This week’s headline items: Neptune remains exalted all week; the Sun squares the Solar Eclipse degree from April 8th on Wednesday night; on Thursday, it’s time to take action on our New Moon intentions. Venus changes signs from Cancer to Leo on Thursday afternoon; the last Quarter Moon in Libra becomes exact on Saturday evening; Chiron starts to slow down (station) on Sunday — it’s getting ready for its yearly Retrograde phase.

There will be three Moon Void of Course (VoC) phases this week: Tuesday very early morning (for a little over 7.5 hours), Thursday late evening (for 11 minutes), and Saturday evening (for a little over 16 hours).

Monday, the Moon remains in fun and attention-loving Leo all day; it will journey there until Tuesday late morning. We may lack objectivity and struggle with backing down or compromising. We all love to be admired — or at the very least acknowledged — for our greatness.

So hand out some compliments — let people know how proud you are of them, and tell them how much you love them. Come from the heart in this and all other things; be honest and authentic as best you can.

Monday morning, an opportune Venus/Uranus aspect becomes exact at 7:04am EDT. We started to feel this aspect build from Saturday evening (July 6th); it will remain strong until early Wednesday (July 10th). It gives us the opportunity to experiment with how we relate to others — to do something different or unusual — freedom plays a big part in this aspect.

Of course, others are experimenting too, so you might experience some unusual or unexpected interactions during this time — it’s a favorable time for social meetings and events. As best as you can, stay open and flexible: fresh air is blowing through your relationships.

We’re also ready to experiment with our financial undertakings — good places to look: all things “tech” (electronics, technology, internet); metaphysics; the arts; group activities.

This is not the best time to make long-term financial investments — except perhaps those that come to you in an intuitive flash.

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 24-28 degrees of Cancer, Taurus, Pisces, or Virgo? If so, you will be more aware of this opportunity, as will those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Taurus, Libra, or Aquarius (Venus is the ruler of Taurus, and Libra, Uranus rules Aquarius).

Monday late morning, an opportune Mercury/Jupiter aspect becomes exact at 10:26am EDT. We started to feel this aspect build on Saturday evening (July 6th); it will remain strong until Wednesday early morning (July 10th).

This aspect is an opportunity for us to expand our thinking and express ourselves with confidence and optimism — we share what’s important to us from a place of open-mindedness and excitement.

This connection also allows an expansion from stepping into uncharted territory. Humor can be a great way to tap into this energetic combo.

This planetary connection also favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, and expanding our perspectives. We more readily exercise good judgment and are more “philosophical” and open to learning.

As with any opportunity, we have to “take” it — it requires we take action. What could you do to instill confidence in your exploration of the mind? Is a new mental process asking to be explored? Are you ready to expand your mind? Your thinking?

Do you have your Ascendant, Career Point (or personal planets) in 8-12 degrees of Leo, Gemini, Aries, or Libra? If so, you will be more aware of this opportunity; this is also true for those of us who have our Ascendant or Sun-sign in Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius (Mercury rules Gemini and Virgo; Jupiter is the ruler of Sagittarius).