Mercury, messenger of the Gods, begins another backward orbit pattern from June 18 to July 12. This time Mercury is in the emotional sign of Cancer. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer is a Cardinal water sign. Mercury is the planet that rules our thoughts, ideas, and the way we communicate with others. It is a planet of the mind, but the zodiac sign Cancer is all about feelings. Therefore, when Mercury enters this sentimental sign, his sharp, logical edges are softened, offering us an opportunity to understand and communicate our emotions more directly. Cancer the Crab is focused on all the things that make us feel comfortable, safe and loved. When the planet of communication is in this sign, it’s easier to connect lovingly with others. We want our family, friends, and loved ones to know they’re loved, and we find it easy to express the most caring and protective sides of ourselves when Mercury is in Cancer.
However, after all these months in close quarters with little or no opportunity for some personal space, the homebody nature of the Crab is stretched thin. Even with the best of relationships, simmering issues may have boiled over and those relationships already struggling may have completely broken down. Cancer energy, at its best, reveals what we need to feel nurtured, safe and rooted in the world. When at odds, the Crab throws us into survival mode, allowing insecurity and fear to overtake our emotions. Mercury Retrograde has always gotten such a bad rap, but right now it might just be the blessing we all need. This 3 week period is best used for all “re” activities, like reviewing, rewinding and renewing. Consider this retrograde an opportunity to step back and take stock of our inner worlds. However, Mercury’s Retrograde, along with Venus’ is not the time to make any sudden changes, especially when it comes to our homes, family relationships or inner circle friends, unless of course one’s health or safety would be at risk.
Retrograde Horoscopes
Aries
Messenger Mercury turning retrograde stirs up trouble in your emotional and domestic 4th House during its backspin until July 12. Avoid triggering people or situations during this transit. Family drama could get particularly heated, but resist flying off the handle. A shouting match never solved anything, but neither did sweeping issues under the rug. Get clear about your boundaries, and then discuss them without being heavy-handed. You may need space from relatives or the people under your roof in order to resolve some buried childhood issues. Call your mother or visit a maternal woman from your past.
Taurus
Watch out for mixed signals as messenger Mercury turns retrograde in your communicative 3rd House. For the next three weeks, major misunderstandings could arise. Do your best to express yourself in the clearest manner possible. If you need to have a major talk with a loved one, it might be best to hold off until after Mercury corrects course on July 12. The same thing goes for high-stakes business meetings. If it can’t wait, be sure to rigorously prepare—even over-prepare. Since retrogrades rule the past, don’t be surprised if an old friend resurfaces in your life.
Gemini
Start pinching those pennies as communicator Mercury (your ruler) retreats through your financial district. During this transit the messenger planet could make it difficult to balance the books or have conversations about cash. But don’t panic. With a little financial planning, you’ll be able to ride out this cycle without going into the red. Rework your budget, put a moratorium on lavish purchases, and consider making extra ends through a summer side-hustle. Retrogrades rule the past, so an old colleague could come through with a new and unexpected opportunity.
Cancer
History could repeat itself as Mercury goes retrograde until July 12, digging up your past in the process. Its one thing to be nostalgic, but don’t start reliving your former mistakes. This backspin could be particularly tricky, as the messenger planet will be creating confusion in Cancer and your 1st House of Self. Mixed signals will complicate your efforts at communication. If possible, it’s best to delay the launch of major projects for a few weeks. The same thing goes for any public statements. Table them until this transit is over if possible. In the meanwhile, take time to fine-tune your message. Is it as clear as it could be?
Leo
Put up some firm boundaries with toxic people as Mercury turns retrograde in Cancer and your 12th House of healing and conclusions. Are past mistakes haunting your present existence? During the next three weeks work to resolve any residual issues you may have. Confront a problematic person about their troubling behavior. Hopefully, you’ll be able to have a serious conversation and put this whole mess behind you by the time the backspin ends on July 12. But if the other party is unable to own up to their role in this unhealthy dynamic, it may be time to put some space in between you.
Virgo
Conflict could spark among your squad while Mercury is retrograde until July 12, backing up through your house of groups. If a fight erupts among your friends or colleagues, examine the inciting incident. Does this all just stem from a simple misunderstanding? Play peacemaker if you must and work to ease the tension. On the other hand, if there’s a bad apple who continues to poison the bunch, it may be time to show this person the door. Better to nip it in the bud before things spiral out of control. Be diplomatic but firm. You don’t need this negative energy polluting your posse!
Libra
Assess your professional progress today, as savvy Mercury turns retrograde in Cancer and your 10th House of career advancement. Is everything going according to your plan? If the answer is “no,” it’s probably a good idea to adjust your strategy. During the next three weeks, brainstorm ways to approach your professional problems from a fresh angle. If you start feeling frustrated with a colleague or client, find a way to diplomatically address this issue or don’t go there. Losing steam? Extending a deadline and working at a gentler pace could help you recharge your batteries. You’ll be ready to jump back into the action by the time Mercury resumes forward motion on July 12.
Scorpio
Wanderlust has been a hard itch to scratch in 2020, but as Mercury retrogrades through your house of travel and expansion, the pull of nostalgic locations will be hard to ignore. Taking a road trip and spending a week in a (properly sanitized) rental property might be just what you need between now and July 12. Just make sure there’s a spare in the trunk and that you’ve got your itinerary carefully mapped to avoid retrograde snafus. This backspin is also a powerful time for reconnecting to long-distance friends or diving into a course of study in the “spirituality” or “self-development” category.
Sagittarius
Intensity, intimacy and a deep inquiry: You’ll feel it all as Mercury backs up through your 8th House of bonding and joint efforts until July 12. Could pooling resources with a partner help you stabilize your finances? On the other hand, if a close connection has been draining your reserves, insist that they pull their own weight from now on. During the next few weeks, try not to let jealousy get the better of you, as envious feelings could bubble up out of “nowhere.” Sexual chemistry could ignite then fade, then spark up again. Don’t rush to conclusions. If it feels like someone is being shady, careful not to launch into impulsive accusations. Do a little digging instead and get your facts straight first.
Capricorn
Work to rectify any relationship speed bumps as messenger Mercury goes retrograde until July 12 in Cancer, and your 7th House of Partnerships. Have you been pulling too much of the weight in an unbalanced twosome? Let the other party know how you’re feeling, rather than allowing resentment to simmer. On the other hand, if you’re the one who’s been slacking, offer to take on more responsibility. Just beware: This wonky cycle could scramble signals. Think carefully about what you want to say so you can avoid misunderstandings. Retrogrades rule the past, so don’t be surprised if a former flame comes back to rekindle that spark. Proceed with caution! This could be the real deal…or you could get hurt again. Do your best to protect your heart without shutting it down.
Aquarius
Keep calm and carry on with those daily duties, as messenger Mercury turns retrograde until July 12 in your meticulous 6th House Rigorously proofread and revise before you press “publish” or “send” on anything. Don’t rush to finish an assignment or you could make crucial errors. Take the time to do things right. If you’ve got a health or medical matter on the table, you may want to delay any important procedures until Mercury resumes forward motion on July 18. If you can’t postpone your treatment, no worries—just make sure you go over everything thoroughly with your provider. Your efforts to eat healthier and work out could be interrupted by Mercury’s mischief. Try a lighter workout schedule and stretch well to avoid any injuries.
Pisces
Love could get complicated as Mercury turns retrograde, stirring up friction in your 5th. During this heated transit, fight the urge to Google your ex or reach out to that oh-so-bad-for-you former fling. There’s a reason that things didn’t work out the first time around. Take off your retrograde goggles and focus on the present! If you’re currently coupled, you may need to redefine some parameters in your relationship. Does it feel like you keep hitting the same wall? The gift of the retrograde is that it reveals stuck patterns and helps you take a deeper look. How can you avoid getting sucked into a similar situation this time around?