With the sun, moon, Venus, and Mars moving into Leo this week for Wednesday’s new moon—and Mercury retrograde ending at the same time—the cosmos is producing some seriously lionhearted vibes, says astrologer Jennifer Racioppi. Here’s how to take advantage of this forward (cosmic) motion. 

This week brings a significant turning point to the summer. We have a fertile new moon happening on July 31. Then on August 1, we celebrate Lammas. Lammas, a cross-quarter day, marks the halfway point between the summer solstice and fall equinox, heralding the peak season of harvest. To sweeten the pot of this peak summer moment, even more, Mercury (the planet of communication) stations direct, too. All of this combined means one thing: The week ahead offers forward momentum.

To sweeten the pot of this peak summer moment, even more, Mercury (the planet of communication) stations direct, too.

The new moon, happening at 8 degrees of the sign of the lion at 11:11 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, offers the opportunity to cultivate significant progress on your goals. As the second new moon of the month, it’s positive, upbeat, and gives you the freedom to plant the seeds of your desires.

Not only are the sun and moon in Leo but so are both Venus and Mars too. With Venus traveling at a particularly close degree to the sun and moon, we start to feel the foreshadowing of what’s to come in August when the sun and Venus combine midway through the month (August 14 to be precise). Until then, now’s the time to nourish your desires and nurture your potential. Simultaneously, good luck Jupiter in Sagittarius sends a luscious beam of support to the new moon, too.

The challenge for this new moon comes from Uranus, which travels at 6 degrees of Taurus. Uranus squares the sun, moon, and Venus combination. Uranus asks you to stay keenly aware of your blind spot. Uranus wants you to own your independence, march to the beat of your drum, and break free from the conformity that holds you back.

The subtext of the entire week is this: Authentically stand in your power. Your values are likely shifting, which can be hard for others who don’t understand how much you’ve grown over the last few years.

You’ll feel the tension from Uranus building as early as Monday when the sun and Uranus square. At the same time, Mercury in Cancer also squares Eris, the planet of feminine discord. With the moon waning dark—and retrograde Mercury in a harsh angle to Eris—while the sun and Uranus square, Monday might feel like an in-your-face knuckle sandwich. If so, allow yourself the space you need to process your emotions and trust this too shall pass.

As the moon wanes back to the new, and Mercury ends its retrograde journey, things can feel murky and challenging. On the other side of the new moon, Uranus squares Venus, and Mercury perfects its square to Eris again too. (Mercury stations while squaring Eris.) So, the subtext of the entire week is this: Authentically stand in your power. Your values are likely shifting, which can be hard for others who don’t understand how much you’ve grown over the last few years. But remember, your authenticity remains your greatest asset. Use this auspicious new moon to your advantage. Seed your intentions. Stay grateful for the abundance blossoming in your life. And, stick to your guns.

Please keep in mind, though, that Mercury won’t clear its retrograde shadow until August 14. Mercury, in its retrograde shadow, is a cleanup phase, which can continue to serve as a cycle of review. So, it’s essential to keep taking your time. That said, August brings so many positive aspects and an entirely different vibe. No doubt July brought a few hairpin turns. With the eclipses in the rearview mirror, August promises a much easier road. Get ready, because one of the best months of the year is right around the corner.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.