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Sunday, April 12, 2026

It’s Mercury Retrograde Time Again – How to Navigate and Positively Embrace It This August

Ah yup, this is just what you want to hear – another Mercury retrograde is here! Thankfully, we have some advice on how to get through this cosmic churn thanks to our resident spiritual guide, Gaia.

Ok guys, it’s that time again… Mercury retrograde time. It’s the second one for 2024 and like every time it looks like Mercury is heading backwards across the sky, shit does tend to get a little messy.

Mercury retrograde is often spoken about with a tone of fear – and fair play too because she can be a little bitch.

It’s responsible for lapses in communication, technology and general craziness, and this year the first two retrogrades have and are happening in earth signs, which encourages us to look at earthy matters and grounding situations.

Orange Is The New Black Mercury GIF by NETFLIX

What is Mercury Retrograde?

If you’re not sure what Mercury in retrograde means, it’s the term we give when it appears a planet is moving backwards in the night sky (it’s not, but it looks that way from Earth). As we’ve said before, it’s sure-fire sign things are about to get a bit wonky, and it’s usually a time for a little duck-and-cover. Mercury is the planet that rules communication, thinking, technology, so when it’s going backwards, communication falters. Messages are misunderstood, signs go unnoticed, conversations go misinterpreted and technology, which barely works for me at the best of times, refuses to play ball.

Says spiritual coach and medium Gaia Chinniah, “The movement of stars and planets often evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, but few astrological events cause as much interest as Mercury retrograde! People can often fear this time but rather than worry about it, we can see it is a time of re-evaluation and reaffirming what is important to us.

“Mercury goes into Retrograde (appears to travel backward across the sky) around three times a year, and the next retrograde is just around the corner and begins August 4 – 27.

“This retrograde motion is an optical illusion caused by the movement of Earth and Mercury in their orbits around the Sun. Despite being an illusion, the effects of Mercury retrograde can be profoundly felt in our daily lives, especially in the areas ruled by Mercury which are communication, travel, and technology.”

soretrograde podcast wellness retrograde thats so retrograde GIF

August 2024 Mercury Retrograde – From Earth to Fire

From August 4 Mercury will be in retrograde, starting in Virgo and shifting into Leo after August 14. This period is marked by heightened potential for misunderstandings, especially in romantic relationships and our daily routines. The pre-retrograde shadow begins on July 16, and the post-retrograde shadow will last until September 11. However, the month of August is also a powerful month being the 8th month of the year and we are also in the numerology number 8 for 2024 – to be rewarded with abundance.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo (August 4 – August 14):

Virgo, an earth sign ruled by Mercury, is associated with analytical thinking, meticulousness, and a strong sense of duty. During Mercury’s retrograde in Virgo, expect heightened scrutiny of your daily routines, work habits, and personal organisation. This is a time to review and reassess work, projects, health and wellness, and communication. This period encourages us to look inward and analyse our habits and routines from a fresh perspective. Use this time to identify areas that need improvement, and to fine-tune your approach to daily tasks, using your mind wisely.

Mercury Retrograde in Leo (August 14 – August 27):

As Mercury moves into Leo, a fire sign known for its boldness and self-expression, the focus shifts to our personal narratives and how we present ourselves to the world. Leo’s energy brings a sense of creativity, playfulness, and a desire for recognition. During this phase, engage in self-expression, reflect on your relationships, and work to boost your confidence.

Angry Season 1 GIF by Friends

Overall:

While Mercury Retrograde is often associated with chaos and frustration, it also offers a unique opportunity for growth and reflection. Here are some ways to embrace the retrograde energy positively:

  • Reflect on the Past: Use this time to revisit past projects, relationships, and decisions. What lessons can you learn from them?
  • Revisit Old Ideas: Dust off old ideas and projects you’ve put on hold. This could be the perfect time to give them new life.
  • Practice Patience: Mercury Retrograde teaches us the value of patience and flexibility. Embrace the delays and challenges as opportunities to practice these virtues.
  • Strengthen Relationships: Focus on clear and compassionate communication with loved ones. Address any unresolved issues and work towards stronger, more transparent relationships.

Mercury Retrograde from August 4 to August 27 2024, offers a powerful period for introspection, reassessment, and realignment. By understanding the influences of Virgo and Leo, you can dive into this retrograde season with awareness and grace.

Remember to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and use this time for reflection and growth. Embrace the lessons Mercury Retrograde brings, and you’ll emerge from this period with a deeper understanding of yourself and your path forward with the power of the infinity number 8 on your side.

QUICK CHECKLIST FOR THIS MERCURY RETROGRADE

  • Don’t start new things where you are riding on an outcome. Instead, start creative projects that are gradual and where you can see results without pressure of expectations.
  • Think before you speak or write. Be clear in the mind before you say anything. Consider going over any written communication or planned verbal communication with someone you trust to ensure that what you are saying makes sense and is fair on the other person also.
  • Do a stocktake of your life! What is there that you want to keep and grow? What do you want to get rid of because it no longer serves you?
  • Remember – slow and steady wins the race this retrograde!

Gaia is an internationally known healer, medium and spiritual coach. She founded Soul 33 a healing company and the modality of Soul Progression Therapy when she had an awakening at the age of 33. She channels messages from spirit guides, uses energy healing and is able to speak to your soul and see your past lives. Gaia has a Masters in Management Studies, is a Reiki Master and has a qualification from Omega Institute New York in Past Life Regression Therapy. Each month Gaia provides a monthly forecast of how you can use the energy to plan, manifest and heal your life.

www.soul33.com for her Spiritual Guidance app search ‘Soul33’ on your app store.

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