Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo 2024 Horoscope: What’s in Store for You From August 5 to 28

The hustle-bustle pace of life never truly slows down, but there’s really no season better tailored to resting, recharging and reconnecting with loved ones — all while reveling in abundant sunshine — than summer. And the tail end of the steamiest season of the year is the ultimate last-ditch-effort to wind down, retrace your steps and prioritize beloved family traditions. That’s why it’s so fitting that 2024’s next Mercury retrograde encompasses most of August.  

From Sunday, August 4 or Monday, August 5 (depending on your time zone) to Wednesday, August 28, planet Mercury – representing communication, transportation and technology – will move backward through the mutable earth sign Virgo as well as the fixed fire sign Leo. In turn, we’ll be compelled to slow down, reflect on the past and tackle old business, especially related to Virgo and Leo themes such as attention to detail, being of service to others, research and communication, self-expression, nurturing sense of self and fostering self-assuredness. Here’s what to know to make the most of this astrological event. As an astrologer and the author of Mercury Magic: How to Thrive During Retrogrades and Tap Into the Power of the Messenger Planet, I can confidently reassure you that there absolutely are silver linings to look forward to during this three-week transit.

What is Mercury retrograde?

Three to four times a year, for about three weeks at a time, Mercury, the planet that impacts exchanges, transportation and technology, moves at a slower pace than usual before appearing to move backward from our vantage point on Earth. And when this happens, all the areas of life that it oversees – after all, Mercury rules communication – tend to get a bit wonkier, delayed and decelerated. Traffic that usually cruises along at a particular time of day is inexplicably heavier, emails get lost in the abyss or you feel like you’re speaking a different language than someone you’re quite coordinated with.  

Moments like these during Mercury retrograde can be irritating, no doubt, but there are bright spots and opportunities built into the transit, as well. Specifically, we’re all encouraged to retrace our footsteps, revise, reimagine and reevaluate. Mercury fuels not only how we express ourselves but how we think, and when it moves backward, it allows us a chance to prioritize inner work and walks down memory lane — both which can lay the groundwork for more productivity and motivation once Mercury moves ahead. 

You’ve heard that when Mercury is retrograde, you’d do well to avoid signing contracts, starting new projects, buying electronics and even traveling based on your zodiac sign. This isn’t always possible, of course, so the next best thing to do is to just be extra cautious, double-checking all the details to hopefully prevent any miscommunication, glitches or roadblocks. And yet, that can be particularly challenging to do until Mercury moves forward, so this period is a chance to work on adaptability and tapping into your sense of humor to move through potentially aggravating incidents.

What is Mercury retrograde in Virgo and Leo?

One of three full Mercury retrogrades in 2024 (the final one of 2023 ended on January 1), this Mercury retrograde occurs in Virgo, the analytical, thoughtful earth sign that’s innately tuned into the beauty and magic of minutiae as well as Leo, the charismatic, spotlight-loving fire sign that has a lot to each us about self-love and owning your unique voice.  

When Mercury is moving forward in Virgo, which is ruled by Mercury itself, our communication tends to be grounded, pragmatic and laser-focused on the little details, especially those that can be of service to someone else. And when it’s retrograde in the hardworking earth sign – unlike air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius or fire sign Aries – you can anticipate confusion around aspects of your daily routine and a nudge to reassess how you’re caring for your wellness.   

And when the messenger planet is moving forward in Leo, which is ruled by the confident sun, we’re all more likely to feel more assured when asserting our needs and passions and drawn to commanding the limelight or a leadership position of some kind. When it moves backward through the dynamic fire sign, you can do intense inner work around identity and self-esteem, but it is important to watch out for miscommunication that stems from exaggeration or an overly optimistic take.    

2024’s Mercury retrograde in Virgo and Leo challenges you to get clear on the information and to-dos that matter most

This Mercury retrograde coincides with Mars, the planet of action and energy, moving through Gemini, another Mercury-ruled sign. When go-getter Mars is in the mutable air sign, symbolized by the Twins, it can be challenging to key into definitive goals or strategies. Instead, you might be more apt to scatter your energy across various to-dos and feel pulled in a bevy of directions. This energy in play at the same time Mercury is backing up through fastidious Virgo and driven Leo could spur a surge of freneticism. You might feel like you start a project or conversation and it fizzles out before it even begins, or the more you push to get something done, the less likely it comes together. The lesson here is to streamline your efforts and get crystal clear on how you want to exert your physical and cerebral energy. And simply taking your hands off the wheel and seeing what happens thanks to the solar system might be your most productive move yet. 

2024’s Mercury retrograde in Leo can help you connect to your inner voice

On August 18, just ahead of a full moon in future-minded Aquarius (with monthly horoscopes incoming for all signs of the zodiac), the vitality-bringing sun will join forces with Mercury retrograde in Leo. Typically, when the messenger planet is moving forward and links up with the chief luminary, you can more readily and confidently express yourself, travel and make speedy decisions. The cerebral powers of Mercury are spotlit by the sun, and we all feel more adaptable, quick-witted and capable of getting a move on. But when this conjunction occurs during a retrograde, it’ll have a more internal effect. You could be inspired to dive into self-work that has you feeling more connected to your sense of self and inner voice, especially because the celestial meet-up is happening in proud, self-focused Leo. 

Here, how Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo and Leo will affect you based on your sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign if you know it. If you don't, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.) 

What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Aries

Because this Mercury retrograde begins in your wellness and routine zone, you’ll be feeling compelled to revisit a mind-body practice you used to adore. It’s possible that because you’re bringing a new perspective to it, you’ll get even better results or pinpoint new benefits and rewards. This period also encourages you to reflect on how you tackle everyday to-dos. Tweaking your schedule now could ultimately boost your productivity. Then, Mercury backs up through your romance and self-expression zone, and you’ll do well to own your most playful, fun-loving, wide-eyed side. That’s because your best bet for making the most of the moment is to go with the flow and steer clear of getting hooked on any kind of concrete game plan, especially when spending time with your nearest and dearest.

Click through for more on Aries.

What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Taurus

If it feels like you have a lot of opportunities to express yourself creatively and connect with loved ones, but you’re feeling spread thinner than usual and finding it tough to focus on one especially fulfilling game plan, that’s because Mercury begins its retrograde in your romance and self-expression zone. To make the most of this moment, you’re being challenged to go with the flow and lean into being more playful and spontaneous. Then, Mercury backs up through your home zone, encouraging you to bolster your awareness of emotional wounds that are impeding personal growth. Now’s your chance to focus on healing.

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Gemini

Every Mercury retrograde affects you a bit more than others, Gemini, because of your sign being ruled by the planet of communication. This time, it’s falling in your home sector, turning your attention to bonding time with loved ones, which could breathe new life into your bonds. Now’s your chance to revisit redecoration or other home improvement projects that have been on hold. Then Mercury will move back through your communication zone, and technological setbacks and crossed wires with friends or colleagues but especially siblings and neighbors might be inevitable. Lean on patience and your cheerful sense of humor to get through any especially rough spots.  

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Cancer

With Mercury retrograde beginning in your communication zone, technology mishaps, misunderstandings and transportation slowdowns might be even more prominent for you this go round. But the big picture lesson is that you might be spreading yourself so thin that it’s time to clear on the social commitments and high mental energy-requiring projects that are worth your time and effort. Mercury then backs up into your money and self-worth sector, offering you the green light to consider whether your current income stream is in line with your values and whether you’re being recognized and rewarded for all your hard work. If not, you could be motivated to investigate a new direction.  

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Leo

Mercury retrograde kicks off in your money zone, nudging you to rethink how you’re earning, investing, and managing your assets. This is also the sector of values, so you can realign your money-making plan with what you believe in your heart. Mercury’s backspin continues through your sign, encouraging you to spend time reflecting on how you’re presenting yourself out in the world and cultivating your personal brand, per se. Is the strategy in which you’ve been pursuing your passion projects the most thought-out it can be, or could it use a little bit of zhushing now? Slowing down, asking yourself questions like these and reassessing where you want to go from here can be truly productive now.  

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Virgo

You feel Mercury retrogrades more acutely than other signs, Virgo, thanks to the planet of communication ruling your sign. With Mercury retrograde falling in your sign, to start, it’s time to do some soul searching around how you’ve been nurturing your self-image inwardly and how that is reflected when you present your dreams, aspirations and goals out in the world. You could have an eye-opening realization that sets you up for even more success and satisfaction down the road. Then, Mercury backs up through your spirituality zone, encouraging you to pause on your typical hustle and zero in on nurturing your mental and emotional well-being more than usual. You might have more breakthroughs in therapy or pinpoint a new self-care routine that has you feeling even more centered and calm. 

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Libra

With Mercury retrograde hitting your spirituality sector to start, you’ll be drawn to slowing down and devoting downtime to caring for your psychological well-being, resting and recharging and even reveling in dreams and imaginative pursuits. This is a sleepy time of year for you, but trust that nurturing your spiritual side will fuel your pursuit of passion projects. Then, Mercury backs up into your 11th house of networking, nudging you to reflect on the platonic connections you’re devoting your mental energy to and to reassess your approach to collaborative endeavors.  

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Scorpio

Mercury retrograde begins in your networking zone, throwing a spotlight on your platonic relationships and long-term wishes. Channeling more mindfulness toward these areas of your life could inspire you to reassess the collaborative endeavors you’ve committed to. Certain teammates or friends aren’t pulling their weight or truly aligned with shared goals, and if that’s the case, you’ll do well to research other options now. Mercury then backs up through your career sector, providing you with a chance to reimagine your professional aspirations. The inner work you do now around your big picture desires could lead to greater fulfillment and recognition down the road. 

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Sagittarius

The messenger planet kicks off its retrograde in your career zone, requiring you to meditate on your relationships with authority figures as well as your own sense of inner authority and how you’re pursuing recognition. Then, Mercury moves backward through your adventure and higher learning sector, and you might feel like your efforts to broaden your horizons are thwarted at every turn. The best way to manage this energy is by sharpening a previously back burnered skill set, working with a mentor from the past or revisiting a vacation spot you’ve always loved versus attempting to forge a whole new path now.  

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Capricorn

This Mercury retrograde begins in your higher education and adventure zone, encouraging you to revisit a learning experience that truly nurtured your spirit. This could mean revisiting a place that makes you feel especially alive or brushing up on a skill set that feels particularly eye-opening. You’ll also be reflecting on — and even reassessing — your personal philosophies. Mercury then backs up into your joint resources and emotional bonds sector, where it’ll stir you to review and revise your approach to shared financial goals with a loved one. 

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Aquarius

With Mercury retrograde starting in your emotional bonds and joint resources zone, carve out time to reimagine how you and a loved one might make your shared financial aspirations a reality. You may even do well to rethink those aspirations jointly, as your definition of success could look different these days. The messenger planet then backs up through your partnership zone, which offers you the chance to work on fostering even greater mutual understanding with a loved one, friend or colleague. Sure, crossed wires might be more likely now, but so are opportunities to get on the same page once and for all. 

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What Mercury retrograde August 2024 means for Pisces

This Mercury retrograde initially falls in your partnership sector, requiring you to tie up loose ends within one-on-one bonds and projects. Whether there’s a dynamic within a friendship, romantic relationship or business partnership that needs to change, or you’d do well to approach a shared goal in a new way, this period lends itself to putting your nose to the grindstone to do that crucial teamwork. Mercury then backs up through your daily routine and wellness sector, presenting an ideal moment for picking up a fulfilling mind-body practice you previously adored but that fell by the wayside a while back. 

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