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Mercury Retrograde Is Back & It's Going To Majorly Affect Your Sign
by Brandi Neal
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It's here. Mercury Retrograde began Aug. 12 in Virgo and Leo, and this one is going to be particularly rocky, especially in the beginning. While Virgo will be particularly affected, what does Mercury Retrograde mean for your sign? Astrology King noted that this planetary backspin is going to facilitate a cosmic shake up for both your love life and your finances. "Fear, insecurity, suspicion, lying, deception, fraud, and adultery are some of the issues that may arise. Whether you are single or in a relationship, you can expect to be thinking or talking about matters of love and trust."

While this sounds like bad news, Mercury Retrograde is not all doom and gloom. "There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde," Cafe Astrology assured. "This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently, through different filters, and can come up with some very important inner revelations."

Because Mercury is the ruler of communication, and the planet is basically taking a nap while it's retrograde, everyone is affected, though some signs will feel the influence more strongly than others. Cafe Astrology recommended that this Mercury Retrograde be used to look back to "analyze past romantic relationships or creative projects, and for preparing, rehearsing, and redoing scenarios before expressing them."

Here's the breakdown about what Mercury Retrograde Aug. 12-Sept. 5 means for your sign.

1Aries: Communications Kerfuffles

Aries, you might feel like this Mercury Retrograde is one long episode of Three's Company, you know because every episode is based on some kind of misunderstanding. Unfortunately, unlike on Three's Company, your problems aren't likely to get solved in 30 minutes. Cafe Astrology reported that Aries could experience major communication breakdowns at work, and at home, because Mercury rules these areas in Aries' solar chart.

"Occurring in your solar fifth and sixth houses this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to romance, children, creativity, work, and daily routines," Cafe Astrology explained. "Be as non judgmental as you can with co-workers, romantic partners, and your children. Rethinking the suitability of your job and/or romantic relationships is possible now, but you should avoid jumping to any premature decisions. Work-related mess-ups can frustrate you. Double-check your work."

2Taurus: Misunderstandings With Loved Ones

The Gilmore Guys said on their podcast that no television couple is worse at communication than Lorelai Gilmore and Luke Danes on Gilmore Girls, and I tend to agree. Do not be like Luke and Lorelai as this Mercury Retrograde, Taurus, could have you marred in major communications breakdowns with family, friends, and intimate partners.

This is not the time to secretly meet your ex for coffee without telling your partner, or covering up the fact that you have a long lost child you've known about for months. Learn from Luke and Lorelai's mistakes, and bypass the drama.

"Occurring in your solar fourth and fifth houses this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to family relations, romance, children, and creativity," Cafe Astrology cautioned. "It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating with friends, groups, intimate partners, family members, romantic partners, and children, or take this time to re-examine issues rather than communicating about them prematurely."

3Gemini: Forgetfulness & Transportation Issues

Unfortunately, Gemini, you are always affected by Mercury Retrograde more than other signs, and this time will be no different. Mercury rules Gemini's personal presentation, image, and communications with loved ones. Get ready for some misunderstandings. Cafe Astrology warned that idle chit chat could be misconstrued, and come back to bite you.

Additionally, "There may be the need to revisit old, nagging issues with siblings or neighbors, errands could go wrong, you might have trouble getting from point A to point B (example, transportation problems), emails or letters get lost, and so forth," Cafe Astrology explained. "You may be forgetful during this cycle, and it makes sense to allow yourself extra time to get to appointments, if they are not cancelled in the first place! It would also be wise to double-check your work and communications before sending them off."

It might be tough to keep your cool during Mercury Retrograde, but a little preparation up front can help you successfully get through this cycle with your career, friends, and relationships intact.

4Cancer: It's All About The Money

Cancer, your finances will be your main focus during Mercury Retrograde and past issues and future initiatives could take center stage. Because Mercury Retrograde affects Cancer's personal message sector, there is a huge possibility of misunderstandings in every area of your life, Cafe Astrology noted.

"There may be the need to revisit old, nagging issues regarding personal finances. Take this time to re-budget instead of making premature purchases," Cafe Astrology suggested. "Hold off on decision-making regarding money. Instead, take the time to re-think your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period, but put off finalizing anything important for the time being. In fact, some money-making ideas or ventures may be put on hold due to circumstances beyond your control."

While it's frustrating to hit the pause button for three weeks, Tarot.com advised that this might be a good time for you to reconnect with a long-lost friend or relative while you give your finances a rest.

5Leo: Mixed Signals Cause Misunderstandings

Leo, get ready for everything to be even more unclear than usual as Mercury retrogrades through your sign. Mixed signals from others, and from you, could ruffle some feathers. You might also experience some financial woes, so it's best to hold off on any big purchases.

"Go over any financial documents carefully," Cafe Astrology advised. "Others may misinterpret your body language, and you should be aware of a tendency to give off mixed signals. People in your life may complain that you seem emotionally distant. You may appear uncommunicative and hard to reach, or what you say comes out wrong."

Additionally, Tarot.com advised that Leo use Mercury Retrograde to "figure out a way to overhaul your budget and get it more in-line with your income. Or, it's possible you might consider going back to an old way of making money in order to earn extra cash."

6Virgo: Overthinking Causes Kerfuffles

Virgo, Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights has nothing on you when it comes to overthinking, and over analyzing, every single thing. Because Mercury is retrograde in Virgo, your overthinking tendencies are going to kick into high gear, and as a result you could feel like no one understands you, which I guess is pretty much just like Tim Riggins.

"Occurring in your solar twelfth and first houses this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to body language and intuition. Others may misinterpret your body language, and you should be aware of a tendency to give off mixed signals," Cafe Astrology warned.

"People in your life may complain that you seem emotionally distant. This is a time to review the manner in which you come across to others — not so much whether it truly reflects your nature, but more in terms of whether it is working for or against you. You may find that you are less able to rely on your intuition. Perhaps you're picking up the wrong cues or reading too much into situations. Whatever the case may be, for the time being, you may not feel that your intuition is serving you well."

7Libra: It's Not All In Your Head

Libra, if you feel like you're living in an episode of Gossip Girl during this Mercury Retrograde cycle, it's not in your head. Cafe Astrology warned that someone may be deceiving you, or working against you. And, because Mercury Retrograde affects areas related to travel, education, legal affairs, and the past, you're going to have a lot on your plate. Don't take any trips if you can help it. If you have to travel, expect delays.

"Occurring in your solar eleventh and twelfth houses this time, your instinctual judgment may be compromised, and extra care should be used when communicating with friends," Cafe Astrology cautioned. "You may find that communications with friends or with groups can easily get sticky. Group meetings may be postponed or cancelled, and friends may be uncommunicative or giving off mixed signals. On the other hand, old acquaintances may appear during this cycle. You may find that you are less able to rely on your intuition."

For ever-intuitive Libra, this Mercury Retrograde could feel distressing, especially since Cafe Astrology recommended that you "keep an eye out for deceptiveness and falseness in others." This might actually be a good time to stay more time at home and marathon Gossip Girl rather than live it IRL.

8Scorpio: Things Go Sideways At Work

While you might not knock everyone's breakfast off the table like Lisa on Friends From College, it's true that work misunderstandings are highly likely for Scorpio during Mercury Retrograde. Communication could go sideways with bosses and co-workers.

"Strive to be as clear as possible so that you are not misunderstood when dealing with the public. Put off making career decisions as much as possible for the time being," Cafe Astrology recommended. "You may be re-thinking things regarding your life path, but it's best to think rather than act for now, as your judgment may be compromised. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating with authority figures, children, and intimate partners during this cycle."

If that doesn't sound rough enough, Tarot.com advised that Scorpio might experience technology malfunctions during Mercury Retrograde. Try to maintain your patience, and make sure you back up everything.

9Sagittarius: Relationships Get Ruffled

Sensitive Sagittarius, Mercury Retrograde could create conditions for a misunderstanding with an intimate partner, likely over money. Take extra when communicating with loved ones, and try to be transparent as possible to avoid misunderstandings. Your personal life isn't the only area where relationships could be ruffled, according to Cafe Astrology.

"Occurring in your solar ninth and tenth houses this time, extra care should be used when communicating with superiors and co-workers, and regarding travel or education plans," Cafe Astrology explained. "Delays are very possible. You may be re-thinking things regarding your life path, but it's best to think rather than act for now, as your judgment may be compromised. It would be wise to be especially clear when it comes to communicating with co-workers, professors, lawyers, and family members."

If you're feeling all dark and twisty right now, your ship will right itself by Sept. 5 so hang on for the next three weeks.

10Capricorn: Travels Troubles Trip You Up

Capricorn, during this Mercury Retrograde cycle, travel troubles are highly likely for you. You might experience delays, canceled or lost reservations, or a desire to ditch a trip altogether. It's best to stick close to home until after Sept. 5 when Mercury goes direct.

"Occurring in your solar eighth and ninth houses this time, extra care should be exercised regarding travel or education plans, and with any financial initiatives that involve shared resources," Cafe Astrology cautioned. "Delays are very possible when it comes to transportation, receiving support, loans, and taxes."

Basically it's going to feel like all you're doing is waiting around for what you need while everything around you devolves into chaos. Fortunately, it's only temporary.

11Aquarius: Partnership Problems Persist

Aquarius, Mercury Retrograde could rock all of your partnerships from personal to professional to intimate. Because Mercury rules these aspects of your sign, avoiding misunderstandings during this cycle can be difficult.

"Occurring in your solar seventh and eighth houses this time, extra care should be exercised when it comes to negotiations, one-on-one communications, and any financial initiatives that involve shared resources," Cafe Astrology noted. "Be as non-judgmental as you can with a partner. There may be the need to revisit old issues in a partnership, or there could be some communication problems with a partner. An ex-partner may resurface during this cycle."

Additionally, Tarot.com advised that you might experience financial frustration during Mercury Retrograde as well. "You might discover a problem with financial paperwork related to taxes, loans, or investments that must be corrected. Insurance claims may also go haywire during this time."

12Pisces: Deciphering Hidden Meanings

Pisces, it's time to get out your top secret decoder ring as Mercury Retrograde has people communicating passive aggressively, and uncovering what they're really trying to say could save your from a major relationship skirmish.

"Misunderstandings with your partner now can do serious damage if you (or your partner) focus on words said instead of meanings behind the words," Cafe Astrology cautioned. If you need to talk through problems, do your best to be as non-judgmental as possible, and don't over-react to what your partner has to say either. Mixed messages coming from a partner, or a disappointment, could occur now. You may not be as good at mediating disputes for the time being, but it's a good cycle in which to improve your negotiation skills."

Unfortunately, this unrest could spill over into your professional life as well, according to Tarot.com. Steer clear of office gossip, and keep your eyes on your own paper, which is actually pretty great advice for everyone.