Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo -- Here's What You Can Expect
See what happens when the planet of communication retrogrades.
By now, you've probably already heard about the pesky astrological event known as Mercury Retrograde. It's usually written about as a very chaotic time when communication goes awry, and while that's true, there's so much more to what goes on during this retrograde period! Many things can impact how you personally experience Mercury Retrograde -- including what sign and element Mercury is in, and where the retrograde occurs in your natal chart.
What is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde happens about three or four times each year, for a period of about three to four weeks at a time. Mercury slows down to the point that it appears to be moving backward, but it's really an optical illusion. The communication planet does still have forward momentum -- it just isn't moving at its usual speedy pace.
Planet Mercury rules communication, travel, and technology, so all of these things are often disrupted during Mercury Retrograde. Yes, things can get a bit chaotic, but there's also a lot of good that can come out of this time. This can be a time of reflection, reconsideration, and retreat. Just like the planet Mercury, we're being asked to slow down so we can revisit our beliefs, our thought patterns, and how we want to move forward in our lives
In 2024, every Mercury Retrograde period touches on a Fire sign -- Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius. Fire signs are drawn to excitement and command attention. Because Mercury Retrograde is a time of reflection, this emphasis on potent Fire energy means we could come out of the retrograde period with a greater appreciation for passion and intensity than we had when we originally entered it.
When is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde dates for 2024 are:
• Mercury Retrograde in Aries: April 1 - April 25, 2024
• Mercury Retrograde beginning in Virgo and ending in Leo: August 5 - August 28, 2024
• Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius: November 25 - December 15, 2024
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo
The next Mercury Retrograde period starts on August 5, 2024 in detail-oriented Virgo and continues through August 28, 2024, ending in the dominant sign of Leo.
Every Mercury Retrograde is a time when misunderstandings and mishaps are common. Because Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky, things associated with Mercury -- conversations, negotiations, technology, travel -- tend to go haywire. When Mercury retrogrades through Virgo specifically, it targets the areas of life Virgo rules: our health, habits, and daily tasks. You may experience frustrations around feeling good in your body, stress out over your perceived imperfections, or struggle with the sense that you're not allowed to manage your time as you'd prefer. As Mercury moves into Leo, the focus will change to the areas of life ruled by Leo, including self-expression, play, sexuality, and the inner child.
But there’s always something good you can take from Mercury Retrograde, too! A retrograde in Virgo and Leo is a great time to think through goals you'd like to achieve, for example, or ways in which you'd like to show up more openly. If you aren’t happy with the respect you're receiving in certain relationships or environments, this is the time to reflect deeply on how to make a change.
Mercury Retrograde often has a reputation for leading to chaos, but it's not all bad! This retrograde period could actually lead to profound clarity! It's all about how you navigate it, so discover how to
