Mercury retrograde is like puberty and paying back taxes — never gentle, entirely necessary.
We’re in the final throes of the planet’s backspin, which began in Virgo and is rounding the bases in Leo before stationing direct on August 28th. We’ll be under the influence of this transit until September 11th, when the planet finally clears its post-retrograde shadow, also known as retro shade.
Named for the god of messaging, Mercury is the planet of communication: the mind, the mouth, connection, expression, media, technology, travel, commerce, high and low, the petty and the poetic.
Mercury is the fastest-moving celestial body in our sky, second only to the moon. It is known as a personal planet, which means it affects us significantly, intimately and on the daily.
Mercury retrograde is challenging en masse — perhaps most especially for love seekers and daters. Indeed, 71% of those polled admitted that Mercury Retrograde hurts their love lives, with nearly half of women avoiding first dates during this transit.
According to Neda, a celebrated astrologer and consultant at the dating app Flirtini, this transit amplifies the risk of major miscommunications, causing even the coziest of couples to clash and making it challenging for daters to connect with potential partners.
Fear not; Neda is on hand and under star, sharing her three tips to keep your romance game rock steady.
How to avoid romantic disasters during Mercury retrograde
1. Be cautious and considerate in all communications
Given Mercury’s habit of running roughshod over good intentions and hasty exchanges during its retrograde cycle, Neda urges caution and encourages eye contact.
“If possible, talk face-to-face to avoid having your every word analyzed and double-check every message before you hit send. Take your time and think it over before you say it… One wrong word could set you on a collision course,” she said.
2. Reflect on the past, but don’t rekindle it
If long lost loves, toxic exes, lingering longing, or other unresolved feelings surface, Neda encourages folks to reckon with the past — but stop short of revitalizing it.
“We often push negative experiences to the back of our minds, but there’s plenty to learn from past mistakes and emotional patterns. Jotting your feelings down and talking through them can give you greater clarity and self-awareness in your future relationships,” she encouraged.
Journaling about your feelings may help you realize your ex was not the love of your life — but merely a dumpster fire that occasionally kept you warm.
3. Practice patience
When forming new connections during Mercury retrograde, Neda maintains that flexibility and patience are your greatest allies.
“When plans don’t work out, getting frustrated won’t get you anywhere. Brush it off, take it as an opportunity to be spontaneous, and stop letting Mercury ruin your love life,” she said.
Lead with the benefit of the doubt.
We’re all under the cruel thumb of Mercury retrograde, but three signs are at a higher risk for romantic ruin in the last gasp of the transit. Looking at you, Virgo, Leo, and Gemini. Here is special advice for you.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
Mercury rules Geminis; thus, they are often hit hardest when the planet backs up or acts up. Neda says natives would do well to make like Mercury and slow down.
“Frequent confusion, difficulty expressing themselves, heightened emotions… Sound familiar? If so, slow down and avoid making major life decisions, such as starting a relationship. Show a little patience, allowing your life to unfold naturally, if you want to steer clear of stress and misunderstanding.”
LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Neda imparts that, because Mercury is retrograding in their sign, Leos might have a rough go in these final throes.
“Leos will find their typical confidence and charisma tested, and their boldness may be misconstrued as insensitivity. If you notice your communication is off, listen carefully and think before you speak—a quick pause can avoid potential conflict.”
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
As Mercury rules Virgo, natives may feel particularly off-kilter during the final days of this transit.
Neda shares, “I know you’re a perfectionist, but resist the urge to control every detail. If you can embrace the unpredictability and have some fun, enjoy it! Otherwise, focus on self-care and activities that can keep your stress levels under control.”
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
- The 12 zodiac signs
- What are the astrology houses
- Here’s what each planet represents
- Sun, moon, and rising signs: Get to know your Big 3
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
