Despite the crossed wires and mysterious technological mishaps that are the hallmarks of a Mercury retrograde, there is more than mere mayhem to the planetary position affecting us right now. Retrogrades provide an opportunity to reflect on specific areas of our lives. To understand this, remember that, in astrology, planets show us what is happening while signs show us how it is happening.
Mercury is the planet of communication, and we can see the “what” in things like delayed flights, glitchy phones, and missed calls. Meanwhile, it’s in the sign of Libra, meaning these communication issues can manifest in our relationships. Mercury retrograde in Libra offers us the opportunity to recalibrate our bonds with others by recognizing where there are communication issues and restoring harmony where needed.
But beware: While Mercury dances backward in Libra, the new Moon — also in Libra — is making a conjunction with Mars. New Moons are about beginnings, and Mars is the planet of initiation, so this can be a useful pairing to light a fire under one’s proverbial ass. There is potential here, considering Mercury’s proximity, to overheat and undo any work you’ve done to create harmony by speaking harshly and acting impulsively.
The best approach is to take things slow. Don’t get upset when your device gets weird. Instead, turn it off, then turn it on again. Also, choose your words wisely, with everyone’s best interests in mind. You’ll be grateful later that you did.
When reading personal horoscopes, read your Sun sign for the “big picture” and your rising sign for “where the work is.”
ARIES / ARIES RISING
March 21 – April 19
You may be tempted to blow off some steam and end up burning someone in the process. Turn down the heat before you burn a bridge.
TAURUS / TAURUS RISING
April 20 – May 20
You should let this week’s planets light a fire under your tuchus, Taurus, and melt any frigid bonds you’ve been neglecting.
GEMINI / GEMINI RISING
May 21 – June 20
You could surprise yourself this week by healing relationships that you’ve poked too hard with your words.
CANCER / CANCER RISING
June 21 – July 22
You might want to find a project, so you don’t have a meltdown of the kind that opens a rift between you and a loved one.
LEO / LEO RISING
July 23 – Aug. 22
You may be feeling inspired to leap into action and shove aside anyone who’s in your way. Slow down, hands off.
VIRGO / VIRGO RISING
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
You could find yourself, maybe on purpose, using your words to heal some relationships that need a little TLC.
LIBRA / LIBRA RISING
Sept. 23 – Oct. 22
You might love harmony, but you also have a way with words that leaves others speechless. Speak kindly.
SCORPIO / SCORPIO RISING
Oct. 23 – Nov. 21
You might have the realization that not all relationships are transactional. Speak from your heart and heal what you can.
SAGITTARIUS / SAGITTARIUS RISING
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
You should let this week’s energy embolden you to get more real. Go deeper and let that start something new.
CAPRICORN / CAPRICORN RISING
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
You may find that your endeavors get an assertive push forward this week. Don’t forget to ask for help.
AQUARIUS / AQUARIUS RISING
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
You might be doing more than restoring harmony. You might be reinventing what it means for you completely. Go on.
PISCES / PISCES RISING
Feb. 19 – March 20
You could be feeling a deep-seated need to relate more deeply with the people in your life. Reach out and get real.
