How To Smoothly Handle This Month’s Mercury Retrograde, According To Your Zodiac Sign

What To Expect This Mercury Retrograde Period In August 2024

Mercury retrograde is likely a term that you've heard before, even if you're not an astrology buff. In pop culture or through your astrology bestie, you've probably been warned that it can be the most chaotic or stressful three weeks to experience. Be assured that planetary retrogrades, especially when Mercury is involved, are essential to help you retrace your steps and process. In doing so, you'll attract higher chances of success rather than hitting a brick wall or playing the waiting game.

The August 2024 Mercury retrograde will be in the earth sign of Virgo. This means that these next few weeks will be crucial for you to learn how to slow down and scale your priorities. The Virgo sign extends support in looking at the minor details and to pinpoint what needs perfecting.

Don’t forget to step back, request assistance, and take breaks, because you may feel overworked and can go in a frenzy.

Mercury overlooks our ability to communicate, and with the messenger planet in the sign of Virgo, our dialogue will be methodical and slowed down. Contemplation is important, but try not to get too immersed into your ideas. Share and receive feedback — you'll get the traction you need when Mercury direct happens later this month. However, we'll feel a change in the winds when Mercury enters the sign of Leo once again on August 15. We'll crave for more fun, romance, and even squeeze in a last-minute vacation or getaway. This can be problematic as we lose our focus on priorities with school around the corner and the potential for travel mishaps. Plan accordingly — reflect, and don’t dive headfirst into your ideas. Hold onto your fire until Mercury goes direct on August 28.

This re-visitation also helps you realize your worth, learn your unique process to self-acceptance, and accept how your life has been panning out.

​August 2024 Mercury Retrograde Do’s And Don’ts

Before reading your personalized horoscope, here are the do’s and don’ts for this Mercury retrograde period:

Do's:

1. Double-check details: Verify all communications, travel plans, and important documents for accuracy.
2. Reflect and review: Use this time to revisit past projects, ideas, and goals to refine and improve them.
3. Practice patience: Expect delays and misunderstandings, and remain calm and patient in communications.
4. Back up data: Ensure all important files, emails, and data are backed up to avoid loss.
5. Clarify intentions: Be clear and specific in your communications to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Don'ts:

1. Rush decisions: Avoid making hasty decisions, especially in business or personal matters.
2. Assume clarity: Don’t assume others understand you; confirm understanding to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Start new projects: Postpone launching new ventures or starting significant projects until after Mercury retrograde.
4. Ignore intuition: Pay attention to your gut feelings and instincts; they may guide you through uncertain times.
5. Overload schedules: Keep your schedule flexible and avoid over-committing to allow for unexpected changes.

​Read Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs For Your Mercury Retrograde August 2024 Horoscope

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Need a breather, Aries? With Mercury back spinning in your 6th house, Aries, prepare for some work-related puzzles and communication snags. Take it as a chance to fine-tune projects rather than kick off new ones. Mid-month, Mercury moves to your 5th house, potentially stirring up misunderstandings in romance or creativity. Approach rekindling past passions or relationships with care – clarity may be a bit murky. Use this phase for introspection and refining your creative pursuits. Stay patient and aim for clear communication in all dealings to navigate this period with grace. Remember, every challenge brings growth and new insights for the future.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)

Getting back to the drawing board can be a good thing, Taurus. As Mercury retrograde phases into your 5th house, Taurus, expect playful misunderstandings and creative hiccups. Revisit old hobbies or reconnect with past loves, but be mindful. Do this to find peace, not progression. Mid-August, Mercury moves to your 4th house, stirring up family dynamics and home-related matters. Take this time to resolve misunderstandings with loved ones and reassess domestic plans. Focus on communication and patience in family discussions to maintain harmony. Use the retrograde period for introspection and reevaluating your emotional security. Take a chance to strengthen bonds and lay solid groundwork for future stability, Taurus.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Clear the air, Gemini, as Mercury retrograde remodels your 4th house. Take this time to review family misunderstandings while assessing future home related plans. Revisit past issues with a fresh perspective – resolution is possible with patience and clear communication. Mercury moves to your 3rd house, mid-month impacting daily interactions and communication. Expect hiccups in travel plans, technology, or misunderstandings with siblings or neighbors. Double-check details in all communications and avoid rushing decisions. Use this period for reflection and revisiting old ideas or projects rather than starting new ones. Refine your communication skills and strengthen the connections close to home, Gemini.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Experiencing any hang ups lately, Cancer? As Mercury is passing your 3rd house, prepare for communication blunders and misunderstandings in daily interactions. Double-check details in conversations and avoid jumping to conclusions. Mid-August, Mercury shifts to your 2nd house, shifting focus on finances and self-worth. Review your budget and avoid major purchases. Focus on reassessing your values and financial goals instead of making significant changes. Use this period for introspection and refining your communication style. Patience and careful consideration will help navigate this phase, Cancer, ensuring you emerge with a clearer understanding of your personal and financial priorities.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Craving retail therapy, Leo? Hold off as Mercury retrograde glitches in your 2nd house, expect financial reassessments and potential budgeting support. Review your expenses and avoid a shopping spree. Mercury moves to your 1st house mid-month, impacting personal communication and self-expression. Be mindful of how you present yourself. Focus on service and authenticity behind your message as misunderstandings with others could arise. Use this period for introspection and refining your communication style. Revisit old ideas and projects, focusing on clarity and patience in all interactions. Trust that this phase will help you emerge with a deeper understanding of your values and personal goals, Leo.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Focus on intention, Virgo. As Mercury retrograde graces your 1st house, expect introspective challenges and self-reflection. Slow down and review personal goals and reassess how you wish to present yourself to the world. Mid-month, Mercury shifts to your 12th house, granting spiritual insights and subconscious exploration. Pay attention to dreams and intuitive nudges – hidden truths will come to light. Use this period for quiet contemplation and healing old wounds. Avoid starting new projects and focus on finishing existing ones. Embrace this time for inner growth and understanding, Virgo, trusting that clarity will emerge once Mercury resumes direct motion.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

The Universe is calling, Libra. Mercury retrograde is in your 12th house, expect introspective journeys and hidden revelations. Explore the subconscious patterns and past unresolved issues. Everything will clear as you face your fears. Mid-August, Mercury moves to your 11th house, impacting friendships and group dynamics. Communication with friends and colleagues could be muddled – clarify intentions to avoid misunderstandings. Reconnecting with past connections may resurface for resolution. Use this period for reflection and revisiting long-term goals with focused intention. Embrace the opportunity to strengthen bonds and gain deeper insights into your social circles, Libra, encouraging harmony and understanding.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

You're one step closer to finding your soul tribe, Scorpio. As Mercury back spins in your 11th house, expect shifts in friendships and group dynamics. Miscommunications with friends or colleagues could arise – this can make or break your connection. Analyze how you can do better with conflict resolution. In the middle of August, Mercury moves to your 10th house, giving you grace in realizing your worth in the career and public image. Review professional plans and avoid launching new projects – focus on refining existing strategies instead. Use this period for introspection and networking with intention. With patience, reassess your career path and step into confidence that you had all along.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

Measure twice and cut once, Sagittarius. With Mercury retrograde in your 10th house, expect delays and mix-ups in career matters. Double-check details in professional communications and avoid making major career decisions. Mid-month, Mercury moves to your 9th house, influencing travel plans and higher education. Expect glitches in travel arrangements and delays in aspirational pursuits. Slow down and utilize this time to revisit past spiritual interests or travel plans; reconsider long-term goals with an analytical eye. Embrace patience and flexibility in all endeavors. Trust that this phase will provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

Need to slip away, Capricorn? Mercury retrograde begins its backspin in your 9th house, and if you plan to travel, prepare for delays or forgetfulness (hold tightly to your passport!). Double-check details related to these areas to avoid complications. Level up your meditation practice or engage in higher studies. Focus in the present moment and find your center. Mid-August, Mercury moves to your 8th house, influencing shared resources and intimate connections. Review financial agreements and investments carefully. Use this period for introspection and revisiting joint ventures or emotional bonds. Approach sensitive conversations with patience and clarity to navigate potential misunderstandings. This is your chance to deepen your understanding of shared values and financial strategies.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

It’s time to get serious, Aquarius. Mercury in your 8th house grants you the space to be introspective and reassess your accumulated resources. It also enables clarity regarding fears and insecurities that have been building up lately. Have that difficult discussion, it will be revelatory and deepen your union. Mercury moves to your 7th house mid-August, impacting partnerships and relationships. Communication with your significant other or business partner could be challenging – clarify intentions to avoid misunderstandings. Revisit past relationship dynamics with a fresh perspective and avoid starting new commitments. Use this period for reflection and strengthening existing bonds. Embrace patience and open dialogue to navigate this phase smoothly.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Has love been hung dry for you lately, Pisces? Mercury retrograde begins in your 7th house, Pisces, expect communication delays or misunderstandings in love and partnerships. Review your internal dialogue as it transmutes your outward connections. Mid-month, Mercury moves to your 6th house, influencing work and health matters. Delays in work projects are expected, but use this time to perfect your craft. Prioritize self-care and avoid over-committing. As you may feel up to the task, you may experience burnout. Ask for help if needed. Use this period for organization and revisiting old routines (fitness or spiritual). Focus on resolving any lingering conflicts in partnerships and improve workplace efficiency.