Rebecca Szymczak, aka Cardsy B, author of The Saturn Diaries, tarot reader to the stars, and guest blogger for our popular Career Tarotscopes series, is back with a brand-new tarotscopes series for business leaders. She’ll be consulting her cards to provide an in-depth analysis of the upcoming quarter for tech and other leaders alike — focusing on management, leadership, and personal development. First up — quarter three of 2024.
Q3 is a cosmic sweet spot in the year, kicking off with the powerful new moon in Cancer on July 5, calling us to focus on where teams may need a little more nurturing and direction. The first half of July, before Mercury goes into its pre-shadow period on July 16, is an advantageous time for launches and pitches to new clients and collaborators. A rare second full moon in Capricorn on July 21 provides an interesting “do-over” opportunity for anything that may not have worked out from last month’s full moon in Capricorn (June 21) regarding steps toward long-term financial progress.
While Mercury’s retrograde officially starts on August 4, we still have an intense activation period with the Lions Gate Portal, which begins on July 28 but peaks on August 8 when the sun in Leo, the star Sirius, Orion’s belt, and Earth line up and create a powerful manifestation window. Thursday, August 8, through the Aquarius full moon and Friday, August 16, are the best days in August for critical meetings and meaningful discussions for this reason.
The third quarter concludes with September marking the end of Mercury’s retrograde (the shadow period ends on September 11). This timing allows for ample preparation to finalize any remaining details and sign contracts before the start of Q4. The quarter wraps up with a full moon and lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17, prompting us to thoroughly reexamine partnerships and collaborations before heading into Q4. The next quarter begins with a solar eclipse in Libra, indicating the importance of balancing budgets by the end of September to avoid any unnecessary cleanup work in October.
Read on to see what the cards have in store for your sign for Q3.
Sign: Aries/Aries Rising (March 21 to April 19)
Lean In: Two of Cups: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Aries are ambitious leaders and creators because they prefer constant forward motion. The Two of Cups, especially during the Cancer season (first) half of July, reminds you to focus on feedback from your team and colleagues to help shape the best path forward.
Watch Out: Five of Swords: Beware of Shortcuts
The desire for success and efficiency may cause you to want to cut corners or skip essential steps in August. Due to Mercury’s retrograde, this may not work out as planned, especially if it involves written communication. Double-check all important documents and/or presentations from August through early September.
Remember: Ten of Pentacles: Patience and Collaboration are Key
Big financial wins are coming this quarter, but the details may be confirmed at the end of Virgo season in September. Nevertheless, it will be worth the wait.
Taurus/Taurus Rising (April 20 to May 20)
Lean In: Six of Pentacles: Balance is Key
You may feel internal pressure to power through deadlines in July (in addition to the cosmic countdown before Mercury’s retrograde). Still, it’s essential to take time for yourself and check in with your team regarding their mental health as well.
Watch Out: Judgment: Don’t Let Perfectionism Take You Down
Though it’s important not to rush, and Tauruses know how to take their time analyzing the details like nobody’s business, make sure not to let perfectionism get the best of you. Delegate what you can, especially in late July and August.
Remember: The Hermit: Trust Your Inner Guidance System
Taurus leaders are excellent at taking all viewpoints into account. Come mid-August, this can reach an “information overload” peak. One of the areas to focus on with September’s solar eclipse in Pisces is the ability to take in data and then filter or “eclipse out” what doesn’t align, especially regarding a critical project or presentation hitting around the second half of September.
Gemini/Gemini Rising (May 21 to June 20)
Lean In: 3 of Pentacles: Open to Receiving Support
It’s a gift that you’re talented in many aspects of your industry, but it also can work against you when you wear more hats than you need to. Allow your team to support you, especially as more extensive projects come to the table at the end of July near the full moon in Capricorn on July 21.
Watch Out: 4 of Swords: Mind The Gap
Many clients and colleagues may be on vacation as August approaches, leaving you too much tweaking time. Try not to second-guess yourself and use the middle of Q3 to prep for new initiatives versus over-editing work already in good shape.
Remember: The Emperor: A Solid Foundation is Paramount
Geminis are very comfortable changing direction as new information comes to the table. This adaptability is important, but the Emperor reminds you that committing to a solid foundation first and then moving on to the next steps is critical this quarter.
Cancer/Cancer Rising (June 21 to July 22)
Lean In: The Chariot: Driver of Change
Q3 brings an exciting mix of calling on your nurturing mentor energy while asking you to use that Cancerian crab shell to charge ahead and move your team toward much-needed change.
Watch Out: Queen of Swords: Use Your Words Wisely
Your ability to empathize and understand your team’s and clients’ needs puts you in an advantageous position to advocate for innovation and progress. However, due to Mercury’s retrograde affecting communication from the end of July through early September and challenges from higher-ups around the full moon in Aquarius (August 16), it’s essential to choose your words consciously and deliver messages with clear intentions.
Remember: Temperance: It’s All in the Alchemy and the Delivery
Temperance reminds us of the importance of moderation and using the right amounts of the ingredients we need. You have the perfect blend of supportive empathy and firm conviction when standing up for what you believe in. Use this alchemy wisely, and a big opportunity will come your way by the end of August.
Leo/Leo Rising (July 23 to August 22)
Lean In: Ace of Swords: Spark of Passion and Inspiration
Q3 brings an important new beginning, whether a new position entirely or a new project launch that will be an important milestone in your career. The way you head into this initiative in Q3 sets the tone for the rest of 2024.
Watch Out: The Hierophant: Lessons from Your Past Self
Mercury enters Leo on July 16, the same day it moves into its pre-shadow period before retrograde. As a result, triggers may occur in mid-July. Make sure to respond as the empowered executive you are today versus from a wounded version of your prior self who was battle-scarred from a toxic past work environment.
Remember: Eight of Pentacles: Success is Achieved One Task at a Time
You’re stepping into a whole new level, which is exciting and sometimes daunting. By the end of July, moments of overwhelm may begin to strike, reminding you of the importance of redirecting your focus to choosing the next best step for the challenge at hand.
Virgo/Virgo Rising (August 23 to September 22)
Lean In: 9 of Wands: Persistence Will Be Rewarded
Virgos are extremely hardworking and known for their commitment to detail. As a result, you can see ahead of what others are overlooking regarding specific information. Hold firm in your position, as this stance will be rewarded around the lunar eclipse in Pisces in mid-September.
Watch Out: 3 of Swords: Watch Out for Imposter Syndrome
Others’ indecisiveness may cause you to doubt what you know to be true. Don’t allow this to doubt what your industry knowledge and experience are telling you.
Remember: Justice: Boundary and Balance
The Justice card reminds us of the importance of balancing intuition and intellect when making decisions. Especially during August, it’s essential to step back and allow yourself to do an honest inventory of the roadmap for the next two months ahead. Revisions may be necessary that others can’t see as clearly as you do.
Libra/Libra Rising (September 23 to October 22)
Lean In: Page of Wands: Fired Up and Ready to Go
While others may be experiencing a summer slowdown, it feels like you’re in the midst of significant progress. There’s an important runway in the first half of July to set up meetings and schedule key next steps with your team.
Watch Out: 5 of Pentacles: Be Mindful of Time Poverty Mindset
You may feel like you’re racing against the clock to finalize plans by the end of July into early August. Use the new moon in Leo on August 4 to clarify your intentions, even if that means creating and communicating a new outline for yourself and your team.
Remember: The Magician: You Have Access to All the Right Tools
Even if it feels like you have a short window of time or your team is smaller than would be ideal for what needs to get done, remember you have all the tools you need, including from unexpected sources that may come through at what feels like the eleventh hour of a pivotal project at the end of August.
Scorpio/Scorpio Rising (October 23 to November 21)
Lean In: Death/Rebirth: Embrace the Changes
You may feel understandably uneasy about changes on the horizon for Q3, but getting onboard with them is your best plan of action. You have the ability to have a voice in the direction of some moving pieces — make sure to seize this opportunity.
Watch Out: Four of Pentacles: Don’t Hold Back
Four of Pentacles usually denotes energetically holding back in some way. You may feel tempted to hoard good ideas for the future, but know that your voice is needed now. Sharing your insight will make you more valuable to the team — especially in July.
Remember: The Lovers: You Have More Support than You Realize
Changes to your department and team may feel disruptive, creating a sense of guardedness. You are far from alone and have many advocates and supporters around you. Lean into collaboration, as this will increase the success of a big win headed your way by mid-September.
Sagittarius/Sagittarius Rising (November 22 to December 23)
Lean In: The Empress: Big Projects Coming to Fruition
Ideas sparked as far back as last year are starting to take shape. As Sagittarians are notoriously impatient, you may have already moved on and written this off, but sometimes big things take time. This one is worth the wait. Expect meaningful news after Mercury enters Leo on July 16.
Watch Out: 8 of Cups: Detachment is Needed
The project you’re leading requires time and patience, but more than anything, it requires detaching from the old ways of doing things. Ensure you utilize the correct support, even if this means opening up to collaboration where you prefer to go it alone.
Remember: Wheel of Fortune: Flexibility is Key
Your decisiveness makes you a strong leader. However, the next three months set you up for significant long-term growth that requires flexibility — and even some dreaded backtracking (which Sagittarians loathe) — especially in mid-August. Remember that you’ll be rewarded for your adaptability in the long run.
Capricorn/Capricorn Rising (December 22 to January 19)
Lean In: Queen of Cups: Intuition and Empathy are Key
Capricorns tend to be much more comfortable leaning into their logical and pragmatic side, but Q3 requires you to tap into your people skills with colleagues and clients to align them with your vision for closing the year on top.
Watch Out: Strength: Don’t Mani-force
You are your greatest critic, and as financial pressures mount, it may be tempting to try to force outcomes yourself rather than work collaboratively. The full moon in Capricorn on July 21 provides insight into overcoming a frustrating obstacle.
Remember: The Star: Timing is Everything
The last thing you may want to do by the end of the summer is take a break, but it’s better to take a moment to recalibrate when needed than to answer an important call or email hastily — delays in August may be frustrating, but they’re lining you up for a more significant win.
Aquarius/Aquarius Rising (January 20 to February 18)
Lean In: 6 of Cups: Your Teammates and Clients Hold the Key
You’ve been trying to manage everything alone while your teammates and collaborators are on vacation or mentally checked out. You don’t need to operate on an island — it’s time to reach out and seek additional insights and other perspectives on the work you’re handling from colleagues or even outside mentors you trust.
Watch Out: King of Swords: Watch Your Words
It’s more important than ever to be intentional with your words and your boundaries. The clearer and more consistent you are in July, the less likely you are to snap at clients or colleagues when Mercury goes retrograde in a spicy Leo season.
Remember: 7 of Swords: Learn the Rules so You Know Which Ones can be Broken
A new system or reorg may have occurred at the beginning of summer, leaving you feeling frustrated and questioning the efficiency of this new plan. You’ll have the opportunity to influence changes, but it’s important to observe first before initiating pushback.
Pisces/Pisces Rising (February 19 to March 20)
Lean In: 8 of Wands: Utilize the Momentum
If last quarter felt frustratingly stagnant, July comes in like a wrecking ball. With Mercury going retrograde from August 4 to August 28, it’s best to use July to get meetings lined up and contracts signed and August to get details in place.
Watch Out: The Moon: Illusions and Duality in Messaging
Don’t let a misunderstanding slow progress at the end of July. You may disagree with a business partner or boss on the direction of an important project. Ask questions about anything that needs clarifying from their end, as you’re closer to being on the same page than it seems.
Remember: 9 of Cups: Be Clear with Your Desired Outcome
The internal hiccup regarding communication helps hone your message to clients and consumers, bringing an important signed deal by mid-September.
Build and Skill Your Teams with Help from General Assembly
The stars are aligning to make Q3 the perfect time to reexamine partnerships and collaborations before Q4 hits. When it comes to finding a fresh pipeline of skilled tech talent — or upskilling and reskilling the talent you have — we’re here to partner with you to find the right tech talent and training solutions you need to succeed.
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