Mercury Retrograde is around the corner once again! This quirky cosmic phenomenon occurs 3-4 times every year for a few weeks at a time. It is infamous for travel and tech issues, communication mishaps, and generally causing us to fumble the bag. Before we dive in, take a moment to congratulate yourself for existing so well in so much constant chaos!
Mercury will move into the sign of Virgo on July 26th. It will begin its retrograde motion on August 5th, and will move back into the sign of Leo on August 16th (still retrograde). Mercury will go direct on August 29th and will once again enter Virgo on September 10th.
We will also feel the effects of Mercury Retrograde for 2-3 weeks before and after in the periods known as “retroshade”.
What is Mercury Retrograde?
We know that all the planets in our solar system orbit around the Sun in the same direction, at different speeds and at different distances away from the Sun.
From our perspective here on Earth, the planets move across the sky in a counterclockwise direction throughout the year, in what is called forward or “direct” motion through the zodiac constellations. Depending on the planet’s speed and distance from Earth, sometimes the planet can begin to move backwards through the zodiac constellations, moving clockwise around the Earth from night to night over a period of time. It’s all about relativity! This apparent backward motion is known as retrograde motion.
Mercury goes retrograde so often because it is such a fast planet (orbits around the Sun once every 88 days). Planets that are very far away from us and moving much slower appear to move retrograde for long periods of the year as well, such as Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn.
What does Mercury Retrograde mean in astrology?
Mercury is the planet of communication, intellect, and technology. It governs how you organize, share, receive, and process information and ideas. It can influence how you express yourself, how you speak and write, what kinds of things you are most curious about, and your desire and ability to learn or teach. Mercury is also in charge of technology and short trips or journeys.
Mercury takes roughly a year to move through all 12 signs of the zodiac, so it changes signs every 14-60 days.
Mercury is always within one sign away from the Sun, and forms a conjunction with the Sun every 116 days.
Like the Sun’s transits from sign to sign signal the change of each astrological season, Mercury’s frequent changes from sign to sign reflect our always changing curiosities and attention spans.
Each time Mercury moves into a new sign, it helps us build on what we gained, learned, and discovered in the last sign.
When Mercury goes retrograde, things can get a little wonky.
Communication can be more difficult, unclear, tense, confusing, or misleading. You may be more likely to mishear something someone says, to totally miss an important email someone sends you, or completely forget about an appointment you made.
It is a time for doing things twice, coming back to something you thought you had finished with and having to do something you’ve already done again. Think, all “re” words: rethink, repeat, reflect, redo, remake, resend, repeal, revisit, reaffirm, and so on. Pro tip: the more reflecting and rethinking you do during this time, the less redoing or remaking you may have to do.
Mercury Retrograde can lead to travel hiccups such as missed flights, delays, forgotten items, flat tires, and so on. If you have a trip planned during retrograde, don’t panic! There are plenty of steps you can take ahead of time to make sure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible no matter what is thrown at you. Prepare well in advance, and check your packing list twice. Bring several photocopies of your passport or license; make sure that Triple A card is in your wallet before your road-trip; make sure your bank or credit card knows when and where you’ll be traveling; don’t bring anything valuable if it isn’t necessary.
Mercury Retrograde is also famous for technical failures and snafus. Leading up to Mercury Retrograde is a great time to make sure your computer and phone are backed up properly.
Desires, needs, wants, ideas and opinions may be unclear or fuzzy during this time. Your sense of judgment could be slightly altered and your ability to process information quickly may not be as sharp as usual. Remember to move slowly, pay attention to details, and don’t make any major new decisions at this time! Things will feel clearer once Mercury goes direct again, and all the reflecting you do during this period will serve you well at that time.
Nothing you can’t take all in stride!
Mercury Retrograde is a built in cycle telling us to SLOW DOWN. The Universe wants you to take breaks. The constant need for progress and productivity is what truly causes those Mercury Retrograde “problems”. Pushing too hard is how we make mistakes. If you don’t take this time to rest, the Universe just might force you to – out of love, and in your best interest, of course!
Mercury retrograde in Virgo and Leo
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo (August 4 – August 14): Virgo is all about details, order, and practicality. During this period, you might find yourself double-checking everything, from your to-do lists to your diet plans. Virgo’s energy is perfect for sorting out any messes in your life, but it also means you might get a bit obsessive over tiny details. Miscommunications might happen at work or in health matters, so be extra clear in your emails and appointments.
Virgo’s Influence: Unlike a retrograde in dreamy Pisces, which has you lost in your thoughts, Virgo’s retrograde is all about practical details and getting your ducks in a row. It’s a chance to fix what’s broken and make everything more efficient.
Mercury Retrograde in Leo (August 14 – August 28): Once Mercury slides back into Leo, the vibe shifts to creativity, self-expression, and a bit of drama. Leo loves to be in the spotlight, so expect to revisit old creative projects or rethink how you present yourself. This period might bring some theatrical misunderstandings in your social or romantic life. It’s a time to reflect on your confidence and how you seek validation from others.
Leo’s Influence: Leo’s retrograde is like a cosmic nudge to look at how you shine. Unlike a more reserved sign like Capricorn, which focuses on career goals, Leo’s retrograde is about your personal flair and social life. It’s a time for a bit of introspection on how you express yourself and connect with others.
Your Mercury Retrograde Horoscope
Aries Rising
Mercury is going to help you rethink your daily routines, Aries. I know these can be hard for you, and regularity feels boring AF!
How can you make taking care of yourself and your shit on a regular, daily basis FUN?
Slowing down might be generally uncomfortable for you, Aries, and having to re-do something? Excruciating! But this August, being slow, intentional, and present is going to allow you to express yourself best (and get lots of attention). You may find that slowing down can actually be really fun.
You are being prepared for this September when Mercury will go direct again and move back into your 6th House – all this slowing down and relishing in the moment is going to make getting shit done this fall SO much easier and more satisfying.
Taurus Rising
Mercury retrograde might feel clunky to you this summer, Taurus. With Virgo in your 5th House, you may have a challenging time expressing yourself in the ways you normally do. Getting shit done might not be as easy as it usually is, which is super frustrating!
You are being asked to get creative in nature, and have a frickin’ awesome summer.
Get outside and pretend it is the last month of summer and you are 10 years old. You get this whole month to be as slow and luxuriant as you want – it couldn’t be better for you! Where can you bring this slow, intentional, luxurious energy into an activity a little outside your comfort zone?
Once Mercury moves back into Leo, you will be asked to see where this fun and playfulness can be brought into your home and family life. Where can you let go of some of this need for maturity and let your inner child do some of the decorating too? It’s okay if you change it back later on, but it could be a fun exercise. You are capable of more flexibility than you might think.
Gemini Rising
Gemini, your chart ruler is Mercury, and you of all people deserve to give your brain a break 3-4 times a year.
Where can you ground down in play or in quality time with friends and family? Where can you let go of some of the urgency to get your ideas across? Can you sit still for a little bit? Can you daydream? Can you practice listening? Use this month of slowing down to really practice pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and embracing the quieter or softer parts of yourself.
Mercury in Leo is going to be in your 3rd House, so it might feel extra hard to communicate well. But y’know what, that’s not a big deal! You don’t need to fret over communication this month – practice building confidence in your own thoughts and ideas even when no one else gets it. Be as clear as you can and let it go!
Cancer Rising
I know this summer has been a lot so far, Cancer. You’ve had a lot going on in your sign and may have been struggling with identity a bit. Take a moment to acknowledge your resilience.
Now that all the planets have moved into Leo and that second Capricorn Full Moon has passed, can you use this time to take a break? Practice a little healthy detachment? Get outside, splash in some water, and wash away any heaviness that has clung to you from the beginning of the summer.
Communicating the desires and needs of your inner child and emotional self might feel extra challenging right now, so can you use this time to do a little more listening? Practice listening and holding space for others – you are naturally good at this! Then, practice listening to and holding space for your inner child – does that feel easier or harder?
Leo Rising
Have you been a buzzy little bee this past month Leo? A little extra creative? A little extra focused? It could be frustrating for that to end as Mercury retrograde in your First House creates a little time warp, but don’t view it as a loss. You’ve still got Venus and the Sun in your First House, making this retrograde feel less like the Land of the Lotus Eaters and more like a dreamy little beach vacation. This is a great time to quite literally grab your SPF, soak up some sunshine, and recharge for the year.
Remember breaks are necessary to avoid burnout, even if you are on a creative roll. This is a good time to check in on direction and values, as well as how you are making money on a regular basis and caring for your basic needs. Explore and embrace what makes you happy and brings you pleasure.
This is a good time to plan what’s next for you. Let that August sunshine bless you with new creative direction and ideas, as well as the new energy needed to jump into them come September.
Virgo Rising
It’s going to be okay, Virgo. You might feel some growing pains this retrograde, or maybe even pains due to a lack of growing. You may really want to make some progress right now and it just might not happen this month. Can you take a pause from doing and planning?
Can you use this time to just be? Sit with your inner self a bit, and get in nature? You may have not had a lot of opportunities to really relax and play as a kid – can you make up for some of that now? This is a whole month of summer where the cosmos are telling you not to be productive – what do you want to do with all this time?
Your inner child is deep in your subconscious – trust that it is there guiding you. Don’t overthink what you’re doing, practice following your whims in a playful way and without judgment. Spend an afternoon outside building a fairy house for the heck of it. Try doing an activity without keeping an eye on the clock. Who is she?!
Libra Rising
Libra, this Mercury Retrograde might feel slow AF to you, but in the best of ways. Your subconscious mind is always busy in the background and trying to find the best choice or solution, even though they all look so good. You do not need to make any decisions right now, so let that part of your brain take a little break!
Take this month to be present in the beautiful big heart you have and reconnect with how it guides you. Your conscience is powerful and wise – trust that inner voice. Take some time to prioritize and listen to yourself during this time, and don’t worry about everyone else! They will all still need you in the future. In fact, now would be a wonderful time to spend with the friends that make you feel cherished, doted on, and appreciated. How can you practice being the center of attention right now?
What does that big heart want? What does that big heart need?
Cry, dress yourself up, give as many consensual kisses as you can. Fill your cup with your own love and remember that big power is always in you. Plan for how you can give to others going forward in a way that nourishes you too.
Scorpio Rising
This month is going to be really, really slow for you Scorpio. The progress you’ve been working toward might stall, and your career might feel a bit stagnant.
If you have the chance to take a few days off of work and get your summer on, do it! Stay grounded by connecting your body to nature – sit in some grass, soak up some sun, spend some time by or in the water.
Take this time to reflect on how you can shine even brighter than you already do in your career. Where can you embrace less seriousness in your public persona and have more fun at work?
Spend time with your friends this month and get inspired by them. Bring more friend-time into your regular schedule.
Try something new and out of your comfort zone in the spirit of finding new inspiration. What big impacts do you want to make in the world and how can you start planning for that first step?
Sagittarius Rising
Career progress may feel really slow this month for you too, Sagittarius. You want to try new things, and implement new plans and ideas, and it just might not be happening right now. That’s okay! This is a good time to practice a little patience. Don’t make any rash judgments or decisions this month in your career – if it’s the right decision then it will still be the right decision when Mercury is direct again next month.
This Mercury retrograde is a great time to explore some of the big, beautiful thoughts and ideas you had as a kid. Can you revisit an activity you loved? Is there something you always wanted to do when you were little that you still haven’t tried, like make ice cream from scratch or jump off a diving board or ride a horse? Now is a great time to do it. (Just don’t be reckless – remember safety first, please!) This break in outward progress and action may reward you with new ideas and inward insights that you never expected.
You can also use this time to imagine what your next big trip or adventure will look like. What aspects of travel or adventure make you feel your most authentic and make you feel like you shine the brightest? This isn’t a great time to buy any flights just yet, but you can certainly get creative about all the fun things you want to do next!
Explore how, even when things seem stagnant, you can still find adventure in little ways all around you.
Capricorn Rising
Okay Capricorn, this Mercury Retrograde may be a little intense for you, but it will lay the groundwork for some awesome internal and spiritual growth. Breathe through it and remember to look at anything that comes up through an optimistic lens.
This month might be a great time to check in with your inner child. You may have been a pretty serious or cautious kid growing up and maybe you struggled to really let yourself just be a kid. This month is an opportunity to make up for some of that.
What was your favorite tv show as a kid? What was your favorite food? What was your favorite activity?
If you can suspend your discomfort for a moment, practice playing pretend! Can you get yourself lost in your imagination for a bit? Use your surroundings to help you – find a spot in nature that transports you to another world, dress accordingly, and bring a bag with the magical tools you might need on your adventure. Practice letting go and observe what dreams or feelings come up at this time.
Additionally, can you begin to plan a trip you’ve always wanted to go on? Don’t make any purchases yet, but you can sure as heck get excited about it! This is an inner child trip. Is there an old friend who can come with you?
This retrograde is a great time to do some journaling and shadow work as well.
Aquarius Rising
This Mercury Retrograde could also be a little intense for you, Aquarius. Things may be feeling clunky and tense on a deep emotional level, in partnerships or relationships, and in the bedroom. It may feel like you’ve lost some interest in your personal goals and ambitions, and you could be feeling a little nostalgic over past friendships or relationships. Don’t fret – this period will pass!
Let yourself cry if you need to, and accept the hug when offered (and don’t be afraid to ask for one if you want it!) How can you use this time to practice letting go of some power or control? How can you find power in your vulnerability?
Additionally, this pause in momentum could help you dedicate some attention and give some much needed TLC to your relationships. Can you embrace a little more romance at this time? You sometimes forget how big your heart is – can you bring it into all your relationships and woo some folks? Romance doesn’t have to be sexual, serious, or frivolous, but it can help us open up our hearts a bit. Bring some romance into your platonic friendships and your daily routines as well.
This retrograde could be a fruitful time for shadow work for you as well, Aquarius, but remember to be gentle with yourself and give yourself time and space to feel and process. You have a tendency to detach – try to stay connected to your feelings and body.
Pisces Rising
Pisces, this Mercury Retrograde you may find that your daily routine or daily expectations get a little scrambled. Staying grounded is always a healthy practice for you. However, when your usual methods get disrupted, what other tools can you use to ground down to the earth and your physical body?
One of these useful grounding tools might be connecting with other people. Is there a partnership or relationship you’ve been meaning to invest more energy in? While things are slowed down right now, this may be a good time to reflect on what you want and need in partnership, and how you can show up with more presence, reliability, and thoughtfulness. Communication is always key in relationships, but it might not be the easiest right now. Let your grounded attention and physical presence do the talking for you. By leading with your heart and natural loving instinct, your actions this month can make your loved ones feel supported and valued.
Take some time to bring some play into your daily routine too. Can play be grounding for you? Can you bring an aspect of play and your big imagination into your relationships as well?
And if you don’t have comfy pillows on your bed or a stuffed animal you love right now, now is the time to get one! How can you bring more magic, groundedness, and fun into your living space?
Interested in a 1:1 Birth Chart Reading to dive even deeper to how transits like this one affect your unique birthchart? Book a reading with Maggie! Read more about her offerings on her website, egressastrology.com.