With the strong Leo Sun Season and Venus Retrograde energies, we’re soon to make a major shift into the realm of Virgo… and Mercury Retrograde.
Mercury and Mars currently sit in Earthy Virgo, shaping this week immensely.
Mars in Virgo will oppose Neptune in Pisces tomorrow August 22. Neptune has been Retrograde since June 30, affecting our sense of illusions vs. reality, its planetary orb so massive it can affect any entity within its reach. Virgo’s conflict-avoidant tendencies aren’t completely comfortable in confrontational Mars, but Virgo has immense drive to meet goals with expertise.
This Mars-Neptune opposition can conjure insecurity about our efforts, much of which may have been previously faced during the Dark Moon phase around the Leo New Moon a week before, but more focal on how well we do things and if it’s “worth it”. Do not fret as this is momentary! Virgo is absolutely a “get it done” energy and even though it will leave Mars a week from now on August 27, we will have a jumpstart for the task of adding a new backspin to the month of August.
2023’s EARLY AUTUMN AS AN RX RENDEZVOUS
As listed below, for the most part August will experience planetary Retrogrades, though Uranus’s backspin will start at the very end of August and Jupiter’s backspin will start in September. These Retrogrades are mostly in Earth or Water, with the exception of Venus Retrograde in Leo. Keep in mind that Venus will be in the sign of Leo until October 8th, even though her Rx period ends in the beginning of September. This is a rare extended period for a sign to have a Venusian visit, but this is because of the Rx stretching out the stay.
Venus Rx in Leo: July 23 to September 4
Mercury Rx in Virgo: August 23 to September 14
Pluto Rx in Capricorn: May 11 to October 10
Saturn Rx in Pisces: June 17 to November 4
Neptune Rx in Pisces: July 1 to December 6
Jupiter Rx in Taurus: September 5 to December 31
Uranus Rx in Taurus: August 29 to January 27
8/23 - 9/14 MERCURY RX IN VIRGO
Virgo is ruled by Mercury and thus, this Retrograde will be in its home Sign, bringing many advantages.
Mercury Retrograde is seen as a havoc to modern inconveniences, especially to technology and travel (or both). Communications tend to be more fraught, where information gets left out or is not seen, and plans between parties may have a tendency to get muddled. Mercury Retrograde is a time to double-check and pay attention to details, aspects that the idealized Virgo sees to naturally. AND if we allow ourselves time to review, we may come across areas in which to improve upon the tone, flow or steps in a conversation or plan.
Going slow is a sweetness that our modern society pretends we can’t afford.
When we look around at our daily habits, even going so far as to write down our entire day, we may find a lot of energy-draining activity or busy-bodying distraction to quell anxiety, boredom or both. Very few of us are organized individuals, but still have routines due to demands of jobs, families and obligations in our every day. It is very simple and kind of annoying advice to just say “SLOW DOWN”, but it is such an endearing experiment. Not without challenges, setting a timer on apps, taking a social media break or cutting down usual intake of some kind of consumption leads to much reflection. Whether it is for rest or curiosity, time may be seen differently in even a week of “slowing down” and we can review how our moods and energy may benefit from how we move through the world and at what pace.
In planetary magick, Wednesday is ruled by Mercury, so for those who believe, the Mercury Rx kick-off is in alignment.
We explore Mercury Rx in detail with unique advice for our Let’s Get Retrograde book, available only to our Patrons.
9/6 MERCURY CAZIMI
Like the recent Venus Cazimi, Mercury will meet with the Sun on September 6th.
A Mercury Cazimi is very similar in its charismatic enchantment, sitting within the heart of the Sun. It’s a lovely day to relax and observe, being open to downloads, so keep your note-taking abilities handy. This day also may be ideal for WELL-THOUGHT-THROUGH announcements, too, if they are already on your horizons however.
Those who practice Mercury magick may want to use this day for some type of divination or scrying regarding the realms that Mercury rules. Situations that are in conflict but haven’t been discussed may possibly be broached, after much careful centering, may be in the spotlight or ready for further figuring out how to move forward..
Whatever you do, don’t rush! That is the Golden Rule for both Mercury Rx and Virgo, who always knows best ;)
Images by Ram Han