Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. It rotates around the Sun three times in the time it takes Earth to go around once. When Mercury is on the far side of the Sun, it appears to be going backward when charted on the zodiac. This apparent backward motion is called “Retrograde.”
Mercury goes retrograde in the zodiac three times a year. Each retrograde last about three weeks. Mercury is the planet of communication and when it turns retrograde, we can expect communication on Earth to become easily misunderstood. Contracts and other paperwork that are signed while Mercury is retrograde are often the start of ordeals fraught with chaos.
On September 6, Mercury turns retrograde in the zodiac sign of Libra. This is the sign ruling partnerships. But as it makes its way back through the zodiac, the little messenger planet goes into Virgo, the zodiac sign of organization. Make that disorganization as the chaos changes from affecting our interpersonal relationships to shaking up the way that we all stay organized.
Mercury will straighten out again in the zodiac on September 29, so until then, read below for your zodiac sign to know just what specific areas of your life will be most affected by the current cosmic chaos.
Aries March 21 – April 19
What starts out as tension with your partner becomes more about your work habits and self-discipline as September progresses. Look to review the way that you make a living and its effects on the one-on-one relationships you most value.
Silver Lining: You will come across some important paperwork that had been missing and be able to financially benefit from it.
Taurus April 20 – May 20
A job that you thought was one thing suddenly morphs into carrying different responsibilities. You might be in over your head or not challenged nor enjoying yourself. You could find yourself knowing more than a new boss or authority and see resentments coming because of this.
Silver Lining: You are likely to get quite creative, be it with artistic pursuits or new recipes in the kitchen and the bedroom.
Gemini May 21 – June 21
What starts as a September of frustrations over the childish behavior of your friends and colleagues is only the beginning of being rankled by Mercury’s movement in Virgo. You can pretty much bet on one or two domestic crises by month’s end.
Silver Lining: A possible home repair bill that you are stuck paying because of Mercury’s chaos will add value to your property.
Cancer June 22 – July 22
You might have to relocate in a surprise manner, or other chaos at your home will make for a bit of neighborhood drama. September will see you also involved in a case of mistaken identity that would be hilarious if it wasn’t suddenly so serious. You will find that some people have no sense of humor.
Silver Lining: You will meet some old friends from the past, and find that connections you made long ago suddenly help in a big way.
Leo July 23 – August 22
Chaos comes with miscommunication. You might become the subject of gossip that is too scurrilous to defend against. Be on guard for casual friends who pump you for information or use weasel words to have it both ways.
Silver Lining: A lot of people will come out of the woodwork to rise to your defense. A new love interest could be among them!
Virgo August 23 – September 22
Finances are in shambles when you find out an unpaid bill or two are past due. This is a month where any money issue you ignored over the summer comes back to haunt you. If you have been detail oriented with your wallet, this might thankfully be a quiet month.
Silver Lining: You will be recognized for some efforts out of your past, perhaps even honored or rewarded for old accomplishments.
Libra September 23 – October 22
There will be a lot of confusion about your name and status. You might get an undeserved prize only to have it asked back. Prepare now to see your name in print spelled incorrectly.
Silver Lining: A creative idea you had for an artwork, song or short story will be something you can revisit for great satisfaction.
Scorpio October 23 – November 21
With Mercury retrograde in Virgo, you might find the loose ends of unfinished past projects all wrapping themselves up. You will be able to finish some old projects for fun and profit.
Silver Lining: You will get a lot of attention for some of your new work. An authority figure will use you as an example of a rising star in your company, school or social circle.
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21
You might find it hard to fit in as there has been a turnover regarding your close friends and acquaintances. A lot of people have moved on and you will be struggling a bit to find your place. Avoid doing anything drastic for attention.
Silver Lining: You will get some notice for your abilities and a few people you don’t know already know who you are and are interested in working with you on a cool project.
Capricorn December 22 – January 19
Your desire to climb higher in your career pursuits hits a big blockade. Every effort you make to get ahead one step in September ends up being a setback to your goals.
Silver Lining: Getting away from it all on a quick drive out of town might be therapeutic and could put you in touch with better career contacts.
Aquarius January 20 – February 18
Travelling is not favored this month. A trip will be swamped with delays and broken promises. A love pursuit of a long distance relationship could end in total heartbreak.
Silver Lining: There are people close to home who want to invest in your project. Make a creative promotional push emphasizing your experience and accomplishments.
Pisces February 19 – March 20
Keeping promises that you made to someone who was there from the start will become almost impossible. While Mercury is retrograde in September, return inquiries and phone calls quickly, politely and avoid making too many commitments.
Silver Lining: A love relationship that seemed tepid will heat up and be a pleasant distraction amidst your chaotic relationships with colleagues.
