‘Challenges and opportunities’: What Mercury retrograde in Virgo means for your star sign

A major celestial event is nearly upon us – and it’s set to impact everything from sex to your physical and mental health.

Mercury retrograde is not just an astrology buzzword, it’s a celestial event that impacts communication, decisions and even mental health.

As Mercury retraces its steps through the zodiac, it presents unique challenges and opportunities.

From decluttering and revisiting wellness routines to rewriting your narrative, this retrograde heralds a three-week period of self-reflection and refinement.

Mercury’s mythology

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was not only the messenger to the gods but also associated with thieves and trickery.

Today, the planet Mercury is linked to the Hermes myth, and it carries an equally enigmatic reputation, particularly regarding its retrograde.

Retrograde basics

When Mercury pauses its forward trajectory through the sky, appearing to move backward, all that the planet symbolises in astrology also seems to regress.

Misunderstandings, careless comments, lost emails and botched negotiations are commonly tied to Mercury’s retrograde period.

However, every retrograde has its own unique spin, depending on which zodiac sign Mercury is retracing its path through. This time, Virgo hosts the planetary rewind from August 24 until September 16.

Mercury’s reversal through the zodiac begins at 21 degrees of Virgo, travelling backwards until its final destination at eight degrees Virgo.

Every retrograde has its own unique spin, depending on which zodiac sign Mercury is retracing its path through.

Due to the mathematical alignments between Virgo, Gemini and Sagittarius, those with planets or points within that range will likely feel the effects of this retrograde more than other signs.

Bear in mind that Mercury doesn’t actually travel backwards in the sky; from our vantage point here on Earth, the planet appears to backtrack. Think of it like the optical illusion of a slower-moving car that seems to be driving in reverse.

Not all retrogrades are cut from the same cosmic cloth

While Mercury’s retrograde often gets a bad rap, some of its cycles through the zodiac can be beneficial if you harness their potential properly. The key to a positive experience lies in recognising and adapting to the distinct attributes of each retrograde.

So, what should you expect when Mercury backtracks through the analytical, detail-focused Virgo?

For starters, Mercury is in its home sign in Virgo. Its usual forward travels through the zodiac Maiden bolsters everything Mercury represents in astrology, powering up communication, information, travel and technology.

But what unfolds when it reverses through its home sign? Surprisingly, it still offers some cosmic support if used wisely.

Read the fine print

Regardless of the sign Mercury retrogrades through, it revisits old territory by retracing its steps. So, every rewind presents an opportunity to refine projects or re-examine past decisions. Even more so in meticulous Virgo, as this particular retrograde is a prime time to correct errors or tweak certain aspects of your life.

Virgo’s keen eye for detail means you might notice previously missed specifics or an overlooked idea may now resurface.

Standard advice during Mercury’s retrograde is to “read the fine print”, and when retracing its steps through Virgo, doing this offers especially valuable pick-ups.

Declutter your home, mind and body

Given that Virgo is the neat freak of the zodiac, this retrograde may motivate you to do a thorough spring cleaning of your home.

Virgo is the neat freak of the zodiac.

If you suddenly have the urge to purge, and you find yourself maniacally emptying draws and decluttering cupboards or organising long-forgotten document files on your computer, that’s Mercury retrograde working its magic.

A mental health red flag

With Mercury governing the mind and Virgo overseeing health, monitoring your internal dialogue is vital.

Since Virgo is linked to self-criticism, this retrograde flags potential mental health concerns. To avoid spiralling into a defeatist mindset, strive to redirect your attention away from perceived flaws and imperfections, using this retrograde for self-reflection and growth instead. Importantly, if you’re facing challenges, remember that this retrograde endorses seeking professional support.

You might also be inspired to clean up your wellness act, perhaps with a thorough diet and exercise review.

Are your daily habits optimising your physical potential? If not, this retrograde offers an excellent opportunity to overhaul your health and fitness routines.

Read on to discover how Mercury’s retrograde is likely to influence your sun and rising signs.

Aries and Aries rising

Mercury’s backspin in your health sector highlights the importance of looking after your physical wellbeing – it’s time to get your glow on.

By embracing a cleaner, greener diet, you may notice a surge in energy and zest for life.

Also, don’t put off those medical check-ups and dental tune-ups.

And when going over test results, pay close attention to the details.

If something feels off, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

Taurus and Taurus rising

With Mercury reversing through your love zone, you might be tempted to reconnect with an old flame. Maybe there were words left unspoken or emotions you never fully expressed?

This retrograde offers an opportunity to revisit past love and perhaps find the closure you need to move forward.

For others, Mercury sparks a burst of creativity.

Jot down your ideas, and once Mercury goes direct, you’ll have a solid plan to make your vision a reality.

Regardless of the sign Mercury retrogrades through, it revisits old territory by retracing its steps.

Gemini and Gemini rising

Now’s the time to spring clean your home from top to toe, thanks to Mercury’s retrograde hitting your domestic sector.

While everything might seem tidy on the surface, think about those deep cleaning tasks you’ve put off, like carpet steaming or power-washing the patio.

Alongside your living space, it’s prime time for a digital detox.

Sort through your desktop folders, emails and bookmarks and don’t forget to clean up your social media feed.

Cancer and Cancer rising

Mercury’s retrograde encourages you to revisit the stories you tell yourself.

Is your self-talk supporting your personal growth or holding you back?

It’s easy to get trapped in a maze of self-defeating thoughts without noticing.

But by constantly replaying these thoughts, you might be your own obstacle.

During this celestial rewind, take a moment to meticulously reflect on your mental mantras, Cancer.

Reframe them and watch as they manifest your best life.

Leo and Leo rising

Mercury’s retrograde isn’t suggesting you make big money moves, but it does suggest taking a closer look at your budget.

You might discover overlooked expenses and neglected direct debits quietly draining your funds.

Over the next few weeks, weed out those free trials that sneakily became monthly charges and get on top of your finances.

By the time this retrograde wraps up, you’ll have a clearer picture of where every penny goes.

Virgo and Virgo rising

Mercury’s backspin in your sign can mean a little break from the outside hustle, and honestly, you’re all for it.

Even as friends try to pull you out for some fun, you’d rather curl up on the couch and write in your journal. What’s wrong with that? Absolutely nothing.

This introspective phase might lead to profound realisations or a game-changing insight.

So, embrace this “me time” – you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Astrologer Natasha Weber explains what Mercury retrograde in Virgo means for your star sign.

Libra and Libra rising

Mercury inspires you to dig a bit deeper into the world of mysticism.

If you want to learn more about a spiritual topic, now’s the time.

You might cross paths with a kindred spirit who introduces you to a like-minded group. Or maybe, you stumble upon that forgotten tarot deck prompting a reading.

Whatever path you choose to explore leads to a more authentic, fulfilled version of you, Libra.

Scorpio and Scorpio rising

Feeling the urge to declutter? It’s not your wardrobe or living room calling for a clean-up; it’s your social circle.

Tired of that friend who’s forever making last-minute excuses? Or maybe you’ve been sidestepping those snarky comments stemming from jealousy?

Mercury’s retrograde gives you the clarity to sort your true friends out from the fake ones.

It might be time to cut ties and focus on genuine connections for your peace and growth.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius rising

Mercury’s retrograde usually advises against dealing with contracts or making formal agreements, yet that’s precisely what might land in your inbox. Don’t worry, though.

Provided you sift through the fine print, your negotiation skills are sharp.

Just ensure you’re comfortable with all T’s and C’s before signing on the dotted line.

For Saggies feeling lost or directionless, this retrograde promises clarity.

Listen to your inner voice; the answers you seek will unfold.

Capricorn and Capricorn rising

As Mercury retraces its steps through your realm of higher learning, it teaches you something valuable about yourself, Capricorn.

Expect any lingering self-doubt about your talent, abilities or intellect to fade.

It’s time to silence that inner critic suggesting you’re not enough.

Use this retrograde period to reinforce your belief that you are capable and deserving of the best.

Repeat after me. “I am worthy”.

Aquarius and Aquarius rising

Over the next three weeks, Mercury spotlights sex.

Over the next three weeks, Mercury spotlights sex. Picture: iStock

Your thoughts may wander towards erotic explorations and taboo experiences.

Taken? Express your desires; your partner may be equally curious.

But a word of caution: retrogrades don’t typically support pushing into new territory, so read the room.

Pay attention to your partner’s response, and if they seem uneasy, pull back.

Singles may revise their sexual standards. At what point do you take it to the bedroom in a new relationship?

Pisces and Pisces rising

Relationship dynamics come into focus as Mercury highlights romantic and business connections and friendships.

The danger here is that this retrograde may distort your perspective, making you seek more from someone than they can realistically offer.

Mercury reminds you that just as this person appreciates and values you, they are fighting their own battles.

Ditch any expectations of perfection and accept others – as well as yourself – just as they are.

Natasha Weber, PMAAAC, MAFA, is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and is a member of the American Federation of Astrologers, the Federation of Australian Astrologers and the Victorian Astrologer’s Association. Natasha is one of only six recipients to have received the prestigious AAAC Diploma for her significant contribution to Astrological research.