Here's How Mercury Retrograde Will Affect You, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

As Mercury retrograde begins on Aug. 5, astrologer Lisa Stardust tells PEOPLE it’s most important to 'use this time to our advantage and heal the past'

Prepare for a little bit of chaos as Mercury retrograde takes place this month.

Astrologer Lisa Stardust tells PEOPLE this retrograde, a phenomenon which happens every few months, occurs “when the planet Mercury is moving in slower motion than Earth, creating an optical illusion,” which makes the planet appear to be moving backward.

This month’s Mercury retrograde will take place in the signs of Virgo and Leo starting around midnight on Aug. 5 and lasting until Aug. 28.

Nicknamed the “swift planet” because of how rapidly it moves through the solar system, Mercury touches various aspects of our lives, including communication, business, technology and more.

“The trickster planet will begin its moonwalk in Virgo but from Aug. 14 to the 28th, Mercury will be backsliding in the sign of Leo grade, unveiling many things, particularly our deepest emotions,” explains Stardust (who is partnering with Klarna for a Mercury retrograde shopping guide).

“We are redefining relationships and moving towards what brought us joy in the past,” Stardust adds. “Also, we are embracing our heartfelt sentiments from our youth and using them to lean into our inner child.”

As to what to be wary of? “As always, watch out for miscommunications, travel delays, fake news, reversal of fortunes and technological issues, The best time of the retrograde occurs on August 18, when the Sun and Mercury connect at the same degree of Leo, forming the ‘cazimi’ aspect, in which the Sun gives Mercury retrograde energy. Use that day to make plans or sign contracts.”

While Mercury retrograde can be “erratic,” Stardust adds that it’s most important we “use this time to our advantage and heal the past.”

Here’s what Mercury retrograde means for your zodiac sign, based on Stardust’s readings.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

It’s time to let loose, Aries. Stardust says “if you've been stressed out from work or drama with your colleagues, now is the time to cut back your hours and have some fun.” That means putting some PTO on your calendar and enjoying the last few days of summer with your friends and loved ones. “Plan events that you can host for your crew that may bring good vibes,” Stardust adds.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Time to reignite a spark, Taurus. Stardust teases that “a past creative project that's been put on the side” will have “newfound relevance in your life” during this season, “Go back to the drawing board and add your love of nature or anything that inspires you at this moment in time to help in re-envisioning your goals to complete the project,” she adds.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Family ties will be top of mind, Gemini, as Stardust reveals that this retrograde will force you to “deal with old family situations” that you've been avoiding. “It might be time to discuss your feelings about a situation with your brood; however, it's advisable to choose a time in which everyone is able to connect and put distractions aside in order for you to be heard,” Stardust says.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Choose your words, carefully, Cancer, as Stardust teases that mercury retrograde could cause some communication issues. “It may be hard to control what you say, which is why it's advisable to think things through before expressing them,” Stardust warns, noting this also applies to sending texts and emails. “Give them a read-through and edit wisely in order to send clear messages.”

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Don’t get bent out of shape, Leo. While starting new things may seem hard during this time, Stardust tells you not to “get frustrated if it takes you a hot minute to get your intentions moving,” adding that you should “go with the flow and embrace the energy.” Instead, “let things happen when they're meant to and do not rush the process.”

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take a breather, Virgo. Stardust teases that this retrograde will be exhausting on “your body, mind and spirit,” which is “all the more reason for you to take time out from the social scene and decompress.” Stardust suggests you “spend time implementing self-care and self-love into your daily routine in order to seek pleasure and goodness.”

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Old friends could reappear in your life during this time, Libra. Stardust teases that people from your past could come back to “make amends,” but “it’s up to you to decide how you want to move forward” with the relationship. “If people have grown and evolved, then maybe it's time for you to let the past be in the past and to cultivate a new relationship with them,” Stardust says.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Continue to navigate that work-life balance, Scorpio. Stardust foresees that work could cause some major headaches during this time, making it vital for you to “find balance in your life.” This can be done by “focusing on your personal needs and relaxing” as this retrograde urges “you to have a few moments of calm and chill in the weeks ahead.”

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Right in line with your adventurous spirit, Sagittarius, this retrograde will have you daydreaming about a vacation or trip. “Your wanderlust spirit is urging you to go to places you've been fantasizing of since you were younger,” Stardust says, so take the opportunity to do it!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

This will be an insightful period for you, Capricorn. Stardust suggests you use this time to “open books that have been collecting dust on your shelf and use their wisdom to attain greatness.” Not only will this “help you enhance your intellectualism and allow you to win any debate that begins,” but Stardust says it will “also offer you a different perspective on matters.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

This will be a time of great thought, Aquarius, which shouldn’t be hard for your intellectual Air sign. “You might find that your intuition is heightened at this time; however, that doesn't mean the universe is telling you things that are precisely on point,” Stardust says. “Try to unmask the truth by evaluating situations and relationships,” Stardust adds, noting that “overthinking can offer clarity.”

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Mercury retrograde could have you dancing with old flames, Pisces. Though an old love could push you to reconnect, it’s important “to understand their presence in your life at this moment” and “engage in a discussion with them.” While Stardust points out that they “may not have changed, it will be nice to catch up and get the closure that you need to move on.”

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