Mercury Retrograde in 2024: Dates and Tips for Making the Most of It

Here it comes again (just like every year): another Mercury Retrograde transit in 2024. On August 5, the planet that corresponds, among many things, to communication and the transmission and reception of information begins its third retrograde phase of the year.

If you, like many others, worry that from this date everything might go wrong, relax! It is definitely not like that. Mercury Retrograde is not as catastrophic as it is often portrayed. It is a cyclical astrological transit that repeats three to four times a year, so it is common and expected.

In this article, you will discover:

• What a retrograde planet is;
• What to expect from Mercury Retrograde in August 2024;
• The possible correspondences of Mercury Retrograde as it passes through the sectors of Virgo and Leo on the ecliptic, in our practical life;
• How to make the most of this occurrence of Mercury Retrograde in 2024 according to your sun sign.

What is a retrograde planet?

In Astrology, we say that a planet is retrograde whenever it seems to slow down and move backward around the Sun, from the Earth's point of view. In practice, this does not happen - it is actually just an optical illusion from the geocentric observation.

In the Astrology of the subject (analyses of astrological correspondences that influence our personality and daily life events), this movement can be symbolically interpreted as an invitation to slow down and the need to review matters related to the planet and sign in question concerning our natal chart, in the sense that the planet ends up staying in that sector for a longer time. Therefore, retrograde planets bring with them an important message: time to evaluate, concentrate, and review.

Want to Know Which Planets Are Retrograde in 2024? Read the Article We Made!

What to expect from Mercury Retrograde in August 2024?

In 2024, Mercury will be retrograde from August 5 to 28, between the signs of Leo and Virgo. But don't panic. Although the period calls for more caution, if you pay more attention and presence to exchanges and daily activities, everything will flow very well.

Pay closer attention to issues such as: your way of communicating, your thoughts and ideas that arise, travel and means of transportation, technologies, and aspects related to information transmission.

Other effects observed during Mercury Retrograde periods also include more dispersed or slower reasoning, as well as a higher chance of misunderstandings in conversations.

Want a practical example? We recommend avoiding talking face-to-face with someone while using your phone or sending messages. Naturally, dividing attention can cause communication problems, but when Mercury is retrograde, this can be accentuated.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Mercury Retrograde in Leo: what does it mean?

Mercury starts its retrograde movement on August 5, in the sign of Virgo, and continues until the 28th, when it returns to direct movement. However, during this period, the planet returns to the sector of Leo, where it spends most of the time.

The retrograde movement begins at 04 degrees of Virgo, focusing on looking more carefully and attentively at our health, especially the digestive system, routines, and organization.

Mercury is the ruling planet of Virgo, so we can expect a slightly more latent effect for those of this sign.

From August 15 onwards, Mercury enters Leo, a sign characterized by creativity, ego, vitality, and the power of leadership and self-expression, interacting with ego, vanity, and self-esteem.

Having Mercury retrograde in Virgo and Leo, some reflections may be important:

• In your relationships, have you given space for others to express themselves, or has everything been about you, your problems, and achievements?
• Have you been able to be flexible with your plans, or can your perfectionism and/or rigidity become an obstacle for them?
• What needs more attention and organization in your routine?

How each sign can make the most of Mercury retrograde in Virgo and Leo

Here are some tips on how to take advantage of this period according to your sign:

Aries

Work, health, and small daily habits may need a review, and it's worth taking the chance. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to resume old hobbies and passions that can help you connect with yourself.

Taurus

For Taurus, Mercury retrograde in Virgo calls for a closer look at activities that express your creativity and your relationship with children (or even your inner child) or even love affairs. Take some time to reflect on things, places, and people that nourish and sustain you.

Gemini

Gemini, like Virgo, is a sign ruled by Mercury. Therefore, Geminis, don't be surprised if your mind seems a bit more nebulous during the retrograde period. How about using this moment to reorganize your house, do a cleanup, and eliminate what no longer resonates with you? It can also be a good time to review your dynamics with close family members, such as siblings and cousins.

Cancer

How have you viewed your values? With Mercury's retrograde movement, it will be a time to observe not only your resources but also the more subtle ones: how do you see yourself? What values are non-negotiable for you? Have they been communicated in a way that balances your relationships? Have they been respected?

Leo

With Mercury retrograde passing through Leo, how about looking in the mirror and noticing if the way you see yourself, how you present yourself to others, and how you communicate who you are is aligned? This can help understand the points that need adjustment in this dynamic.

Virgo

Beyond the retrogradation being in Virgo, it is important to remember that this sign is ruled by Mercury, so the effects can be felt more strongly. The review here comes in unconscious patterns and possible old traumas that may be blocking your way of presenting yourself in the world and expressing yourself.

Libra

How is your relationship with your spirituality and also with your dreams and shared ideals? In this retrogradation, observe the groups and communities you are part of, how their dynamics have impacted you, and if you have expressed yourself freely in these spaces.

Scorpio

It's time to reflect on career goals. How have you organized yourself to achieve them? Do they truly represent you and place you in spaces that connect with your heart and authenticity? How much do you believe your way of doing things and your self-worth are manifesting here?

Sagittarius

Long-term goals, deeper studies, and even long (or distant) trips that you left in the drawer need to be resumed. It can be a good time to analyze what still makes sense to put into practice in these matters.

Capricorn

A good time to question your worldview, beliefs, and dogmas that may be directing your life. Which of them are really yours and reinforce your personal power? The retrogradation will be propitious for diving deep, opening unconscious boxes, and transforming what no longer serves.

Aquarius

For people of the Aquarius sign, glimpses of transformations, recognition of deeper pains related to self-esteem and self-love may come to light. It is also worth observing relational dynamics, especially with romantic partners. How to find balance in what is most essential in the relationship?

Pisces

For Pisces, the more serious and daily relationships - such as spouses, partners, and associates - may gain focus. How to make the day-to-day with these people more fluid, without one person placing themselves above the other in the relationship? Take advantage of this moment to become aware of this.

How to "ease the burden" during Mercury Retrograde?

Here are some additional tips that may be interesting for this period:

• Save important files, information, and documents in more than one place;
• Be more careful with schedules. During Mercury Retrograde, delays can happen more easily;
• Double attention to your communication, whether you are writing, speaking, or transmitting information in another way. Make sure the other person has understood the message correctly;
• If a device is overdue for maintenance and already shows signs of problems, the chances of it malfunctioning during this period increase, as there is a backlog that may correspond to this interference;
• If you are going to make a big purchase, sign a contract, or make important decisions, take care to review all the details once again and analyze each point.

When is the next Mercury Retrograde?

In November, we will have another Mercury retrograde in 2024. This time, in the sign of Sagittarius - along with the social planets Jupiter and Mars.

Still don't know which area of your life this and other planetary movements may be more evident? Register on Astrolink and create your free natal chart!