August 5 2024

Monday, AUGUST 5

Mercury stations and turns retrograde today. This retrograde lasts until the 28th, beginning in the sign of Virgo and ending in the sign of Leo.

During this cycle, our thinking turns inward as we review and re-assess matters. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, journaling, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication and transportation can re-connect us to other, possibly more meaningful, means of connecting.

The more difficult times are the periods of the shifts themselves (the days surrounding the stations — today and August 28th), after which we grow more and more accustomed. We should observe and review rather than make critical decisions with this shift.

Retrograde Mercury periods send us to the past for more or previously hidden information. They’re cycles for learning to let go of control and overthinking.

In the first part of this cycle, with retrograde Mercury in Virgo until the 14th, we might look at past decisions and ideas from a new, possibly enlightened perspective, although we may be especially analytical and critical, perhaps to excess. We tend to return to past projects and refine or tweak them. With today’s shift, it makes sense to observe rather than make critical decisions.

Today’s Venus-Pluto quincunx can also bring some uncertainty. However, it’s important to remember that uncertainty is often a precursor to growth. There can be re-assessments with close personal relationships, spending, entertainment, or social life issues. Fears can disrupt the flow but can also help us see what we previously overlooked. By navigating these uncertainties, we can emerge stronger and more self-aware.

The Moon is void from 11:16 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to Uranus), until the Moon enters Virgo at 5:17 PM EDT.

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