The Mercury Retroshade Has Arrived—Here’s What It Means for Every Star Sign

In case you’ve been living under a rock—or even in hibernation, blissfully sleeping through the summer’s Mercury retrograde in Cancer—you can now step outside and rejoice: the planet of communication and travel is moving in direct motion as of July 23. Yet even though Mercury is moving forward, the drama is far from over. Our sense of security and comforts are still being tested.

After what many (including this astrologer) have described as “the worst Mercury retrograde ever,” the backspin caused a lot of people to reconnect with an ex or break up with their current partner. We discovered who and what we want to put our energy into, implementing boundaries along the way (or at least trying to). The most common feeling right now is depletion and exhaustion—the heatwave intensified the Mercury retrograde’s degrees, stirring up even more trouble.

The next few weeks are going to be just as vexing, with Mercury in Cancer entering its post-shadow zone from July 23 to August 6. We are getting a third pass to ensure we can remedy circumstances that began on June 13 when Mercury first entered its pre-retrograde, setting the stage and story for the moonwalk (the actual retrograde lasted from June 29 to July 23). As we move onward, we will be in the retroshade degrees, which offer insight into whether we wish to make up or mend fences.

“This Mercury retrograde in Cancer was particularly intense for many people, especially with the other cosmic weather also affecting us,” tarot reader Caitlin McGarry says. “During this retroshade, we’re being given the opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past month. The conversations, memories, and emotions resurfacing now invite you to respond differently than before. Trust that what is returning this week is showing you what is finally ready to be acknowledged, integrated, and released.”

Mercury still has a few more tricks up its sleeve, so tread lightly and go with the flow. Revelations and discoveries are coming—some that will augment relationships and alter the course of our lives. Basically, Mercury retrograde isn’t over until the retroshade is over.

Read your Mercury retroshade horoscope below.

Assemble a scrapbook or photo album to curate your personal affectations, trinkets, and memories. You’re passionate about preserving a legacy, urging you to take stock of the past and present for the future. Someday you'll look back in wonder, contemplating how you felt as you put your visions and dreams together. Journal the journey—it will be prophetic and poetic.

If your thoughts have been scattered, know that you’re not alone. Perhaps you’ve been fumbling a little more with your itinerary than most, trying to gain control of situations and get back in touch with adhering strictly to your calendar. Leave wiggle room for complications by scheduling meetings 10 minutes in advance in case of technological issues or traffic.

Your spending is proving wasteful, as many of the objects and paraphernalia you’ve bought no longer align with your vibe. You may consider returning them, but restrictions hinder the process; ask your local community if they can use any of the items for charity so that you can cut your losses for an amazing cause. It could be a win-win.

Re-emerging into the hazy world from your retrograde bubble may bring you face-to-face with dilemmas you were hoping to escape. Having time to think about how you wish to proceed gives you the stamina to take the drama by the horns and make changes. Slow and steady wins the race, which is why you should move at your own pace.

You’ve been holding in a lot of gossip, waiting for the perfect moment to share it with your peers. With Mercury marching onward, you might find that the time to spill the tea is nearing. Think twice before opening your mouth and revealing the salacious information, however, because the news you repeat during the retroshade may come back to haunt you.

Being the compassionate person that you are, it’s easy for you to take on the burdens of others. Listening to the troubles of friends and family makes you feel like you are being a good person; however, the flip side is that it’s burning you at, because you’re not tending to your own garden. Try reconnecting with yourself through meditation.

There hasn’t been a dull moment in the trajectory of your career, but the twists and turns brought on by Mercury retrograde have given you a new perspective and direction in your professional goals. Rather than going with the flow, you’re a revolutionary who is going to transform the game. Remember you are a shepherd, not a sheep who follows the flock.

The vacation that you planned may not have worked out the way you anticipated. From flight delays to unforeseen weather challenges to problems with hotel reservations to lost luggage, it’s been a big mess. However, in the wake of the chaos, you are still walking away with memories that last a lifetime and stories you’ll retell in years to come.

The lesson you’re taking away from Mercury’s moonwalk is that you must maintain boundaries to have peace of mind. Yes, the people you surround yourself with may have tantrums because you’re imposing limits and putting yourself first. You should always comprehend that you’re the MVP of your life, not the other way around. Your happiness is a priority, not theirs.

After weeks of arguing with friends and family, you are ready to give in and mend the dynamic. Right now, you’re focusing on patching up relationships that are meaningful to you. This means offering an apology, even if you don’t feel it’s warranted. If you’re doubling down, you should explain yourself in kind words to help initiate a copacetic reunion.

All the chores and errands piling up are giving you anxiety because you haven’t had the stamina to complete them. Everything seems tiring and exhausting, especially the simplest, most mundane activities. With Mercury turning direct, you’re going to get through your to-do list with gusto; take on matters one step at a time to keep you on track and on task.

The current celestial climate is setting you free and unburdening your mind by offering you a solution to the creative blockages you’ve been experiencing. For the first time in weeks, you can transform your visions into art and find inspiration around you. Use the clarifying, prolific, and motivational energy to your benefit by painting, sculpting, or writing your heart out.