Parenting Australia

You're likely to be talking with tradies, builders, decorators, architects, real estate agents or council authorities about your home on 1, 9 and 10 July, with a fresh start indicated from the New Moon of 11 July. Those of you who have flatmates could get new ones while many parents can successfully use those dates to introduce household rosters to get the chores done.

Whether you're happily involved or single-and-looking, love and romance will sooooooo be on your mind this month! You're totally in the mood for excitement, independence and freedom on 9 and 23 July, and you'll definitely want to laugh, have a great time and be the centre of adoring fans on 11 and 26 July (well, maybe on 26 July – more on that in a moment). Some of you might feel a happy sense of reconnection with their partner while single parents could fall for someone older, more established or feel finally ready to settle down on 22 July. All of these dates are excellent for achieving a loving closeness with your children, and you may have such a good time that you feel like having another one...You are super-fertile now! However, you could be very disillusioned with friends who lie to you on 8 and 20 July and as 26 July is equally deceptive AND the Full Moon, you may part ways with a pal who's let you down once too often.

You'll be keen to network and get yourself out there talking to industry VIPs especially if you want to start working again. Don't be surprised if you dive into surprisingly intense discussions around jobs, promotions, career, industry VIPs and schmoozing on 13 and 30 July which also happen to be ideal for getting the help you need to launch your own business. Working for yourself may be bubbling at the back of your mind anyway.

The end of the month brings some tense moments where your keenness to explore your options or to do your own thing may not go down so well with your boss on 25 July – it's an us-or-them approach that offends. If you're between jobs, you may resent the lack of choice your partner is giving you.

You also could have a face-off between your partner (who wants stability, security and a commitment) and your own need for freedom and independence on 27 and 30 July. Watch out for enormous relationship stress and frustration on 31 July.

It's time to talk directly and constructively with your children about good manners. Saying please, thank you, being a good guest, acknowledging a party host/ess with a note, email or call will get your children so much farther in life. Schedule these talks on 1, 9 and 10 July for maximum impact. From the New Moon of 11 July, you could have a new school, homework program, tutor or learning system in mind for your kids. Single parent Taureans can use the same dates for meeting prospective partners who want to settle down. If they also enjoy eating, shopping, music and gardening – you could be in nirvana.

You may be noticing a rebellious streak within you is growing. Growing crazeeee for release! You secretly want a break from family responsibilities on 9 and 23 July but you'll be happy to entertain a few of the tribe on 11 July. You're likely to play Captain Sensible or his equivalent on 23 July around rosters, chores and housework, getting everyone to pitch in. Some of you may try to work (more often) from home then. However, you may be disappointed that a fascinating career opportunity on 8 and 20 July could mean uprooting your family, working longer hours or working in a non-kid-friendly glamorous role. 26 July is an interesting day, featuring the Full Moon, which suggests you need a change in your career status. You may be disappointed by an offer that doesn't pan out, but welcome the opportunity to have fun at home with your kids then.

Your kids (and your partner) will be stoked if you plan a family or romantic holiday interstate or overseas on 13 and 20 July. You need a break, and to feel renewed. You could even get pregnant then so take care!

You could feel incredibly frustrated that work or routine responsibilities interfere with some much-needed time off on 27, 30 and 31 July. Take it easy now.

You may feel strangely hesitant to 'fess up about something. Perhaps you've been planning a holiday in secret, you're thinking of returning to uni or there's a looming legal matter you don't want to deal with but it seems the cat could leap out of the bag on 25 July.

This month you will be verrrrrry interested in meeting people who make your money work for you as well as how you can make more of it to ensure a firm financial future. The days of being a reckless, credit-abusing Gemini are over! Great days to sign mortgages, consolidate credit card loans, transfer balances to lower rate cards, investigate managed funds, shares and investments, get quotes on extensions, renovations or construction, purchase a house or investment property, or to draw up a contract with a wealthy senior family member to help you buy your first home, include 1, 9 and 10 July. At any rate, expect your money situation to get a shot in the arm following the New Moon of 11 July.

Coupled-up and single Geminis alike should circle the excellent 9, 11, 22, and 23 July, and just maybe, 26 July to go have fun with their mates. Don't be surprised if you're invited to join a new group of friends or get accepted into a club or association then. You'll want to broaden your network and it's never been easier to get access past that red velvet rope...Discussions or the paperwork for a glamorous trip interstate or overseas – is it for romance or a girly shopping long weekend? – may not get very far on 8 and 20 July. Confusion still reigns on the Full Moon of 26 July when you could be simply busting to escape yet still not get a straight answer from your travelling companion/s. A dream holiday may remain just that.

Many of you will be keen to make a stylish "nest" at home – those long winter nights do tend to make you look a lot more at those four walls and if you're even thinking of selling, it's prime time to make your home look its best for prospective buyers... Hit the homewares stores to stock up on beautiful items for your castle then come back to cook up a MasterChef-style storm. It's time for you to return some entertaining "favours" and to invite those you "owe" a dinner or three to. They are silently keeping tabs although you wouldn't guess it. Best days? 13 and 30 July.

Your children (or your lover) could cramp your social style quite a bit on 26 (which is also the Full Moon), 30 and 31 July. Your friends want you to come out and play but your plans may be thwarted in some way. Your kids could also cause a temporary cash crisis on 25 July. Perhaps they've forgotten to tell you about some excursion for which you have to pay on the day or an outing proves to be outrageously expensive. Other Geminis will be angry that their lover has been frittering away joint savings, buying things online or on a frivolous hobby. Try to keep some cash tucked away.

Happy birthday Cancer! If you've ever been "accused" of not being very pushy, well, that won't apply to you this month! Perhaps you're geared up to enjoy your birthday but you'll be raring to go on 1, 9 and 10 July, pumped with ideas of how to make your dreams reality, getting on the phone to everyone to get them in process. Following the New Moon of 11 July, you could enjoy getting stuck into facebook, Twitter, writing for a blog or website, learning a new language or doing an evening class to make you feel like you've achieved something. Let your kids teach you something about the computer. Talk with them about a tutor for those classes they like doing least to help them succeed.

I suspect you'll receive birthday money, gift cards and/or gift certificates because you could be seriously in the mood to spend some money on some beautiful new clothing, shoes and accessories. At the same time, you know it's time to raise your career profile. Why not ask someone you love to go clothes-shopping with you to get their advice (and have a Pretty Woman moment or two) on 9, 11, 22, and 23 July to buy things that will make you feel like a million bucks but don't spend that amount on the gloriously wasteful 8 and 20 July however. While there are further shopportunities on 26 July, it's overshadowed by the Full Moon which points to debt worries, and another aspect which suggest deception and disillusionment. I suspect you could REALLY waste a bundle of cash if you shop then. So don't.

Schedule date night for 13 and 30 July. You like nothing more than your partner opening up to you intimately, telling you all their secret concerns and hopes. You'll know the right way to get him or her to reveal stuff about your relationship that you've been longing to hear. If you're a single Cancerian, these dates are great for meeting people who will "get" you. Oh, and they'll be rather sexy, too.

An older family member who's a thorn in your side could prevent you from taking a chance – they see it as a risk – with your career on 26, 30 and 31 July. You could feel alternately guilty and furious about your freedom being curtailed in any way. On 25 July you could get a generous offer that involves more money – and maybe even travel – but your partner could try to stop you from taking it. You might have to discuss your career situation again in six months time.

You're likely to be working hard behind the scenes to make more money on 1, 9 and 10 July. Perhaps you're writing a proposal, having private discussions or going through archived paperwork but in any case you're keen to create financial security then. From the New Moon of 11 July you'll know you're on the right track, even if you can't reveal anything just yet.

Shine like the movie star we all know you are on the gorgeous 9, 11, 22 and 23 July which are wonderful for a haircut, tint, facial, mani-pedi, tan, massage and/or clothes shopping expedition. You'll feel like a million bucks so don't stay home! The romance volume on those four nights is turned up to 11! And by the way, these are gorgeous days to suggest "running away" on a romantic holiday together or even better, departing!

If you must wear your rose-tinted glasses regarding your partner, please do get a reality check (ie chat to a Virgo or Scorpio) on 8 and 20 July when you will be in the mood to believe the most ridiculous fantasies. You do have to contend with an action-packed day on 26 July when it's the Full Moon, suggesting something has come full circle for your partner – or your relationship – and there are aspects for disillusionment, but also great joy. Tread lightly.

Make the most of the attention in July as due to the position of the planets in August, your birthday celebrations seems to get kind of overlooked or sidestepped somehow – I know that's not what you wanted to hear; sorry about that Chief! Like Cancer, you're also likely to receive early birthday money gifts and other goodies, around 13 and 30 July such as spa gift certificates. You may also get some healthy eating cookbooks or gymwear – some of your more wicked gift-givers may be giving you a not-so-subtle message! Also, some of these goodies may be regifted or recycled, by the way, but you will have to be noble and pretend not to notice.

Depressing, negative or critical conversations could ruin your mood on 26, 30 and 31 July. You may have set-in-stone contracts running into legal problems, or sudden shocks relating to travel documents . Speaking of travel, a holiday or work-related conference trip may get cancelled – perhaps your leave is denied or illness prevents it? – on 25 July.

Librans are the master networkers – you know how to get people on side. Just like a master politician, you have no problem knowing how to work the phones, email, text, blog and make appointments with go-getters. The best days for contacting VIPs to get their considered advice (and who can resist being asked for their advice?!) are 1, 9 and 10 July. I suspect that you may have created a new role for yourself following the New Moon of 11 July. If you mention what you're after jobwise(!), these people may have some verrrrry useful contacts!

When was the last time you had a truly glamorous date with your partner? That recently? OK, well, time to do it all over again! Glam up to the nines and play "Remember when we first met?" games with your Significant Other, making sure that the restaurant you book is child-free, the lighting is low, the flowers are fragrant, the music is seductive and you both smell and look soooooo good on 9, 11, 22 and 23 July. Falling in love all over again is optional.

You may however (be disappointed to) cancel date night plans on 8, 20 and 26 July. These dates, but especially 26 July which is a Full Moon, which always lets the loonies out and for Librans, may make or break your plans to have another child. You could feel alternately delighted by your partner and disillusioned with your kids. If you need moral support, bring along a few of your most upbeat mates to distract the rugrats.

You could be thrilled with a discovery relating to your family or home on 13 and 30 July. Not everyone will find a old Monet in the attic but perhaps you have more equity than you thought or you find a buyer who wants to make an offer before the auction. Others could be delighted with a confidential discussion relating to their property's value or ability to borrow. Or a loved one might agree to give you access to their fancy holiday house in return for babysitting duties etc.

You could feel like you're 100 years old on 26, 30 and 31 July. The weight of responsibilities could make you feel like a nitpicky hausfrau while your partner gets to play a dashing 007 or whatever. He or she could be busting for freedom while you're there, sullenly reminding them of what has to happen. Then they – or your kids – could be greedy and demanding on 25 July, forcing you to play dictator at home, which is a role you hate. Unfortunately it could feel like you're having a rehash of old relationship issues for a few more weeks.

Pick up the phone to your favourite travel agent, text your good buddy who has a spare couch in his or her cool beach shack, or check out the holiday deals from your favourite club or association on 1, 9 and 10 July when you'll get the travel bug badly! From the New Moon of 11 July it's likely that travel planning will be underway. You are in the mood to escape!

At the same time, ironically, you can make a wonderful impression on your boss, important clients and industry VIPs on 9, 11, 22 and 23 July. You're ambitious to get somewhere – fast – but you may have to deal with home- or family-related confusion on 8 and 20 July. On the Full Moon of 26 July, you'll see that the current status quo at home has to change – do you need to move? – but you may not a clear answer from your family about how you can balance kids'n'career which is infuriating. Added to that, a wonderful job opportunity that comes up on 26 July may get "undone" or the role gets put on ice.

Take time to see your favourite friends on 13 and 30 July. They could tell you some news about certain people or companies which could prove very useful in the future. Those who are particularly talented at social media could help you with facebook, Twitter, resourceful websites or even inspire you to write your own blog about being a parent, while single Scorpio parents could even meet someone online then. And if you want to keep an eye on your kids on the computer, these are also great days to install "nanny software".

You could feel depressed, exhausted or weighed down by private feelings to do with your workplace. You may be very upset about the erratic behaviour of one or more of your colleagues, to the point you feel sick on 26, 30 and 31 July. One of them could over-promise or talk up their ability to deliver a project and then dump you with it, or you could be upset with gossip that suggests a promotion is not coming your way on 25 July.

At the start of the month you'll be thinking hard about how you can pay down debt, and call in favours with those you know to help you. Circle 1, 9 and 10 July for surfing the net to find the lowest-rate balance transfers and to book an appointment with a financial advisor. From the New Moon of 11 July you'll want to have a plan in place to make the most of what you've got ie equity etc. You're also in a good position to start charging more for what you do at work or to network with those who work in an industry you want to enter. Use your many talents!

The siren song of the airport is calling loudly. You are soooooo busting for a holiday somewhere! A double-duty holiday that gives you plenty of precious romantic moments with your lover and creates glorious childhood memories for your kids means you should look for child-friendly resorts, those with kids' clubs and/or babysitters, or organise a fun group trip with plenty of adults to watch the children on 9, 11, 22 and 23 July. Seductively photographed resorts on travel websites or brochures could prove very disappointing in reality on 8, 20 and 26 July. Since the latter is also the Full Moon, you might have a blow-up about the Photoshopped trickery then or discover to your horror that they have no record of your booking.

Your public profile gets a powerful boost on 13 and 30 July and you could benefit financially from it as well. These are great days to go for a raise or a promotion, and if you're seeking a job, you could successfully receive a much higher salary. Dress up now. If you have to visit the bank manager to refinance your loan (do you know the old line that you have to prove how much you don't need a loan to get one?), it's worth taking the time to spruce up your appearance so they feel confident. Great for presentations too, especially if you're selling anything afterwards, and wonderful for charming VIPs in general.

Your oldest friends could really upset you, criticising your lover and/or children on 26, 30 and 31 July while other Sagittarians will find that it's time that they left certain clubs and associations as they're not much fun anymore. Speaking of fun, recreation, romance and kids could cause a finance-related argument on 25 July. Stick to a budget!

You'll love sharing quality time with your partner on 1, 9 and 10 July and from the New Moon of 11 July could enjoy a fresh new start to your relationship. Single Capricorns might want to change their status on facebook, while those further down the dating track might be thinking about making it official, even discussing such legalese as pre-nups! Some married Capricorns might work out how they can tack a holiday onto a work conference for themselves and/or their partner.

Your Sex Appeal Meter will go up to 11 on the playful and fun 9, 11, 22 and 23 July. Please circle these dates NOW and make sure you go out wearing clothing that makes you "feel horny, baby" and organise babysitters for the kids! Not only do you need to feel sexually intimate now, but you also need your family base to be fun and exciting. You might come back from these nights announcing a treat that everyone gets to share.

However, you could run through money like water on 8 and 20 July, and on 26 July you could be alarmed to hear that your credit card has been maxed out or that "someone" has fibbed about the cost of glamorous clothing or whatever. A new budget might be called for around the Full Moon of 26 July.

I'm loving the deep, sexy relationship vibe that exists on 13 and 30 July. Grab your Significant Other and run away for the weekend where you can share yourself totally and unconditionally and rediscover new levels of intimacy together. Yes, it's sexy time! Send the kids elsewhere...

Is your boss being a curmudgeon? Are you having to work even more hours overtime than usual? Have you been denied that promotion you've slaved so hard for? Either that, or shocks and surprises to do with your family are creating a career-family crisis on 26, 30 and 31 July that will knock you for six. Don't worry, you'll see the funny side. Eventually. Someone who thinks of themselves as the family favourite could push your buttons too far on 25 July.

If winter has got you down, being too chilly to exercise outside, you could try doing some um, sweaty workouts with your partner for free at home! You'll find a willing gym buddy ready for some downward dog or whatever on 1, 9 and 10 July, days which are also great for updating your CV if you're feeling bored and unappreciated at work, and checking what you've got to offer with a couple of recruiters. From the New Moon of 11 July you may instigate a brand-new routine at home, start a new job or embark on a diet and exercise program.

Aquarians in relationships could feel have a major attack of the rose-tinted glasses on 8, 20 and 26 July, when you may beamingly say yes to anything your partner suggests. You may be unrealistic and easily disillusioned now when life may not turn out to be a Hollywood rom-com, especially on the Full Moon of 26 July when you feel a little ripped off in some way. But this is more than made up for by simply gorgeous romantic nights ideal for you to talk about you two, and not just "what's for dinner?" and "we have to pay the gas bill" mundane chatter on 9, 11, 22 and 23 July. Circle them for date nights now!

Other sexy date nights are 13 and 30 July which are ideal for curling up in private with someone you trust and exposing your innermost secrets. Interestingly enough, many people only talk about money issues with someone they really trust so these days are also good to see a financial advisor if you need help digging yourself out of debt. If you're one of the lucky Aquarians who has (plenty of) money to invest, you could meet someone who intuitively understands your investment fears and issues. Others could hear confidential (but good) news regarding an inheritance or tax matter.

Some of you may have legal problems which have you in a Mexican stand-off with someone who is extremely unpredictable on 26, 30 and 31 July, while others may be disappointed that another has taken too many shortcuts with paperwork or confirmations regarding a holiday interstate or overseas which may fall through or be a wash-out in some way.

You may run into unanticipated problems relating to your kids' school, you unwittingly create an enemy out of your sibling/s, or your secret sexy video or photo makes it onto the internet if you're not very careful on 25 July. Avoid any back-stabbing, gossip or nasty online forum comments then, too.

Woohoo, Pisces! You're in the mood for love all right! In the first half of July you'll find yourself reading, writing, texting, facebooking, blogging or talking about love and romance, with a view to finding yourself a long-term companion if you're single, or to feel couple-y if you're taken. The best dates to (re)connect with your partner/someone decent are 1, 9, and 10 July. From the New Moon of 11 July you'll take action in your love life – and you'll take care that your children are feeling happy, too.

The thought of fitting in a cossie this summer could horrify most Pisceans so you'll get a big boost to your aim to look cute naked on 9, 11, 22 and 23 July, which are great dates to join a gym, sweat it out at Bikram yoga, grab a friend for a walk-and-talk, book a massage, and quit smoking and/or alcohol, chocolate or whatever else ails you. You might get motivated to get fit and healthy when you realise that being unhealthy often costs you financially. Speaking of finances, you have some excellent stars on those days for asking sweetly for a raise, or being given a bonus, dividend, discount, refund, rebate or mate's rates, especially in connection with work. See what special offers you can make use of now.

Something possibly vague at best, or sneaky at worst, might be going on behind your back at work on 8, 20 and 26 July (which is also the Full Moon). These are not the best days to take on new staff or apply for a job as there could be something they are not telling you...

If you have any single friends you could play one of your favourite roles – The Matchmaker – introducing them to someone charming on 13 and 30 July. If you're single, one of them might hook you up with someone lovely and if you're part of a couple, take the time to ask your partner about his or her hopes and wishes. You might be amazed to know what they'd really love to do. Perhaps they've been keeping a secret.

Urgh – I hope you're not carrying too much debt on your joint and/or business credit card because you could be in for an almighty ruckus about out-of-control spending on 26, 30 and 31 July. These debt worries could get kicked off on 25 July when you freely spend up on a night out with your mates. You may be in for a period of belt-tightening if you want to invest in anything, particularly with your partner.

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