As a Virgo, you tend to be a pretty practical, careful, and analytical person, and you don't let the universe's nonsense stand in your way. But, the planets are doing some crazy things this week, and as a super methodical person, you are going to want to figure out what five planets being retrograde means for Virgo sooner, rather than later. Hey, it's good to be prepared, right?
You've heard what can happen when Mercury is retrograde. It's one of the most notorious planets for causing trouble when it appears to be orbiting backwards — signals get mixed up, communication becomes fuzzy, and there's just a whole bunch of weird misunderstandings. This month, Mercury is retrograde starting April 28, and when that happens, it will be one of five planets currently in that state — Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Pluto are also retrograde at the moment too. Yikes.
For what it's worth, when a planet is retrograde, it isn't actually moving in reverse, but it can certainly look like it is — and when these periods hit, things get a little wonky. Planets tend to have the opposite effect on us than they normally do, and retrograde periods can influence all of us in unusual ways. But, different retrograde planets mean different things to each sign in the zodiac, so if you are a Virgo (and I'm guessing you are, because you are reading this article), here is a breakdown of what you need to look out for.
1. Jupiter
Jupiter went retrograde back in January, and it's been causing us all to tighten our belts when it comes to spending resources of any kind — time, money, emotions, and talents. Jupiter is the planet that represents growth, wealth, and opportunity. For the most part, Virgos are extremely careful with money, so don't worry too much about having to make any major changes in that department. But, it's possible that you might feel a little more withholding of your feelings. Virgos are amazingly kind and wonderful people, but even when the universe isn't behaving oddly, they can have trouble expressing their emotions. Try to spend more time with close friends and family if possible, who don't need dramatic declarations of affection to know you care.
2. Saturn
Do you suddenly feel a need to re-examine everything, Virgo? The reason is simple — Saturn is retrograde, and has been since March 25. When this happens, insecurity among all the signs is common as people become more aware of their personal limits, but don't be too self-critical. As a Virgo, you are an amazing problem solver. Use this time to identify what you think is holding you back, and brainstorm ways to start working toward your goals. This can actually be a really productive time for you.
3. Mars
When Mars is retrograde, we all feel exhausted. That's because Mars is a key planet in helping us find the energy we need to plough forward. Don't be surprised if the people around you start to drag their feet during this time (Mars is retrograde April 17 through June 29), or projects lose steam. Patience right now is your biggest virtue.
4. Pluto
Much like Saturn, Pluto forces us to self-reflect when it's retrograde, but hey! A little soul searching can be a good thing, especially for someone as in tune with their goals as Virgo. You're constantly coming up with to-do lists for the future, so spend some quality time prioritizing what you want to accomplish. Also check in with yourself to see if you're harboring any weird or uncomfortable grudges. This is an excellent time for rejuvenation. Get rid of the emotional baggage that might be keeping you from attaining what you want.
5. Mercury
Ah, Mercury. Here's where things get tricky. Mercury is the ruling planet of Virgo, which means Virgos are going to feel the wily effects of its retrograde status pretty severely. Virgos value clear communication, but with Mercury playing its retrograde tricks, communication becomes increasingly difficult. Don't make any travel plans during this time, don't enter into any contracts, and if you have any questions about anything, ask. Virgos typically don't like asking for help, but if something is unclear for any reason, it's time to call in re-enforcements so you can figure it out.
Images: Caroline Wurtzel/Bustle; Giphy
