This Mercury Retrograde Is Turning Up the Heat in August (2024)

Photo-Illustration: by Preeti Kinha; Photos: Getty Images

Welp, it’s been a great run. But Mercury retrograde is back again. Flipping. Reversing. Doing the whole damn song and dance. During this period, Mercury will appear to move backward in the sky, creating disruptions and confusion in its wake. But doesn’t it feel like Mercury is always in retrograde? It does actually reverse quite often (three to four times a year), but each retrograde phase offers its own unique style of calamity. Oh, goody. Read on to find what this upcoming backward spin means for you.

First things first: Is Mercury retrograde right now?

If you’re reading this on or between Monday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 28, 2024, then yes! Congrats!

Remind me, what’s Mercury retrograde again?

Named after the Roman messenger god, planet Mercury oversees everything from emails and texts to contracts and travel plans. This swift and nimble planet governs communication, technology, transportation, and even commerce. So it should come as no surprise that when this planet goes retrograde and starts behaving erratically, it throws a massive wrench in … well, everything we encounter on a daily basis.

But the plot thickens. The planets, of course, don’t actually go backward in the sky. That would be insane. When Earth passes a slower-moving outer planet or is passed by a faster inner planet (like Mercury), the other planet appears to move backward in the sky, creating the illusion of retrograde motion. That doesn’t mean we’re off the hook, though. Like fun-house mirrors and nauseating augmented-reality experiences, optical illusions can be extremely disorienting in and of themselves.

And how often is Mercury retrograde?

In 2024, there are three periods of Mercury retrograde to plan your panic around:

What do I need to know about August 2024’s Mercury retrograde?

This is an interesting (pejorative) Mercury retrograde, because our little speed demon will start moving backward in the sign of Virgo and then, on August 13, return to Leo’s fiery domain. So, in a sense, this is a retrograde in two acts.

For the first half of Mercury retrograde (from August 5 to August 13), Mercury will be cruising through Virgo. Under normal circ*mstances, Mercury in Virgo is the master of organization, clarity, and thoughtful communication; it’s the meticulous editor that makes sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. But during this retrograde period, those finely tuned skills can go awry, exposing the darker sides of perfection and analysis. Virgo’s usual gift for efficiency might morph into obsessive overthinking and nitpicking, leading to unnecessary stress and miscommunication. Routine tasks might feel like Herculean efforts, and the desire for everything to be just right could totally backfire, causing more chaos than calm.

And just when you think you’re getting a grasp on this type of energy, the rug is pulled out yet again. On August 13, Mercury slips back into Leo, where it will roar (or maybe yelp?) for the remainder of retrograde (and, when direct, until September 9). Leo, with its vibrant and theatrical nature, thrives on creativity and self-expression. Likewise, Mercury in Leo is all about grand gestures, bold declarations, and fearless creativity. However, when retrograde, this expressive energy can lead to over-the-top drama and miscommunication that is truly larger than life. Instead of clear and confident communication, expect misinterpreted messages, mixed signals, and ego clashes. That’s right, friends, get ready for inflated conflicts and emotional flare-ups over perceived slights. The retrograde period might make us all feel like we’re trapped inside of a soap opera, complete with dramatic exits, impassioned speeches, and over-the-top meltdowns.

How do I survive Mercury retrograde?

Though Mercury retrograde is synonymous with calamity, the chaos it yields is actually entirely manageable with a little foresight. As we navigate the coming weeks, be extra vigilant with your communications — double-check for typos (embarrassing!) and ensure your messages are heading to the right inboxes (also embarrassing!). Allow ample time for travel, prepare for possible technology meltdowns, and meticulously review contracts before signing. When you think about it, these are just generally good practices, you know?

For the first half of Mercury in retrograde — while Mercury goes backward in Virgo — the key challenge is to maintain your cool. Resist the urge to overthink, overanalyze, and overextend yourself. Instead, channel Virgo’s methodical approach: Slow down, take a deep breath, and sleep on major decisions.

Then, when Mercury retrograde moves back into Leo, focus on managing your big reactions. Leo’s fiery, expressive energy can turn minor misunderstandings into full-blown sh*tshows if we’re not careful. So stay grounded, keep your reactions in check, and remember that not every slight or setback needs to be the end of the world. You will, in fact, persevere! Against all odds! We love to see it!

Who will it impact the most?

While everyone is impacted by Mercury retrograde, anyone with an August birthday (including Leos and early Virgos) will be feeling the backwards spin most acutely, as Mercury will be landing directly on your zodiac sign. Here are the key themes for Mercury retrograde through each zodiac sign:

Tell me again: When does this Mercury retrograde end?

Mercury will go direct on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 — though we won’t totally be in the clear. After every planet’s retrograde comes retroshade, the period where the celestial body is still retracing the steps of its backward motion. During Mercury retroshade, lingering effects of the retrograde can cause continued confusion and delays (fun). This particular retrograde period will last from August 28 through September 12, so be sure to manage your expectations until we’re officially in the clear.

Remember, while Mercury retrograde can be a bit of a pain, it’s all about perspective. Use this time to slow down, reassess, and fine-tune the areas of your life that need a little extra attention. By embracing the lessons of this retrograde, you’ll emerge more resilient and better prepared for whatever comes your way — including, probably, even more unprecedented events. Hooray!

Tags:

• astrology
• zodiac
• self
• star material

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