Autumn fashion inspiration is storming all six of our senses this week, but go gently into that retail reinvention tour. Thoughtful Mercury is retrograde for eight more days, which could lead to some questionable decisions. In fact, while Mercury is backspinning, digging through style archives for retro inspo can be a better bet. (1950s Parisian couture, anyone?) Start a Pinterest board, pick out one or two things, and save the spree until after September 5 when Mercury corrects course.
Until Thursday, Mercury will reverse commute through discerning Virgo, then drift back into live-out-loud Leo for the remainder of the retrograde. As a result, our judgment calls won't be at their sharpest this week. A "helpful hint" could accidentally hit below the belt and, after Thursday, our romantic radars could just be off. Take it slow in the game of love and don't answer that snap from your crazy-making ex. With this schedule-scrambling influence hovering over early September, make extra extra sure that everyone has directions dialled in — and for best results, keep those plans simple!
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
How many more times must you explain yourself, Virgo? This week: two or three. Until Thursday, messenger Mercury will remain retrograde in your sign, a signal-jamming cycle that began on August 12. Getting your point across has not been easy since then and a few of your innocent posts may have spurred unnecessarily harsh clapbacks from so-called friends. If you feel like laying low for a few more days, we wouldn't blame you. Use Mercury retrograde for it's intended purpose: to review, refresh, and rejuvenate. Tying up loose ends will set you free to go on to the next stage of the game.
On Thursday, Mercury drifts back into Leo, taking the heat off you. But, with this reverse commute going down in your 12th house of healing and escape, you owe it to yourself to slip off for the weekend — with supportive travel companions only! The last thing you need is to be playing caretaker for a sloppy drunk or therapist for a friend who is forever getting into toxic relationships. No, Virgo, you need to pamper yourself on this getaway, not fray your nerves further. With brash Mars and liberated Uranus in your corner all weekend, you could put up a serious boundary with an energy vampire — but also hug it out with a true friend who is worthy of an olive branch.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
Earth to Libra! Until Thursday, you may feel like you're enveloped in a fog as mental Mercury continues retrograding through Virgo and your hazy 12th house. Can you reschedule those pitch meetings or push back a deadline? If so, do. You'll be much sharper after Tuesday, September 5, when Mercury corrects course. What this week is good for, however, is doing any kind of artistic or healing work. With your logical side on pause, your imagination has the louder voice. Instead of letting it carry you down a paranoid path, channel it into song lyrics, choreography, or an abstract painting. If you never been able to sit still long enough to meditate, you might surprise yourself early this week.
On Thursday, you'll have a stronger grip on reality again as Mercury moonwalks back into Leo and your 11th house of technology and community. But this part of the retrograde could definitely scramble signals with your digital communications. Review every email before you send it and don't go tangling with trolls on social media, even if you do have the perfect clapback. If a friend hasn't replied to your text about weekend plans, follow up with an actual phone call to confirm everything. Reuniting with people from your past could make for a memorable weekend. And with a live-for-the moment Mars and impromptu Uranus spurring you on, mix it up, merging people from your present-day life with friends who knew you back when. The social experimentation could yield fascinating results.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
You've never given your trust super easily, Scorpio, and with Mercury retreating through teamwork sector since August 12, you may be feeling let down by a couple of people in your squad. (So. Frustrating.) Maybe they failed to rise to your expectations or match your 150% effort. But, before you write them off, be honest: Do they actually know what your expectations are? When the communication planet is in reverse, you generally have to spell things out for people — and a few extra times, at that. Before Thursday, pull the "slackers" aside for a little real talk. For all you know, they might only need a little more training or explaining in order to get back up to speed. Extend the benefit of the doubt and you might just turn this whole thing around.
On Thursday, Mercury drifts back one sign, moving into Leo and your 10th house of career for the remainder of its retrograde, which ends September 5. Don't race off for the weekend before making sure you've covered all your bases at work. Be extra diplomatic in all your dealings. Throwing shade (even if well-deserved) at a colleague could blow a deal. Over the weekend, you might even get a burst of inspiration as make-it-happen Mars conjoins with innovative Uranus. Spend time in the company of movers and shakers. A cocktail party conversation could evolve into a power lunch next week.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
Lately, has it felt like you're spinning your wheels? Don't give up, Archer! Since August 12, Mercury has been retrograde in Virgo and your career zone. This has made it harder to focus and the results of all your hard work have been slow to arrive. But any behind the scenes efforts you make now will soon pay off — especially when Mercury pivots forward on September 5. Keep putting the polish on projects and nurturing business connections. Those relationships could yield profitable opportunities later this autumn. Since retrogrades rule the past, reconnect to people you worked with successfully before. They may have the very lead you're looking for.
On Thursday, Mercury slips back into Leo and your ninth house of travel which could muddle your weekend plans. Prepare for heavy traffic and leave earlier than expected. Deploy extra tact, too! Your candid conversational style could leave you with a Doc Marten in your mouth — or even spark a rivalry! There could be exciting developments on the romantic front this weekend as lusty Mars and experimental Uranus get in formation. An attraction could crop up out of the blue and with someone who breaks from your usual type. Some Archers might just have a memorable fling to brag about, like with the lead singer of your favorite up-and-coming band, say. Werk!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
Still figuring out what to do for the weekend? Look to the past. With Mercury retrograde until September 5, it's been hard to get any sort of plan in motion. And, until Thursday, the messenger planet reverses through your travel zone. Since retrogrades rule the past, it might be easiest to take a nostalgic voyage to a familiar location. Who you travel with will be equally essential to your enjoyment. Leave the fussy, itinerary-obsessed people behind and roll out with spontaneous friends who don't mind switching things up when a better idea (like a VIP invite) arises.
Got secrets? On Thursday, Mercury falls back into Leo and your intimate and mysterious eighth house. A skeleton that's been rattling in your closet could be exposed before Mercury flips forward on September 5. Don't leave it up to chance. Take charge of the situation by revealing the truth yourself. At least that way you'll be able to put your own spin on things. Your courageous confession could strengthen an important bond this weekend — and even pave the way for a potential new relationship. Coupled Caps could enjoy entertaining together this weekend or even staying in for some much-needed (and seriously sexy) nesting time.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
Hanging on to a resentment, Aquarius? As they say, that's like drinking poison and expecting the other person to keel over. But with Mercury retrograde in your intense eighth house since August 12, you've had trouble just letting things go. Although Mercury remains on this reverse commute until September 5, you'll feel some relief on Thursday when he retreats back into Leo and your peaceful, relationship-oriented seventh house. No, you shouldn't sweep issues under the rug, but maybe you've been afraid you'd go nuclear if you aired your grievances. In the second half of the week, you'll be able to discuss things diplomatically again. If you're not getting what you need from a certain someone, you could cut them off. But another option? Get that itch scratched somewhere else and reshuffle this person into a new category. Maybe they aren't The One, but who says you can't be friends? Unless they've done something really awful, it's potentially worth a try.
This weekend, your ruling planet, wild child Uranus, gets in cahoots with adventurous Mars. Forget about sitting at home waiting for you-know-who to reach out. You'll be far too restless for that — and life is too short to miss out on a long weekend adventure. While you don't want to go MIA on anyone, being a little less available can make you more desirable. Don't hate the game, Aquarius — it's human nature to crave the things we have to work for. Let yourself be one of them — you're worth it!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces
February 19 to March 20
You said tomato, they heard turmeric — and you're getting ready to call the whole damn thing off. But...wait. With messenger Mercury retrograde from August 12 to September 5, miscommunications are kind of the norm. And you've been hit especially hard this round, since Mercury was backstroking through your seventh house of partnerships. Signals may have scrambled with some of your favourite people and quite possibly your S.O. Or maybe a promising dating situation seems to be drifting away (while an ex is turning up the heat). Keep your wits about you, because there's only one more week of this mayhem. On the professional front, be patient if a contract doesn't close. Just keep gently nudging and keeping the momentum going. When you return to your desk next week, Mercury will pivot forward, helping you smooth over conflicts and seal those deals.
Hosting any weekend festivities? Prep those vegan options and prep some extra for yourself. With mindful Mercury moving back into your wellness zone on Thursday, you may already feel the inspiration to take better care of yourself. Have you been MIA at the yoga studio? Make an appearance before the week is through. It will feel so good to stretch and move your body. But if those postures are a little too familiar, maybe it's time to find a new fitness obsession for autumn. With active Mars and experimental Uranus teamed up in your health houses all weekend, research new gyms or try a new class. You might even flit between a couple of different studios this fall. Mix it up and work different muscle groups.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries
March 21 to April 19
Stay on top of those details, Aries, even if you're "summering" like a fiend this last week of August. Until Thursday, data-driven Mercury is retrograding through Virgo and your responsible sixth house. Failing to dot an "i" or cross a "t" could come back to bite you at work. Stay on top of scheduling and don't try to cram too much in. Better you should rebook a social arrangement than half-ass anything in a rush. On Thursday, Mercury slips back into Leo and your fifth house of fame and romance. Be cautious about how you represent in the public eye. If you have something to debut, use this week to add more polish, then schedule your big reveal for after September 5 when Mercury is back on track. Lovers' quarrels could interrupt your reverie or you could get thrown off by bumping into an ex. Dial down drama as much as possible, even if that means shelving a sticky subject for a week or cancelling the coffee date you made in the heat of the moment. Sorry, Aries, but you're not gonna get "closure" while Mercury's in reverse.
This weekend, you can push the envelope a little more as your ruler, fiery Mars, whoops it up with rebellious Uranus. No holding back if you feel like dancing on the bar, hooking up with a sexy stranger, or taking a spontaneous long weekend trip with a new group of friends. But do keep the swagger in check, Aries. Confidence is one thing, but you could get carried away and threaten someone with a fragile ego. This independent starmap might steer you away from the party scene, though. You may be inspired to spend the weekend working on an innovative project — one that could put your name on the map this fall.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus
April 20 to May 20
With Mercury retrograde for one final week, you could find yourself ruminating over a romantic situation or fantasising about the one that got away. But, in your heart, do you know it's best to leave the past in your rearview? (We're betting yes.) Still, the heart wants what it wants, so use the retrograde proactively. What do you miss most about your ex? Who did you allow yourself to be in their presence? These are useful clues that can guide you toward new people or activities that arouse the same feelings. For example, you don't need to date the negligent rock star to be a rock star, Bull. Sign up for guitar lessons and buy a pair of glitter boots instead.
On Thursday, Mercury slips back into Leo and your family-centric fourth house. Let yourself off the hook from being the dutiful daughter. If you're sensing tension on the homefront, head to a festival or rent an Airbnb with friends instead of suffering through your drama queen sister's this weekend. With lusty Mars and liberated Uranus merging with firepower over the weekend, you won't want to be bound up in any obligations anyway. Pass the social organiser's baton to someone else and let yourself be nurtured and pampered instead. You could cement your bond with a caring friend over the weekend — someone who gives as good as she gets.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Gemini
May 21 to June 20
All is not quiet on the Gemini homefront this week — and please don't ignore those creaks and squeaks and drips (or the letter from your landlord about the lease extension). Your ruler, Mercury, is in the final week of its retrograde. Until Thursday, the reverse-commute will take place in Virgo and your domestic sector. Call the superintendent — or break out your toolkit if you're handy — before that leaky faucet spawns a full-on flood. Tension could crackle with female friends and relatives, but this is not the best time to iron it out. Take a (loving) timeout or just agree to put a certain subject on ice until the retrograde ends on September 5.
On Thursday, Mercury slips back into Leo and your third house of communication, bringing a bit of a double whammy for the last five days of the retrograde. A pro tip for making it through: Assume nothing, Gemini, and get all the facts straight before making a judgment call. The third house also rules short trips. If you have a little getaway planned for the weekend, confirm all reservations, collect group funds in advance, and pop a spare tyre in the trunk. This isn't the time to add a wild-card plus-three to the guest list, especially if it could throw off the vibe of a more intimate squad. But if you feel a new person's energy would blend beautifully, take a chance on including them. With passionate Mars and edgy Uranus working in sync in your social houses this weekend, you might even party among unconventional and creative people — or at a venue that's off your beaten path.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer
June 21 to July 22
She said what? That game of telephone could get rather snarly this week as communicator Mercury carries out the final eight days of its retrograde. Survival tip: Don't believe anything you hear from the grapevine — and don't be so quick to take it all personally. Misunderstandings are likely, especially with coworkers, siblings, neighbours, and anyone in your peer group. And prepare to explain yourself a few extra times before people get where you're coming from. For best results, save the long stories and flowing prose and break everything down to bulleted lists. Getting to the point faster will keep your audience captive.
On Thursday, some relief arrives as Mercury scoots back from Virgo into Leo, spending its final five days in your second house of practical planning. Hit pause and review your schedule, finances, and your general state of mind. Have you created situations that are just going to stress you out? That's no way to start the fall, Cancer. You may realise it's time to put a few plans — and people — on hold. Not only are they are distracting you from more important missions you want to accomplish, but they're hitting you a little too hard in the wallet. That said, your weekend socialising could bring a fresh wave of abundance. With go-getter Mars and impulsive Uranus synced up proactively in your money houses, barbecue chitchat could turn to shop talk and an opportunity could emerge when you're least expecting it. Stay open!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo
July 23 to August 22
While no one can stop a Leo from an autumn fashion moment, shop with discernment this week. Mindful Mercury is trudging through the last week of its retrograde and, until Thursday, will be moonwalking through Virgo and your second house of money. Some past due (and possibly forgotten) bills could require immediate payment — and you just might not make the savviest decisions when you're whipping out the chip card. If nothing else, save the receipt! At work, take extra care with all communications and triple check before you send them off. Your snarky email to a coworker could wind up on a group thread (yup, you hit Reply All...) or you could send the unedited version of a presentation to a client. Eek!
On Thursday, Mercury retreats into Leo for the final five days of its backspin, giving your words even more weight. Take a timeout from being the live-out-loud Lion and wind down the summer in a more introspective groove. You don't always have to be the one with the answer or the witty one-liner. Instead of being the life of the party, just...be. Mercury's timeout gives you a chance to review, revamp, and revise anything that you already have in the works. Save your big reveals for after September 5 when Mercury powers forward through your sign and helps you make a stronger impact again! This weekend, consider travelling somewhere you've never gone before, as adventurer Mars in Leo gets in formation with cutting-edge Uranus. This might even be a spiritual journey or a voyage with someone who stokes your philosophical side. No matter where you are, deeper conversations about life will feed your soul.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.Related Video
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