Launchscopes
by the AstroTwins, Tali & Ophira Edut
ARIES
Are you getting paid for your efforts, Aries? Making sacrifices for your own business is a surefire way to burn out. If you don’t currently have the funding for a salary, you may consider taking on part-time work elsewhere. This doesn’t have to distract from the devotion to your entrepreneurial efforts. You may find that you have greater room for creativity when you’ve got money in your pocket. (Read: you’re not working in “survival mode.”) If there is money in the budget, make sure you’re paying yourself a decent wage. On July 18, a Full Moon in Capricorn helps you attract potential funding or interest from a larger corporate client. Dress up and be prepared with your elevator pitch—your meeting could take place at a social event or summer barbecue.
TAURUS
July is all about forming strategic partnerships. You may ask someone to join you as an equal shareholder in your venture, or collaborate with a company that provides a service you can offer in tandem with yours. Though you prefer to move slowly and cautiously, you’ll need to act fast on opportunities that come your way. Spontaneity opens the doors to miraculous solutions you wouldn’t discover by thinking and planning on your own. Mars will be in compatible earth sign Virgo from July 2 on, signaling a time for you to take greater leadership and to socialize more in order to expand your business. Watch your spending, however. Though you’ll want to make a glamorous impression on the world with your presentation materials and stylish business attire, you can still do so on a budget. This is one area where planning IS warranted!
GEMINI
With Mercury in Gemini through July 11, it’s important that you be vocal about your more innovative ideas. Simultaneously, you’ll need to plan. With the Sun in Cancer until July 23, having a solid idea of the who, what, when, where, how, and why is essential to moving your company ahead. Sit down with pen, paper, and calculator and make some projections. Systematizing your processes is also important. Make sure you have all your foundations in place, such as bookkeeping, tax forms, and even a smaller scale business plan. With Mars in Virgo from July 2 through August 20, you may do some of your best work at home. Support from other women is priceless, so look for ways to collaborate with other female entrepreneurs.
CANCER
A new chapter opens up for your business, thanks to the Sun’s tour of Cancer through July 23. You can trust your intuition about a new vision you’ve had for your company. Start taking action to turn some of these ideas into a reality. Partnership opportunities spring up everywhere when Mars heads into Virgo on July 2. This is a six-week phase that could turn your company in an exciting new direction. Listen to other people’s input but don’t rush to make changes based on “expert” opinions. In your heart, you know what makes you feel fulfilled, and that is why you went into business for yourself in the first place. Just because someone else couldn’t get an idea off the ground, doesn’t mean you can’t. Learn from their mistakes but don’t get discouraged. If the passion is there for your venture, it’s wise to keep moving forward. Collaborate with optimistic people who aren’t afraid to take a chance.
What is the core value of your company? It’s time to create a mission statement. Things to consider: What service do you want to provide for other people? What is the unique experience you offer? What sets you apart from others in your field? Who is your audience and how do you intend to reach them? If you have trouble answering these questions, it is time to strengthen and clarify your vision. Your great ideas CAN get off the ground provided they have a practical element mixed in too. With the Sun in your twelfth house until July 23, helpful people abound. Reach out to a mentoring figure who can assist you in getting down to the nuts and bolts of things. When the Sun heads into Leo on the 23rd, you may be invited to make a public business presentation. You’ll be in fine form to do so, as your natural charisma is amplified by this cosmic phase.
VIRGO
Prepare for takeoff! Motivator Mars buzzes through Virgo from July 2 until August 20, firing you into action. No more analyzing, planning, or tooling around with an idea in your head. It’s time to take the bull by the horns. Taking risks to put yourself out there may feel scary but it is the quickest path to reward this month. Focus on the first step instead of worrying about the long-term future. Once you get moving, the plan will unfold naturally. The Sun will be in Cancer, your teamwork sign, until July 23. Having a great group of people around you is essential to your success. Say buh-bye to Negative Nellies and other naysayers. Keeping a positive mindset, as well as doing daily visualizations, will speed progress immensely.
LIBRA
Get ready to schmooze with the bigwigs. July is a powerhouse month for pitches and presentations. You love to socialize and your gift of gab is the necessary element to your success this month. The more people you meet, the greater range of opportunities you’ll see falling into your lap. You’ll want to focus your attention, however, on people who can actually make a difference for you. It’s all too easy for compassionate Libra to get swept into conversations with needy people who suck the life force energy out of you. Steer clear! Mars tours your twelfth house of mentors from July 2 through August 20, urging you to reach out to an industry expert for guidance around your business plan. Again, aim high, as a surprising contact could make time in her busy schedule to give you a helping hand. Make sure you get enough sleep (even if that means napping till noon and networking at night), as the tendency to overextend your energy is strong this month.
SCORPIO
Spread your wings, Scorpio. It’s time to leave that safe little nest and take some chances with your career expansion. With the Sun in your global ninth house through July 23, an international connection could figure in. You may travel for work or partner up with an international or interstate collaborator. It’s important that you have fun with your work, so why not weave this into a summer vacation? Explore ways to outsource an aspect of your business overseas. Make sure your webcam and Skype account are working. The face-to-face element will add a personal touch that a conference call on the phone simply can’t provide. Education is highlighted. Are you in the know when it comes to the latest technology in your field? Sign up for a class, workshop, or e-course to get your skills up to snuff.
SAGITTARIUS
Put your social side on hold for the first few weeks of July. With the Sun in your transformational eighth house, you need the space to do some internal reflection around your company’s direction. A morning journaling or meditation practice (even five minutes) can do wonders to shed light on the best next steps to take. In some way, you need to restore balance in order to tap into your passions again. Working behind-the-scenes is favored. Hold off on taking opinion polls until the 23rd, as outside feedback can sway you from your vision. The challenge this month is to trust your inner voice and continue crafting something truly original. Not that you won’t be out on the scene at all. Mars tours your prestigious tenth house from July 2 till August 20. Establishing yourself as a leader in your industry is a goal to focus on. What will it take to get the competitive edge? Reflect on this, then radar in on partners who can help you climb to the top of the ladder.
CAPRICORN
With Jupiter retrograding through your sign, you may be questioning a particular aspect of your business—or wondering about the future of the company altogether. This is not the time to go into panic mode, Capricorn. Jupiter rules higher education: There may be some studying you need to do in order to confidently expand into the next direction. Dedicate time to research and reading. Balancing other aspects of your life may help you bring your career into greater focus. It’s possible that you are feeling the pangs of burnout. Though it’s hard for you, rip yourself away and take a vacation. That brilliant idea could pop into your head while you’re lounging on the beach. Trusting partners also becomes a big theme. Take a chance on the people you have supporting you. Even if they don’t complete a task perfectly, the very act of letting go and giving them a chance will be liberating. After the 23rd, new contracts could begin to materialize or an investor could take interest in your vision.
AQUARIUS
Focus on efficiency this month, Aquarius. Before you rocket ahead on new ideas, make sure you have the right elements in place to support your growth. If you struggle with scheduling, consider hiring a personal assistant (even a virtual assistant) to manage your calendar. Do you have all the necessary forms and documents needed to give new clients when it’s time to clinch a sale? By standardizing your policies and processes you free up time for yourself to move on to more important things, like making money! On July 23, partnerships come into focus. Joining forces with another individual or company in a formalized way could prove lucrative for all. You are likely to attract media attention as a result of this pairing, so be sure to send out a press release or throw a party to celebrate the collaboration.
PISCES
Mars brings stress to a partnership from July 2 through August 20. It’s time to deal with the issues that have existed herein all along. Are you hanging on to this collaborative effort out of fear you won’t find something better? Open your hands and be willing to release it into the universe. A better fit may be waiting just around the corner. Conversely, you may find that a heated argument finally clears the air, creating the space for everyone to be happy once again. Avoid procrastination at all costs. The sooner you deal, the sooner you’ll heal and the focus can return to profits instead of politics. Pour energy into publicity before July 23. With the Sun in your fifth house, you’re a natural superstar and people will be drawn to hearing you speak about your venture. Think of a creative angle that gets people’s attention. Be bold and daring—a little shock value goes a long way provided you don’t take it to extremes.
