Hamilton Horoscopes: Retrograde Edition
by Mariam Saied ’23, Resident Astrologist
As you all should know by now, Mercury is in retrograde in Libra until Oct. 18. Mercury is the planet of intellect and communication, though, the effect that its retrograde has on each sign is largely dependent on which house the transit falls in for each sign. Let’s unpack that.
Jan. 20-Feb. 18: Aquarius
February 19-March 20: Pisces
March 21-April 19: Aries
April 20-May 20: Taurus
May 21-June 20: Gemini
June 21-July 22: Cancer
July 23-August 22: Leo
August 23-Sept. 22: Virgo
Sept. 23-Oct. 22: Libra
Oct.23-Nov. 21: Scorpio
Nov. 22-Dec. 21: Sagittarius
Dec. 22-Jan. 19: Capricorn
Aries
Don’t Aries your relationships up this retrograde. It falls in your seventh house, the house of partnerships. Even the best of intentions can get scrambled, so think deeply before you act and communicate with those you love. Don’t make people guess what you need, you’ll never be satisfied that way.
Taurus
Focus in on your well-being right now. Mercury is turning retrograde in your sixth house of health, organization and self-care. Stress levels may be high and as a fixed sign it probably feels like the end of the world when you fall out of your routines. If you work on managing your stress levels you’ll be thriving. Stay hydrated and well-rested, bestie.
Gemini
Not only is Mercury turning retrograde in your fifth house, but Gemini itself is ruled by Mercury. The effects of this retrograde hit you harder than most. With the fifth house ruling love and creativity, you need to be prepared for things to go sideways in those areas. Mercury retrogrades are notorious for bringing exes back, but if that happens to you don’t feel like you have to take their bait. Good luck out there.
Cancer
Trouble at home, Cancer? This retrograde is turning in your fourth house, the house of the home. Things could get a little bit dicey in the environment where you feel the most safe. Ride out any storms and don’t give petty arguments your time. If something feels off, try to pinpoint what (or who) and remove them from your space.
Leo
As if Mercury retrogrades didn’t mess with communication enough, this one falls in your house of communication! This twisted third house energy you have may trouble holding your tongue during this transit. Try to postpone important work calls or emotionally combustible conversations until Mercury goes direct. Just be quiet this one time.
Virgo
This retrograde is turning in your second house, the house of finances. Oy vey. Virgo is another mercury ruled sign so, this retrograde is extra tough for you. Try to be proactive when it comes to potential fiscal and security issues. Things could get quite messy.
Libra
Not only is Mercury turning retrograde in your sign, but the transit is falling in your first house! The house of the self! At the same time, though, the Sun is in your sign. You may be hyper-aware of how people perceive you right now, channeling that energy into curating your personal brand could help you alleviate some stress. You have more agency than you think, Libra!
Scorpio
This is an intense retrograde for you, Scorpio. Mercury is turning in your unconscious and imaginative 12th house! Surface level conversations aren’t worth your time right now, it’s time to get introspective and focus on the deeper things. Saving your words for moments when they seem to have real value will allow you more time to develop your listening skills.
Sagittarius
Mercury is moving backward through your 11th house of networking and teamwork, making it likely that old friends and colleagues may suddenly resurface. The way this plays out is dependent on you. You’re usually all in and let your unfiltered wit loose in group settings, but maybe take a second and think a little bit more before you speak. This is prime time for people you work with to take things the wrong way.
Capricorn
Patience is key this retrograde, Capricorn! You might face some major difficulties in the workplace as Mercury spins retrograde in your professional 10th house. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Adjust plans that might not be as realistic as they once seemed. Review, revise, repeat! At the same time, don’t let people assume that your flexibility means they can walk all over you.
Aquarius
If you have any trips coming up between now and Oct. 18, make “Hi, just confirming!” your new mantra. This retrograde falls in your ninth house, which rules travel. If you don’t have concrete plans, maybe hold off until Mercury goes direct to make some. If that’s not an option, however, double-check (even triple-check) everything! Smooth sailing is possible if you run a tight ship.
Pisces
Honey, you’re gonna want to take a seat for this one. This transit falls in the secretive and emotionally intense eighth house. You think and speak in beautiful, poetic ways, and while I love you for that, a lot of people may not be a fan of it during this retrograde. Try not to get lost in the strong feelings you experience, but instead take some deep breaths and stop to observe them.
