Mercury turned retrograde on Sunday, kicking off a potentially painful 23 days of honest self-reflection, relationship issues, and travel woes.
Mercury retrograde refers to periods when the little silver planet appears to move backwards across the sky and is credited with wreaking havoc on people’s lives.
According to astrologers, it mainly interferes with communication, technology and travel, forcing people to slow down or “face the consequences.”
The final cosmic period will continue to present the same obstacles, according to astrologers.
Los Angeles-based astrologer Evan Nathanial Grim told FEMAIL that this month’s Mercury Retrograde features a Cazimi square to Uranus, which will spell the end for some relationships.
Couples will be forced to face harsh tests of reality, whether they are willing to accept them or not.
“These moments of reality and epiphany could cause some couples to break up, but they could also help them consolidate a relationship or reaffirm their commitments,” she said.
This is because the odd square provides a moment of clarity and helps in decision making, he explained.
Los Angeles-based astrologer Evan Nathanial Grim told FEMAIL that it’s time to take a look at your health and relationships.
The 33-year-old said one half of the zodiac will be more strongly impacted by this month’s retrograde motion than the other.
And it could be especially painful for Virgo.
‘People with major placements between 0 and 4 degrees of the mutable signs (Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius, Gemini) and between 21 and 29 degrees of the fixed signs (Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio) will be most personally affected by this retrograde motion, as Mercury will be in hard aspect to their placements in these areas of the zodiac,’ he said.
Travel will be especially difficult ‘due to a square between Saturn in Pisces and Jupiter and Mars in Mercury-ruled Gemini.’
“I would suggest that extra time be allowed for possible delays,” he said.
Technical failures are also more likely to occur, he added, urging everyone to back up important digital files.
‘Plan ahead for travel delays, check your emails and texts before sending them, postpone contract negotiations or major purchases if possible, prioritize finishing unfinished projects and seek closure on unresolved conversations,’ she warned.
But it’s not all bad news.
Problems in relationships could become very obvious and people will be forced to fix them or break off the relationship.
“This retrograde motion really offers an opportunity to rediscover a sense of romance, excitement and joy,” Grim said.
‘You can infuse a little more novelty and passion into your relationships. You can finally complete a creative project that you’re proud of. And you can discover the hidden magic of your local environment or neighborhood.’
She explained that the retrograde motion has two parts, so people should focus on their personal health until the 14th before turning their attention to romance and relationships until August 28.
