Mercury enters his natural home of Virgo today and whilst the energy can be critical and pedantic, it can also be full of good humour and professional success. Whilst there is a natural disposition to point out the flaws of a situation to all and any who are in attendance with an influx of Virgo influence, this manic attention to detail and dire need to fuss is an absolute boon for working out the creases in present objectives. This energy flow is also a positive, even if a touch emotionally aloof, in which to get to the core issues within the relationship sphere. It will be a difficult ride for those who are overly sensitive to criticism and it will take self-control to monitor ones egotistical or insecurity-inspired reactions when they feel under a negative-communications-attack. That being said though, it is essential that you maintain healthy boundaries and don’t allow those who lash out with cruel communications through their own lack of personal power to ruin your hard fought progress.

In tarot, Mercury is symbolised by The Magician – the energy that indicates you are taking the next step regards a project, ideal or relationship. Wandering through the land of The Hermit, you are encouraged to seek the wisest and most logical path to your end goal, whilst resisting the temptation to take the quick and easy option.  You feel less ‘chatty’, less inclined to partake in light-hearted communication exchanges with The Magician and The Hermit, as you are more interested in gathering solid information, information that will educate and help your journey. With The Magician in the land of The Hermit, advice will come to you from others – be it asked for or not, be it constructive criticism or not, the feedback will come. It is a time where you assess all of the information you have regards your goals and desires, add to it, pick it apart, consider others opinions, and criticise it.

Mercury will turn retrograde on the 20th of August until the 11th of September. As per usual, you can  expect communications to go haywire, misunderstandings to replace smooth conversations, ex-lovers to return to confuse the Hades out of you, delays in dotted-line signing, writers block to replace creative brilliance, and machinery mishaps. In Virgo, you can expect a heightened emphasis on communications difficulties, especially in the work place. Old health concerns could also decide to flare up again, allergies especially, as can the desire to return to old addictions and habits.

When considering the retrograde, we can also consider the reversed traits of The Magician, as it can be easy to slide back into old modes of behaviour, or experience the behaviour patterns being directed to you by others. Here, you can find outward lies rather than truth and deceptive means to achieve a goal. There can be weakness of will and a heavy dose of denial. Blame can also figure quite strongly, as can the pushing need to bring the focus back to oneself, rather than be there for those around you.

At present, Mercury is quincunx Uranus, indicating that you can be full of ideas and inspiration, but be uncertain on which direction to take. Relax and allow insight to guide you a little. Mercury is also separating from his opposition to Neptune, where it has no doubt been difficult to separate your energy from others. As this lifts however, you can still feel slightly ‘unworthy’ for want of a better term, due to the lingering opposition with Chiron. Make sure that you take the time necessary away from the fray, to heal any confidence wounds.