5 Zodiacs Who Need To Pay Attention During Mercury Retrograde In Virgo (8/5)

Prepare yourself, friends—Mercury is about to start its second retrograde of 2024!

Despite the fear-mongering, Mercury in retrograde isn’t something to be terrified of. When used as a time of reflection and introspection, it can be a welcome reset that helps us better understand what’s happening around us. 

Starting August 5th, Mercury will begin retrograde in its home sign of Virgo—a sign known for its perfectionism and analytical scrutiny when things aren’t going the direction it desires. The first couple weeks of this retrograde will focus on a desire to improve certain areas of life, though we shouldn’t let the anxieties get the best of us, as that doesn’t help anyone. Then, on August 14th, Mercury shifts back into the sign of Leo, which will continue the retrograde until August 28th. In Leo, this retrograde focuses on our ego and how we see ourselves (and how everyone else sees us, too). We try to tap into our confidence but it can come across the wrong way, or we may be misunderstood with what we are trying to say or do. However, if we can take the time to slow down and sit with our feelings rather than rush to get defensive, we may learn more about ourselves than we realize. 

While Mercury in retrograde will affect all the signs, there are five who should pay extra attention to what’s happening during these next few weeks. Check your signs below (Rising and Sun!) to see which zodiac signs you should pay attention to during Mercury in Retrograde in Virgo and Leo. 

Virgo

Mercury Retrogrades always capture your attention, Virgo, since it’s your ruling planet. However, with the retrograde starting in your sign, you’ll want to be extra aware of what’s happening around you in the next few weeks. The retrograde starts in your 1st House of Self and Identity, which can push you into reassessment mode about the person you are and how the world sees you. It’s easy to nitpick what you perceive as flaws and get worked up about not being where you want to be in life, but this period is best used by reflecting on who you want to be, not who you think you’re supposed to be. When Mercury backspins into your 12th House of Isolation and Subconscious, the anxieties surrounding what you can’t control may feel more intense. It’s a good time to unpack past baggage and uncertainties, ideally with a therapist, but writing your realizations down in a journal rather than spiraling about them can help you to feel more grounded by the end of this period. Don’t be so hard on yourself—you’re doing great!

Leo

Your value and self-worth are taking some hits during this retrograde, Leo, but you know who you are. Mercury begins retrograde in your 2nd House of Income and Values, which could cause delays or miscommunication surrounding your finances. It is a good time to check in with your budget and see how much you’re spending (especially when making impulse purchases or buying things to make you feel better). The temptation to believe you are what you purchase may feel heavier during this period, but you are more than your material possessions. When Mercury backspins into your 1st House of Self and Identity, the pressing questions of who you are and where you belong in this world may feel overwhelming. When things go wrong, it’s easy to doubt your abilities and believe you’re not worthy, but rather than leaning into the negative self-talk, it’s best to figure out who you want to be and how to get there rather than bemoan what you can’t change. Your confidence is part of your charm, Leo, and you don’t have to lose it just because things feel uncertain.

Cancer

You’ll want to watch your words these next few weeks, Cancer. As Mercury begins its retrograde in your 3rd House of Communication and Local Community, you’ll feel the pressure of putting your foot in your mouth when trying to talk things through with others. You may also find it harder to track your schedule and errands, so double-check that to-do list before you head out rather than leaving things up to chance. When Mercury shifts back into your 2nd House of Income and Values, you may feel more protective over yourself and what’s important to you, but you may jump to conclusions about whether your values are being attacked. Take things slow and listen before you make assumptions—you can protect what matters to you without being cruel or passive-aggressive.

Pisces

You’ll want to pay attention to your relationships and habits this month, Pisces. Mercury begins retrograde in your 7th House of Partnerships, pushing you to reflect on your current relationships and how things are going. It’s easy to start pointing fingers at every imperfect aspect with Virgo’s influence involved, but you want to be aware of the right things. You may not get the perfect movie romance, but if parts of your relationship need work, it’s an excellent time to sit with your feelings and figure out what you want and need for things to flourish. When Mercury moves back into your 6th House of Habits, Routines, and Wellness, things in your schedule or carving out the time you need for certain tasks may feel challenging and even frustrating when trying to live a more productive or healthier lifestyle. Take a deep breath and remember not everything goes according to plan—you need to keep doing your best and let that be enough. When the retrograde passes, things will feel easier to navigate.

Sagittarius

All eyes are on you, Sagittarius, though that may stress you out more than usual. As Mercury begins its retrograde in your 10th House of Career and Public Image, you may find dealing with work projects and colleagues more stressful than usual, especially if you’re feeling scrutinized in how you approach your job. You may use this time to figure out if this job is the right fit for you or ways you can make your experience here more bearable. Once Mercury spins back into your 9th House of Travel, Higher Education, and Philosophy, part of you could feel nostalgic for when you were discovering your path and the world was at your fingertips. You may use this time to see what other paths for you exist, though don’t get so caught up in the grass is greener syndrome that you neglect the good things happening for you right now. This period is best used to reflect on whether you are where you want to be and, if not, where you are hoping to go.