VIRGO HOROSCOPE

You can tell you weren't someone's first choice, but being a Virgo you never let your pride get in the way of something that could prove beneficial. If anything, you see this as a challenge to get this person to see you as having been the best choice all along. But how do you change their thinking? Obviously your efficiency and attention to detail speak volumes, but you need something more showy to win them over. Thankfully Ruling Planet Mercury enters the zodiac sign of Leo on August 9th. This gives you the dazzle and audacity to make the kind of impression that won't be forgotten.

They say that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush and that's something you'll want to keep in mind on July 29th when Mars squares Venus. Mars can be reckless when it's in Gemini, a zodiac sign famous for gaming, and you could find yourself being pressured by friends or associates to take a gamble. Well, they may have nothing to lose, but you do, which is why you'll want to take Venus's side in the square. Venus in Virgo isn't showy, but she's crafty which means you'll wind up collecting the winnings as long as you commit to the long game.

Mercury and Venus love to mingle so you can expect to make the acquaintance of all sorts of people that you wouldn't typically meet while these two planets are forming a sextile in the sky on July 24th. It's a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, add to your contact list, and even brush up on your conversation skills. This planetary energy is usually chatty and fly-by-night, except that you could be making the acquaintance of someone who will go on to become a major player in your life, but you'll have to wait to see what the next couple of weeks bring first.

Get ready to break all the rules you swore you never would when Venus in Virgo squares Uranus in Gemini on July 13th. Usually staid and obedient, it's become abundantly clear that if you continue as is then you'll have only yourself to blame for letting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by. No one ever thinks of themselves as a selfish person who puts their happiness above the happiness of others until the day when you actually do. Will loved ones and friends be upset and hurt? Undoubtedly. But the difference is they'll get over it whereas you won't if you don't follow your heart.

Venus, planet of love and beauty, enters Virgo on July 9th. Venus always pumps up the powers of attraction when she's in your sign so you can expect lots of invites, offers, and introductions. Yet Venus has a hard time in Virgo because where most people would revel in the attention, you know that opportunities come with strings attached and you don't want to feel beholden to anyone. Sift your way carefully through these entreaties and you'll eventually separate the wheat from the chaff. There's nothing wrong with being discriminating, especially in this day and age. Venus will be in Virgo until August 6th.

You may surprise colleagues and supervisors with your insistence that you receive the recognition you deserve. Gone is the restrained, self-effacing Virgo and in its place is a self-championing one. You have Jupiter in Leo to thank for this change in demeanor. Now you may be surprised by what comes out of your mouth at first. You sound so bold and uncompromising, but given time you'll get used to it. In fact you may even feel proud of this new you. Just remember to fight for things you deserve and not overreach. Do this and you can look forward to an invigorating twelve months ahead.

Being short-tempered is de rigueur when Mars is traveling through Gemini. You know you're not the easiest person to live with nowadays, but you also can't help feeling like loved ones and friends are being oversensitive. It's like anything you say can and will be used against you, even an apology! An irascible energy, Mars thrives on friction and the heat of conflict so you can't win for trying. The best way to get through this period is to think before speaking, nod and smile in all the right places, and keep your sense of humor handy. Mars will be in Gemini through August 11th.

You were born under the zodiac sign of work and service. You are hardwired to help loved ones without a second thought. This is fine if they're respectful, but not so great if they assume you'll just drop what you're doing and race to their rescue. This can turn into a form of dependency where they don't even try to solve a problem, but simply pass it on to you. Bring this to an end on June 17th by teaching them to stand on their own two feet. They won't love you any less as a result. If anything, they'll appreciate you all the more.

Things aren't going to come together as quickly as you'd hoped. Evidently the person you're anxious to hear back from is otherwise engaged or the seller you're dealing with is going to have to put things on hold. Obstacles to happiness are to be expected when Mercury forms a square to Saturn, the planet of detours and delays. Most people would call it a day and move on to something else but you are not like most people because when you find a fit that truly works then you will do whatever it takes to make it happen, even if that means having to wait.

Mercury in Cancer increases your emotional intelligence. You've always been able to read a mood, ask thoughtful questions, and be a sounding board for those in need, but you haven't always trusted your fluency in this. Mercury's prolonged stay in Cancer until August 9th allows you to get to know a side of yourself you might not fully appreciate. It teaches that caring is a strength, everyone's feelings matter, and that showing restraint when you want to be unkind is one of the most loving things you can do. The end result will be an instinctual knowingness that no amount of self-doubt or overthinking can unseat.