Mercury Retrograde in Leo & Virgo: Reimagining Self-Talk
All About Mercury
Mercury is the quickest moving planet in our solar system, regularly spending just a few weeks in a sign at a time. It’s also known as “The Messenger” planet as it acts like a constantly moving game of telephone: reporting what was said from one person to another…typically with more regard for the novelty of the transmission than the quality of information being shared!
For this reason, Mercury is defined by its trickster energy. While it can help you sit down and write a lengthy research paper, it might also send a few funny resources your way that you never imagined you’d come across. Mercury’s M.O. is connection above all else. Whether that’s in the form of stringing together enough words to eventually form a book, or creating a group chat of friends and acquaintances in hopes of zingers that keep the day interesting.
Life would be a lot more dull without Mercurial energy. Rather than fear the planet's tricky ways, it’s best to embrace its quirks and enjoy the ride.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo
Mercury doesn’t always retrograde in two different signs, sometimes it’s only one. But this summer both Virgo and Leo will get a dose of the trickster planet’s potential shenanigans. Mercury will be retrograde this August from the 4th-28th. Essentially the entire month of August (including the shadow periods) is an especially important period to pay attention to our communication. It’s also advisable to plan for delays and not be surprised if frustrations find us when dealing with technology and travel.
While the majority of this retrograde is spent in Leo, ruled by the Sun, it stations retrograde in Virgo. Mercury in Virgo is in the sign not only of its rulership, but also its exaltation. Mercury is very happy here, and supremely efficient. This combination of energies lends to a theme of the way we talk (Mercury in Virgo) to and about ourselves (Mercury in Leo).
How’s your self-confidence been lately? Do you know anyone with an overinflated ego? Could you use a pep talk? These are the kinds of questions that Mercury in Virgo and Leo might surface. It’s important to understand our own needs so that we may better communicate them…and that’s something this retrograde might help us do.
Shadow Periods
An important thing to note about all planetary retrogrades is what’s known as the “shadow period.” These periods, bookending all retrogrades, mark the time when a planet crosses over the degrees it visited before the retrograde began. They’re a distinct part of the retrograde story and act as the build up (the pre-retrograde shadow) and the resolution (the post-retrograde shadow) of the overall story.
All in all, from July 16th through September 11th, we’ll be unpacking our experience with Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo and Leo.
Pre-Shadow begins: 21º Leo on July 16th at 8:52 pm PST
Mercury stations retrograde: 4º Virgo on August 4th at 9:56 pm PST
Mercury stations direct: 21º Leo on August 28th at 2:14 pm PST
Post-Shadow ends: 4º Virgo on September 11th at 4:52 pm PST
General Tips for Mercury Retrograde
- As cliche as they may sound at this point, many of the popular Mercury retrograde tropes hold true: try to hold off on purchasing any electronics at this time, and don’t be too upset (or surprised) if you receive a few “oops, wrong person!” texts. Travel is another point of potential mishaps because of its Mercurial nature.
- Planetary remediation is a helpful tool during retrograde periods. Mercury rules Wednesday, so the planet will be appeased by you working with it especially on that day. It’s associated with the color green, so wearing green or eating green foods is supportive. Sodalite and Lapis Lazuli are helpful crystals.
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There is one special day during every Mercury Retrograde period called the “Mercury Cazimi” when Mercury will connect with the Sun. This is the optimal day during the retrograde period to do any necessary Mercurial things that can’t be delayed until Mercury is direct. Mercury Rx Cazimi occurs on Sunday, August 18th.
Mercury Retrograde through the Rising Signs
These horoscopes were written based on your rising sign. The rising sign indicates which houses Mercury is currently transiting in your birth chart.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 6th house and direct in your 5th house. Mercury wants to know how you’re going to bring your inner child along to play in your 9-5 life. While there could be a few hiccups (literally and figuratively) over the coming weeks- they’re meant to show you where your body could use some extra love and care. Trust yourself to discern “friend or foe” when it comes to your routines.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 5th house and direct in your 4th house. You might be busy deep diving, and maybe even dumpster diving, around your home and it’s time to creatively integrate what you’ve uncovered. If that old photo album could talk…what would it say? If you’ve been reckoning with real life family dynamics, maybe it’s time to give a voice to your inner (or outer!) child. How might they navigate the present circumstances?
Mercury will station retrograde in your 4th house and direct in your 3rd house. No one has to encourage you to spend time with your friends…but this retrograde is asking you to review that time. You might realize certain people have been draining rather than life giving-and now is the time to reset your foundations. As Mercury is your ruling planet, a few difficult conversations may arise, but have no doubt they’re setting up your circles for long-term success.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 3rd house and direct in your 2nd house. Simply, your mind is on your value systems and how you communicate them. If you’re hoping for a raise at work, use the coming weeks to craft your pitch. Figuring out what you desire was the deepest work of this period and now it’s time to polish the manifestation aspect. If you feel like a fish out of water in this terrain, remember that everyone was once a beginner.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 2nd house and direct in your 1st house. The coming weeks are a deep review of your personal values and how they reflect in your sense of self. It could be as simple as realizing how your new style choices have impacted your credit card statement, or as complex as an identity overall that now needs to be articulately defined. Whatever evolution you’ve recently undergone, Mercury is here to help trim away any remaining excess.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 1st house (and home sign) and direct in your 12th house. Mercury is ready to get on with the public show, but it isn’t quite ready to be on full display just yet. As you prepare to release how much you’ve learned, especially through your intuition, know that this reveal will not be without its flaws. Rather than sweating the small stuff, trust that your personal imperfections are what make you, you- and that is always worthy of celebration.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 12th house and direct in your 11th house. As much as you might want to avoid it, it might be time for a little recharge. Stepping back from the allure of company isn’t always easy for you- but learning to enjoy the magic of your own energy is equally important. Pay close attention to your dreams over the coming weeks, both real and imagined, and don’t ignore their whispers.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 11th house and direct in your 10th house. Anyone who’s privy to your inner circle knows just how hard you work, and that effort has likely been doubly true lately...so don’t fret if a few potential hiccups bubble up over the coming weeks. As you’ve reevaluated where you stand on the public stage, Mercury might have you shaking hands with previous conspirators. Don’t be afraid to (gently) remind people in your community of any favors they might owe…they could come in handy now.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 10th house and direct in your 9th house. If you’ve been skipping down familiar roads lately, prepare for a travel re-route towards career matters. Maybe you’ve been considering different philosophies and now your public facing roles need to reflect them. Trust that whatever creative knowledge you’ve acquired recently can merge with your image, it just won’t happen overnight.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 9th house and direct in your 8th house. New doors might be able to open thanks to old ones you allow to close…but Mercury still wants you to crawl before you run. Take your time truly digesting any endings you’re confronted with and know that your journey is just getting started. And if you’re having doubts, talk it out with your collaborators. Shared resources might get a few wires crossed during this period.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 8th house and direct in your 7th house. One on one partnerships aren’t always your cup of tea, but this retrograde might provide a crash course. How can you release control within your connections? Perhaps the quest centers around feeling your feelings, especially around merging– rather than just rationalizing them or thinking about feeling. Striving for perfection can be messy, so just try to do your best to let go.
Mercury will station retrograde in your 7th house and direct in your 6th house. If you’ve been shining in your 9-5 lately and realizing you have less time for the important people in your life, there might be some friction with Mercury’s backtrack. The work here is about taking care of yourself first, and allowing your intimate relationships to reflect that stability. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish.
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