The Mercury Communiqué: Mercury Retrogrades in Virgo - Keen.com

Mercury will be spending a lot of time in the zodiac sign of Virgo. This little planet is the closest one to the Sun. It moves through the zodiac so fast at times that it might spend less than two weeks in a particular zodiac sign. But once it gets into Virgo, it will slow down and turn retrograde. This is the term for the phenomena of the planet appearing to move backwards in the zodiac. After a few weeks of that, Mercury will appear to move forward before picking up speed again. Finally, by the first week of October, it will move on to Libra. For Mercury to be in one sign of the zodiac for two complete months and parts of two other months is a rare astrological occurrence indeed. This extended visit will have implications for all of us on earth.

Mercury rules communication. Where it is in the zodiac impacts how we get the word out as well as how we receive what is being told to us. When it is visiting a specific zodiac sign, the characteristics of that sign spill over into our day-to-day types of communication. This planet is especially strong in Virgo as it rules this zodiac sign. This is usually great for most of us on Earth, as Mercury clears up channels of communication when it is in a sign it oversees. But because of the retrograde period, look for the details in all your ordinary activities to be bungled. Virgo is the zodiac sign that pays attention to the details, and often at the expense of the big picture. When Mercury goes retrograde there, chaos is complete.

The usual warnings about a Mercury retrograde apply no matter the zodiac sign in which the messenger planet appears to make his backward move. Do not start a new project. Avoid signing any agreements, especially new terms. The positives of a Mercury retrograde involve your efforts to go over old things … reviewing, renewing and reinvestigating old possibilities. In the sign of Virgo, anything that involves small details and information overload will be a goldmine under the right circumstances.

Mercury enters Virgo on July 27. It turns retrograde on August 20 and appears to be moving backward until September 12. It then moves through Virgo, picking up speed along the way. The messenger planet leaves Virgo on October 3. Read below to see how these three distinct phases of Mercury’s visit will affect your communications for the next two months and more …

Aries March 21 – April 19

Before and After Retrograde: Look to get into shape with a new set of plans to exercise in a way that you enjoy. Dump the boring treadmill and take a high-energy dance class.
During Retrograde: Go back over your dietary wins and losses to see if you can spot a pattern of eating that might have been unhealthy. You can plan for the future by examining the past.

Taurus April 20 – May 20

Before and After Retrograde: Flirt with a possible passion partner by reciting poetry rhymes in a funny manner. Keeping it light and playful makes hooking up more likely.
During Retrograde: Find out what an old lover is up to, perhaps using a social networking site. You should not necessarily make contact; just revisit the past in order to see how far you have come.

Gemini May 21 – June 21

Before and After Retrograde: This is not necessarily the best time in your life to take on the pursuit of a new love interest.
During Retrograde: A fixer-up project around the house could lead to new discoveries involving some very old collectibles you own.

Cancer June 22 – July 22

Before and After Retrograde: A chance to pitch in and help with a cause could bring you into contact with some pretty cool people.
During Retrograde: A flirty neighbor may have inspired you in the past. It might be time to find out just how far he wants to take a flirtation.

Leo July 23 – August 22

Before and After Retrograde: Look at the way that economics influences your relationship choices. Are you limiting where love can happen because of finances?
During Retrograde: Examine your own spending habits and see where you might be blaming romance instead of your own penchant for shopping.

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Before and After Retrograde: Your ruling planet Mercury will make you articulate and able to spot specific instances of opportunity before others have a chance to grab at what the future holds.
During Retrograde: Pleasing a person from the past will give you insight into where you came from and where you are going.

Libra September 23 – October 22

Before and After Retrograde: Embrace a new way of looking at things. If you are a disappointed optimist, try to be cynical and more analytical.
During Retrograde: If you were raised in a particular belief system, this is a great opportunity to revisit the patterns of your faith.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

Before and After Retrograde: Get out and meet lots of new people. A big concert or casino beckons with stimulation and conversation.
During Retrograde: Look up some old friends and organize an informal reunion. Your chance to see just where you are in life in relationship to others will be pleasantly apparent.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

Before and After Retrograde: Expect some business opportunity to take a front seat while Mercury is in Virgo. Your love life is either pleasantly static or a non-issue as you pursue a new accomplishment.
During Retrograde: Be open to criticism but silent in critiques.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

Before and After Retrograde: These are fine times for a summer or early autumn vacation. Look for any excuse to hit the road and meet cool new people.
During Retrograde: This is a great time to research a future vacation. If you are saving up for a trip next year, now is a great time to study the local language and customs.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Before and After Retrograde: This is a prime time to find an investor for your big project. If your goal is to make it as your own boss, the financial details are in front of you.
During Retrograde: Do not sign any paperwork; instead, go over things and see where your agreement needs finessing.

Pisces February 19 – March 20

Before and After Retrograde: A romance alert is on as you have many opportunities to find a potential soulmate or be discovered by one. You will have days where you are simply glowing.
During Retrograde: Working with a partner to go over some old business is the best way to strengthen the relationship.