Mercury retrograde is back—this time starting out in Virgo, then dipping into Leo on August 14, before finally ending on August 28.
There’s a lot of scare-mongering about Mercury retrograde, but while the communication planet’s period of backward motion is not typically as bad as the worst predictions might tell you, it’s not exactly the simplest time of the year, either. Misunderstandings abound, tech goes wonky, and the best-laid plans go sideways. It’s enough to make you wonder whether you can do anything right.
Repeat after us: IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT! The universe puts us all through the wringer every once in a while. And while the best all-around advice during Mercury retrograde is simply to slow down, we’ve gone a little deeper here. Read on for a sign-specific affirmation to help you get through these next few weeks.
Aries
It will all come together in its own time.
You’re one of the most proactive signs in the zodiac, Aries. After all, why wait around when you could be making moves? Why trust in the universe’s timing when you could trust in your own willpower and hard work? But even for someone as confident and energetic as you, progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as you’d like. The worst thing you could do right now would be to rush: trust that, as long as you’re doing the best you can, things will happen when they’re meant to.
Taurus
I don’t fear mistakes, I learn from them.
We get it: nobody really likes making mistakes (least of all you, Taurus!). We’d all prefer it if we could get everything exactly right on the first try. But that’s just not how life works. And think of how boring it would be to play things safe all the time! When you risk being wrong or silly, when you risk failure, that’s when you make your biggest breakthroughs. Don’t hold back out of fear: even when you take a wrong step or two, you’re ultimately finding your way to the beautiful life that’s meant for you.
Gemini
I am the expert on my own experiences and feelings.
One of the best things about you, Gemini, is your openness to the world and the people in it. You’re always interested in hearing what others think (even when it contradicts with your own views), and unlike most people, you’re not afraid to change your mind. Just remember that no one else knows you better than you do. While your friends can offer insights and help you see things in new ways, your life belongs to you, not anybody else. You know who you are and what you need. Trust yourself.
Cancer
I learn from others, and they learn from me.
In order to show up as your best self, Cancer, you need time and space for rest and reflection. Some people process their emotions out loud; you’re more likely to process in solitude. Just be careful not to withdraw too far from the world. There’s so much growth and learning that can only happen together with other people: your love can change people for the better, and others can change you. Give yourself the alone time you need, but once you’ve rested up, get back out in the world.
Leo
When I act according to my values, I won’t go wrong.
You stay booked and busy, Leo. Everybody wants to bask in your glow! They all want what you’ve got! From your career to your social life, the requests and invitations just keep rolling in. It’s a sweet position to be in, but it’s also a lot. There are only so many hours in a day, and given all these opportunities, it’s hard to decide what you really want. Don’t sweat it—your inner compass is sound. Other people have their own opinions, but as long as you stay true to your own values, you’ll be golden.
Virgo
I communicate my needs directly.
You’re one of the most generous signs in the zodiac, Virgo—though you’re not always given credit for it. But that’s just how you are: when you give your time and energy, you’re not doing it to be praised. It’s enough just to know you’ve helped. Even so, sometimes you feel overlooked. You wish that your friends showed up for you with the same selflessness that you do for them. The fact is, they aren’t mind readers! In order to get what you need, sometimes you have to be brave and ask for it straight up.
Libra
I release the baggage of the past.
Libra, Libra, Libra—during this Mercury retrograde, you’re probably going to feel super nostalgic, reminiscing about past loves, old times, all the versions of yourself you used to be. Sometimes, this is enjoyable! But at a certain point, it prevents you from living in the here and now. You’ve learned lessons from the past, but you’re alive here in the present. Releasing emotional baggage is not easy, but you’ve got the courage and wisdom to let go, so that you can step into the future.
Scorpio
I am a valued part of my community.
You can be a tough nut to crack, Scorpio. If people want to get to know the real you, they’ve got to be willing to work hard. A lot of the time, this air of mystery makes you a magnetic figure. You always leave them wanting more! But it can also leave you a little worried that you’re hard to love. Good news: your friends appreciate you for exactly what you bring to the table. You don’t need to change who you are to be loved, you only have to show up as your authentic self.
Sagittarius
Any setback I face is only temporary.
Oh, Sagittarius: you’ve faced more than your fair share of knocks lately. Life isn’t always easy, and even someone as optimistic as you might start to wonder whether this is just how things are going to be from now on. But don’t let them get you down! Rough patches are just that—they don’t last forever. As long as you keep going, you’ll come out on the other side eventually. The only real mistake you could be would be giving up. Keep at it: you’re almost there.
Capricorn
My goal is not a perfect life, but a fulfilling one.
You hold the people in your life to high standards, Capricorn, but the standards you hold yourself to? We don’t think there’s anybody on earth who could live up to them. You’re so hard on yourself! But does it motivate you to be “better,” or does it just stress you out? Cut yourself some slack for your flaws and mistakes. Nobody’s perfect, not even you, and in any case, that isn’t the point of life. Focus on being courageous, creative, or interesting—not perfect.
Aquarius
I’m brave enough to ask for the support I need.
Your independence is virtually a superpower, Aquarius. Peer pressure? Never heard of her. You live life your way, even when that means making unpopular moves or striking out on your own. But nobody’s an island, not even you. You’re deeply loved, and your life is full of people who would be more than happy to lend you a hand. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, and accepting assistance won’t cost you your independence. Don’t make life harder for yourself than it needs to be.
Pisces
I follow my timeline, nobody else’s.
When you look around you, Pisces, you sometimes worry you’re way behind where you’re supposed to be. Your friends have these amazing jobs, or partners and houses and kids, or they just seem to be so put together! But, we’re going to let you in on a secret: everyone feels like they’re falling behind sometimes, even your most accomplished friend. And anyway, you’re not living their life, you’re living yours. You’re on your own timeline, and you’re exactly where you need to be.