Up To Now ✩ Day-to-Day Transits

Sun trine Saturn

This is a great time to apply yourself to serious work. You may feel especially self-sufficient and independent, with a strong and clear sense of self and purpose. There is support for your ambitions as long as you stay grounded and practical in how you approach them, which should come easily right now. Your ability to cooperate and feel comfortable with authority figures is likely to be high, along with your capacity to embrace your own authority and make solid decisions. This is a time when you are more likely to feel grounded and deal with problems in a practical, decisive way. Your energy may be more serious than "party animal," but even if you are in "party mode" it will be easier to realistically know your limits and not overdo it. If you've been waiting for the right time to move forward with or manifest a project or plan that you've been putting together (or wanting to), this could be the time when that happens. The final launch or manifestation may or may not happen now, but you will probably be able to at least move forward in some important steps.

Mercury leaves the Shadow

Mercury finally leaves the shadow—the part of the zodiac where it was retrograde. This means the confusion, delays and miscommunications of the last 2 months have mostly dissipated and things should be more or less back to normal (whatever that is). The difference is that you now have the benefit of seeing things from a different perspective after having reconsidered, rethought and rehashed information and perceptions over the past 2 months. This gives you more choices than you had before. In fact, you may find that although you thought something was a good idea a month or two ago, you now realize that a different approach, decision or way of understanding it is better. If you've been waiting until Mercury finished with the retrograde cycle before you made a final decision about something or taking action on something, this is the time to take another look at whatever that is. Just don't forget your common sense, and remember that Mercury is only one factor to take into consideration regarding the timing of a decision. Use your best judgment and wisdom.

This particular Mercury retrograde cycle is in Cancer, giving you a chance to take good care of yourself or someone else or both. Nurturing love and kindness can go a long way during this time. This is especially true when a new way of seeing a situation may challenge you to reframe a relationship with a loved one. You might find it necessary to take a step back, making extra space to process something unexpected, eye-opening or disruptive. It may help to reframe old feelings and needs in a different way to make sense of new information and ideas.

Mercury makes the following aspects during this retrograde cycle (all dates in North American Eastern Time):

• Mercury ssq Uranus ~ Jul 14 (17:49 CN), Jul 15 (19:33 CN), Aug 1 (20:01 CN)
• Mercury sxt Venus ~ Jul 24 (16:20 CN/VI)

Here are the key dates of this Mercury cycle (for North American Eastern Time):

• Mercury enters the Shadow ~ Jun 12 (16:19 CN)
• Mercury-Sun greatest elongation PM ~ Jun 15 (19:01 CN)
• Mercury Stationary Retrograde ~ Jun 29 (26:15 CN)
• Mercury Rx conjunct the Sun ~ Jul 13 (20:42 CN)
• Mercury Stationary Direct ~ Jul 23 (16:18 CN)
• Mercury-Sun greatest elongation AM ~ Aug 2 (20:42 CN)
• Mercury leaves the Shadow ~ Aug 9 (26:15 CN)

Venus enters Libra

Venus glides like a graceful model through her own sign of Libra, giving you the opportunity to expand your interactive style, cultivate diplomacy, beautify your surroundings, schmooze with social connections, and discover a new fashion statement. Find something beautiful, balanced or harmonious to appreciate or do during this time. You might consider visiting an art gallery, or watch a romantic movie, or listen to music that moves you into a peaceful place inside. You might feel drawn to going shopping for beautiful clothes or items to decorate your home. It can also be a good time to negotiate agreements with people, in a way that is fair and is focused on a win-win solution. Do something to celebrate, express and discover your inner and/or outer beauty. Find new ways to balance your own interests with those of others, which generates good will and harmony.

Moon goes Out of Bounds

The Moon is Out-of-Bounds (OOB) by declination from Aug. 6 (22 TA 30) to Aug. 11, 2026 (27 CN 27).

During this time, your feelings and emotions may move in a different kind of rhythm. One possible effect is that you might feel more disconnected from the world around you; perhaps a bit alone, lonely or isolated. Or, this could be a welcome change where you can let the stresses of the world roll off your back more easily. Or, your emotions could be a bit erratic, extreme or harder to contain. The common thread through these diverse experiences is that your feeling state may reach beyond your usual range of feelings. If you're an artist, musician, writer or other creative person, this can be a very inspiring time as your creativity and imagination could more easily flow into unusual ideas, whims and impulses. Watch to see how you respond during this time. You can work on finding ways to channel this energy into positive, productive, creative experiences, or use it as an opportunity to take another step in your emotional healing.

Chiron goes Retrograde

The retrograde station can be felt for up to a week before and after this date. Since Chiron is often about health, you may find health issues coming to the foreground now. General issues about wounding, healing and hurt—physically, psychologically and/or spiritually—may come to a turning point now, making it necessary to take some time for healing, reconstruction, and reconciliation of the energies that are out of balance in your life. The retrograde station (now) begins this process, which gradually unfolds over the next 5 months. Focus your energies on acknowledging the areas that need healing in your life—literally or figuratively. Don't forget that although there are areas that still need healing, you have made progress on much of this in the past. It's important to balance your acknowledgement of the work yet to be done with recognition of what you have already achieved in the past.

Mars goes Out of Bounds

Mars is Out-of-Bounds (OOB) by declination from Nov. 27, 2025 (17 SG 00) to Jan. 4, 2026 (15 CP 33).

During this time, you have an opportunity to encounter new experiences that challenge your courage, aggression or taking action, as well as expressing passion, anger and forcefulness. For example, you might let yourself be inspired to champion a cause, or you might decide that now is the time to do something you've been hesitating about for a while and were just waiting for the right moment. Or, you may find your temper burns a bit hotter or on a shorter fuse than usual. Or, you might lack patience and try to force the issues that don't unfold smoothly in your favour.

There is a less constructive side of Mars to watch for, as well. For instance, bold action could become reckless if it's not balanced with wisdom, realistic expectations and awareness of the consequences that you might have to live with afterwards. Anger and frustration could flare up more easily or intensely than usual, which is probably best expressed in constructive ways that don't leave ashes and ruins behind you.

Your instincts could be finely tuned during this time, picking up on distant or subtle signals and relaying these to your impulses which result in doing things without a lot of conscious forethought. This can feel exciting or energizing, but remember that you will still have to live with the results, so if you find this is creating problems it might be best to slow things down a bit so you can consider your best course of action before actually doing it. It's also possible that during this time you won't notice much at all. Not everyone is attuned to the OOB Mars energy, although you still might observe it in others around you. Or, your experience of this Mars energy might be a quieter signal that you need to focus on more carefully to get a clear sense of it.

Mercury Max Elongation from Sun
(Morning Star)

Mercury reaches its greatest elongation from the Sun today, meaning it's as far away from the Sun as it's going to get (from Earth's perspective). Mercury is the Morning Star, meaning it is visible in the Eastern sky just before sunrise, which occurs after Mercury has turned Direct and a few days before it leaves the Retrograde Shadow.

Thoughts, awareness and decision-making tend to be clearer, and your path ahead may be easier to see. It can be a good time to reflect on the information and awareness you've gathered in the last couple of months and finalize plans for how best to act on these. If you were feeling confused or frustrated during the retrograde period, things can make more sense now. Let this be a time of fresh perspective and awareness.

This particular Mercury retrograde cycle is in Cancer, giving you a chance to take good care of yourself or someone else or both. Nurturing love and kindness can go a long way during this time. This is especially true when a new way of seeing a situation may challenge you to reframe a relationship with a loved one. You might find it necessary to take a step back, making extra space to process something unexpected, eye-opening or disruptive. It may help to reframe old feelings and needs in a different way to make sense of new information and ideas.

Mercury makes the following aspects during this retrograde cycle (all dates in North American Eastern Time):

• Mercury ssq Uranus ~ Jul 14 (17:49 CN), Jul 15 (19:33 CN), Aug 1 (20:01 CN)
• Mercury sxt Venus ~ Jul 24 (16:20 CN/VI)

Here are the key dates of this Mercury cycle (for North American Eastern Time):

• Mercury enters the Shadow ~ Jun 12 (16:19 CN)
• Mercury-Sun greatest elongation PM ~ Jun 15 (19:01 CN)
• Mercury Stationary Retrograde ~ Jun 29 (26:15 CN)
• Mercury Rx conjunct the Sun ~ Jul 13 (20:42 CN)
• Mercury Stationary Direct ~ Jul 23 (16:18 CN)
• Mercury-Sun greatest elongation AM ~ Aug 2 (20:42 CN)
• Mercury leaves the Shadow ~ Aug 9 (26:15 CN)

FULL MOON IN AQUARIUS

This Full Moon in Aquarius marks the half-way turning point in the current 4-week lunar cycle. Ruled by structured Saturn and associated with rebellious Uranus, this can be a time to change something that's established in your life, or to resist change. It may challenge you to strike out on your own path, or to find ways to bring the old in a new direction. Its energy seeks a vision of life that is enduring but has room to grow. This Air sign may provoke you to consider new ideas. As a Fixed sign, it can be loyal to a greater vision.

Sun conjunct Jupiter

Confidence, optimism, leadership, vision and well being characterise this transit. Your self-esteem and self-awareness can be wide open now. Your sense of being part of something greater than yourself may be vivid and bright. And you may have increased ability to identify and act on opportunities around you, which can bring you "lucky" prospects. On the other hand, if you have difficulty embracing a positive sense of self, or if you shy away from believing you are a treasured Child of the Universe, then this transit might stir up those difficult feelings to the surface. You could wind up trying to compensate with over-confidence, arrogance, blind faith, or gambling on what are realistically poor prospects. The trick is to tap into the spirit of who you are. Let go of blame and instead apply some honest yet compassionate assessment. Let your spirit shine brightly out to the world, but not so brightly that you blind yourself or others by your own light. Consult a trusted friend for feedback or advice if in doubt. This is a great time to expand your horizons, whether that is through travel, by learning something new, by sharing your knowledge with others, or by exploring the Meaning of Life.

Venus square Mars

Your receptive, diplomatic side is arguing with your assertive, decisive side. The result is either a battle of wills between your Yin and Yang, or a new creative energy that harnesses both. This could manifest in the form of relationship problems, financial struggles, arguments about control, or you are propelled to take action with plans that have been percolating for a while. If you're usually more comfortable with your Yin side (receptive, diplomatic), you might feel a bit backed into a corner or forced to negotiate under pressure. If you're more at home in your Yang side (assertive, action-oriented), you may feel compelled to blunt or sheathe the sword you would prefer to smite your enemy with. Either way, this is about balancing the two sides and finding a new cooperation that works for both.

Moon comes In-Bounds

The Moon now comes back In-Bounds (InB) by declination after being Out-of-Bounds from Jul. 23 (22 SC 42) to Jul. 28, 2026 (27 CP 23).

While the Moon was Out of Bounds (OOB) your emotional state may have been a bit disconnected, detached, isolated, or pushing you to go beyond your usual potential. This could have been either a welcome change or a difficult energy for you to deal with. So, when the Moon comes In-Bounds, you typically return to whatever your "normal" is. If your OOB journey was stressful or intense, you may find some relief now that the Moon is back In-B, or you're now in a position to integrate what you've learned from your experience. If your OOB journey felt like a welcome reprieve from the everyday stress or "noise" of the world around you, coming back In-B will hopefully give you a fresh start, like coming back from a brief vacation. The Moon will go OOB next in about 10 days, give or take.

Sun sextile Uranus

You are more open than usual to spontaneity, surprises and "flying by the seat of your pants!" Your sense of humour and fun are more finely tuned during this transit, as is your ability to break out of old outworn habits. It's a great time to try new things and experiment with something that's out of character for you. In fact, it may be surprising how easy it is to break out of your usual routine... so much so that it's good to be careful not to be too reckless under this transit. Just have fun pushing the envelope! You may also find you want things to be spontaneous and new and out-of-the-ordinary so much that it's hard not to feel restless and dissatisfied with ordinary life right now. But remember that trying to plan spontaneity defeats the purpose of the exercise. And if you are hungering for something new but can't seem to find something satisfying, try digging a little deeper to see what is driving that hunger from inside you. You could find surprising answers.

Sun trine Neptune

Faith in the bountiful blessings of the Universe is within reach under this transit... but then, so is the fantasy that you will be magically granted anything you wish for. Hope, optimism and imagination spring eternal right now, which can bring some relief from any depression or discouragement you might be feeling. Your creativity can become very inspired under this transit. Your sense of self could also get an infusion of uplifting vision. And you experience a sense of mission, feeling that you are truly a Child of the Universe. There is potential to lift you out of the ordinary and into the sublime – spiritually, creatively, romantically or compassionately. Enjoy it while it lasts, but before you make changes based on what might feel like a permanent condition, remember that this is mostly a temporary influence and you will still have to live within the bounds of the physical world after it passes. Don't make overly optimistic promises now, that you will have to fulfil later when the euphoria wears off.

Sun opposite Pluto

Who owns the power? This is a time when you may be called upon to stand up to a situation or person who pressures you to dance to their tune instead of your own. This is a chance to assert and empower yourself in new ways, putting into practice the inner strength you've developed in the last 6 months. The trick is to face the situation or person while rooted in inner honesty and authenticity, rather than trying to annihilate the enemy using overkill. Strive to negotiate (or struggle) together using just enough force to establish a workable balance of power, without either of you being nuked in the process. Also, be open to the possibility that your "opponent" might be holding up a mirror, which is showing you something about yourself that you may not want to acknowledge. That doesn't necessarily make your opponent right and you wrong, but there might be something for you to learn from the situation. If you are in a situation that doesn't involve an "opponent" as such, there may still be an aspect of your environment that is holding up a difficult mirror, requiring you to find a more centred and authentic point of inner power. It is by finding new balance within this kind of dynamic, whatever the circumstances, that transformation can be found.

North Lunar Node enters Aquarius

When the North Lunar Node is in Aquarius, its opposite point, the South Lunar Node is in Leo. Together they form an axis of energy which, in this case, moves toward Aquarius and away from Leo. At the North Node, you take in the energy; you take on new awareness and learning and you confront (or are confronted by) new challenges. For roughly a year and a half, you are learning about Aquarius energy: your uniqueness as an individual, as well as how you function in a group context; for example, friends, acquaintances, associates, clubs, causes, community or society at large. You might have the opportunity to become involved in a group, or to make new friends, or to rethink how you act in a group context. It might also be a time when you need to focus on what makes you unique, unusual or set apart from those around you. You might also be challenged to bring out a vision you have that could help make the world a better place. The trick is to do this without demanding that everyone else must follow the same vision as you.

At the South Node (Leo, in this case), we let go of something that is no longer needed. Once you've learned the lesson of the South Node, you release it; move it from the foreground to the background. The lesson of Leo is about letting go of ego – not to be confused with identity and a healthy sense of self, but the need to be the only centre of attention and the only priority among those around you. This can also be a time to step out of the spotlight for a while and allow others to shine, while you become a supportive audience for them. It may also be time to not act as if you are the only person who can accomplish something, but to allow others to contribute with their ideas, actions and vision – to achieve your goal as a group rather than just as an individual.

The Aquarius-Leo themes will also play out in the houses in your natal chart where these signs reside, taking on challenges of the house where the North Node is and letting go of the baggage related to the opposite house where the South Node is.

The North Node is in Aquarius during these times:

• June 1933 to March 1935
• March 1952 to October 1953
• November 1970 to April 1972
• May 1989 to November 1990
• December 2007 to August 2009
• July 2026 to March 2028
• April 2045 to October 2046

Saturn goes Retrograde

For up to a week before and after this date, your physical and emotional energy may feel a bit heavy, stuck, serious or sad. You might feel held back by circumstances or pressured by people or situations involving structure, rules, authority figures, expectations and responsibilities. For about the next four months, your ambitions and goals can benefit from planning and development at a deeper level. It is a time to rework and refine your goals to figure out how you are going to achieve them. You may also need to examine your motives for wanting to achieve these goals, as well as how feasible they are. You may therefore look at how your goals, or your method of achieving them, ought to be changed. This can also be a time of improving how you deal with authority, expectations, obligations or discipline. Toward that end, today's station could trigger these issues through events, conflicts, challenges or additional "homework." If you've been having problems or are uncomfortable with these areas, especially during the last 3 months, this retrograde period can allow you to gradually build a new way of dealing with them or problem-solving the difficulties. After Saturn turns Direct in 4 months, you will be in a better position to apply what you've learned and developed more fully.

Neptune sextile Pluto

Two of the slowest planets in our solar system form a sextile aspect which ideally brings transformation through creativity and healing through self-sacrifice. That said, this is also a time that releases the obscure Jungian shadow. This may include doing honourable things but with immoral motives, or doing destructive things for well-intentioned reasons.

This is one of the many exact passes of Neptune sextile Pluto that takes place from 1950 and 2032. These two slow-moving planets have an unusual combined cycle. Although their cycle takes roughly 500 years from conjunction to conjunction, they sometimes spend a disproportionate amount of time in a sextile or trine aspect. They're currently in a "Long Sextile" period from 1940 to 2040, making 49 exact passes from 1950 to 2032. These transits are clumped into 3 time periods: 1950-1956, 1976-1986, and 2026-2032, spanning the signs from Libra/Leo through Aries/Aquarius.

2026 begins another period of multiple exact passes. These two planets weave together energies of surrender and transformation, creativity that draws on our unconscious passions (or obsessions), and aspiring toward ideals that encompass both the best and worst of our human nature.

Being such an extremely long-term phenomenon, this transit is likely to have the most effect within the collective, shown in significant changes in culture, politics, spirituality and priorities. Alternatively, on a personal level, you may feel the pull of passionate inspiration, and the desire to use personal empowerment to push situations into a context of higher purpose.

Sounds great, right? Just remember that Neptune is well known for casting its light through a prism of obscurity, so that it doesn't always look like what you think it does. It's wise therefore to question whether what you want to do is a wise choice. In other words, just because you can may or may not mean you should. Use your highest judgment.

Previous Neptune-Pluto sextile: 1844-1845. Dates for the current Neptune-Pluto cycle:

• Neptune conjunct Pluto (0°): 1891-1892.
• Current waxing sextile (60°): 1950-1956, 1976-1986, 2026-2032.
• Waxing square (90°): 2061-2065.
• Waxing trine (120°): 2087-2091.
• Opposition (180°): 2137-2141.
• Waning trine (120°): 2194-2205, 2229-2277.
• Waning square (90°): 2309-2312.
• Waning sextile (60°): 2337-2338.
• Next Neptune-Pluto conjunction (0°): 2385.

Mercury sextile Venus

There is a potential to benefit from social connections, diplomatic communication and receptive awareness during this transit, although a certain amount of effort is needed to make this happen. It can be a good time for negotiating contracts and other agreements, especially if you consciously focus your intent on achieving balance with your counterpart, partner or opponent that results in a win-win situation for all concerned. There is also potential to appreciate and express beauty, pleasure and sensuality. If there's someone in your life that you want to get closer to, try speaking gently and listening receptively, which can be the key that opens the door to harmonious interaction. Creative ideas can also find expression now if you apply your conscious awareness to bring them into focus. The thing to watch for is a tendency to use manipulation to achieve an advantage, which might be done by you or to you. Keep communication straightforward and clear, and find diplomatic ways to deal with manipulation if you sense it happening.