Another pesky Mercury Retrograde is upon us – from August 6 to August 15 (luckily only 10 days).
This is a time when Mercury’s positive influence is reversed as orbital speeds make it seem as though the planet is spinning backwards, thereby changing its effect.
In short, expect snags and hiccups over the things Mercury rules – travel, commerce, tech communications, and deals. Survive the retrograde by having a Plan B (and C, D…) for any significant happenings, allowing extra time for journeys, and avoiding tech upgrades or changes.
Let the tarot tell you what to zoom in on this retrograde phase!
Aries
March 21 to April 20
The World
Watch out for any travel plans you’ve made this retrograde season. The World represents global travel and communications. Anything you’re doing with an overseas element, plan close attention to ensure you have a back-up plan, that you’re not overly relying on tech, and that you have allowed extra time for any delays or setbacks.
And then… set off and enjoy your travels or negotiations or deals, or whatever it is you’re doing. Mercury Retrograde is not a reason not to do stuff, it’s just a lil’ gremlin (at most).
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
Page of Wands
The Page of Wands hints that the Mercury Retrograde might impact you on an emotional level, making you feel a little scattered and rushed (which you hate). Be sure to stick to your to-do list (if you don’t have one… make one!) and ensure that you only do what needs doing.
This card can be the FOMO nudge that makes us say ‘yes’ to stuff we can’t really fit in, just in case we miss out on something, so don’t let that feeling sweep you into demanding places. Keep your schedule light.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus
Gemini
May 22 to June 21
Five of Wands
: Communication is a big theme for you, as you’re ruled by Mercury, and a retrograde can throw a spanner in the works of your famous communication skills. The Five of Wands hints at squabbles and conflict. So, be careful what you say and to whom this retrograde.
Press ‘pause’ on any major negotiations or difficult discussions. Bite your tongue when you feel emotions heighten… write them a letter instead and keep it until after the retrograde has passed.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini
Cancer
June 22 to July 23
Ten of Wands
Mercury’s influence is going to make you feel super busy, maybe overwhelmed, this retrograde. Like, suddenly, everything needs doing at once and it all piles up.
Cancer, breathe. Slow down. Don’t try and keep up. Step back and make a plan of what’s important vs urgent and arrange your time into blocks to tackle what has to be done. Ditch, delegate, and delay the rest. The Ten of Wands warns against running into an avoidable burnout.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer
Leo
July 24 to August 23
Six of Swords
Notice the areas in your life that seem to have run of steam or felt lacklustre this retrograde. The Six of Swords suggests you’re preparing to let some stuff go, quit, exit, withdraw, release.
And it’s the right time… but maybe save it until after the retrograde has passed by so that your communication lands well and the exit plan works seamlessly. In the meantime, just prepare and get ready for it. This is going to go well, and it is the right move.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo
Virgo
August 24 to September 23
The Hermit
Use the chaotic external energy of the Mercury Retrograde as an excuse to hunker down, batten the hatches, and work on a solo project that you’ve longed to start.
The Hermit is your sign’s talisman card and represents enlightenment, knowledge, and study. You love learning, you’re ruled by Mercury and are super smart. Block out distractions and get your head into a book/podcast/class/project. Research is required. The rewards will be worthwhile.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Six of Cups
The Six of Cups suggests that you’ve thought about the past recently and about rekindling a relationship, role, or activity that you once-upon-a-time held great affection for. Press ‘pause’ on that until after the retrograde for maximum chances of it landing well and delivering the rewards you’re hoping for.
In the meantime, plan some more, rehearse your speech, decide what to wear, polish your application… whatever it is that represents the first ‘offering’ back to this past place.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra
Scorpio
October 24 to November 22
The Tower
A Mercury Retrograde and The Tower feel like a major event is incoming. Prepare. But don’t worry or feel afraid, Scorpio, because these powerful cosmic, esoteric forces are working for you.
The Tower is about collapsing something in your realm that is already rotten, fading, false, or negative (you just haven’t dealt with it yet). Something might unfold this coming fortnight that forces the issue, makes it apparent that this needs to end. Don’t suppress or ignore this message. Use it for your own good. Release something toxic.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio
Sagittarius
November 23 to December 21
The Wheel of Fortune
You love chaos and change and new opportunities – you’re not fazed by transformations. The Wheel of Fortune brings renewing energy to this Mercury Retrograde for you. Things will change. Unexpected events will create endings and beginnings.
Ride the ride, go with the flow. Be limp and flexible and let the Universe propel you to the pathway it feels you need to be treading right now. Change is good and it’s coming your way at pace. Prepare!
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius
Capricorn
December 22 to January 21
Eight of Wands
Mercury rules communication and Eight of Wands is the communication card, so there’s no avoiding important discussions, negotiations, presentations, pitches, and conversation this retrograde. Life doesn’t ‘stop’ just for an astrological transit!
So, plan carefully, talk openly but with care. Prepare your speeches. Rehearse. Just understanding before signing off. Confirm and follow up in writing. Be prudent and all will land well, as it should.
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn
Aquarius
January 22 to February 19
Four of Wands
The Four of Wands is a positive card that kind of flies in the face of the Mercury Retrograde’s pesky and ‘spoiling tactic’ vibes. You have important plans and pitches afoot, you’re going places, you are on the path to promotion.
Don’t hesitate just for this astrological phase. Make sure your plans are double checked, that you leave good time for everything, and you pay attention to the details. Don’t wait and see, stay on top of everything. And good luck!
Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius
Pisces
February 20 to March 20
Eight of Cups
Expect this Mercury Retrograde to throw a spanner in the wheels of something you’ve got going on that matters to you. Expect a lil’ gremlin to pop up, and counter that by paying attention and nipping things in the bud.
It will all be well, there just might be a small delay or change of plan. The Eight of Cups represents a mini setback that, once dealt with swiftly, unfolds into an even better opportunity than what was being pursued originally! Everything happens for a reason, right?
Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces
Kerry King, the tarot queen, uses tarot and star sign wisdom to create inspiring forecasts and insights, with over 25 years fortune telling experience, and many happy clients all over the world. You can book a personal, written reading, which comes as a beautifully illustrated brochure, through Etsy or join her new Tarot Club and get weekly forecasts and more for £5 a month.
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