Mercury Retrograde in Virgo 12th August until 5th September 2017

Mercury turns Retrograde in Virgo on 12th August (11 degrees) and turns direct on 5th September in in Leo (28 degrees) so coincides powerfully with the Leo Solar Eclipse on 21st. The effects may start to be felt now, with an intensified pre shadow retrograde influence from 8th-11th August and in intensified post direct influence from 6th to 12th September. By 20th September everything will feel back to normal. Virgo is ruled by Mercury so this Retrograde is likely to be strong and with Mercury in opposition to Neptune, confusion, mistrust, mis communication, fuzzy thinking, mix ups with schedules all heightened. On the plus side re visiting, re writing, re scheduling, re organising are all good as earthy Virgo is practical and likes to sort things out. Getting out old photos, reading old emails, re making or rebuilding could be constructive. Mercury Retrograde is a good time to slow down and reflect, 'pause for thought' effect. Retrogrades increase the chances of machinery, technological or communication breakdowns, mix ups with dates and plans, along with more travel disruption. Time often feels slower and set backs and delays mean it's wise to leave extra time for travel and to be equipped in case you're stuck somewhere i.e water, food, a coat, a good book and even a torch or matches (dull but useful.) Virgo is perfectionist, can be obsessive, analytical and shy, so introversion, focusing on details or obsessively putting things in order are all accentuated. As always but especially with this Mercury Retrograde, think carefully before you speak, re read any posts or emails before hitting that send button and take care with the words you choose as criticisms can hurt and arguments could lead to relationship breakdowns. With the lunar eclipse on 7th August do be aware that any deceptions could come to the surface over the following months, so generally with this Mercury Retrograde, think before you act. All common sense really!