For All Signs: Venus, goddess of love, turns retrograde on the 27th. Most of us are feeling the shift in energy already. This event occurs approximately every 18 or 19 months. She remains retrograde until Sept. 8. During her ebb periods we reflect on our personal needs with respect to partnerships. Meanwhile it is common for ongoing relationships to shift into neutral or even a temporary reversal. The universal message is to think carefully about who you are before making a promise of commitment. For those already pledged, it is a time to go within oneself and discover the qualities needed to improve upon the existing relationship. Don't blame others for your discomfort.
Leo the Lion: (July 22 -- Aug. 22): The sun returns "home" to your sign this week. You likely will find it to be energizing. Now is the time to focus on new plans for this next year of your life. Take a fresh look at where you want to direct your energy. It is appropriate that your attention be directed toward yourself right now.
Aries: You are still being challenged by those in authority to prove your value, identity or worth. This may feel demeaning, but it is probably not truly personal. Someone in the hierarchy made these rules along with the hurdles required. It's a bureaucracy. Just do what is asked and move onward.
Taurus: Venus, your ruling planet, moves into the sector of life related to children, recreation and romance. The goddess of love is happy in this territory and often brings new energy and light wherever she goes. She will be turning retrograde next week, so be sure to read the lead paragraph carefully.
Gemini: You would be happy to take the first flight to Tahiti and never bat an eye over it. Short of that, you may be taking small mental breaks this week, with lots of daydreaming and drifting. Career or life direction, home and family life are stable and comforting at present.
Cancer: You have cause to feel positive regarding family members at a distance. Activities involving the law, publicity, travel and education are also favored. This summer may bring a pivotal event in your work arena. It may now be up to you to decide how to handle budgets and resources, such as personnel.
Virgo: This is a time in which you may be unsure of where you want to direct your energies. There is, in fact, a significant shift coming in the fall and you may be feeling it now. Consider yourself in future years. Seek the counsel of someone with greater knowledge.
Libra: In some way you will be dealing with people or situations from the past. You literally may be returning to someplace you have already been. On a more subtle level, you could be sliding into an old pattern of critiquing, whether your object is yourself or someone else.
Scorpio: This is a good time to consider your spiritual purposes. It is all too easy for the Maya, the things of the world, to overwhelm every waking minute, leaving no time for the higher goals. If you notice fatigue, disappointment or depression at this time, stop.
Sagittarius: There is a lot of chatter, going through old files and dredging up facts, but little forward motion can actually be made at this time. This energy could be prominent in your personal life as well as at work. Don't allow it to work you into a lather.
Capricorn: You and partner or significant others in your life need a little break from each other. It is not serious, so it isn't necessary to create an episode. Just give each other some space and time alone, and you will reconnect soon. You could be completing an important mental project and need time to yourself.
Aquarius: Sometimes we are pressed to see the flaws, even in those things and people we love the most. You are not at fault in this situation, though you may be looking for what you "could-a, would-a, should-a" done. You did the best you could at the time.
Pisces: Cosmic energies are particularly favorable to any mental pursuits at this time. The emotional level is another story. You are prone to feel guilt, anxiety or concern over things that probably have not yet happened or are not as drastic as you believe.
Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at 704-366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments. Web site: www.horoscopesbyvivian.com.