mercury retrograde in virgo + leo: system reset
+ no-bullshit horoscopes for each sign
It’s back! It’s our 3rd Mercury Retrograde of the year and this time it’s in the signs of Virgo and Leo! Now would be a good time to go back and read up on Mercury in Leo and Mercury in Virgo posts so you can refresh on their traits because they will be extra-highlighted and tested during this Retrograde cycle. Here’s a reminder of this current Mercury Retrograde’s dates:
So from August 4th until August 28, 2024, Mercury will appear to move backward in the sky and we’ll be under his Retrograde spell. Mercury is the planet that is associated with things like communication, contracts, agreements, trade, and transportation. Retrogrades are periods of confusion, delays, reflection, revision, and surprises. A general rule of thumb for all Mercury Retrogrades is to double-check that you’re not texting the wrong person, proofread those emails, and have an extra set of eyes on any important paperwork you need to sign!
What sign (or signs) the planet Mercury is in during the Retrograde gives extra context to what themes of life may be experiencing a review during these weeks. Moving from Earth sign Virgo to Fire sign Leo, we could see an examination of where our realms of service and duty (Virgo things) may need a spark of passion and play (Leo things) ~ Earth is meeting Fire, and the Virgo maiden is hauling the wood the eternal Leo flame. What are we working so hard for? Is this where we want to expend our energy? If we’re going to do all this work, shouldn’t we get a bigger slice of the pie? WAIT I MADE THE PIE!!! I want the whole pie! This Mercury Retrograde will have us questioning why we aren’t getting our fair share. Where we need to get not only get the credit for our work, but the prizes and compensation that go along with it!
Practicing astrology is recognizing cycles and the last time we had Mercury Retrograde in Virgo WAS LAST YEAR. Not that long ago! It was August 23 – September 15, 2023, in the Earth sign Virgo. What were you doing during this time? The pros and cons of that season may be revisiting you, as Mercury Retrograde is cruising through the same sign yet again.
The main aspect to Mercury that will persist pretty much the whole Rx is a Square from Uranus in Taurus. Uranus has really been so so so so loud this year. When we have a Square aspect that acts like a pressure point. Square requires change and adaptation since it’s considered an “uncomfortable” position. But when we’re uncomfortable, that’s where we can find growth! Pressure, when channeled, can be the catalyst for desperately needed change. Humans typically like being comfortable. Our modern lives are designed to take away much of our critical thinking or survival skills. Often times we wake up one day, years down the line, and go “how did I get here?” While life can be marked with big tentpole moments, it is often built brick by brick by a series of small decisions. This Mercury Retrograde is going to point out where have been not giving it our all. Leo and Virgo never want to be caught giving less than 100%. Often it’s easy to give away ourselves to others and keep 0% for ourselves. This Merc Rx is a chance to lay out the data of your life and discover where can you invest more in yourself. Or do you need a full system reset? What is worth saving? What needs to be wiped clean?
Leo and Virgo lead by example. They do the damn thing. Below are your no-bullshit horoscopes so you can rise to the occasion. A whisper of tough love. I just want the best for you.
NO BULLSHIT MERCURY RETROGRADE HOROSCOPES
ARIES RISING You may feel disappointed by the people around you which may be a symptom of being disappointed in yourself. IT’S OK! You really need fiber, vitamins, and a routine that doesn’t feel like punishment. People need you to tell them what you need from them because they aren’t getting your signals.
TAURUS RISING I know you want to play and frolic and dick around but there are matters at home that need your attention. Maybe it’s time to actually look for a new place to live or maybe it’s time to just get that one box off the floor. It’s been there for so long.
GEMINI RISING You’ve been playing it pretty safe. Why are you scared? Whatever you want to do is going to require more than 10 minutes of dedication. Figure out if you actually want it or if you just like having stuff to stress out about.
CANCER RISING Your mind has probably been all over the place but it’s time to stop being easy on yourself. That’s right, hold yourself accountable and do the things you said you were going to do! The line between self-care and self-destruction is razor-thin.
LEO RISING Your presence is truly a gift, but don’t rely solely on charm. Make sure you are prepared. Come with receipts. You may need to refresh your skillset. Your job is to find a way to declare why you deserve to be there without being off-putting. Good luck…
VIRGO RISING Pay attention to your dreams as they could be giving you clues into what your next move could be. This is not an excuse to sleep more than usual. Get up when you said you were gonna get up!!!! You are tapped into a higher source right now, embrace the moment. You are not God. You are human on the God plane.
LIBRA RISING You may be feeling like the rest of the world just doesn’t understand you right now. It might be worth sharing that with all your friends who feel the exact same way. I say this with love: it’s not a unique feeling. Your vulnerability is a power that will give you access to being better understood.
SCORPIO RISING The days keep flying by and the future feels like it’s here already. Comparison is the goddamn thief of joy, so save that brainpower for an actual plan. Whether the plan is an exit strategy or a vision for leveling up but holy shit SOMETHING needs to be done. Or you can keep feeling bad for yourself…
SAGITTARIUS RISING You’ve been working so hard. So much has been piled on your plate. You want to dissolve into an old-growth forest. It wouldn't be the worst idea of all time???? There’s always going to be so much work to do, so schedule time for nature, reflection, and quiet. Or go mad. It’s a choice.
CAPRICORN RISING You’ve been up on your high horse but you’ve found yourself in a “come-to-Jesus” moment. You may find you are caring about different, unusual things. New arenas of life have caught your interest. It’s ok to have different phases. No one is going to judge you if you leave for a bit and come back later. You may never come back!
AQUARIUS RISING It feels like you’re getting really serious really fast but there’s still some lingering information you need. You’re ready to invest deeply with another person but your senses have you in investigation mode. You’re allowed to probe and ask hard-hitting questions. Don’t give it away too easily, make ‘em earn it.
PISCES RISING There are probably some overdue 1-1 convos you have been putting off. Merc Rx can sometimes be a great time to just clear the air, even if it’s messy. Believe it or not, you’re both probably wrong in some way. Find common ground. Abolish the moral Olympics.
Thanks for reading ⟡ star quality ⟡ please subscribe, let me know your Mercury Retrograde feelings in the comments / if you connect with your horoscope :) Throw a heart on the post if you’re called, and please share with your friends! If you’re interested in booking a natal chart reading you can do that here: https://astrologywithstevie.as.me/