The first of three Mercury Retrogrades begins on the 30^th of January and continues into February, ending on the 20^th.  Mercury rules communication, technology, mental processing and transportation, all things that often dominate our time.  Whether interacting with social media, traveling to and from work or making the slew of decisions needed as engaging members of society, the Planet of Communication factors into so many aspects of our daily lives.  This is probably why we collectively cringe when we’re faced with the idea of more set-backs, hold-ups or potential breakdowns that these times are known for.  After all, wasn’t surviving 2020 enough?

This retrograde period is happening in the sign of altruistic air sign Aquarius who is concerned with humanitarian efforts,  higher tech, intelligence and social equality.  The challenges that we can experience while Mercury reverses in an air sign center around how we communicate or miscommunicate with one another.  Missed texts are one thing, but miscommunication about our wants, needs and motivations a larger issue altogether.  Be conscious of how you handle disagreements and misunderstandings with those around you by constantly checking in with yourself before you communicate an answer.  Air is logical, not emotional so slowing down to think before we speak seems to be major theme.    

The good news is this:  if nothing else, this three week stretch will be a great time for us to take a breath and focus inward, again.  The benefit of these inevitable slow downs and glitches is an opportunity to re-asses your current path and what is or isn’t working in your favor.  Do your best to double-check technical details, exercise restraint and diplomacy if frustrations arise while you’re collaborating with others, and think of ways you can tie up loose ends and perfect team projects.

 So, HOW will the Retrograde Period affect each sign of the Zodiac? 

Here's what to expect during the next few weeks:

Aries

Watch out for communication from past colleagues, friends and lovers who are looking to reconnect.  The retrograde happens in your 11^th house, ruled by networking so you would make the best of the period at hand by focusing on your approach to projects at work and the role you wish to play on a team.

Taurus

Your mind will be squarely focused on work with the retrograde happening in your 10^th house of career.  Take a moment to revise the big goals you had entering into the new year and make sure you’re taking the proper approach.  Do this well and you’ll be enjoying accolades come review time.

Gemini

Seek further guidance from trusted experts.  The retrograde will be happening in your 9^th house of higher education so you’ll be keen to learn how to do better with certain aspects of your life – your interests are so varied, so you’ll have a lot to choose from, as usual.

Cancer

Mercury slows down in your 8^th house of emotional bonds, intimacy and shared resources.  You’ll want to rethink how you spend your energy in your most intimate relationships.  Issues around give and take, expectations and commitment in will drive you to speak up for what you want.

Leo

Use this time to take a deeper look at your relationships.  Happening in your 7^th house of partnerships, the retrograde wants you to take a closer look at recurring issues in your friendships, in your business and in your love life.

Virgo

This retrograde will be most felt in your sixth house of wellness and daily routine, which is the area of the astrological wheel that your sign rules, so you’ll have little problem communicating your needs for self-care and mental health.

Libra

Mercury’s backward turn through Aquarius will affect your fifth house of romance and self-expression, which means you’re probably the most likely of all the signs to receive eyebrow-raising texts from exes. You might also find you most enjoy V-Day date or activity that involves a throwback activity.

Scorpio

This is the perfect time to make amends with a loved one or fallen friend.  You’ll be reassessing what makes you feel secure and “at home,” as Mercury goes retrograde in your 4^th house of family life.  Make the effort to heal yourself and others.  If all else fails, re-decorate.

Sagittarius

With the retrograde falling in your 3rd house of communication, you might feel its signature tech glitches, travel headaches, and misunderstandings while attempting to check things off your lengthy to-do lists.  Take the pause as an opportunity to re-asses how you do what you do, to do more than you’re currently doing (if that’s possible).

Capricorn

No one has to tell you to keep an eye on your finances Capricorn, but with the retrograde in your 2^nd house of income, you’ll want to keep an eye your on finances.  This is a good time to re-visit that money making opportunity you’ve been pondering.  Work out the details now.

Aquarius

The retrograde occurring in your sign might sound intimidating, but it puts your ideals in the spotlight as Mercury slows down in your 1^st house involving matters of the Self. You’ll be re-thinking how you want to present yourself and your goals to the world.  You have a LOT to share, and we need your social-minded goodness now more than ever.  The doors are open and the mics are on.

Pisces

Mercury will be in comfy territory in your ruling house, the 12^th.  Matters of spirituality and re-imagining how to integrate these aspects into your already mystical reality will find you engaged and thinking of new kinds magic to share with others.  Don’t forget to rest and rejuvenate your mind.