Up To Now ✩ Day-to-Day Transits

Mercury sextile Uranus

There is potential for brilliance and excitement under this transit. You may be more spontaneous, upbeat and eccentric than usual. If you are used to a fairly predictable lifestyle, it is a time when you may be inspired to experiment with something out of character. If you are used to being whacky, zany and impulsive, this transit can provide opportunities to express this. You may have an increased ability to "think outside the box" if you stretch your mind a little, and there is the possibility of having an "ah-ha!" experience, when answers and realisations fall into place. There is also the possibility of being mentally restless, so that it's hard to slow down your thoughts or apply yourself seriously to your responsibilities. Your attention span may be a bit short for a couple of days. This energy can be used to consider new ideas that seemed outlandish or impossible before, and see new potential in them.

NEW MOON IN LEO

A new 4-week lunar cycle begins with the New Moon in Leo, ruled by the brilliant Sun. Leo is the sign of the self and identity, self-expression, love and the celebration of life. This lunar cycle can be used to work with this energy – to be playful, creative and expressive in ways that reflect the best of who you are; or to cultivate self-acceptance by knowing it's okay to be an imperfect work in progress. This Fire sign seeks ways to express the life force that is the essence of who you are. As a Fixed sign, Leo needs a steady supply of validation, self-respect and self-honesty to sustain that spiritual fire.

SOLAR ECLIPSE: NEW MOON IN LEO

This New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse! The eclipsed Sun is especially powerful, and its effects tend to unfold over the next few months rather than the next couple of weeks like a regular New Moon. The day of the eclipse (give or take a few days) can be a bit intense, and usually indicates something deeper rising to the surface that relates to the New Moon chart. Just as the sunlight is blocked as the Moon passes in front of the Sun, you could think of a Solar Eclipse being a time when you may see things in a "different light." You may be more sensitive to events and experiences for several days before and after the eclipse, and may be more sensitive to events and experiences than usual. (If you're in the path of the eclipse, remember you must use proper eye protection when looking at the Sun during a Solar Eclipse or you risk harming your eyes. That said, it's quite a sky show if you can catch it!)

Mars sextile Chiron

This transit gives you the opportunity to take action that can bring some healing resolution to some ongoing problems you've been having. For example, if you've been suffering from weakened energy or chronic health problems, this transit could bring a bit of relief, especially if you're willing to invest some effort to move yourself forward. Or you might find that you have extra self-confidence to deal with a dilemma that has not wanted to go away. You might also find yourself in a position where you can help others find some relief or empowerment related to their suffering and chronic struggles. Problem solving of all kinds can benefit by taking an attitude of proactively doing what you can do, and then let go of what you can't.

Venus trine Uranus

Spontaneity and liberation burst into your relationships, finances, resources and pleasures. You might feel compelled to try something completely different that shakes up the "same-old-same-old" routines you're used to. The upside is that you have the opportunity to break free of some old habits and breathe some fresh air into your life. But the downside could come in the form of impulse spending beyond your budget, or recklessness in your interactions and relationships. Strive to break free of what holds you back from being your true self, without destroying the structure of order in your life.

Mercury trine Neptune

Your mind is very open to imagination, dreams and compassion under this transit. This can be a very creative time, when ideas flow like a magical river. It can also be easy to get caught up in yearning and fantasizing about your hidden wishes, although it is possible to channel this into creative expression. (e. g. , writing poetry, dancing, wistful music, singing in the shower, whatever!) Listening sympathetically to others' problems may come easily now, and you are more likely to get a compassionate response from others about your own problems. However, it may also be difficult to draw clear and firm boundaries with others, since you are more susceptible to the emotional gravity of others. It is ultimately a time for optimism, hope, creativity and intuition, although it's wise to keep at least one foot on the ground.

Mercury opposite Pluto

This transit brings powerful words and ideas! They require you to strike a balance between personal perceptions and trans-personal implications. Your communication can be more penetrating, forceful or persistent than usual now, and a little will go a long way, so use this ability sparingly and carefully. In the same way, the words and perceptions of others may have a deeper and stronger impact on you than they normally do. This could be a mixed blessing – you may discover some profound insight and psychological truth in what others say to you, but you might also be receiving their unconscious projections too (meaning their perceptions and feedback might say more about them than about you). Deep self-honesty can help you decide what is true and what is being distorted. Avoid reacting on "automatic pilot" and give yourself some mental and psychological breathing room to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Pluto goes Out of Bounds

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

Pluto ventures Out of Bounds by declination today for a few months, part of a 10-year phase. Under this energy, the ways that power is wielded, expressed and understood is likely to exceed the usual norms and limits. In general this is a time when we collectively expand the boundaries of power, using extra strength, force and influence to reset the balance in ways that seem justified and righteous at the time. New initiatives may be undertaken during this transit, or there may be corrections made to actions that were taken under previous Pluto OOB cycles.

A planet is OOB when its declination goes farther north or south than the Sun can go – 23°26' north or south of Earth's equator. An OOB planet tends to be more extreme, independent of, or contrary to societal norms—for better or worse!

During this current perios Pluto goes Out of Bounds from 2025 to 2035, weaving in and out of bounds during that time range. Pluto has had many OOB cycles across the millennia, but what makes this one especially newsworthy is that after 2035 Pluto won't go OOB again for many thousands of years! This is a huge deal!

In the past, Pluto OOB periods have seen dramatic shifts in the global balance of power. Then, when Pluto remains In-Bounds in between those times, these changes tend to become utilized and established in more practical ways. Examples of dramatic changes in the western world include: the Battle of Hastings (1066), the signing of the Magna Carta (1215), the invention of the Gutenberg moveable-type printing press (1439), both the start (1444) and dismantling (1787) of the Atlantic slave trade, and the development and use of nuclear weapons and energy (1937-1953).

With this being the last OOB cycle for millennia to come, the implications and effects of what we do during this one will be with us for a very long time. It is crucial that we carefully consider what our collective and global priorities are, especially in terms of who retains the power to choose and establish those priorities.

The OOB periods during this cycle are:

• Aug 28 to Nov 22, 2025
• Aug 11 to Dec 10, 2026
• Aug 2 to Dec 21, 2027
• July 27 to Dec 25, 2028
• July 25 to Dec 28, 2029
• July 26 to Dec 28, 2030
• July 30 to Dec 25, 2031
• Aug 5 to Dec 19, 2032
• Aug 13 to Dec 12, 2033
• Aug 25 to Dec 2, 2034
• Sep 10 to Nov 18, 2035

Mars enters Cancer

The fiery energy of Mars is poured through the sensitive, emotional waters of Cancer. This is not the easiest placement for Mars, since its sharp edge becomes somewhat softened and diluted. However, this is also a time when it is possible to use your assertive and proactive energy for the protection of yourself or others. This is like the mother bear that can become extremely fierce when protecting her young, and in the same way you have an abundance of energy to defend your "children" – literally or figuratively, in the sense of creative projects, loved ones, your Inner Child, or your home "nest. " This is also a time when deep emotional issues may erupt to the surface, like buried anger, repressed frustration or unconscious fear. The focus of your feelings may be a little unstable and moody, but it also gives you an opportunity to nurture, vent and express those feelings. Observe how you respond to any deep feelings that emerge, either in yourself or in others. Does your Inner Parent try to repress or scold that Inner Child, or are you able to respond lovingly, caringly and sensitively? This is a learning experience that can teach you how to nurture yourself... and others.

Mars trine North Lunar Node

Today, and up to a few days before and after, you may find that all the lights seem to be green for you to move ahead and take action. This might be a spontaneous impulse to seize the moment, or it could be about taking the next step in a project or process that you've been planning and carefully considering. It could also be a time when your emotions are more easily expressed. There may be someone who is urging, inspiring or rousing you to take this action. It's up to you to decide if this is wise and in your best interest, and if so, the best way to make this happen.

Moon comes In-Bounds

The Moon now comes back In-Bounds (InB) by declination after being Out-of-Bounds from Aug. 6 (22 TA 30) to Aug. 11, 2026 (27 CN 27).

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.

Venus opposite Neptune

Romance, idealism, fantasy and imagination are blossoming into a bright aura right now, which is likely to influence your relationships, interactions, finances and values – for better or for worse! Compassion, caring and selfless giving can be good ideals to aim for, as long as you remember that ideals tend to lose some of their shiny glow when they're translated into hard reality. If you forget this, the end result may be disappointing or disillusioning. Disappointment may also indicate that there have been hidden hopes or high expectations that no one can really live up to. Aim to balance your innocence and longing with the judgement of your older, wiser, mature self; and do a reality check with a trusted friend or adviser if in doubt. That said, this can also be a very creative and inspiring time – just remember to keep one foot on the ground.

Venus trine Pluto

Close one-on-one connections with people (close friends, lovers, partners of all kinds) will tend to gravitate to a deeper, more intense level now. Instead of automatically doing the diplomatic, "nice" thing, you may find it is more fulfilling to share more of your authentic feelings. It may be possible now to connect with people on a deeper level, while still ensuring that your interests are equally balanced with theirs. The trick is to do this without trying to control or overpower the other person, and it may be easier to avoid those traps now. You could make some deeply intimate connections with people under this transit. Financial dealings with other people may also go smoothly, although it might be wise to get clear confirmation that you're both on the same page about the fine print.

Mercury square Chiron

Your mental focus and perceptions may feel a bit strained right now. You could find yourself locked in a struggle of indecision that stems from a "glass half empty" versus "glass half full" dilemma. It may be difficult to stay objective and evenly balanced in your perspective, but by working with this you could also find a new mental focus that gives you increased clarity. It might be tempting to sink into cynicism as a way to deal with what seems like a no-win situation. On the other hand, this transit could bring your mental perspective to a kind of "healing crisis" that forces you to get a better grip on the ideas, communication and frame of mind that have been problematic for you. Instead of reaching for extremes (hoping this will clarify the path in front of you), it will help more if you can take a few steps back to allow all the conflicting and out-of-sync elements to coexist together – creative paradox. If you have been struggling to come to terms with something, this could be a turning point that helps you to deal with the complex reality of your situation.

Mercury enters Leo

While Mercury struts through Leo, your creativity and self-expression are flying high! Your communication strives to express more than just facts or information – it wants to convey the dramatic energy that tells a story in larger-than-life proportions! How you perceive and experience life right now can be vivid, dramatic and fun, as you pick up more easily on the expressive and "feel-good" elements of what's happening around you. You may become very creative, inspired and motivated during this time. The downside is that it may also easier to indulge in a mindset that is self-serving, egotistical or overconfident. Your motives are likely to be noble, heroic and full of good intentions, but you could also become so in love with your vision of what's possible that you miss valid criticism or drawbacks. This is a time to enjoy the playful delights of sports, games, humor, fun and children.

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.