Astrology by contributing writer Lisa Stardust for Thehoodwitch.com

Barbault Basket (also referred to as the Cosmic Cradle) peaks this week. It’s the rare planetary connection of Jupiter in Leo, Uranus in Gemini, Neptune retrograde in Aries, and Pluto retrograde in Aquarius all aligning at 4 degrees. It marks a societal shift that encourages growth and change. Also, the Sun moves into Leo, heightening up the heart and Mercury turns direct, offering a reprieve from the drama.

The major astrological aspects of the week

July 20: Jupiter in Leo harmonizes with Neptune retrograde in Aries, enhancing our imaginations and visions.

July 20: Jupiter in Leo creates an opposition to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, creating immense power dynamics with others.

July 21: Jupiter in Leo aspects Uranus in Gemini, bringing novel ideas to our consciousness.

July 22: The Sun enters Leo, adding vitality and pep to our auras.

July 23: Mercury retrograde in Cancer completes its retrograde journey, bring clarity to our communications.

July 24: Mercury in Cancer links up with Venus in Virgo, allowing us to speak from the heart.

July 25: Neptune retrograde in Aries links up with Pluto retrograde in Aquarius, giving us the push to cultivate a new dream.

Aries

It will be important that you're pairing up with someone willing to give you the space you need to sort out your sentiments. If you run into insensitive behaviors with anyone during this time, take it as a sign from the universe to run for the hills. You deserve better.

Taurus

This week’s energy can help you break through barriers and connect with others on a new level. Whether it is catering to their emotional needs, offering a shoulder to cry on, or doing them a solid, the people you align with will respond positively to your caring and tender nature.

Gemini

You’ll realize the importance of creating limits. That is, after you are totally exhausted and run down from all the energy you gave every day to meet deadlines. Find balance in your life to ensure you have a healthy and productive mindset without the extra work burden that you take on.

Cancer

Don't worry, if love truly is meant to land in your lap right now, it will find a way. The cosmos begins its journey through the part of your chart that defines relationships at the beginning of the week, sparking up the area of your life that rules romantic connections.

Leo

The universe will ask you to focus on your personal needs over the next several days. Your solar return will shine a light on emotions, people, or situations you've recently been disregarding, but it's all in the name of personal evolution. Use this as a time to grow and heal.

Virgo

If you've been uninspired or stalled lately, your creative juices will begin flowing once Mercury turns direct. Use an artistic inspiration to process your emotions throughout the week, and do not be afraid to reveal your work, as it could catch the eye of an admirer who will buy it.

Libra

Problems will start to arise at work — disorganization is going to be at a high and is going to create complications for your boss if you don’t deal with matters efficiently. It’s up to you to point them out and report them to avoid issues that may occur for yourself.

Scorpio

You strive for fame when others might settle for mediocrity. The beginning of the week will have you ultra-focused on your career, as the planets illuminate the sector of your chart that rules professional ambitions. Work isn't the only thing that matters. Try to set aside some time for play.

Sagittarius

Your professional gusto might take a hit, even though the stars are encouraging you to give your all to work matters. The good news is that others will be in your corner to support your efforts at the office, so don’t feel threatened when a colleague offers a helping hand.

Capricorn

Try not to let what others say or think get in your head. It won't serve you to participate in any mean-spirited gossip that those around you might be engaging in, since it could ultimately cause your ego to take a hit. You'll interact socially once you release the negativity.

Aquarius

Love is abundant, but the drama does not come into play unless you act less respectful of boundaries. Be mindful and respectful of their needs to create a healthy equilibrium. Expect the same in return to ensure there is positivity amongst yourselves and you have a pleasant relationship that flourishes.

Pisces

This week’s cosmic flow will hit subtly, activating the sector of your chart that rules the subconscious, so try not to question your elevated mood. Most of the week will be spent indulging in creative projects, seeing friends, and organizing your life, which are all important areas to focus on.

Go Deeper Into Your Weekly Horoscope

This week’s astrology is opening the door to a significant personal and collective shift. Your fully extended horoscope explores how the Barbault Basket, Leo season, and Mercury turning direct will affect your relationships, career, creativity, boundaries, and next steps. Each zodiac sign also receives a witch tip to help you intentionally work with the week’s energy.

Read your fully extended weekly horoscope and witch tip exclusively at Patreon.com/TheHoodwitch