This Week's Horoscope Gives 'Soft Girl Summer' Vibes & Romance Brews

Make time for richer contemplation as prophetic Neptune begins its annual five-month retrograde, lasting until December 7. Prepare to wade into deeper subconscious waters as the oceanic planet begins a backward sail through its home sign of Pisces.

Sometimes, Neptune retrograde can actually roll back the fog of denial, distraction, and delusion. Use this head-clearing transit to revisit unfinished creative projects or heal a layer of emotional trauma. Take inventory of your feelings. Work on the core issues that may lie beneath any addictive or unhealthy behaviors, whether in your financial habits or how you operate in relationships. Shield your field against energy vampires and distance yourself from draining or codependent relationships.

When planets go retrograde, we can lapse into old patterns, so stay aware of where your thoughts are drifting and devise new strategies to overcome emotional and psychological stumbling blocks.

Filters off! Social and communicative Mercury swings into playful and passionate Leo, stoking the summer fun. If your calendar is suddenly filled with festivities and your creativity is off the charts, tip your beach hat to Mercury’s prowl through the lion’s curious quarters.

During this heartfelt three-week period, it’s okay to express yourself with warmth, excitement, and even a little gushing. If you’re making a pitch or presentation, use storytelling techniques and bold visuals to underscore your message. Laying it on a little thicker than usual can actually hit the right note now.

Are you on the same page about feelings? As romantic Venus harmonizes with stable Saturn in tender water signs, having an open conversation about your emotions is not only wise but also a path to clarity, whether with friends, family, or romantic partners.

Since future-focused Saturn is also involved, couples might discuss the next big step, as well as the ideal timing for it. One of you might be ready to make things official now, while the other has a few more bucket list items to cross off first.

If your feelings aren't reciprocated, thank this person for the experience and gracefully move forward. Consider it a blessing that you didn't invest more time in the wrong match. And if you're the one who doesn't see a long-term future, be mature and set them free instead of keeping them hanging on.

Intrigue, drama, and hidden motives? Hump Day could be full of triggering topics and mental chess moves. With calculating Pluto and communicator Mercury engaged in a nasty battle, it's wise to say less and assume nothing. Although your powers of observation are sharp, the real narrative might be more complex than it appears. Conversations could be rife with suggestive tones and insinuations. Rather than trying to figure out what someone’s really saying, simply ask, “What do you mean?” and let them do the explaining. If you sense a power struggle brewing, politely make your exit.

Gather 'round the campfire for a heartfelt moment with your nearest and dearest! The year’s only Cancer new moon sets the stage for some family-style bonding this Friday, July 5. Who are the unwavering supporters who always show up for you? Honor these unsung heroes of your inner circle and shower them with the VIP treatment they richly deserve.

But remember: You can be caring without falling into the caretaker role. If you've poured from your own cup one too many times, la luna nudges you to redraw healthy boundaries. Sink into some well-deserved self-care and practice the liberating art of saying “no.”

Spending time near water can be especially healing. Confirm your attendance at those inviting pool parties and beach weekends! On the home front, this domestic new moon could unveil a dreamy listing or unleash an interior design spree. A deep decluttering session or a soul-soothing house-blessing ritual could be the perfect midyear energy cleanse for your most sacred spaces.