Mercury Retrograde ... What Does it All Mean?

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Broken lines, broken strings
Broken threads, broken springs
Broken idols, broken heads
People sleeping in broken beds
Ain't no use jiving, Ain't no use joking, Everything is broken
- Bob Dylan (Everything is Broken)

Mercury retrograde in Virgo…then Leo? What does it all mean? Well as many of you are quite familiar, Mercury retrograde corresponds to sigh-inducing mishaps here on earth. It's not like they're the catastrophic kind but when all those little mundane details -- especially with things like computers and cell phones that we use everyday - begin to get screwy for no apparent reason, it's very frustrating!

So what can we look forward to? Mercury will be retrograde in earth sign Virgo from August 2nd until August 8th and then continue the retrograde cycle in fire sign Leo until stationing direct of August 26th. We can usually begin to feel a Mercury retrograde as long as 2 weeks before the cycle and 2 weeks after although it's strongest in the beginning and the end of the actual cycle. The few days leading up to the retrograde act like a preview of what's to come … and a lot time you'd just rather skip the previews.

With Mercury retrograde in Virgo we may experience an extra level of confusion as far as our routine, health regiment and short-term communications (Virgo stuff). Virgo is actually ruled by Mercury so this sign is especially sensitive during this time and can tend to kick more dust in our eyes than usual. It's like our carefully thought-out systems - especially for the day-to-day minutia - hit a couple bumps in the road. Luckily, Virgo is a mutable sign and we'll need to call on our own reserves of adaptability to get through and keep us moving along in spite of minor setbacks.

When Mercury moves into Leo on the 8th, issues around self-worth, personality and creativity may arise since that is Leo territory. Mercury is all about communication and the giving and receiving of messages so retrograde in Leo, it could bring to light old lessons of being impeccable with our word and show us where we have and haven't been as forthcoming or direct with our information. It will have a way of coming out -- perhaps embarrassingly so - so keep your thoughts and words positive or they may find a way of tying your ego in shameful knots!

The positive spin of any retrograde is the opportunity to review and gain clarity…or more likely, retrospect when it's all over! Hey, Bob Dylan made a song of all the chaos and sometimes the best art comes from reaching the end of our sanity and just throwing our hands in the air and having a laugh or penning a song (especially with Mercury in expressive, celebratory Leo)! It seems like a frustrating standstill at times but it's as if the Universe is saying it's okay to just slow down. What's the rush anyway? We can't always trudge along blindly at our own pace without taking into account all the little workable details that can otherwise make our days so fluid and easy. We are reminded not to take things for granted in our everyday lives (have gratitude for that working cell phone when you have it!) and to demonstrate our patience and acceptance for whatever time we're in. If you know what house your Mercury is transiting through, that's fun to check out as well … it will give you an idea of where it's poking around for you. Good luck!