Vedic Astrology Update

Mercury, planet of communications and business, is retrograde from June 29 until July 23, 2026. Venus, planet of relationship and finance, travels through the sensitive gandanta degrees as it shifts from Cancer to Leo on July 4, 2026. Mars and Ketu aspect Venus in the fire sign of Leo. Saturn goes retrograde on July 26, 2026. Jupiter, exalted in Cancer, aspects Saturn in Pisces, a positive influence. The nodes Rahu and Ketu station at 5 degrees Leo/Aquarius for over 2 ½ months.

Mercury, planet of communications, business, and travel, turned retrograde at 2 degrees Cancer on June 29, and remains retrograde until July 23, 2026. Mercury will retrograde through two signs. First, Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Cancer until July 6, and then travels back to its own sign of Gemini. Mercury then stays in its own sign of Gemini until August 5, 2026.

During the time Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Cancer from June 29 to July 6, past family memories and emotional issues arise to understand and heal. Then when Mercury retrogrades through the sign of Gemini, it’s a time to review all communications, business plans and travel arrangements. When Mercury is retrograde we can over-think or analyze things, so be extra mindful and centered. Writing, journaling, and meditation are positive activities during this time.

Venus travels through the gandanta degrees from July 2 to July 5, 2026, as it changes signs from Cancer to Leo. When a planet passes through this juncture, from a water sign (Cancer) to a fire sign (Leo), openings can occur for deeper soul growth if we have a calm mind. Venus here can possibly bring forth greater compassion and healing. The best remedy is neutrality and non-resistance.

Venus, planet of relationship and finance, fully enters the fixed fire sign of Leo on July 4, 2026. While in Leo, Venus will conjunct the south node Ketu. Mars in Taurus will also aspect Venus. These two pitta planets, Mars and Ketu, influencing Venus can increase arguments or bring passionate disagreements. We can also act in haste, and take actions that we later regret. This is a time to remain calm and be non-reactive, as we are more easily provoked.

Venus in Leo is not always so willing to compromise. As Venus is a mediator/diplomatic planet, we may find it harder to balance opposing points of view with others with the influence of fiery Mars and Ketu. Venus is also a financial planet, so be mindful of investments and your spending habits.

Venus exactly conjuncts the south node Ketu at 6 degrees Leo on July 10, 2026. What we value in life is being re-defined, as we connect to our deeper, spiritual beliefs. It’s a good time to make a more conscious effort to be centered in our hearts with greater compassion. The Ketu influence on Venus can indicate some past karmic patterns or false impressions about love and rejection that we need to release and heal, as we learn to love more unconditionally. We need to let go of false expectations. Spiritually, Venus and Ketu can connect us to Bhakti Yoga, or devotional practices.

From July 27 to July 30, Mars in Taurus aspects Venus in Leo exactly from 25 to 28 degrees. Mars influencing Venus can bring passionate, creative activities, but can also increase the possibility of heated discussions or agitations. Direct this amplified energy into positive actions.

Saturn, planet of responsibility, discipline, and truth, turns retrograde at 20 degrees Pisces on July 26, 2026, and goes direct on December 10, 2026. This is a time to review one’s duties and responsibilities, and make adjustments if necessary. You may feel burdened by taking on responsibilities that are not yours. Don’t be hard on yourself, but find joy in the simple, authentic things in your life. We become more aware of our inner strength and resilience. We sense the value of going deep within to access our true self.

Jupiter now transiting its exalted sign of Cancer since June 1, 2026, aspects Saturn in Pisces, a helpful influence. Jupiter brings expansion of ideas, while Saturn is the planet that works hard to bring things into physical reality. This aspect can help create a shift in world consciousness.

The nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu are stationing at 5 degrees Aquarius and Leo beginning July 15, 2026 until September 29, 2026, about 2 ½ months. If your Ascendant, Moon, or Sun are around 5 degrees Leo (degree of transiting Ketu) or Aquarius (degree of transiting Rahu), then you may experience some intensity in your life or ripening of karma. When the nodes stay that long in a degree, issues surface to be acknowledged and healed. We are motivated to do our spiritual practices, as we are looking for true and lasting fulfillment.

Debra Infante is a practicing Vedic Astrologer and teacher. She began her studies of Vedic astrology in 1995, and was certified by the American College of Vedic Astrology as an approved teacher (Level I) in September 1999. She taught Vedic Astrology to students in yoga teacher trainings at 7 Centers Yoga Arts in Sedona from 2002 to 2020.