This just in: Mercury retrograde is officially over. Somehow, we made it through multiple fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris since this notorious transit began on September 9—and without any epic disasters. It’s a miracle, but we’ll take it.
Beauty, on the other hand, has been inestimably rocked by the sharp trend toward invisible brows, which picked up speed after Libra Doja Cat shaved hers completely in a viral video this past August. The microbladed masses are struggling to cope, while ’90s-bred tweezer wielders openly celebrate.
On a far more profound note, Mercury’s retrograde through Libra—the sign that rules both beauty and justice—brought women’s rights to the headlines in Iran. After the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who perished in police custody after being beaten for revealing hair under her head scarf, women took to the streets. Burning their hijabs and publicly cutting their hair, they risked their lives in a protest that went worldwide.
While we tend to grouse about Mercury’s tri-yearly backspins, perhaps we shouldn’t. Sure, these transits bring communication meltdowns, car repairs, and endless trips to the Genius Bar. But they also push us into powerful review periods that connect us to our deepest values. There’s no transit more powerful than a Mercury retrograde to snap us out of superficial thinking. These forced timeouts reveal our convictions and make sure our messaging reflects our inner truths.
With Mercury back in direct motion as of October 2—in efficiency expert Virgo now—we get a chance to apply so many of the sage lessons the universe has delivered since September 9. Here’s how every sign can do just that.
Aries
While you’ll spot “areas of improvement” everywhere you look, soften the blow of your delivery. Make sure critiques are constructive (not ego-crushing). Buffer them in a praise sandwich, starting and ending with a compliment or acknowledgment.
Taurus
Since September 9, communicator Mercury has been retrograde (a.k.a. backward). It spent the bulk of its backspin in Libra and your sixth house of health, making you especially sensitive to stress and germs. You might have lost your rhythm with regular activity and balanced eating. Now, Mercury blazes forward, restoring balance. For the next several days, Mercury lingers in Virgo and your expressive fifth house. If you’ve been (wisely) biting your tongue, it’s safe to speak up.
Gemini
Mercury is moving at full speed ahead again, resuming momentum in your fourth house of home and family. Maybe you’ve felt like a great ball of fire since September 9, when your ruler went retrograde, spending the bulk of its backspin in Libra and your passionate fifth house. From the return of an ex to a button-pushing boss, people have gotten under your skin more than ever. Make amends with someone you may have hurt during this interlude. If you’re considering a move or home renovation, you get the green light to start your process.
Cancer
Declare a ceasefire! After a challenging retrograde that began September 9, communicator Mercury corrects course and brings back the peace. For much of its backspin, Mercury was in your domestic sector, wreaking havoc with home and family matters. Conflicts with relatives, particularly the female ones, or chaos in your physical space clears up. For the time being, Mercury will loiter in Virgo and your articulate third house. Draft those mea culpa emails and plan conciliatory coffee dates to restore harmony in any fractured bonds.
Leo
Conflicts and clashes won’t snag you as Mercury corrects course and powers forth in Virgo until October 10. Since the retrograde began on September 9, attempts to communicate morphed into meltdowns. Your phone and computer might have malfunctioned during this transit, trying your patience. Starting now, you can untangle crossed wires and restore sanity to your relationships. Until October 10, Mercury is in Virgo and your money sector. Devote time to balancing your budget and making a fall financial plan.
Virgo
Breathe a sigh of relief, Virgo: Mercury has finally corrected course after a befuddling three-week retrograde. For the bulk of its backspin, Mercury was in your work and finance zone, causing friction with colleagues and money mayhem. Even more challenging? On September 23, Mercury returned to Virgo, making you feel wildly misunderstood. With your ruling planet back on track—and powering ahead in your sign until October 10— you have clearance to put your big ideas out there and rebalance your budget.
Supercouple: Astrology Secrets for a Sexy, Soulful and Satisfying Relationship with Any Zodiac Sign
Supercouple: Astrology Secrets for a Sexy, Soulful and Satisfying Relationship with Any Zodiac Sign
Libra
Release the “mute” button. Life has been chaotic lately, ever since communicator Mercury turned retrograde—backtracking through YOUR sign until September 23. Talk about the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune! For the last week-plus, Mercury has been in your foggy twelfth house, leaving you feeling exhausted by all of it. Relief arrives as Mercury corrects its path, changing your motto from “I can’t even” to “Yes I can.” Prepare for your upcoming debut: When Mercury returns to Libra on October 10, your message will be eagerly received.
Scorpio
Your body and emotions may be working together to deliver an important message. Good news: You can rest easy. Communication planet Mercury has been retrograde, largely in your twelfth house of healing and closure. This foggy and isolating time may have left you feeling alone and exhausted. As the communication planet moves forward, you’ll be able to request and receive everything you need, from a phone upgrade to a productive team meeting. If you’ve been unclear who’s got your back on Team Scorpio, you’ll soon witness people’s true colors.
Sagittarius
Career confusion is clearing up—phew! Just as things were going swimmingly at the office, Mercury made an about-face in your teamwork sector on September 9, then started running amok in your career sector on September 23. If that’s lit more than a few fires, you can start putting them out as the messenger planet turns direct (i.e. forward). Upgrade your gadgets and computers, and gather your colleagues for a back-to-business fall kickoff meeting. Let everyone know that productivity starts now, and take personal accountability for your team’s results.
Capricorn
Any professional slowdowns will begin to regain speed as Mercury wraps up a trying retrograde. The messenger planet ran amok through your career house until September 23, then slipped into your outspoken ninth house. (Oops, did you really just say THAT?) Sweet relief: Mercury is back on track, restoring order and helping you get back in sync with colleagues and friends. A stalled venture can pick up speed.
Aquarius
Mischievous Mercury’s retrograde has come to an end. While the communication planet backpedaled through your ninth house of exploration and expansion for the first half of the retrograde, you may have experienced snafus with travel and technology. TBH, this was probably preferable to the emotional outpourings that ensued when Mercury began moving backward through your eighth house of intimacy on September 23. Put it all behind you now. As Mercury moves forward in dynamic Virgo, it’s safe to open your heart and share your feelings once again.
Pisces
Since communicator Mercury went retrograde in your partnership zones on September 9, you’ve felt the weight of romantic upheaval or crossed wires with colleagues. Financial friction may also have frustrated you. Good news: The solar system’s innermost planet, which rules technology and interpersonal affairs, is moving forward. Start ironing out the kinks in a shaky joint venture and repairing key relationships. The last three weeks haven’t been easy, but you can learn from them by identifying and alleviating the stressors that turned conflicts into crises. If you need to clear the air with an important person, it’s safe to do so now.
Learn more about maximizing your relationship’s potential in The AstroTwins’ new book, Supercouple: Astrology Secrets for a Sexy, Satisfying, Soulful Relationship With Any Zodiac Sign, out today.
Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut (a.k.a. The AstroTwins) are ELLE.com’s resident astrologers. They have written several astrology books, including Momstrology and Supercouple, and star as the astrological matchmakers for Prime Video’s Cosmic Love. The Eduts have read charts for celebrities the likes of Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and Emma Roberts. For their spot-on predictions, books, and online courses, check out our horoscopes coverage or visit astrostyle.com.
