What You’ll Deal With During Mercury Retrograde, Depending on Your Zodiac Sign

We're sorry to say it, but we're currently in the midst of Mercury in retrograde. If you believe in astrology, that can mean a lot of miscommunication and frustration are ahead.

Of course, every sign of the zodiac will respond to the notorious astrological event differently. If you're curious about how you'll be dealing with retrograde, scroll down to your sign below to find out.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

During Mercury retrograde, Aries may have the fiery tempers ignited by the confusion that the season brings about. It'll only take one wrong word to set them off, and the retrograde will be responsible for a lot of misplaced language. And since the sign is only happy when they can be active and on the move, they can also be infuriated when they seem presented with obstacles at every step of the way. Though it's not in their nature, they may need to slow down and tone down their typical impulsivity during this time in order to find success.

 

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus is usually a cool and collected communicator, but during this season, when the wires get crossed, they can really find themselves struggling to be the steady rock they like to be for others. Their advice might be misunderstood, or go unheeded, which can feel like a failure to this caring sign. As their patience is tested, they'll have to put in extra effort in order to be the person they aspire to be.

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Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, so when the planet is in retrograde, this sign is likely to feel completely off-balance. Their friendly, sociable natures may be challenged as they struggle to form new bonds with others, and their existing friendships can feel strained. There are two sides to every Gemini, and the nastier halves of their dual personalities may also rear their faces. Lucky for Gemini, it's a very adaptable sign that can roll with the punches, and by the end of the season it's likely they'll have learned something valuable about themselves.

 

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Because Cancer takes the world in through their feelings first, they are especially prone to the negative side effects of Mercury in retrograde. There's a high likelihood they'll be on the receiving end of bad information, or that they'll misinterpret something with the potential to badly hurt their feelings, when it's all one big misunderstanding. Even without this influx of outside influence, their moods have the potential to be all over the place. Though they might want to hide from the world, their best bet will be to seek comfort from the people who care about them most. They should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster—but the more aware they are, the better off they'll be.

 

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Leos love to have all eyes on them, and when they stand up in the center of a big event and announce themselves, it's all about communicating their importance and gregariousness. However, when Mercury is in retrograde, there are higher chances that Leo will fumble and make a fool of themself the second they step into the spotlight. They may fail to get the attention they crave—or worse—get the wrong kind of attention entirely. But even if they do find embarrassment, they should remember that Mercury in retrograde is a temporary event, and that they can regain their confidence (and restore their reputation) by being their best self when the planets return to normal.

 

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22)

Mercury retrograde can make perfectionist Virgo feel like someone went through their mental filing cabinet and moved everything around, making a mess of things. They like to keep their work and their lives neat and tidy, but because of communication and technology breakdowns, their over-analysis and scheduling won't be as dependable as usual, and they can be prone to mistakes. While Virgo may feel lost without their most valuable tools to keep them on track, with their knowledge and the ability to get absolutely anything done, it won't take too long for them to find their footing again.

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Libra (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22)

Friendly Libra may find it a struggle to maintain their generous ways during Mercury in retrograde. It'll be harder than ever for them to communicate with the close friends who keep them afloat, as misunderstandings turn to disagreements among friends. Libra struggles with that conflict, but won't have the words to help during this time. And with the technological issues that can arise, they won't be able to text or DM the people they care about when it's most important. Stability, and face-to-face contact, will be key for them.

 

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Intense Scorpio is a little distant and mysterious even at the best of times, but during Mercury retrograde, they'll find it even more difficult to relate to and play nice with others.  The sign tends to have a few close, trusted confidantes, rather than a large group of friends, and now that will be truer than ever. Even their most intimate relationships will be put to the test during this season, but Scorpio's loyalty will see them through it. In fact, by the time Mercury exits retrograde, that bond will be stronger than ever.

 

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

Sagittarius needs freedom more than any other sign of the zodiac, and when the retrograde attempts to hold them back, they will not be happy about it. Sag is a traveler, but they'll find that during this time, they can't get as far as they'd like. It might even make sense for them to postpone travel plans until the end of retrograde because if something can go wrong along the way, it likely will. They should also avoid relying on maps on the phone if they don't want to get lost. Their minds might also feel hazier than usual, as if they're struggling to communicate their big, philosophical ideas even to themselves. It's just a part of a cycle, and lucky for Sag, they can rise to any occasion.

 

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Capricorns are known for managing everything at once and being able to keep things under control, but some of that will fall apart for them during Mercury retrograde. Usually, they have few problems coordinating with others and delegating out tasks, but now, they'll be waiting on others, and struggling to communicate deadlines and their importance. That's a nightmare for Cap. It's a time when control is wrestled out of their hands. Of course, they'll manage, because they're doers who always have a plan B (and C, and D).

(via Shutterstock)

 

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

Aquarius is one of the signs least affected by Mercury retrograde because they're so independent, paving their own paths in life and not caring much what others think. If they're misunderstood, it doesn't bother them too much that others don't get it because it doesn't change how they feel. However, Aquarius does like to do things their own way, and they may find that the retrograde is making their typical solutions less effective than usual. It's irritating, but they may be forced to think inside the box—and learning to do so won't be the worst thing for them.

 

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

Pisces typically has the keenest intuition of all the signs, but during Mercury retrograde, they'll find that this sixth sense, as well as their ability to empathize with others, won't be as finely tuned as usual. If Pisces has been relying a little too much on their psychic senses, they'll be in for a struggle when they're temporarily taken away. However, this time will help them get back to practical reality for a bit, and teach them some valuable lessons. If their instincts aren't guiding them properly, they should rely on the kindness of friends. It'd also be a good idea to write down all their best ideas so they don't get lost in the huddle.

 

Sound scary? It doesn't have to be if you approach the season carefully. Click HERE for a list of the things you shouldn't ever do while Mercury is in retrograde.