Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

It’s Mercury’s third backwards dance this year, with a 4th and final retrograde coming up in November 2024. This is a hybrid retrograde, meaning that it’s one that will cross over two signs, and thus, reflect two very different kinds of energies.

Starting on August 4th in Virgo, Mercury’s delayed motion reflects challenges and reflections around finances, plans, meetings, routines, health, and other structures that govern the day-to-day running of life.

For many of us, it can feel extremely frustrating to have our careful plans interrupted. If we’re flexible, we can find a way to adapt and accept that we don’t have control over everything. For those of us who are more fixed in nature, this may prove a push. Nevertheless, Virgo is a mutable sign, meaning that at heart, it’s more malleable than it appears.

Mercury retrogrades are, in essence, positive. Despite the inevitable frustrations, they’re there to teach us how to reflect and slow down. Virgo also rules the topic of wellness and health. Are there areas here that we could improve? Can we release routines that are no longer working? Are we inviting unnecessary anxiety that could be eased if we learned to let go of our stubborn (possibly obsessive) grip?

The brief conjunction of Mercury to Venus on the 7th helps to smooth ruffled feathers and help us rebuild bridges, albeit bridges that may need reworking post-retrograde. Relationships may be a little easier to navigate over the few days prior and post this conjunction. Yet, let us keep in mind that Virgo is a no-nonsense sign. It’s critical, perfectionistic, and problem-solving, not to mention flaw-finding. As sweet as the Venus-Mercury connection can be, we’ll still have high standards. Perhaps too high, at times.

The tone changes as Mercury skips back into Leo on August 14th, where he’ll become Cazimi with the Sun on the 18th. Here, we return to creative self-expression. We move from quiet whispers of annoyance to loud complaints and, well, drama. Roaring is the preferable mode of expression when Mercury is retrograde in Leo. It’s tempting to roar loudly to drown our family and lovers’ voices. As soon as Mercury arrives in the heart of the Sun - the ruler of Leo - we’ll be able to speak with the greatest of love. Here, our hearts are truly in our words. Here, we are able to make up for much of the damage and drama created. This is the powerful gift of Cazimi.

On the 18th, Mercury and Uranus connect in a square, reflecting a sudden change of heart - and mind. Our decisions are unpredictable, our words shocking. Nothing we choose or say now is likely to last, so let’s approach this period with an open mind and a willingness to change it.

The Messenger planet begins his forward dance at 21 degrees of Leo on August 28th, returning our reality back to business as usual. We’ll be given a golden opportunity to right the wrongs and learn from our lessons