Praise be.
On August 11, 2025, Mercury, our planet of the mind and mouth and the mischief that lives between, ends its retrograde.
When does Mercury retrograde end?
Mercury will station direct at 3:29 am ET at 4 degrees of Leo. But it ain’t time for rainbows and reckless abandon quite yet, folks.
After the planet stations direct, we’ll continue to feel the fallout for up to two weeks, a charming/jarring little epilogue known as the shadow period.
Or, if you’re the whimsical type, Mercury “retroshade.”
The fastest-moving planet in our solar system, Mercury, goes retrograde three to four times a year, and when you factor in the shadow periods of the retrograde, we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s slowdown.
The planet won’t clear its post-retrograde shadow until August 25th; until then, we’re still under the influence of this cosmic melee.
When is Mercury direct?
Author and tarot reader Kerry Ward tells The Post, “Things can still feel unsettled and choppy for up to two weeks after Mercury has turned direct.
Don’t rush straight back into booking big trips or moves, making deals, engaging in difficult dialogue or negotiations or upgrading your tech. Allow a bit of grace for issues to resolve themselves.”
Blessedly, the post-retrograde shadow can bring clarity and finality to issues and circumstances we may have been battling during the retrograde cycle.
What is Mercury retrograde?
“This two-week post-retrograde period is a good time to reflect on your hardships and the response of your shadow side (no doubt activated by the frustrations you endured). It’s definitely from our strained moments, impatient episodes, and setbacks that we see the repressed side of our personalities emerge. What did you (or your partner/family) notice about your behavior during this transit?” asks Ward.
For post-retrograde reflection and emotional recalibration, Ward recommends her Unleash Your Shadow Self self-help workbook.
Dear gods, will it get better?
Luckily, there are some positive changes afoot and ahead in August, and they start today.
“On August 12, the Venus-Jupiter conjunction comes with a rare and welcome shift — a moment of clarity and confidence,” Kate Kettlekamp, resident astrologer at Gamblizard and founder of Kronos Astrology, told The Post.
“Later in the month, on August 23, the New Moon in Virgo invites a reset. Think habits, systems, and long-term goals. When Venus enters Leo on August 25, the energy shifts noticeably toward boldness in love, money, and creative choices. Risk is supported here, but only if it’s backed by real intention.”
When is the next Mercury retrograde?
The final Mercury retrograde of the year goes down, or back as it were, in the sign of Sagittarius from November 9 to November 29.
The pre-retrograde/retroshade period will extend from October 21st to December 16th.
Look alive, folks!
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports 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.
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