August Mercury Retrograde Doesn’t Have to Suck: A Survival Guide

Gather up, my babies: the worst of all astrological transits is upon us.

What does August 2024 Mercury retrograde in Virgo and Leo have in store? Read on to learn more.

Named for the god of messages, Mercury is the planet of communication: mind, mouth, connection, expression, media, technology, travel, commerce, high and low, small and poetic.

Mercury is the fastest moving body in our sky, second only to the Moon. It is known as a personal planet, which means that it affects us significantly, intimately and daily.

The meaning of mercury retrograde

Because the spheres Mercury rules are so integral to our daily routines, we feel their retrograde effects more acutely than others.

An astrological PSA: Planets never move backwards in space; they simply slow their proverbial spins, a slowing that looks like a reversal from our perspective here on beautiful, broken planet Earth.

When is mercury retrograde?

Beginning its deceleration, Mercury stations retrograde on August 5th at 12:56 AM ET at 4 degrees in the punctilious sign of Virgo.

When a planet is in retrograde, its energy works in the opposite direction, not necessarily ANTI us, but certainly not as a trusted assistant. As Mercury rules the mind, its retrograde means a period of challenge in organizing, expressing and creating order in our lives.

Common symptoms of Mercury retrograde include travel delays, brain fog, sudden or renewed conflict, nudes sent to the wrong recipient, general regret, and frequent misunderstandings.

Mercury is retrograde in Virgo

Ivana Naskova, a psychic astrologer at the platform Nebula: Astrology & Psychic Readings for Relationships, tells The Post: “As Mercury begins its retrograde motion in the sign of Virgo, we may feel an increased need to maintain order and perfection. correct in all respects. of our life.”

Retrogrades reinforce the prefix NEWoffering us the opportunity to review our routines and reflect on whether the work we are asking our bodies to do is really working for us.

In antiquity, the god Mercury was depicted with a caduceus in his left hand. A staff surrounded by two serpents, held the power to awaken both the sleeping and the dead.

In this sense, we can see Mercury retrograde as a kind of awakening.

It’s not all bad

Naskov affirms that it’s not all storm clouds and obstacles, however, as this particular retrograde can help us renegotiate our relationship with excellence and flexibility

“The most profound impact of this retrograde may be the realization that not everything has to be perfect to work.” Naskov reveals. “We may feel pressured to give up harmful habits that may endanger our health, ultimately leading to a positive outcome. Facing obstacles and deviations can inspire us to use our creativity and look for alternative solutions using the resources available to us.”

Watch out for the ex hex on August 7th

Mercury retrogrades are also known for reviving relationships. This possibility increases on August 7 when Mercury gets hot and heavy with Venus, the planet of love and attraction.

This can provide an opportune moment to resolve lingering rifts, balance finances, offer forgiveness, or engage in some steamy breakup sex.

You do you … and anyone else you want.

Correcting with intrigue, Mercury spends the second half of its retrograde in the fixed fires of Leo. Starting August 14th, try your best to de-escalate all the drama. Resist the urge to jump to conclusions or to prod, shout, capitalize, or amplify disagreements.

Cooling your heels is especially important on and around August 18, when Merc squares off with Uranus, the thunderbolt maestro of chaos.

Remember that sometimes the most powerful thing you can be is stillness.

Mercury retrograde dates

Mercury will be retrograde from August 5th to August 28th with a shadow period of two weeks either side of the start and end dates. The next time the planet of the mind and mouth will start its doom is November 25 to December 15, 2024, in the arrows to the sky sign of Sagittarius.

Who will feel the effects of this retrograde the most?

Mercury is a personal planet, so we are all on a journey. However, those with prominent Virgo and/or Leo placements will feel the effects of this backlash more acutely.

To better understand what “lessons” this transit has in store for you, look at the houses in your birth chart ruled by Leo and Virgo, respectively.

Dear God – when will it end?

Mercury will station direct on August 28th at 5:14 PM ET, at 21 degrees of Leo. Until the air clears on 9/11, we’ll still be in the post-retrograde shadow fog, stumbling over words and analyzing what was split and joined.

Good luck out there, kid.

Astrology 101: Your Guide to the Star

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and reports irreverently on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience.