For the past two weeks, Mercury has been slowing, gearing up for its retrograde, and on Wednesday, August 23rd, it begins its retrograde journey through Virgo. This will last until September 15th, when it will once again station and start moving direct.
The Mercury retrogrades this year have all been in earth signs, which has made them a little more grounded than they would be in the other elements. Mercury is the ruler of Virgo and it’s also exalted there, which means that not only is Mercury not answering to another planet during this time, it’s in the sign it loves to be in. So while the typical Mercury retrograde is very annoying, this one should be a little less so (one hopes).
The start of it may be rocky, as Mercury stations retrograde while approaching a conjunction with Mars, which is still in Virgo and a day prior (August 22nd) formed an exact opposition to Neptune in Pisces. Mars wants action, and Neptune represents delusions and doubts, so when tough Mars-Neptune aspects hit, we feel irritable and unsure. This is the state of things at the start of this particular Mercury retrograde. However, as Mercury backs away from Mars and Mars continues to head toward Libra, that should dissipate.
When Mercury is retrograde, as always, it makes for a time of reflection and reconsideration. Is that stuff that’s going haywire totally out of the blue, or can we make it easier for ourselves in the future by, say, leaving a little earlier before we’re scheduled to be somewhere, or by cleaning out the gunk in our sink drains before everything backs up? I use those two examples because Virgo is a sign generally associated with punctuality and cleanliness, so Mercury’s lessons during this retrograde may manifest in those two areas.
Virgo is all about routine, so it’s time to rethink your everyday routines to mitigate future snafus.
On September 4th, Mercury makes a nice aspect to Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion, which will be at 15 degrees of Taurus. Then right around 7 am EDT on September 6th, Mercury is exactly conjunct the Sun (in cazimi). Those are the only major aspects it makes during the retrograde, and those are generally pretty pleasant.
The rule of Mercury retrograde is patience. Frustrations may present themselves, but you knew they were coming. Be patient and remember that Mercury retrogrades don’t last that long.
Venus, the planet associated with love, beauty, femininity, relationships, money, assets, and that which we value, is currently in Leo, just a few degrees behind Mars. Venus has been tagging along closely behind Mars in Leo for a couple weeks now, but Venus will be stationing and then going retrograde on July 22nd, so Venus will be slowing and Mars will be forging ahead, on into Virgo.
Here are the key Venus in Leo dates:
Entered Leo on June 5th
Goes retrograde in Leo on July 22nd
Retrograde until it stations direct on Sept 3rd
Moves forward through Leo until October 8th
This is a long time for Venus to be in one sign. What is Venus in Leo all about? Venus in Leo is showy. Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the sun, the giver of life, the main source of our vitality, so Venus is fiery in Leo. There’s an external quality to it, so the things that Venus rules are on display when Venus is in Leo. It’s big and bold. We’re showing our hearts on our sleeves. It’s about ostentatious displays of wealth and love, even if we’re just convincing ourselves. It’s “She’s Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina” vibes, where the song’s main character can’t really afford to go anywhere to show off her fancy hat, but she wears it regardless.
Thinking about Venus in Leo, the other thing that came to mind immediately was Jeff Bezos taking those posed photos of Lauren Sanchez on their mega yacht and also literally having a bust of her created. I’m rooting for the orcas, but that is a pure distillation of Venus in Leo vibes.
When Venus goes retrograde in July, it will be a reality check. Sometimes Venus retrograde can feel a little harsh. You may have to deal with external factors that pose a conflict or confront you in one or more of the Venusian areas of your life, such as relationships or finances, and that may be tough. Leo is one of the “me” signs; ruled by the sun, it’s about the self, so the issues that may arise during the retrograde will likely feel very personal.
However, in traditional astrology, Venus is a benefic, so it’s a planet that is considered helpful. Use the retrograde period (July 22 – Sept 8th) to reconsider things and revise if necessary, and then you’ll be ready to move forward in those areas when Venus is direct again. The planetary retrogrades represent times to reassess and reevaluate, and those words are particularly key when Venus goes retrograde because Venus is about our assets and values.
In my interpretation, regardless of your sun or rising sign and even with the retrograde, Venus in Leo is a great time for socializing and being out and about. It’s a good time for pleasurable pursuits. I wouldn’t do anything big in terms of changing your appearance, though during the retrograde period, though, and maybe wait to schedule cosmetic procedures until after the retrograde ends.
Below is a bit about how the long transit of Venus in Leo could play out based on your sun and rising sign. My advice is to read for your rising sign first, as that’s where you’ll see these themes unfold over the course of the transit, but also read for your sun sign, because you’ll also likely experience those themes as well at some point during the Venus in Leo period. (For some reason, I also wrote these in reverse order of the zodiac? Maybe I did it subconsciously because of the retrograde. But that’s why these seem out of order.)
Leo & Leo Rising – This is a significant time for you. Venus in the 1st house and/or passing over your sun makes this transit even more about the self, even more about you. Go with it. This is a time for thinking about yourself (which you’re already inclined to do as a Leo rising or with the sun in Leo). A productive use of this long Venus in Leo period is to think about what you want, revise during the retrograde, and when Venus goes direct, lay out the long term plan.
Cancer & Cancer Rising – This is occurring in your 2nd house of money and resources, which has a cross-over with the things Venus rules, so you’ll likely be experiencing some money stuff during this period. That could mean a career opportunity, since the second house is about how you make your money. Or you could be in a situation where you’re compelled to reevaluate your finances and realign them in a way that really pays dividends later.
Gemini & Gemini Rising – Venus is moving through the area of your chart dealing with communications, short trips, and your neighborhood, so you’ll likely be feeling even more social than usual during this time. You may find yourself building some new relationships during this period, which could potentially feel a little one-step-forward-two-steps-back due to the retrograde, but could ultimately be long-lasting. It’s a great time to take weekend trips away to recharge and to bop around town. This part of your chart also deals with siblings, so this Venus in Leo period may feel particularly sibling-focused if you have one/them.
Taurus & Taurus Rising – Venus will be going through the area of your chart that is associated with home. You may be taking a lot of care with your living space and zhuzhing it up during this time. You can use the retrograde period to take into account the different needs you have, and then once Venus goes direct, start the redecorating. You may also experience an increased focus on your family as well.
Aries & Aries Rising – With Venus in another fire sign, it will be making a trine to your ascendant or sun, so unless you have some other mitigating factors in your chart, overall, this should generally be a nice, fun time for you. Venus is going through the part of your chart that deals with creativity and joy, so it’s a great time to really embrace and reconsider whatever creative practices you have and to lean into what makes you truly happy. It also has the potential to be a really sexy time for you, so if you don’t want to get pregnant (or get someone else pregnant), practice safe sex!
Pisces & Pisces Rising – With Venus in your 6th house of work, health, and daily routines, it’s a good time to try out new fitness routines, commit to a health regimen or make changes to your diet, and go to the doctor. It’s also an auspicious time work-wise; you may be able to find ways to bring more pleasure to the everyday grind. Venus retrograde can also bring back some relationships from the past, so in your house of work, it could mean that you hear from or get in touch with old work colleagues.
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising – When Venus is in Leo, the focus will be on your partnerships. If you’re in a committed partnership with someone, you may be feeling a little stressed or emotional about the relationship while Venus is in retrograde. Exes can also come back into your life during Venus rx, and with Venus in this part of your chart, this is more likely for Aquarius rising people. It may cause you to reevaluate your current relationship and/or recommit to that relationship in a more passionate way.
Capricorn & Cap Rising – Venus will be moving through your 8th house. The 8th house is about the stuff we get or inherit from others (everything from wealth to trauma). With Venus in this area of your chart, it could indicate a time when whatever you are getting from others is positive, or it could be that the person you are in a relationship with comes into more money or builds their assets. It could be that the taxes you filed are corrected and your refund is bigger than you anticipated, or that some debt you owed gets canceled.
Sagittarius & Sag Rising – You will likely be thinking about applying your time and money to some long-distance travel or cultural pursuits. It’s a great time to sign up for a language course or to go abroad, especially if traveling and/or learning are activities that are important to you. You will likely feel even more enriched by the experience than you normally would, and it could mean meeting people and building new relationships through that travel or study.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising – You may be feeling extra focused on your career these next few months. If you are looking for a new job or opportunity, this is a fortuitous time to make connections and work on your resume. If you’re happy where you are, you may think about how you can invest in yourself in a way that will continue to grow your professional life and help you get to the next step in your career further in the future.
Libra & Libra Rising – Venus rules Libra, so you will feel the Venus transits more acutely than other signs (other than Taureans). This is a time to be out with your friend groups. It’s a great time for socializing for everyone, but this will recharge Libras especially. You cast a wide net, so take advantage of your extensive networks and see people. Get out in the community and commit to causes you feel passionate about. It’s a good time to form coalitions or support groups; they may end up serving as resources for you down the road.
Virgo & Virgo Rising – This may be a subtler transit for you than it is for most. Venus will be moving through the area of your chart that is associated with the realm of the subconscious. This will likely be a time of some introspection for you, and you may be well served by doing some shadow work and developing or strengthening a meditation practice. Virgos and Virgo risings often devote a lot (or most) of their time to others and act as caregivers, but during these next few months, your focus can be on your innermost feelings.
Disclaimer: astrology is for fun; it’s not fortune telling. The above horoscopes are my interpretation of the Venus transit, but as usual, take everything with a grain of salt.
This week, on Wednesday, December 7th, at 11:08pm ET, there will be a full moon in Gemini at 16 degrees. Full moons occur when the sun is exactly opposite the moon. In astrology, an opposition is thought to mark the culmination or climax of a cycle. Thus, full moons are generally a time for emotional releasing and letting go.
Because this full moon is in Gemini, it is ruled by Mercury, which will have just ingressed into Capricorn. So it’s a transit that will be about communication, but Mercury in Capricorn is direct and no-nonsense, no beating around the bush. And to top it off, this full moon will be conjunct Mars, which is still retrograde and which will also be at 16 degrees Gemini. It could illuminate the themes that have marked the Mars retrograde period, which began back in late October. Given its placement in Gemini, it’s a good time for the release of emotions through words, but because of the Mars of it all, they may be fraught. It may not be pleasant. So while Gemini is the chattiest of signs, journaling or thinking purposefully about the stuff you want to let go of may be the best course of action for this full moon. Conversations could be helpful, but care must be taken not to pop off, get too angry, or say things that you can’t take back and may regret later.
What are we releasing, related to Mars? Below are the themes that this full moon may pull focus to, depending on your sun and rising signs:
For Gemini & Gemini rising: This will occur in the first house for you, the part of the chart most identified with the self (your personality, identity, physical body, and appearance). What part of yourself is dragging you down? This full moon, think about what is serving you and what isn’t. It could be an excellent time for cleaning out your closet, or on a deeper level, meditating on what you want to let go of to prepare for the new year.
For Cancer & Cancer rising: The full moon is taking place in the part of the chart related to shadows, mental health, things going on behind the scenes, sleep, and dreams. Have you been having trouble sleeping these past couple months? This is a time to try to relax and get some rest. If there are things in your life that are making you particularly anxious or causing unrest, this is a good time to work through these issues through meditation, journaling, or therapy.
For Leo & Leo rising: This could be a cathartic full moon for thinking about the friendships and the groups of which you are a part that are sucking up more energy from you than they are giving you. It’s OK to release the feeling of obligation to others in order to give yourself some space or some time back.
For Virgo & Virgo rising: The full moon will be lighting up your tenth house of career and legacy. This is a time to consider what you have been giving to your career. Are you doing what you want to do? How does what you put into it affect you? If there are parts of what you are doing as a career that are emotionally draining or unfulfilling for you, think about how you can potentially shed those.
For Libra & Libra rising: Given that this full moon in Gemini is occurring in your house associated with philosophy, learning, and publishing, and it’s a Mercury-ruled full moon, think about what you have been writing, researching, and revising. It could be a good time to let go and put it out into the world. Reflect and submit or post if it feels right.
For Scorpio & Scorpio rising: This full moon offers potential for being shrewd about the money and time you owe or feel you owe to others. What are you getting out of the subscriptions you pay for? If nothing, cancel. It’s also a good time for setting boundaries and letting go of feelings of obligation to others who are demanding too much of your emotional energy.
For Sagittarius & Sagittarius rising: You may find yourself having tough conversations with your partner or in your closest relationships at this time. If the relationship has run its course, it could be the right time to end things. However, if it is not, to get most out of these discussions emotionally, be measured and be mindful of the Martian energy that may be pushing you to be blunt and forceful in ways you may regret later.
For Capricorn & Capricorn rising: What’s not working when it comes to the stuff you’re doing every day? That could be work, or your health routine, or how you’re taking care of your pet. Think it through and consider making small adjustments to reduce or eliminate what’s making you unproductive or unenergized in these areas. For example, if you aren’t keeping up with your morning exercise routine because the sun is rising later, try moving your workouts to a different time of day.
For Aquarius & Aquarius rising: This full moon is occurring in the area of your chart associated with joy, creativity, fun, and children. If you have kids, you might be careful to temper any emotional outbursts at them this week because they may not actually deserve the tongue-lashing you want to give them. And with the moon here, it’s a good time to think about what issues or hang-ups you have that are preventing you from having a good time. This is a time to examine and let go of what’s impeding you from experiencing joy.
For Pisces & Pisces rising: You may find yourself tempted to engage in some emotionally fraught conversations with family at this time. Tread lightly, but if there are family members that are causing you pain, you are allowed to set boundaries and withdraw, even just temporarily, in a way that protects you.
For Aries & Aries rising: The full moon is occurring in the part of your chart that is associated with themes similar to those ruled by Gemini: communication, your local neighborhood, the conversations you have regularly, short trips you take, your commute. Is there something that isn’t serving you when it comes to the way you communicate or the ongoing conversations that are part of your regular routine? Or if there’s a trip you make regularly, is it exhausting you? This could be a time for thoughtful adjustments and editing in these areas.
For Taurus & Taurus rising: This full moon takes place in your second house, which is associated with your values, resources, and money and finances. Think about your income and expenses, and how your budget contributes to or takes away from what you really love. This Mars retrograde has been a time for reconsidering and reflecting on these themes, and if there are things you’re ready to cut out or change, this would be a good opportunity for those realignments.
For everyone, Wednesday and Thursday may feel volatile. The best advice is try to stay grounded and calm. The astrology gets a little nicer on Friday, December 9th, when Venus and Jupiter form a square, so the two benefic planets are interacting, and things will feel a little lighter.
Disclaimer: of this may ring true and some may not. As my astrology teacher, the brilliant Annabel Gat, has taught me, astrology was created by human beings, so it’s imperfect. The notes above are my interpretation of what the full moon could mean, but please disregard anything that doesn’t resonate.
Mars went retrograde on October 30th, and as a relatively new astrologer who is still learning, it was a little difficult for me to get a handle on what Mars going retrograde would mean. Mercury goes retrograde more frequently, so it’s much more familiar; it’s about communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, haywire travel, technical glitches. But what about Mars?
Action, determination, assertiveness, aggression, spark, forward momentum, and libido are all associated with Mars. When Mars retrogrades, this terrain is likely going to be retread and can be unspooled. Actions taken during this time may be lackluster. Things you want to launch might have a harder time getting off the ground. Sex drives diminish.
Mars is going retrograde through Gemini. I think of Mars in Gemini as being mentally astute and tart tongued. The people I know with Mars in Gemini natally are verbal warriors, argumentative and critical but keenly perceptive and funny. Mars in Gemini is quick wit that can be cutting, too deeply cutting if unchecked.
So with the transiting Mars going back through Gemini, it’s a time to watch words. Take a breath and think before speaking. You will likely say things with more of a punch than intended and you may want to take it back later. For Bravo watchers, this is Lisa Barlow on a hot mic venting that Meredith has slept with half of New York.
The house where this lands for you will add some extra depth to how you will potentially experience this.
Aries & Aries Rising: Aries is the sparky sign of the zodiac, and it’s ruled by Mars, so you may feel the effects of this Mars retrograde more than some. With Mars rx in the 3rd house, this will feel a lot like a Mercury retrograde for you, but on steroids.
Taurus & Taurus Rising: This is happening in your 2nd house of money, resources, and things you value. You may feel stalled in your career, or you may feel like you’ve been trying to build savings but to little avail. That’s OK. Keep focusing on your budget. I would suggest not making big purchases when Mars is rx, but reevaluate where you spend money and, maybe even more importantly, time.
Gemini & Gemini Rising: You may feel the Mars retrograde physically. Your energy reserves will likely be depleted. It’s OK to rest now. Do yoga instead of HIIT or kickboxing.
Cancer & Cancer Rising: During this period, you may feel more isolated than usual, and you may also experience some setbacks in areas you have been either working in “behind the scenes” or covertly, or even possibly in areas of mental health. It’s beneficial to get rest, meditate, and connect with your dreams.
Leo & Leo Rising: You may feel out of sync with a friend or social group. Instead of fuming at the 37 texts your group chat is sending at 11:30pm, turn your notifications off. This could also serve as a good time to be rethinking and reconsidering your hopes and dreams for the future. The plan can be tweaked and launched when Mars is direct again.
Virgo & Virgo Rising: This is happening in your 10th house of career and legacy. Time for some adjustment and recalibration in whatever you are putting your efforts into in this area. This is a good time for revising your website or resume, but in draft form. Go back to it and look at it with fresh eyes a few times between now and January.
Libra & Libra Rising: If you have long-distance travel plans, pack your patience, and if you make big future travel plans during this time, my advice is to make them with a grain of salt. This is a wonderful time to revisit any writing projects you have may have previously started and rereading and revising them.
Scorpio & Scorpio Rising: Mars going retrograde through the 8th house may have you facing some unpleasant things popping back up related to bills you thought you paid or taxes you thought you did correctly. The 8th house also includes inherited things, both money and traumas, so you may also be faced with some unpleasant memories or deeply harbored feelings. You may feel better working through those issues through journaling or therapy (evergreen advice).
Sagittarius & Sagittarius Rising: This could be a bumpy time in your close relationships. The notes above about watching your words apply doubly, because letting your temper flare and popping off could cause strife with your loved one(s). Your sex life may also suffer a bit, but this is a good time for thinking about what you really want out your sex life, talking about it diplomatically with your partner, and asking them what they want.
Capricorn & Capricorn Rising: Take care of your health during this time, and try your best (knowing that it’s very difficult) to be patient at work. Everyone is going to be experiencing this Mars retrograde, so everyone will feel a little off-balance, and for you, that may manifest most prominently with your colleagues.
Aquarius & Aquarius Rising: This is occurring in your 5th house, which is the house associated with children, fun sex, romance, and creativity, so you may see some creative projects stymied, some dampening of your libido, and if you have kids, some particularly fraught energies with your children. Take deep breaths, think outside the box, and remember that it will be over in a few months.
Pisces & Pisces Rising: There could be some flare ups with your family during this time. Try not to totally verbally eviscerate your most annoying family members during the holidays, which unfortunately will occur during this period. You may also see home projects stalled, but you may want to use those opportunities to reconsider the things you had hoped to do. Maybe you’ll think about them in a different way, and delays will be a blessing in disguise.
Mars goes direct on January 12th, which at this point isn’t THAT far away!
(In accordance with NY State law, the above post is intended for entertainment purposes only. Astrology is all about interpretation, and this is my interpretation of what could potentially happen during this period, not what WILL happen!)
