Mercury in Virgo ‘23

The planet Mercury (Hermes) enters Virgo today, its home sign and place of exaltation. It goes retrograde on August 23 and will remain in Virgo until early October.

Hermes was the messenger of the gods who was a shapeshifter with a trickster energy. With Mars and Saturn, the malefic planets, in hard aspect to Mercury for most of the month, each of us will likely confront some puzzle/problem to solve over the coming months in the house where Virgo lies in our chart. Mercury is quite strong in Virgo and will need every bit of that analytic skill and playful shapeshifting energy to tackle whatever problem presents itself in the coming weeks.

The good news is that the astrology of August and September shows a possibility of a positive outcome; we start with Mercury with Mars in Virgo both opposing Saturn, which can symbolize being confronted with some problem that will require us to use some serious analytical skills. Later in the month, however, Jupiter the planet of optimism and possibilities is in a nice flowing aspect (a trine) with Mercury, offering some initial help and support. And, Mars will leave Virgo in late August easing up on some of the stress we may feel. Finally, we will have 2 more trines from Jupiter to Mercury in September, suggesting an opening where we might find a creative solution to our problem.

With Mercury in opposition to Saturn, the planet of limitations, you may find yourself a bit dispirited or depressed at the beginning of Mercury's time in Virgo, so it may be useful to remember that a solution will likely present itself with time and a bit of patience. Saturn LOVES it when we are patient:) Also, with Jupiter supporting Mercury, you may find yourself drawn to elders or mentors to help you on this journey. Finally, with Mercury and Saturn both in mutable signs, you'll likely have more capacity than usual to hold things lightly in the midst of any tense energy, allowing you to be receptive to new possibilities as they arise.