August’s Mercury Retrograde Jolts Us Out of A Summer Daze

On August 4, Mercury stations retrograde. Beginning its visual trek backward in the realm of Virgo, temporary pleasures pause. It's time to get realistic and grounded. On August 14, Mercury flies back into fiery Leo. Up until the final days of the retrograde, we'll re-evaluate matters of the heart and passions. The winged messenger stations direct, ending the retrograde, on August 28. We'll have a renewed perspective and make new decisions regarding our life path.

When Is the Next Mercury Retrograde?

There are four Mercury retrograde cycles in 2024. This month, Mercury will be retrograde from August 4 to August 28.

Related: A Complete Guide to Every Mercury Retrograde Happening in 2024 

How Long Does Mercury Retrograde Last?

Mercury retrogrades last about two to three weeks—a two-week pre-shadow period before the retrograde marks Mercury's beginning of a gradual slowdown. Once a Mercury retrograde ends, a post-shadow period follows for another two weeks as the planet regains traction toward its average speed. Mercury retrogrades about three to four times yearly as it is the fastest-moving planet astrologically.

What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean in Astrology?

Mercury, our celestial winged cosmic messenger, deals with communication matters. During a Mercury retrograde, the planet appears to move in an apparent backward motion from our perspective on Earth. Disruptions in conversation, technology, travel, decision-making, articulation, and more arise. Mercury retrogrades ask us to slow down. Rather than embrace new beginnings or hyper-productivity, remaining patient, observant, and reflective allows us to sort through and solve accumulated troubled thoughts and concerns.

What to Expect From August’s Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo

This month's Mercury retrograde begins on August 4, 2024, and lasts until August 28, 2024, in Virgo and Leo. When Mercury is in Virgo, communications are articulate, concise, and matter-of-fact. However, with the retrograde influence, we must remain mindful not to come off as judgmental, close-minded, or critical. As Mercury treks backward into Leo, conversations become passionate, for better or worse. Being reactive can prevent appropriate self-expression. Over the next two weeks, finding power in the pause is vital. Ask before you assume. You may avoid unnecessary chaos when you introspect rather than project.

On August 7, 2024, Mercury retrograde will merge forces with Venus in Virgo. Mercury, conjunct the planet of love, asks us to reassess our relationships. Misunderstandings in connections arise. In particular, the roles and responsibilities of partners, friends, and loved ones can be a point of tension. Make sure you get on the same page with those who matter most. There's no need to stew in cynical, critical judgment of yourself or others.

The eye of the storm of this August's Mercury retrograde occurs on August 18, 2024. We begin to put the puzzle pieces together. We're able to answer what we ought to reassess or reimplement. While we'll still be left waiting for the end of the retrograde for all of our answers, this celestial pitstop brings comfort. We may not know it all. However, we're able to restrategize and try new approaches.

What Does August's Mercury Retrograde of 2024 Mean for Each Zodiac Sign?

Aries

Expect to readjust your expectations in the workplace. Refrain from pushing through burnout. To succeed, you must pause to tend to your mind, body, and spirit. There's no use running around on empty fumes.

Taurus

Twists and turns arise in your romantic life during this Mercury retrograde. Remain calm and centered. Communication will heal all resurfaced wounds. Get to the root cause of misunderstandings to maintain healthy connections.

Gemini

It's time to shake up your approach to family and domestic matters. There's no place like home, and feeling comfortable in your own safe space is of the utmost priority. Remain patient with loved ones, especially those who share your residence. Open dialogue can help you resolve internal conflicts.

Cancer

Expect the typical Mercury retrograde experience as the winged messenger treks backward in your communication sector. Be sure to articulate yourself with precision and tact. Negative thought loops will prevent you from moving on with your life if you allow it. Remain in control of your mind.

Leo

As Mercury retrogrades your financial sector, expect shifts in your relationship with money. You may need to readjust your spending habits. Track where your precious resources are going. It may be time to abandon outdated thinking regarding possessions, self-worth, and other practical matters.

Virgo

This Mercury retrograde asks you to rethink your life path. Are you limiting your self-expression to fit in? It's time to reevaluate your approach. Your relationship with yourself influences all else. Realign with your core visions and desires for your future.

Libra

Past emotions resurface during this Mercury retrograde for you, Libra. Don't shove your feelings aside. Dreams may feel incredibly vivid or prophetic. Take note of their profound symbolism. To embrace your desires, you must confront what's not working.

Scorpio

Good things come to those who wait. This Mercury retrograde makes you hyperaware of your time. Are you walking towards your idealized future? Or are you remaining distracted by fleeting, temporary pleasures? Reconnect with your purpose.

Sagittarius

Mercury retrograde shakes up your career life, Sagittarius. You cannot control the way others perceive you. Throughout this transit, it becomes apparent that only you know what will truly fulfill you. There's no use in getting lost in others' opinions. Remain true to your higher vision.

Capricorn

Expect to revisit outdated beliefs during this Mercury retrograde. The hive mindset will not serve you. As your philosophical sector is activated, it becomes clear that you must find your moral compass. Leave black-or-white thinking. Embrace the fluidity of life while remaining grounded in your values.

Aquarius

Intimacy is a vulnerable thing. As this Mercury retrograde challenges your notions of love, remain patient with yourself and your loved ones. Trust can be scary. Revisit past conversations to find clarity. Moving forward, take the time to be curious rather than assume.

Pisces

Your relationship sector is up for reevaluation. August's Mercury retrograde teaches you the ropes of interdependence. Reconnecting with past lovers, identifying core wounds, and processing memories allow you to gain perspective. Practice patience. Hear others out.

What Are You Supposed to Do When Mercury Is Retrograde?

While Mercury retrograde stirs the pot, it's not all bad news. All retrogrades intend to implement reflection. Rather than striving for the next best thing, it's time to dive deep into retrospection. What have we learned up until this point? How can we respond to our circumstances to prove we've completed this cycle?

Related: The Most High-Maintenance Zodiac Signs, According to Astrologers

Remain Open-minded and Curious

Mercury in Virgo is all too quick to jump to harsh conclusions. We're more likely to attract adverse outcomes when we assume the worst in others or matters. Remain open-minded to what others and life have to teach you. Not only does know-it-all energy steer connections away, but it also leaves us unhappy in our minds. Additionally, Mercury retrogrades, in general, are not a safe time to assume. Ask clarifying questions and be curious enough to have your mind changed.

Avoid Unnecessary Confrontation

When Mercury is in Leo, our prides are sensitive to perceived rejection. We want to be the stars of the show with an appreciative audience. However, we're not entitled to unconditional positive regard. Others may not resonate with our authentic self-expression, and that's okay. To avoid unnecessary confrontation during a Mercury retrograde, we must keep some thoughts to ourselves as we sort through anger.

Find Power in the Pause

Mercury retrogrades are about slowing down. Our modern-day world encourages non-stop productivity. However, we require rest and restoration to remain connected to our highest cognitive functioning. Don't be ashamed to reassess your time commitments. Avoid burnout at all costs.

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What Should You Avoid Doing When Mercury Is Retrograde?

Starting New Projects

Try to avoid starting new projects during a Mercury retrograde cycle in the workplace. Focusing on what you already have, this is an optimal time to return to unfinished business. If you can give a past professional goal another try, go for it. However, remain observant. Does this opportunity reflect your true desires? Or is it reminiscent of a lesson that didn't end well?

Repeating Past Patterns

Mercury retrogrades stir up the past, bringing up old thoughts and feelings. There's no shame in giving things another shot that you feel are worthy of redemption. However, refrain from repeating self-defeating patterns in outdated circumstances or relationships. There's a fine line between making things work and sacrificing your innermost desires and needs.

Reacting Hastily

During a Mercury retrograde cycle, it's all too easy to react in the heat of the moment. Our thoughts are scattered, and our feelings can be all over the place. While it's normal to experience confusion, remember that this moment will pass. Rather than prolonging your discomfort, remain introspective. Taking strategic action is not wrong, but ensuring your response aligns with your long-term goals matters.

Related: There Are Four Mercury Retrogrades in 2024–Here’s Your Complete Survival Guide