What is Mercury retrograde?
Each planet has an association with different facets of life and Mercury governs communication, technology and travel, explains astrologer and author of How to Spot the Star Signs, Matt Galea.
When a planet starts to reverse, the areas that the planet is associated with also go awry. So, when Mercury retrograde happens, you can expect:
- Loads of misunderstandings and miscommunications
- Your phone or TV might break
- Delays with transport and travel
It can also affect your love life! Do you feel misunderstood? Questioning a message you’ve received? Don’t instantly react. Take a breath and pause. Simply ask and clarify to avoid any misunderstandings.
Texts can sometimes be misread, instead try sending a short and sweet voice note to explain yourself. Or even better, meet in person so you can see their live reactions and body language.
Retrograde might even play havoc with your plans. Don’t let Mercury in reverse get in the way of your dates. Recap your arrangements over text so there’s no room for doubt.
Triple check your reservation so it’s not a case of wrong place, wrong time.
With possible airline or train strikes and delays, allow extra travel time.
When is Mercury in retrograde?
Mercury retrograde in 2024 officially runs from August 4th – 27th.
However, know that with every Mercury retorgrade, there is also the shadow period to be mindful of, too.
The shadow period sees an astrological zig-zag of sorts where pre-shadow, the planet slows down to lead up to the retrograde where we see backward motion and the influx of unexpected issues.
Then, as the retrograde ends, we enter the post-shadow period, a time for the planet to get back up to full speed and normality to resume.
The post-shadow period continues until September 11 – so unwanted shenanigans can still happen!
How does Mercury retrograde affect my star sign?
Check out which signs will be affected by Mercury retrograde in 2024, and Matt’s comprehensive guide on navigating relationship challenges during this period…
Aries
Mar 21-Apr 20
When you’re on a date, you tend to dominate the conversation and can sometimes forget to take a breath and let your date speak.
You don’t mean to, it’s just part of your take-charge Aries attitude. With Mercury in retrograde, you might end up saying something that gets misconstrued by a date or your partner.
The solution
Practice being more thoughtful when speaking and texting. Find the beauty in listening and taking in what the other person has to say before responding – you might just find a true connection blossoms.
Taurus
Apr 21-May 21
One of the nasty side-effects of Mercury retrograde is that it brings ghosts from our past back to haunt us – including our exes.
If this happens, don’t allow them straight back into your life as this cosmic movement will be clouding your judgement and your decision-making skills may be off.
The solution
Don’t be tempted to throw away the good vibe you’ve got going with your current date or partner in favour of something, or someone, who has brought you chaos in the past.
Take a moment to assess what’s really right for you. And if needed, mute your exes and love where you’re at now.
Gemini
May 22-June 21
Mercury is your ruling planet so these retrogrades pack quite a punch for you, Gemini! You’ll find moments during this retrograde where you’re unsure of where you stand with others, whether it’s someone you’re chatting to on Tinder, someone you’ve been dating or your partner.
The solution
Communication is key! Ask questions and clarify where things stand. Be thoughtful and patient in your conversations. If helpful, practice what you’re going to say beforehand. Listen carefully and take their thoughts and feelings on board.
Honesty and openness can help you stay true to who you are.
Cancer
June 22-July 23
Mercury retrograde is gonna hit you right where it hurts this time: your work. The chaotic energy emanating from this tricky cosmic time will likely bring some annoying tasks or mishaps at work that you’ll have to deal with.
While you’re putting out fires, be sure that you don’t allow this to seep into your personal life.
The solution
When it hits the fan at work, look at your love life as the calm away from the storm. Leave work at the door when you go home and fill your cup by having fun.
Continue to go on dates or spend time with your partner. Most importantly, give yourself the space to decompress and enjoy life.
Leo
July 24-Aug 23
Don’t allow your fierce sense of pride to sully any connections you might have. Miscommunications are running rampant right now, so you need to be patient in your conversations with your dates or partner. Always try to see where the other person is coming from and the intention behind what they’re saying, before firing back with a sassy response.
The solution
In the moments when you feel tempted to argue something for the sake of you pride, take a beat and ask yourself if proving your point is worth killing the good vibe.
Sometimes keeping the peace is better than being right!
Virgo
Aug 24-Sept 23
As Mercury is your ruling planet, you’re likely to get hit the hardest, Virgo. You may find times in your romantic life where you need to make tough decisions, but the problem is that your mind will be in general disarray in this period.
When you find yourself confused, you tend to use logic and reason to cut through the chaos. That won’t help here, especially in your romantic life.
The solution
Get out of your head and instead think with your heart. In other words, stop thinking and start feeling. Take calculated risks in your dating life and with your partner.
I’m sure you’re thinking: “But what if it all goes wrong?” Ah… but what if it all goes right?
Libra
Sept 24-Oct 23
As a pensive air sign, Mercury retrograde will have you pondering the role you play in relationships, whether it’s with someone you’re dating or your long-term partner.
You might fancy a role-switch, of sorts. If you feel like you’ve been calling the shots, you may want to let them lead. Or, if you’ve been playing by their rules, you might want to step up and start leading the charge.
The solution
Three words – go for it! Mercury retrograde isn’t all doom and gloom. Sometimes, it’s an opportunity to break free from systems that we’ve been following out of comfort that don’t actually serve your best interests anymore. Have fun with it!
Scorpio
Oct 24-Nov 22
When life becomes a little hectic, you tend to approach the chaos in one of two ways: either you’ll throw yourself in headfirst without thinking, or you’ll run away and hide, hoping it’ll sort itself out. Neither solution is going to protect you from the confusion of Mercury retrograde as you find yourself in an awkward situation with the person you’re either pursuing or involved with.
The solution
No matter what tricky situations you encounter – be it showing up an hour late to dinner, a tiff over a mix-up, or an accidental text, – face it head-on.
Be your usual charming self and say sorry, share your thoughts and ask them for theirs to avoid another mishap.
Sagittarius
Nov 23-Dec 22
Have things been feeling a little stale in your love life? That’s about to change, and not a moment too soon, because if there’s one thing a Sagittarius won’t tolerate, it’s a dull time!
The thing about Mercury retrograde is that it doesn’t always bring negative energy into our lives – sometimes it can open the door to new opportunities and that’s just what you’re going to find with a special someone.
The solution
No solution needed! Just allow yourself to embrace whatever sweet opportunities appear. When planning date nights, be adventurous and don’t let yourself overthink your way out of a good situation. Also, you don’t have to spend big to have a good time, just bring your passion and creativity.
Capricorn
Dec 23-Jan 20
While you may experience stressful situations with your work or with your family and friends during this retrograde, your love life will be the calm away from the storm.
Spend some time nurturing new connections, and step back from negative situations which are holding you back.
The solution
After a long and stressful day, if you’re single, tap out of the chaos by jumping on Tinder and spark some meaningful conversations with people who light your fire.
In a relationship or seeing someone – plan exciting date nights so you have that to look forward to after work-filled days.
Aquarius
Jan 21-Feb 19
Since communication is on the backburner at this time, you’d be wise to tread carefully in your conversations with your partner or other singles. Your desire to be right might be standing in the way of the remedy to whatever disagreement you might find yourself in.
The solution
If you get locked in a tense discussion with someone you’re dating, try to avoid talking your way out of it and over-explaining your point – you may end up digging yourself in deeper!
Instead, agree to disagree and find common ground to rest on, rather than your laurels.
Pisces
Feb 20-Mar20
Uh oh, looks like Mercury retrograde is going to hit you right where it hurts: your finances! After realising you may have blown the budget, you may notice this problem bleeding into other areas of your life such as your romantic zone.
The solution
Don’t let this period hold you back! Explore inexpensive and fun date options, such as movie nights in, a walk in the park – or even stargazing! You shouldn’t have to rely on pay day to enjoy the magic of dating.
If there’s a will, there’s always a way!