If you’ve spent the last three weeks scowling at the sky and wondering which planet is messing your life up, it was probably Mercury. The zodiac’s master of communication started a summer backspin in emotional Cancer on 29 June, bringing friction to the friend group, drama to the dinner table, and the one ex you swore you’d never speak to again direct to your DMs. If your love life just hit a whole new level of ‘it’s complicated’, you’re definitely not alone.
You’re not alone if you thought Mercury retrograde was all about missed trains, lost keys and tech issues, either. We’ve all seen the memes blaming the solar system’s smallest planet for all manner of daily mishaps, but its impact on our love lives is far less talked-about.
A relationship status shake-up is always a possibility when Mercury retrograde ushers in its classic combination of mixed messages and misunderstandings. But position the planet in nostalgic, grudge-holding, deep-feeling Cancer and it’s a romantic rollercoaster waiting to happen.
The good news is that forward motion officially resumed on 23 July, which puts positive progress back on the romantic agenda. That doesn’t mean it’s cosmic plain sailing for the rest of the summer, though. Read on for everything you need to know about what’s next, and how to make the most of the new energies, according to your star sign.
Now that retrograde is over, what is ‘Mercury direct’?
Mercury direct means the planet is taking its usual forward-motion spin through the zodiac. Mercury retrograde (which is an optical illusion rather than actual backward motion) happens three times a year for around three weeks at a time. Mercury is currently direct in Cancer (until 9 August when it moves into Leo), which is good news for positive connections, romantic progress and getting feelings out in the open.
What other astrological energies should we be aware of right now?
It’s Leo season and the planet of luck, Jupiter, is also in big-hearted Leo, bringing positive energy to our romantic liaisons. There’s a powerful full moon in quirky, free-spirited Aquarius on 29 July that could rock a few relationship boats, though. Aquarius loves freedom and full moons are portals for manifestation and new beginnings, so be careful what you wish for as the month draws to a close. This is the last full moon before eclipse season begins on 12 August, bringing wake-up calls and shake-ups our way. And when Saturn retrograde begins on 26 July, we’ll have a total of three planets retrograde in the skies (Neptune and Pluto are also retrograde).
Is Saturn retrograde as bad as it sounds?
Yes and no! Saturn is the karmic taskmaster of the zodiac, forcing us to grown up, get real and take responsibility for our actions. Anyone over the age of 30 will know this all too well, having experienced their first life-changing Saturn return. Saturn retrograde doesn’t throw our lives into chaos in quite the same way, though. It’s more of a time for introspection, deep thought and working out ways to avoid repeating past mistakes. Good news for anyone ready to break a situationship cycle this summer.
What Mercury direct means for your sign and love life:
Aries
If you’re ready to put yourself out there, get back on the apps or take a flirtation to a whole new level, this is your moment, Aries. There’s commitment on the cards if you invest time in the right person, too. Someone who makes you feel at home is the answer.
Taurus
Romance might not feel like your biggest priority right now but there’s an important conversation to be had now Mercury is direct again. Tell someone how you feel and be honest about what you want to build together, Taurus. Something real will follow.
Gemini
Self-worth is the key to relationship success for you this summer. Say no to situationships and yes to someone who makes you feel like you’re enough just as you are. The biggest romance of your life won’t be the one that shouts the loudest.
Cancer
Mercury direct in your sign puts you and your desires back in the spotlight. Don’t be afraid to make a bold move this summer. A wake-up call connected to your future with someone could change your trajectory this August. Know that an ending is a beginning in disguise.
Leo
This is one hell of a summer for love-seeking Leos, but there’s closure to seek before you launch yourself into a romance. Make peace with the past and allow yourself to believe in second chances. The kind of love you want to find you is waiting in the wings.
Virgo
Fun and friendship might take priority over love for Virgo this summer and that’s no bad thing. You’ve been through a lot lately and it’s time to lighten the load. The more time you spend putting yourself back together again the better your relationships will get.
Libra
It’s good vibes all the way for Libra this summer and whether you’re hitting the beach, the bar or the festival circuit you’ll attract your fair share of attention. Just take care not to have your head turned if you’re already committed. It is possible to have too much of a good thing!
Scorpio
If a holiday romance sounds like a dream come true, book yourself on the next flight somewhere sunny. There’s magic in the air when you escape the grind this summer. There’s power couple energy in the cosmos, too. It’s time to level up.
Sagittarius
Take some time out to focus on a relationship this summer if you can, Sagittarius. And the further away from home the better! The passion you know you deserve isn’t missing in action, you just need to create the space for it to happen. Be bold enough to say what you want out loud.
Capricorn
Mercury direct in your love zone after three weeks retrograde should come as a relief, Capricorn. Finally, you can get things back on track again. The question is: do you still want to? Be honest with yourself about what you want and then be honest with someone else.
Aquarius
Create a life you don’t feel the need to escape from this summer and romance will follow. There’s a love life turning point headed your way. Expect the unexpected but know that your luck is in. Let your heart lead the way.
Pisces
It’s time for Pisces to lighten up and stop taking a relationship so seriously. The more fun you have this summer, the better life gets. A little bit of jealousy could work in your favour, too. Don’t be afraid to let someone see the attention you get when you allow yourself to shine.
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