We're now coming up on the second Mercury retrograde of 2024 and we've got a third and final one still to come. Mercury will actually be retrograde from 5th to 28th August and will move between both Virgo and Leo energies.
Not everyone will know that the planets can go retrograde and move between two signs, starting in one and ending the retrograde in the second. That's exactly what will happen with Mercury as it'll start this retrograde in the sign of Virgo and will end it in Leo.
This means that we've got three energies in the mix for the next few weeks so this should be rather fun(!) astrologically. Mercury is all about communication but as a deity or god, he's also connected to travel. As the messenger of the gods, he has to travel between them to deliver his messages so Mercury is also associated with travel. That's why the most popular advice for Mercury retrograde is to watch what we say/write and don't do any big travel trips without thinking it through during these few weeks.
Mercury doesn't like to hang around or faff without a purpose, so while we will still want to get things done as quickly and efficiently as possible, we need to take the time to consider our plans from start to finish. It's important that we take our time to make sure everything is as organised as it could be, that no one could potentially take what we say or write as offensive or too harsh. This isn't to protect the sensitivities of other people but to protect ourselves from the consequences of not doing so.
Virgo is associated with analytical thinking, especially when it comes to us as individuals and our inner workings. But Virgo also likes to consider the practical and tangible solutions which, in my opinion, is incredibly helpful regardless of when or where this energy appears. Perfectionism is a theme for Virgo but this isn't always a possibility when we take into account that we are individuals with free will and choice around our actions and reactions. Incidentally, Virgo is ruled by Mercury so this is an energy that Mercury is comfortable with.
Leo, on the other hand, is all about social settings and getting out there into the world. This sign has two sides to it, the introvert and the extrovert, and likes to challenge both to get out of their comfort zones with their socialising. Leo does quite like to be centre stage but this sign is bursting with creativity, hobbies, and passion projects. Leo's planetary ruler is the Sun, which reached its peak energy right at the beginning of the zodiac season of Cancer.
Putting all of these energies together, it seems that it's important to analyse our communication, particularly when it comes to our friends and social circles. If there are any issues, how can they be solved/fixed? There is always a workaround to be found, so don't be afraid to consider the unlikely solutions - especialy if they wouldn't be something you'd usually consider or is outside your comfort zone. We can't be perfect but it doesn't mean that we can't grow and learn how to improve our communication skills. Do you share your hobbies and passions with others? There's nothing stopping you from doing so apart from your self-confidence (the desire to be centre stage for even a moment) and whether you're an introvert or an extrovert.
Now you've got a general idea of the energy for the next few weeks, it's time to see where we as a collective can focus to grow and improve together. I'm using the Good Tarot by Colette Baron-Reid and
What's the main theme of this retrograde?
Temptation
With this card, it's interesting because we could very easily be tempted to do nothing and leave everything how it is because we're uncomfortable with any changes. But that's the thing: life is all about change and we can't excape it happening in our lives. If things don't change, we can't grow and evolve. At the same time, we can't help others to grow and evolve if we give in to the temptation of keeping our wisdom to ourselves and refuse to share. Growth comes from sharing; if the decomposition of leaves, logs and other things didn't share nutrients with the earth during the winter then spring wouldn't happen because there wouldn't be enough energy for new life to grow.
What might get lost in translation during this time?
Messenger of Earth
With this card, the message is that staying grounded and rooted in reality is likely to get lost in translation. The earth is what gives us the chance to plant and grow new ideas but if we refuse to be grounded, then we don't live in reality. When plants reseed the area, sometimes they send their seeds on the wind to areas that aren't near the parent plant; they share the possibility of new growth and life with other areas. The plants are naturally connected and rooted in the earth but we are more distant from it so we have to work on maintaining the connection. This mirrors what we need to do with our communication: be grounded and realistic with how we communicate.
What should we focus on to help us?
Transformation
With this card, the message is that Transformation should be the focus to help us. Transformation is all about change. We can know something needs to change but we may not recognise the specific details. By focusing on transformation, we can then see how the situation needs to change; we can see the details and then act on the specifics of what needs to transform.
Transformation can be easy if we are ready for it and make the necessary preparations before it happens. On the other hand, it can be really difficult if we try to deny transformation is necessary, if we aren't ready for it and if we don't prepare for it at all.
What is our biggest obstacle likely to be?
Magician & Messenger of Water
With the Magician, our biggest obstacle is likely to us thinking that we know best, that we have all the information we need, and/or that we don't need anything to change at all. We can believe that how things have been worked well enough and therefore doesn't need to be changed. Being in denial and not seeing the truth of the situation is always a promise from the Universe that something is about to force us to change whether we like it or not. And that's the thing: do we want life to be more difficult or do we want life to be a bit easier?
With the Messenger of Water, it seems that our biggest obstacle is likely to be the tiniest details, represented by the seahorse. Focusing on the tiniest details will take our focus away from the transformation and change that are necessary.
Personally, the seahorse also makes me think of the idiom: "Making a mountain out of a molehill". This essentially means unnecessarily making something out of nothing. A molehill isn't bigger than a mountain and should never be compared but when we focus on a detail like a molehill within a bigger field, we lose sight of what is growing within the field that has been untouched by the molehill.
It seems like the cards have confirmed the descriptions of the energies surrounding this Mercury retrograde. It's always nice when that happens but at the same time, it can be a little freaky and weird. Regardless, take a moment to think through your communications, and if you say something as an emotional response, reflect on what you said and if there is anything you can do to make that situation better.
If you'd like a more personal look at how this Mercury retrograde is likely to impact your life, feel free to get in touch.
Peace and love to all!!!!
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