Mercury retrograde is almost over—how to protect your relationship against last-minute celestial chaos

Mercury retrograde is like puberty and tax returns—never gentle, totally necessary.

We’re in the final throes of the planet’s rotation, which began in Virgo and is rounding the bases in Leo before going direct on August 28. We will be under the influence of this transit until September 11, when the planet finally clears its post-retrograde shadow, also known as the retro shadow.

Named for the god of messages, Mercury is the planet of communication: mind, mouth, connection, expression, media, technology, travel, commerce, high and low, small and poetic.

Mercury is the fastest moving body in our sky, second only to the Moon. It is known as a personal planet, which means that it affects us significantly, intimately and daily.

Mercury retrograde is massively challenging – perhaps most especially for love seekers and lovers. Indeed71% of respondents admitted that Mercury Retrograde harms their love life, with nearly half of women avoiding first dates during it. transit.

According to Neda, an astrologer and consultant on the dating app Flirtini, this transit increases the risk of major miscommunications, causing even the most comfortable couples to clash and making it difficult for lovers to connect with potential partners.

Don’t be afraid; Neda is ready and under the stars, sharing her three tips to keep your romance game on point.

How to avoid romantic disasters during Mercury retrograde

1. Be careful and considerate in all communications

Given Mercury’s habit of running roughshod over well-intentioned and hasty exchanges during his retrograde cycle, Neda urges caution and encourages eye contact.

“If possible, talk face-to-face to avoid analyzing your every word, and double-check every message before hitting send. Take your time and think it through before you say it – One wrong word can send you on a collision course,” she said.

2. Reflect on the past, but don’t relive it

If long-lost loves, toxic exes, lingering longing or other unresolved feelings surface, Neda encourages people to reckon with the past—but don’t relive it.

“We often push negative experiences to the back of our minds, but there is much to learn from past mistakes and emotional patterns. Journaling your feelings and talking through them can give you more clarity and awareness in your future relationships,” she encouraged.

Journaling about your feelings can help you realize that your ex wasn’t the love of your life—but just a dumpster fire that kept you warm from time to time.

3. Practice patience

When making new connections during Mercury retrograde, Neda asserts that flexibility and patience are your greatest allies.

“When plans don’t work, being frustrated will get you nowhere. Shake it off, use it as an opportunity to be spontaneous and don’t let Mercury ruin your love life,” she said.

Drive with the benefit of the doubt.

We’re all under the cruel grip of Mercury retrograde, but three signs are at a higher risk of romantic ruin in the last gasp of the transit. Looking at you, Virgo, Leo and Gemini. Here is a special tip for you.

Mercury rules Gemini; sothey are often hit harder when the planet is supporting or acting. Neda says the natives would do well to do like Mercury and slow down.

“Frequent confusion, difficulty expressing yourself, heightened emotions – Sound familiar? If so, slow down and avoid making important life decisions, such as starting a relationship. Show some patience, allowing your life to develop naturally, if you want to get rid of stress and misunderstanding.”

Neda points out that, because Mercury is retrograde in their sign, Leos can have a rough ride in these last throes.

“Leos will find their typical confidence and charisma tested, and their bravado may be misconstrued as insensitivity. If you notice that your communication is off, listen carefully and think before you speak – a quick pause can avoid potential conflict.

As Mercury rules Virgo, natives may feel especially disillusioned during the last few days of this transit.

Neda says, “I know you’re a perfectionist, but resist the urge to check every detail. If you can embrace the unpredictability and have fun, enjoy! Otherwise, focus on self-care and activities that can keep your stress levels in check.”

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Astrology 101: Your Guide to the Star

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Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and reports irreverently on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.