths of honesty and authenticity as you relate with these important people. To what degree can you share all the parts of your personality with your committed partner, even the ones that make you uncomfortable?

Scorpio also is the sign of sacred sex. If you’re in an erotic relationship, how deeply can you connect not only your bodies, but your souls?

Bonus Opportunities

Vesta is part of this Kite for most of its run, 7/28 through 9/5. As she conjoins Juno, she wonders if you and your committed partner can offer selfless service to a worthy cause. Any ideas?

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Venus also becomes a temporary member of this Kite 8/7 through 8/22. Conjunct Jupiter, she doubles down on the relationship theme. And because she’s in Cancer, she makes it easier to open your heart to these important people.

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7/29 (Tue)

Strategic Relationship Healing Energized by Double Thor’s Hammer

The Kite that started yesterday supports harmony in your committed partnerships. But the Double Thor’s Hammer that starts today has a more challenging impact.

Fortunately, the Double Thor’s Hammer only lasts eight days, while the Kite endures for more than a month and a half!

The Double Thor’s Hammer starts today (7/29), peaks on 8/2, and ends on 8/5. Juno and Venus establish the relationship theme. This aspect pattern’s other planets are Pallas Athena, Saturn, and Neptune.

Pallas Athena is a warrior goddess, but she also excels at strategy. What clever win-win approaches would help heal your relationship challenges? With Pallas Athena in Aquarius, don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

And stay tuned for intuitive flashes to guide you. These Aquarian downloads from your higher self are the most accurate guidance a human can get!

Saturn and Neptune can help you stay in embodied awakening. This flowing, harmonious state of consciousness can help you better handle relationship challenges, as well as anything else!

This Saturn-Neptune combo is also great for Law of Attraction work. By imagining your committed partnerships in their ideal form, you make it easier for the universe to create this improved reality.

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7/30 (Wed)

Chiron Retrograde

Chiron turns retrograde at 10:42 am EDT (27°9′ Aries). The wounded healer will turn direct again in about five months, on 1/2/2026 (22°35′ Aries).

This is a great time to reflect on any healing support you need, be it physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. Chiron retrograde is a wonderful time to do personal healing work!

Chiron is also a mentoring archetype. In what areas of your life could you benefit from the wisdom of others?

These days, there’s a greater need for healers and wisdom-givers than ever. Are you one of these? As Chiron turns retrograde, is it time to step up your game to serve more in these areas?

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7/31 (Thu)

Mercury Multiplied

Mercury is the focus of three astrology events today. Engage your brain!

Hard Rectangle

A Hard Rectangle with Mercury, Pluto, and the lunar nodes starts today (7/31), peaks on 8/11, and ends on 8/19.

Pluto supercharges Mercury’s ability to learn, teach, write, and communicate. Pluto can also help Mercury focus on deep-dive research, sacred sex, or personal transformation.

Mercury in Leo can help you communicate more effectively as a leader or entertainer.

The presence of the lunar nodes encourages you to do all of the above in alignment with your life purpose.

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Mercury Cradles the “Gods of Change” Mini Grand Trine

Everything I just said in my 7/31 Hard Rectangle interpretation – except the part about life purpose — also applies to a Cradle that begins today. It includes Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. It starts today (7/31), peaks on 8/11, and ends on 8/20.

All the planets except Mercury and Saturn are part of this decade’s most important aspect pattern, lasting through mid-2030: the momentous “gods of change” Mini Grand Trine. For more on this world-changing alignment, including temporary member Saturn, click here.

Mercury adds some extra energy to the Mini Grand Trine’s effects. But this Cradle’s main effect is to supercharge Mercury!

As noted in my Hard Rectangle interpretation, this is an amazingly empowered time to learn, teach, write, and communicate. And with Mercury in Leo, it’s a fabulous time to lead, entertain, or just have fun!

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Sun Conjunct Mercury

On top of everything else, Mercury conjoins the Sun today (9°0′ Leo). As if Mercury wasn’t already massively energized by its connections to all those other planets, its mental potentials are further boosted by the heat and light of the Sun!

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Coming in my August 1-15 Forecast

• Saturn sextile Uranus.
• Mercury turns direct on 8/11 at 3:30 am EDT.
• A challenging Aquarius Full Moon.
• Mars is supercharged by Saturn and all three “gods of change.”
• An auspicious Venus-Jupiter conjunction.
• And much more!

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Whatever your Sun Sign, my forecasts can help you make the best use of the current astrological energies.

All dates and times are in the U.S. eastern time zone. Events are most powerful on the dates listed, but their influence will be active for at least a week before and after.

Everyone is affected by these global transits. However, you’ll be most powerfully impacted when moving planets activate sensitive points in your natal chart. Discover how these transits will personally affect you by booking a session with me.

Learn more about my Astrology+ sessions.