We are past the halfway point of Venus’s 40-day retrograde period. Have you been doing some deep soul-searching about your loves and values? Well, keep it up because Venus will turn direct on Jan. 29 and you will want to emerge from this time with some new convictions for your passion projects. To keep things interesting, Mercury, our solar systems’ Thoughtful Trickster, is also going retrograde on Jan. 14 for a 3-week retreat. Communication and logical processes may get a bit screwy, but there is purpose in the irrational. ’Twould be best to play in the absurd between now and Feb. 3.
Here are your Mercury Retrograde horoscopes. Read for your sun and rising signs.
Capricorn
Dec. 22 – Jan. 19
Have you been thinking about the material and emotional comforts you need for a fulfilling life? Perhaps your bank account is stressing you out, your phone is outdated, or your feelings are as clear as a Jackson Pollock. This Mercury retrograde, set this thinking aside and come back to yourself first. Clarify your self-image between now and Feb. 3, then figure out how to organize the other stuff.
Aquarius
Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
How’s your reflection in the mirror, Water-Bearers? Your minds have been turned onto your own health and image lately. In order to understand yourself with maturity, this Mercury retrograde begs you to surrender to your unconscious mysteries. There are depths to yourself that can’t be contained, so stop trying so hard! Give your hidden dimensions some wiggle room and see if you can give words to your profound silence.
Pisces
Feb. 19 – March 20
We all feel lonely sometimes, Pisces, but lately you might have been driving yourself a bit mad with thoughts of isolation. You’re no trapped-in-a-tower Rapunzel, however. Whoosah! This Mercury retrograde, give your minds a rest and remember the folks who surround you in time and space. You are and always have been held by community. After you recall this, you can return to your independence.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Hive mind ain’t all bad, Ram, especially when you share a goal with your team. Collective consciousness is a part of reaching your goals in our radically-connected world. However, this Mercury retrograde, you are given the opportunity to redirect your thoughts to your own achievements. Are your social circles in line with your vocational aspirations?
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Thoughts of reputation are dancing in your head, Taurus. Speculations about career and public-standing are healthy right now, but recall your dreams and adventures. This Mercury retrograde, let your mind rest on work and let your reverie wander to actual or imaginal explorations. Remember, it is when the explorer returns home from the trip that she is given public accolades.
Gemini
May 21 – June 21
Your mind is on opening up new possibilities, Gemini, whether it be planning a vacay, daydreaming of a new life, embarking on a new field of study, etc. Before making any serious decisions, however, use this Mercury retrograde to think of the loose ends that need to be tied before departure. You are part of a web and you are responsible for detaching yourself with care.
Cancer
June 22 – July 22
You might have had some heavy thoughts lately, Moonchild, contemplating shared debts and collective traumas. It’s important to be aware of these realities, but this Mercury retrograde beckons you to remember the partnerships you have formed. Let go of the weight of the world for a bit and remember the contracts you’re already signed with loved ones or business partners. Let those connections direct your thought-stream.
Leo
July 23 – Aug. 22
Have you been rationalizing your relationships, trying to organize your thoughts when it comes to the partners in your life? There’s a limit to the amount of order you can instill on other people. This Mercury retro, give it a rest and turn your thinker toward more practical matters such as fixing your leaky plumbing. Make a list of the chores you’ve put off, then get back to matters of the heart.
Virgo
Aug. 23 – Sept. 22
Virgo, you’ve been in your mental element! You’ve been getting rational about all the things you need to do and getting your routines in order. This Mercury retrograde, however, your thoughts on mastering tasks will dissolve into daydreams of pleasure. While it is not always easy for you to let go, use this retrograde to give it a rest and let the creativity flow through your constant mental chatter. Trade in to-do lists for blowing bubbles.
Libra
Sept. 23 – Oct. 23
Playful poetics have been filling your mind with pleasure and child-like joys. Creative thinking is leading you to deep wisdom right now, but during this Mercury retro you would do well to remember your roots. Where do you come from and how did you get here? The greatest artists have families too, and knowing your own past will set you on a path to originality.
Scorpio
Oct. 24 – Nov. 21
Your mind might be a bit occupied with matters of the home and family, Scorpio. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to create your perfect nest or thinking about your family of origin, it’s a landing pad you’re rationalizing. This Mercury retrograde, let up a bit from your core of comfort and focus on the surrounding terrain. Get to know your neighborhood and talk to those who are in proximity but not in your family tree. They will help bring things into focus.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22 – Dec. 21
Dear Sag, have you been spending time considering how you communicate? It is important to ponder your methods of sharing your soul with the world, but this Mercury retro is offering you space to consider your needs first. Turn your thoughts to the base of your pyramid: food, shelter, security. Once you have a handle on these, then you can get back to grammar and syntax.
