Art: Kimberlee Kessler

“Circle back” is the working title for this week as Mercury retrograde asks you to do just that. Issues (or drama) from last week are up for debate, as resolve crumbles and we begin to wonder, “was that really a good idea?” It could be cause for fireworks (or more likely, waterworks) especially on Tuesday and Wednesday when the moon and Mars make everyone a little more sensitive than usual.

The good news? After from Thursday onwards, things look a little smoother as la luna inspires a more outgoing mood. The discontent from Monday/Tuesday should evolve beyond the initial “ouch” to to “opportunity.” The mood, reminiscent of the old saying, “necessity is the mother of invention”. Get crafty and look outside your comfort zone to discover the solution to misunderstandings.

Hot tip: I always recommend you read your rising sign for the most resonant advice. If you don’t know it, you can work it out by casting your chart here. Want to learn more? Pick up a copy of my book The Astrology Of You: Finding Love, Creativity and Soul Purpose In Your Birth Chart or find me on Instagram at @emma_vee

Aries and Aries rising

As tempting as it may be to rush out of the gates on a new idea, now is not the time to press go. In fact, it’s kind of the opposite. Getting worked up while you’re stuck in traffic won’t get you to work any faster. It’s an analogy that will come in handy this week. Resign yourself to the glacial pace and save your energy for something you can change… no sooner than Friday

Taurus and Taurus rising

If you feel like you’re struggling to get out of second gear this week, you have every right to blame Mercury retrograde. As it slowly lurches back to reassess the loose ends of last week, moving fast will be near impossible. Build in extra time and aim to under commit to avoid disappointing anyone.

Gemini and Gemini rising

With your ruling planer shuffling backwards you’d be forgiven for feeling a little less than your usually sparkly self this week. Use the gentler pace to lean in to self-care and treat yourself to some quiet nights in. Even Geminis need downtime

Cancer and cancer rising

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself living up to your astrological motif (read: crabby) as the week gets off to a touchy start. Rest assured that the irritation you feel early on the week is temporary and not indicative of this entire mercury retrograde. When tempers flare, slow down and prioritise movement.

Leo and Leo rising

Reevaluating the state of play – especially at work – is your only mission this week. While the powers that be will be moving slower than usual (or possibly not at all) use the time to focus on your own priorities and figure out what genuinely matters for you. No sudden movements, just give yourself time for some soul searching.

Virgo and Virgo rising

Take your foot off the gas this week and let your to-do list slide. As eclipse season continues to shake things up, the retrograde challenges you to take your hands off the wheel and let things play out. No big decisions, just let yourself explore possibilities as they arise. Visibility may not be great right now so best to avoid any giant leaps.

Libra and Libra rising

A spicy start to the week could leave you feeling affronted, particularly with someone at work. As a decision or move comes unstuck, maintaining a sense of composure amidst the big shifts will be your biggest challenge – but not an impossible task. Ride it out and have faith things are not done changing just yet.

Scorpio and Scorpio rising

Rehashing an issue from last week could feel draining, or downright irritating especially before Wednesday. Tempting as it is to retreat into your shell, this is something that needs to be hashed out. Take it slow and aim for steadiness and a calm exploration of the underlying issue rather than a fast and fiery resolution.

Sagittarius and Sagittarius rising

With eclipse season shaking up the snow-dome that is your life, the reflex to make sudden movements when drama descends will be big. But now is now is not a great time to cut and run. Try to sit and wait to see where the cards land. This week they’re still very much up in the air.

Capricorn and Capricorn rising

Hearts will be worn firmly on sleeves this week, especially on Monday and Tuesday. Remember no amount of pragmatism will ease a situation when hypersensitivity is involved. If you do put your foot in it, apologise and then give the person space to lick their wounds and trust  that things will feel considerably less raw by the weekend.

Aquarius and Aquarius rising

Turning the tables to reframe an ongoing issue – potentially around home and family – could have you ready to sign your life away. But before you’re swept away in the excitement, give yourself time to fully investigate all your options. Fools rush in, and right now rushing would require brute force. So bide your time and let things unfold gradually.

Pisces and Pisces rising

There’s some he said/she said feels this week with Mercury retrograde and eclipse season setting the scene for all the crossed wires. Reread emails, reconfirm reservation and pay extra for tracking on your DePops. This is a time when things will get lost, forgotten or misunderstood. Slow and steady and you’ll make it out with minimal fuss.