Back to School During Mercury Retrograde

This year, the school season is getting off to a slow start with the Mercury retrograde cycle that started August 20 and lasts through September 12. When Mercury, the planet of communication, goes retrograde, it can be helpful to learn how to work with the energy of the backwards cycle, rather than against it. Read about how your sign might be affected by this planetary influence as you prepare for fall.

Aries
Mercury goes retrograde in your Sixth House of health, work and maintenance. This can be a good time to tune up your daily wellness routines and make sure you’re in tip-top shape and ready for long nights of studying and homework.

Taurus
Your Fifth House of children, fun and romance is highlighted by the Mercury retrograde. You may need to clear out old patterns and habits in these areas of your life before you can focus more directly on schoolwork.

Gemini
Home and family may be of issue during this Mercury retrograde as the winged planet goes retrograde in your Forth House. Take the time to clear clutter, both emotional and physical to create a good environment for studying.

 Your communication house is showcased by this Mercury retrograde, making information exchange of all kinds particularly important to you now. Try to reflect and review about how you learn and think now, as it will help you to be a stronger student.

Leo
Finances may be up for review as Mercury retrogrades through your Second House of resources. Make sure you have enough money to fund your education, or source avenues for help now. You may need to earn some extra money to cover unexpected expenses that crop up related to school.

Virgo
You are re-thinking how you present yourself to the world now, as Mercury retrogrades through your First House of personality. This is a time to reflect on how you can put your best foot forward and really shine as you prep for the school year.

Libra
Mercury retrogrades in your Twelfth House of the unconscious mind, meaning you may need to spend more time alone now reflecting on your dreams and intuition. The school year may not be as social as you would like at first, but that can change once Mercury goes direct.

Scorpio
Friends and groups may be up for review this school year as Mercury retrogrades in your Eleventh House. Spend some time thinking about who is really your friend and what you want out of your social groups before you make any big time commitments.

Sagittarius
The Tenth House of public reputation and career is highlighted during your Mercury retrograde cycle. You may be re-thinking your path now and wanting to make some changes in the direction you are going. Use the Mercury retrograde to re-assess your plans.

Capricorn
Your Ninth House of higher education and travel is influenced by this Mercury retrograde cycle. Take some time to review plans for your education or any overseas trips you might have planned. Better to go slow with these plans now than push them prematurely.

Aquarius
The Eighth House in your chart is emphasized by the Mercury retrograde cycle, which may mean you need to re-assess loans or resources that you share with others. If financing is a problem this school year, try to be patient, as things could move forward once Mercury goes direct.

Pisces
Your Seventh House of relationships is under the spotlight during this Mercury retrograde. You may need to make some changes in your thinking about a particular relationship before you can turn your focus to your schoolwork. Try to be patient if it takes time to sort things out-progr