07.26.26 Ask the SGs Weekly Reading: Follow Your Path

Hello everyone,

Several important planetary shifts begin this week, and although they each have their own unique influence, they’re all inviting us to become more conscious of the way we think, communicate, and respond to the world around us.

On July 26, Saturn stations retrograde in Aries. Whenever Saturn appears to stand still in the sky, we tend to feel his presence more strongly. In the Ask the Spirit Guides community chart, Saturn is moving through our 3rd house of communication and the intellect.

Aries likes to move quickly. It wants answers now. Saturn has a different approach. He asks us to slow down and think things through. Saturn wants us to build a solid foundation before we take action.

Because Saturn is retrograde, that work becomes more personal. We may find ourselves reconsidering old beliefs and thought patterns that no longer serve us. This is an opportunity to be more aware of the stories we tell ourselves and the words we speak to others.

Neptune is also retrograde in Aries in our community’s 3rd house.

Neptune governs our dreams, imagination, intuition, and spiritual awareness. During its retrograde, the fog continues to lift. We have an opportunity to see situations more clearly and bring our inner vision into better alignment with reality.

Saturn and Neptune encourage us to combine wisdom with inspiration. One helps us build a strong foundation, while the other reminds us to stay connected to our higher vision. Both are preparing us for what comes next.

Also on July 26, the North Node enters Aquarius while the South Node moves into Leo, beginning a new chapter that will continue through March 2028.

The North Node points toward growth. In Aquarius, it encourages us to think about the greater good and help create a future that benefits everyone. The South Node in Leo invites us to release old patterns centered on recognition or approval.

As the Nodes move into position, they form a square to Uranus, the Great Awakener. This is the energy of unexpected change. It encourages us to break free from old beliefs and habits that have outlived their purpose.

These transits describe a time of reflection, clarity, and meaningful change. They invite us to pause before reacting and choose our next steps with intention.

The Hammock

As all of these planetary shifts are taking place, another beautiful pattern continues to hold us.

This pattern is traditionally called Barbault’s Basket, or sometimes the Cradle. I’ve been calling it the Hammock because that’s the image that best describes how it feels to me. Throughout today’s reading, that’s the name I’ll use

When I picture a hammock, I don’t think of escaping the world. I think of taking a moment to rest, regain our balance, and remember who we are before we move on with greater clarity.

That’s what this cosmic pattern invites us to do.

The Hammock continues to connect Pluto in Aquarius, Uranus in Gemini, Neptune in Aries, and the Sun and Jupiter in Leo through a series of harmonious planetary relationships. Each planet brings something unique to the pattern, yet together they create an atmosphere that supports growth, transformation, creativity, and hope.

Pluto continues transforming our sense of self-worth and helping us recognize the value we already possess. Uranus awakens new ideas, creative expression, and fresh possibilities. Neptune keeps us connected to our dreams and spiritual vision, while the Sun shines a bright light on Jupiter, expanding our confidence and generosity. This connection puts a spotlight on our ability to lead with our hearts.

This is the kind of energy that encourages us to imagine a better future and create it one choice at a time.

The Hammock reminds us that real transformation doesn’t happen because the world changes overnight. It happens because we change. As we grow in wisdom and compassion, we naturally share those qualities with the people around us.

The Aquarius Full Moon and Jupiter Cazimi

On July 29, the Aquarius Full Moon shines a light on everything we’ve been talking about.

Every Full Moon helps us see something that may have been hidden or understand something in a new way. This Full Moon shines directly into the Hammock, illuminating the remarkable opportunities this cosmic pattern has been creating for us.

On the very same day, the Sun joins Jupiter in Leo in an event called a Jupiter Cazimi. The word cazimi means “in the heart of the Sun.” Astrologers have long considered this one of the most fortunate ways for a planet to receive the Sun’s light because its gifts are strengthened and brought fully into view.

For the Ask the Spirit Guides community, this conjunction carries even greater significance because it happens right on our community’s natal Moon in Leo.

The Moon reflects our emotional life. It describes how we connect with one another, what helps us feel supported, and what gives a community its heart. Jupiter expands whatever it touches, and the Sun offers vitality and illumination.

Together, they create a beautiful opportunity for our community to grow with confidence and an open heart.

Every one of us has our own birth chart, and each of us experiences these transits in our own way. As members of this community, we’re part of something bigger because we are all part of this community’s birth chart. That doesn’t replace our individual journeys. It gives us another place where we can learn, grow, encourage one another, and create something important together.

As the Full Moon shines across the Leo-Aquarius axis, Pluto transforms the way we value ourselves, while Jupiter reminds us that every one of us has something significant to contribute. Together, they encourage us to recognize our own gifts and share them generously.

Although we’re talking about this week, these are not short-lived influences. The Hammock, the Jupiter Cazimi, and the connections they’re make with our community’s birth chart are opening the door to a new chapter that will continue developing through the rest of this year and well into 2027.

Mars Conjunct Natal Jupiter

As if all of that weren’t enough, another encouraging transit is taking place.

Transiting Mars in Gemini is conjunct our community’s natal Jupiter in Gemini. Mars is all about energy, initiative, and the desire to take action. Jupiter expands whatever he touches, opening doors and creating opportunities for growth.

Together, they encourage us to put our ideas into motion.

This is an excellent time to begin a new project or finally act on something you’ve been thinking about for a while. As opportunities appear, trust yourself enough to say yes when it feels right.

Our efforts now have the potential to grow into something much larger than we can see today.

As we move through this week, remember the image of the Hammock.

Rest when you need to rest, reflect before you react, and re•member who you are.

Then climb out of the hammock and bring your gifts into the world.

Every act of kindness…

Every thoughtful conversation…

Every moment of courage…

Every creative idea…

helps create the future we’re building together.

Now let’s look at this week’s tarot card.

The Eight of Summer

I couldn’t imagine a better companion for this week’s astrology.

The fairy has gathered her belongings and chosen a new path. No one is pushing her. She has recognized it’s time to move forward.

That’s what this week feels like.

You may find yourself looking at some part of your life with fresh eyes. Perhaps it’s a project you’ve been putting off or a new opportunity that’s beginning to take shape. Whatever it is, the Eight of Summer encourages you to trust what your heart already knows.

The path before the fairy isn’t completely visible. And that’s ok. She only needs enough light to take the first step.

That’s what this week’s astrology offers us.

The Hammock gives us time to rest and remember who we are.

The Full Moon helps us see more clearly.

Jupiter reminds us to believe in ourselves.

Mars gives us the courage to begin.

The Eight of Summer says, “You’re ready.”

A Note From Faye

In 2016, when I knew my marriage was over, I had no idea what was coming next. I only knew what was coming to an end. It would be 2½ years before I could make real plans and file for divorce. It would be another year before it was over.

All along the way, the light of the Sun you see in this card illuminated my next step. Sometimes it illuminated two or three, but never the whole path. I had to learn to trust myself, trust the guidance I was receiving, and realize I didn’t have to look outside myself for the answers.

Following that path changed a lot in my life. Some things were obvious. My marriage ended. I moved to a new home.

But I also lost some friends and family along the way.

Not everyone will understand the choices you make or the path you follow. Follow it anyway.

When you know it’s right for you, you just know.

I hope this reading gives you the courage to follow your path.

Faye