Intuitive Astrology: Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, August 2024

Ready for astrological mayhem? Powerful influences lie ahead...

An image of Mercury enhanced to show surface and chemical features. Credit NASA

As August fast approaches, many people are looking forward to unwinding and taking Summer holiday trips. However, we are on the verge of another Mercury retrograde which will start on 4th August and end on 28th August!

Mercury, the messenger of the Gods, influences communication, intellect, and quick thinking, shaping how we think, speak, and understand things. It also impacts trade, travel, technology, learning, curiosity, and problem-solving abilities.

Reminder: we often see several Mercury retrogrades in a year due to its speedy orbit of 88 days. Each time it begins to lap the Earth, an optical illusion ensues where Mercury appears to be moving backward.

What to expect this time around: overview

“Mercury rules over our day-to-day activities and conversations; it connects and interprets. Therefore, each retrograde phase presents an opportunity for us to revisit snap decisions we made, projects we never finished, and valuable conversations we overlooked while the planet was direct during the prior three months or so. Thus, there’s no reason to fear the retrograde. That said, it does necessitate adjustments to your thought process and behavior.

Do: Expect travel delays; Proofread important communications; Back up your files and digital assets; Anticipate some technical glitches; Hold off on major contract negotiations (if possible); Hold off on massive purchases (if possible); Direct your attention to ongoing but unfinished projects; Hold off on launching a major project from scratch; Close the loop on certain situations and conversations.

Also, keep in mind that if your natal Mercury is retrograde, the logic is reversed, meaning you are in a stronger position than usual to make pivotal decisions on a personal level—however, it still stands that glitches, transportation issues etc can arise so you’re not entirely immune!

In this instance, Mercury’s retrograde passage from 4 degrees of Virgo to 21 degrees of Leo will force us to revisit our health, diet, fitness regimens and daily routines (Virgo) and our creative pursuits and level of romantic satisfaction (Leo).”

Astrologer Nathaniel Grim

Why this retrograde might be more challenging than usual! Plus key dates for your diary!

This retrograde kicks off in Virgo, so it may throw a wrench in your schedule and make it hard to get truly organised. Take a breath, and let go and let God. Don't force anything!

The retrograde motion will encourage reflection, review, and recalibration.

Mercury backspins into Leo again on Aug. 14, so you should expect to revisit some of the themes that came up throughout mid-July.