Mercury Retrograde in Virgo 2023: Astrology, Meaning, & Horoscopes

The third Mercury retrograde of 2023 beings on August 23 and ends on September 15, 2023. 

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo 2022: Pre & Post-Shadow Dates & Degrees

On August 3, 2023, Mercury glides into the pre-retrograde degrees (at 8° Virgo 00′) at 4:03 pm PST.

On August 23, 2023, Mercury starts the retrograde journey (at 21° Virgo 51′ Rx) at 12:59 pm PST. 

On September 15, 2023, Mercury turns direct (at 8° Virgo 00′) at 1:21 pm PST.

On September 29, 2023, Mercury exits the post-retrograde zone (at 21° Virgo 51′) at 10:14 pm PST. 

Learn everything about planets in retrograde.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo Meaning

When Mercury is in Virgo, the planet of communication is in its home zodiac sign. This means that we can expect communication and information to flow as they should, if not better than usual. However, when Mercury is retrograde in Virgo, we can expect a lot of setbacks to occur in many aspects of life. 

The reason being is that we will begin to see a slowdown in events, travel, and relationships. People will become a little bit more confused, as they long for the clarity that this transit brings in its forward motion. 

The good side to this transit is that it is an amazing time to tend to projects that have been put on the back burner. Since Virgo is an analytical sign, this planetary moonwalk will give us a moment of reflection in which we can find peace of mind regarding past hurts and emotional upsets. We can heal the past—but only if we are open to it.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo Key Dates

• Mercury retrograde shares a harmonious trine with Jupiter in Taurus on September 4. This will serve as an expansion of the mind and spirit. It’s a wonderful time to soak up new information and try to absorb different philosophies. If there is a subject that you’ve always wanted to learn about, now is the time to bust the book open and become passionate about the topic.

• Mercury retrograde aligns with the Virgo sun on September 6. This aspect is called “cazimi,” because it is the most powerful and potent of the entire retrograde. If you were wanting to make plans for the future, now is the time to take out your calendar and commit to a date. This is also a wonderful time to sign contracts and make deals happen.

• Mercury retrograde creates a sesquiquadrate with the North Node of Destiny on September 9. You can run into a former lover or friend unexpectedly. So, be sure that you are prepared to deal with the past in case it comes back to haunt you. 

• Mercury retrograde shares a semi-sextile with Mars on September 11. This will give us a lot of power and authority in the words that we speak. We will command attention and be able to take action around the promises that we make.

If you’re confused about an important person or situation, a live psychic reading can bring the clarity you need!

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo Effects

-Most intense for: The retrograde will be most intense for Gemini and Virgo. Being that both of these zodiac signs are ruled by the planet Mercury, they will experience the moonwalk the most. This transit can turn their worlds upside down. 

-Most challenging for: Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) Will be hit hard by this planetary backspin. They will be urged to change on a deep level, which could affect their interpersonal relationships as well as their career.

-Most beneficial for: Life is what you make of it. It is not good for any specific zodiac sign. However, if you are willing to use the energy and reassess your life and make changes, it can be an extremely beneficial time for anyone—no matter what sign you are. 

Your 2023 Horoscope has vital information about how to harness Mercury’s powers!

Horoscopes for Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

Aries 

Your daily routine could be in a state of flux, creating havoc in your personal life. In order to keep up with all of the changes that are happening, it’s important for you to create a joint calendar in which everyone can make changes. Then, you won’t get turned upside down and confused about what you were supposed to be doing and when. Being organized isn’t necessarily your thing, but it is important to do at this moment to make sure that you’re on top of things.

Taurus 

An old flame may make its way back into your DM‘s. However, you may not be ready to deal with them on a real level during this retrograde. The fact of the matter is that they’ve hurt you in the past in major ways and you’re not wanting to make amends with them right now (or ever). If you decide to connect with them in a moment of weakness, be prepared for a momentary flirtation that won’t last long and make you more hurt than before, as they’ll most like leave you high and dry.

Gemini 

The retrograde will have an intense impact on your personal life. You will find that you are shifting your values, which may cause a lot of friction with your family or close friends. Opting to be the black sheep of your family and your social circle won’t hold you back from embracing exciting news philosophies. In fact, you will relish being different from others. If you are considering a move at this time, be careful about the choice you are making. You may find that the home that you were choosing has a lot of problems that are unforeseen.

Cancer

You will find that it’s hard for you to express yourself during this planetary retrograde. The reason being is that you’ve been unsure about what you want to put out there into the world. Being that you are super protective of your heart, you don’t want to expose your emotions too much in case they are unreciprocated. The downside to this is that you may never know how other people feel unless you put the energy out there and make the first move.

Leo

You can expect a big payback on money but it’s owed to you at this time. If you have loaned a friend cash in the past, are owed money from the government, or expecting a big raise from work, it may come your way during this mess you created. The caveat is that it may not happen right away and there will be a reading time. This will have a toll on you, as you’re waiting on payments to trickle into your bank account. 

Virgo 

You may feel that a lot of people are projecting their anxieties and frustrations on you. Even though that may be true, it’s important for you to decide how you want to react to them when they do so. Instead of arguing back, it makes more sense to remain silent and to create boundaries with them. After all, you don’t need any bad energy in your life, and it is extremely important for you to deny anyone your time if they have negative vibes.

Libra 

This planetary retrograde is having an adverse effect on your energy levels. You are finding that you are simply exhausted and feeling a little burnt out from all of the effort that you have put into work lately. Allow yourself to decompress a few times a week by sleeping in, having low-key evenings to yourself to rest, and taking relaxing baths. All these self-care activities will be extremely necessary in helping you find your peace of mind and calm over the next several weeks.

Scorpio 

Old acquaintances may send you a social media request or an email to check in. It will be nice to go down memory lane and to get nostalgic with people from your past. However, you should tread lightly and make sure that they don’t have any secret intentions. They could be reaching out for help with a work matter or to reap the benefits of your status. If they do, then you don’t have to pursue a relationship with them going forward and can keep them at arm’s length.

Sagittarius 

An old colleague or boss will reach out on LinkedIn or through social media to offer you a new job. While you might be considering taking the gig, it’s important for you to contemplate whether or not it’s worth making the switch. Also, think about what it was like working for this person and if you want to venture into a new project with them. The choice is yours to make and you should put a lot of thought into it. 

Capricorn 

Although retrogrades aren’t typically the best times to go on vacation, you are wanting to revisit or take a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to see. Don’t hold yourself back from experiencing the world just because the planets aren’t in alliance with your plans. You will find that the vacation is exactly what you needed because your sense of adventure is high. You can have a wonderful time away, even though things may not go as planned due to the Mercurial backspin.

Aquarius 

You are a powerful being and should honor your abilities to see through matters clearly. Being able to cut to the main source of problems and issues with others is a gift that helps you remedy relationships easily. Now, you can use your strengths to make up with people from the past with whom you’ve had problems with. If they’re unwilling to forgive and forget now, then it’s important for you to open the door for them to come back when they are ready to do so without any pressure.

Pisces 

You may be experiencing relationship issues at the moment. Consider working out the matter in a therapy session, counseling, or seeking advice from someone who can mediate the matter at hand. The truth is that you don’t want to be arguing with your partner, which is why it’s best to make amends and heal the problem before it becomes bigger than it is. Be open to new and inventive ways that can help evolve your relationship and bring it to the next level.