On the 21st, a full Moon in Capricorn (our second full Moon with the Sun in Cancer) will shine a bright light on the importance of balancing our outer and inner lives. You'll be asked to make yet another decision on the 22nd, this time between cautious introspection, as Mercury turns retrograde, and the impulsiveness that results from the Sun's arrival in Leo. That same day, Venus tosses a bit of earthy energy into the mix when she sets up shop in Virgo.

July 21: Full Moon in Capricorn

Today's astrological menu will present a highly unusual 'special.' Ordinarily, the heavens provide us with one full Moon during each of the Sun's stops through the zodiac. This year, however, we've been given two full Moons with the Sun in Cancer. The first was on June 22nd, and the second will occur today. Now, since there's no such thing as an accident, the universe is obviously trying to make a point. And considering the favorite lessons of Cancer and Capricorn, it looks like we're being asked to concentrate on balancing our inner and outer selves. Like last month, circumstances may arise that seem to force us to choose between our emotional lives and our professional goals. The good news is that we've already had a trial run, so this time out we'll be better able to come to a final decision -- one that all parties can learn to live with. Just don't rush yourself.

July 22: Sun into Leo

There's quite a mixed bag of energies circulating in the heavens. For starters, Mercury turned retrograde today, which will slow everything down for the next three weeks. But just a few hours earlier, the Sun entered Leo, putting a fiery planet in a fiery sign. Needless to say, all that fire won't help you do anything slowly -- and there lies the rub. Do you give in to the urge to act on every impulse in very quick, dramatic fashion for the Sun's four-week passage through Leo? Or do you take the hint from Mercury retrograde and slow down long enough to do some internal inventory? No one can make that or any other decision for you, but at least now you'll have the choice and the time to decide for yourself -- if you want to.

July 22: Mercury stationing retrograde

Yesterday's full Moon may have left you feeling forced into making a sudden decision -- the kind that would leave a lot of loose ends. Much as you might like to, however, you won't be able to tie things up -- not just yet. In fact, it may take quite a bit of time before you can make much progress. Mercury will turn retrograde today, an astrological event that muddies the waters of thought for at least three weeks. Don't be impatient, and try not to be frustrated. The universe has given you a reprieve -- the chance to think things over until you're absolutely sure you can make a decision.

July 22: Venus into Virgo

Loving Venus will tiptoe into tasteful, discreet and cautious Virgo this evening, adding one more ingredient to the strikingly different medley of astrological energies currently on duty. With the Sun just starting a trip through fiery, determined Leo and Mercury just beginning a retrograde journey, you can expect quite an unusual day -- and quite an unusual weekend, for that matter. Venus in Virgo is earthy, practical and nothing if not cautious, especially when it comes to love and money. With a sky full of fire, however, she'll have her work cut out for her -- and if you're trying to be discreet, practical or responsible, you will too. Only one thing is certain: For the duration of this three-week trip, Venus will inspire us all to be extremely particular about who and what we love, and how we love it. That's with the exception of today, of course. For now, anything is possible. Anything at all.