The margin for error is great when Mercury backs up through finicky Virgo, August 5-14. Egos become especially fragile once Mercury retreats into Leo, August 14-28. Here’s your Summer 2024 Mercury retrograde horoscope to help keep good vibes going despite the challenges!
Communication planet Mercury turns retrograde on August 5, backing up through its home sign of Virgo (until August 14), and finishing the about-face in Leo (until August 28) before correcting course until the final 2024 Mercury retrograde begins in November.
While the finicky planet is retrograde in Virgo for nearly 10 days, review everything on the finest setting possible. Enlist a third and fourth pair of eyes to edit documents before you hit “send.” Need to do more homework? You’re in luck! This is actually one of the best times of the year to tumble down the search-engine rabbit hole.
When Mercury backs into Leo on August 14, a budding romance could stall, and there may be unnecessary drama involving egos or an ex.
And remember there’s also Mercury retrograde’s “shadow period” to contend with—the two weeks before and after a Mercury retrograde that can extend chaotic effects. We coined it “retroshade.”
Careful when offering unfiltered feedback during the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde
During the tense time period of Mercury retrograde, helpful hints could sound more like harsh critiques that end up causing friction. Egos are especially fragile once Mercury retreats into Leo—and no one’s feeling generous with compliments or validation.
Integrity checks are going to be needed as the U.S. presidential election campaigns heat up with the Democratic National Convention rounding out the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde.
Romantic situations could also go sideways temporarily. Turn your pain into cathartic art? See your sign’s specific advice in the horoscopes below!
Your Horoscope for the Summer 2024 Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Leo
Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde in Virgo (August 5-14) and Leo (August 14-28). You may read for your Sun sign or your rising sign (ascendant). Visit our Cosmic Calculator section if you want to calculate your Rising sign or discover more about your personal astrology.
Jump to
- ARIES
- TAURUS
- GEMINI
- CANCER
- LEO
- VIRGO
- LIBRA
- SCORPIO
- SAGITTARIUS
- CAPRICORN
- AQUARIUS
- PISCES
- MORE MERCURY RETROGRADE
Aries (March 19-April 19)
System check! From August 5-28, messenger Mercury turns retrograde, causing communication and technology to go awry. Mercury splits its backspin between two signs, reversing through Virgo and your sixth house of health and wellness until August 15. This first phase will make you a smidge more susceptible to any germs floating through the air, so wash your hands often and avoid anyone sniffling or coughing. Staying organized can be a challenge. Make a point not to multitask or overbook.
When the communication planet backs into Leo for the last two weeks of the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde, a budding romantic affair can hit a speed bump. Avoid triggering talks and knee-jerk reactions as a simple misunderstanding can inflame into a much bigger drama.
Aries horoscopes, read more!
Taurus (April 19-May 20)
Press pause, Taurus. Communicator Mercury turns retrograde August 5-28, which could cause an exciting situation to cool off fast. Until August 14, Mercury will spin backward in Virgo and your fifth house of passion and creativity. Then it will slip back into Leo and your fourth house domestic zone for the remaining two weeks, stirring friction with relatives and roommates.
People can reappear during retrogrades, so don’t be surprised if you hear from a long-lost friend, an estranged family member or an ex looking to spark things up again. Be especially careful when considering the renewal of a romantic relationship. Remember: it’s up to YOU, Bull, to decide whether this deserves a second chance. If you’ve got serious doubts, it’s probably not worth the risk of getting burned twice.
Taurus horoscopes, read more!
Gemini (May 20-June 20)
Your ruling planet, communicator Mercury, turns retrograde August 5-28. The first phase of the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde is in Virgo and your fourth house of domestic affairs. Until August 14, progress you were making with a living situation or a home improvement project could slow down or become undone. A real estate buyer or landlord might renege on an agreement. Or, a family member could pick a fight for no apparent reason. Since you won’t be able to sort things out immediately, remove yourself from the action and focus on taking better care of yourself.
From August 14 to 28, Mercury reverses through Leo and your third house communication sector. Be sure to capture your brilliant ideas in a document (and back it up to the cloud for safekeeping). Then, review in September before moving forward.
Gemini horoscopes, read more!
Cancer (June 20-July 22)
Put a pin in it, Crab. Interactive Mercury turns retrograde on August 5, delaying plans and potentially crossing wires until August 28. Mercury makes a U-turn in Virgo and your third house/communication corner—a bit of a double whammy to contend with until August 14. From there, Mercury backs into Leo, spending its final two weeks in Leo and your second house/financial zone.
For the rest of the month, choose your words carefully and reflect on what you’re going to say before you speak. Even then, there’s a good chance you’ll be misconstrued because of the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde. Try to stall on important sales calls or brainstorming sessions until the messenger planet straightens out. And if that’s not possible, go in ultra-ultra-prepared!
Cancer horoscopes, read more!
Leo (July 22-August 22)
Pump the brakes, Leo. While the August 4 Leo new moon filled you with visionary ideas and fresh-start energy, you’ll need to roll out this master plan in phases. Communication planet Mercury turns retrograde on August 5, a signal-scrambling cycle that lasts until August 28. For the first leg of its backspin, Mercury reverses through Virgo and your second house of finances. Need any more convincing?
On August 14, Mercury backs into Leo, which could move the spotlight away from you for a couple weeks. Don’t fret—it will be back with a vengeance—but until then, rehearse your act and polish your pitches. For the first 10 days of the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde, money could get a little funny, so pay attention to your spending and calibrate your budget as needed.
Leo horoscopes, read more!
Virgo (August 22-September 22)
Whoa there, Virgo. Your ruler, Mercury, kicks off a three-week retrograde period from August 5-28 that could give you second thoughts on just about everything. This one might be particularly charged for you (gulp) since Mercury is also backsliding through Virgo until August 14. (After that, it will slip into Leo and your foggy twelfth house for the duration.)
Think long and hard before making any inflammatory posts or saying anything that verges on TMI. What might normally pass as a mic drop could wind up pulling the plug on an important relationship. Since that’s obviously NOT the goal, check in regularly with your people during the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde—and assume nothing!
Virgo horoscopes, read more!
Libra (September 23-October 22)
Need a little more time to think about it? Communicator Mercury turns retrograde August 5-28, spending the first 10 days in Virgo and your introspective twelfth house. Stay balanced, Libra. You could find yourself sinking into an emotional swamp or tilting at imagined windmills. But you’ve got a choice! You can wallow in old wounds and fears—or you could let this heavy vibe inspire you to finally get some closure. Replay the reels from bygone days but splice in a new ending. Make it one where you walk away victorious and confident in a brighter future.
On August 14, Mercury slips back into Leo and your eleventh house teamwork zone, which could stir up conflict with friends and colleagues for the last two weeks of the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde.
Libra horoscopes, read more!
Scorpio (October 22-November 21)
Drama in the ranks? Communicator Mercury turns retrograde August 5-28, beginning its backslide in Virgo and your community-spirited eleventh house. You might not be able to avoid skirmishes with friends, especially until August 14. But you CAN prevent things from skidding out of control by taking a critical look at your own motivation.
After August 14, be careful at work, as Mercury will slip back into Leo and your professional tenth house. For the last two weeks of the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde, keep your head down and focus on getting things done. An old colleague could reach out, possibly with an offer. Explore cautiously but hear them out!
Scorpio horoscopes, read more!
Sagittarius (November 21-December 21)
While the August 4 Leo new moon sparked big dreams, hold off before you press “go” on a few of them. Communicator Mercury kicks off a three-week retrograde August 5-28, first in Virgo and your tenth house of professional ambitions, then in Leo and your ninth house travel sector after August 14. Without seeing it coming, you could lock horns with an authority figure or colleague. Breathe deep and look around and see how you might step into your leadership to redirect things into calmer waters during the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde. If you’re traveling after August 14, especially long-distance, prepare for potential delays and plan accordingly.
Sagittarius horoscopes, read more!
Capricorn (December 21-January 19)
Stalled on the tarmac? Messenger Mercury turns retrograde August 5-28, spending its first 10 days in Virgo and your ninth house of travel and adventure. You might feel like your wings have been clipped or that you’re on an annoyingly short leash. Silver lining: Being “held back” could be a blessing in disguise during the summer 2024 Mercury retrograde, as you could devise an even better plan B. But your patience will be short, especially until August 14. After that, Mercury reverses into Leo and your eighth house of intimacy, investments and introspection. Turn inward and do extra research before you make any major moves—especially if they involve contracts or shared finances.
Capricorn horoscopes, read more!
Aquarius (January 19-February 18)
Has a certain bond gone from comfy to claustro? Observant Mercury turns retrograde August 5-28, reversing through the relationship zones of your chart. The summer 2024 Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to review and reconsider your own trust issues and recalibrate your commitments. Perhaps you need to flex a little more autonomy, especially if things have gotten more couple-y than you care for as a free-spirited sign. Until August 14 especially, turn an investigative eye to areas of your life that feel shrouded in confusion or mystery. The devil is in the details, and he could also be lurking in the shadows, so train your hawk-eye vision on the hidden areas.
Aquarius horoscopes, read more!
Pisces (February 18-March 20)
Move forward or press pause? Mercury turns retrograde August 5-28, throwing its trademark wrench into communication, technology and travel plans—yes, even the best-laid ones. For the first leg (until August 14), Mercury reverses through Virgo and your seventh house relationship zone. This backspin could churn up conflict or miscommunication with a significant other or business partner; but it can also shine a light on imbalances in the union. Are you giving more than you’re receiving? Are you getting your needs met? Use this time to bring balance to your bonds. From August 14 to 28, Mercury backs into Leo and your sixth house wellness sector, revealing opportunities to improve your self-care.
Pisces horoscopes, read more!
When is the next Mercury retrograde?
November 25 to December 15, 2024
Mercury retrograde returns to hotheaded Sagittarius near the end of 2024, making fuses short. What to expect: Ideological family feuds could overtake dinner conversations if you’re not careful. Messenger Mercury rules the mail and this retrograde could cause mayhem with holiday deliveries, too.
Learn more about all the 2024 Mercury retrograde cycles (there are four!)
Check anytime: Is Mercury in retrograde?
Feature art by Rosie Dienhart
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