Mercury now turns direct at 08° Virgo 00′.

Mercury is retrograde from August 23rd, at 21° Virgo 51′, until September 15th, at 8° Virgo 00′.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from August 23 to September 15, 2023:

 

• On August 3, 2023, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone (pre-retrograde shadow) at 8° Virgo 00′
• On August 23, 2023, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 21° Virgo 51′ Rx
• On September 15, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Virgo 00′
• On September 30, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone (post-retrograde shadow) at 21° Virgo 51”

Note that the shadow period began before Mercury turned retrograde–when Mercury first passed over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrograde shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years which may not be ideal.

Things can be most wonky on the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end date of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (in this case, August23rd and September 15th), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun (called the “inferior conjunction“) on September 6th (midway between the start and end of the retro period).

Especially if you are itching to make a point with someone, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives.

When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing.

Now that Mercury is direct after several weeks of retrograde motion, recent problems with communications and decision-making should start to improve in the days and weeks ahead. The answers we’ve been waiting for can arrive. Plans or projects that have stalled might now resume. Ease back in–it’s best not to rush conversations and observations.