Warning—Your Weekly Horoscope Says Mercury Retrograde Is Back in Town, Baby

Your horoscope for the week of August 20 to 26 is a wild ride from start to finish, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be enjoying yourself. Through these peaks and valleys, you’re discovering new highs and new lows. Through these trials and tribulations, you’re sparking a match that lights a fire of inspiration.

The beginning of the week is a beautiful time to indulge and treat yourself, as romantic Venus—which happens to be retrograde—will square off with expansive Jupiter on August 22. This will deepen your hunger for pleasure, affection, luxury, and all the good things that make life worthwhile. However, as passionate Mars opposes drifty, dreamy, and illusive Neptune, you may find that your intentions—as well as those of others—are clouded from your understanding. Even if you know what you want, you may not yet know the real reason why you want it.

Say goodbye to Leo season, because on August 23, the sun will enter productive, analytical, and pragmatic Virgo at bright and early at 5:01 a.m. ET, helping us get organized and intentional about our most realistic goals. Virgo is a hard-worker with a keen attention to detail, but as Mercury immediately stations retrograde at 3:59 p.m. ET, you’ll soon discover the real chaos of this mutable earth sign. Taking place in Virgo, this retrograde is bound to affect communication, comprehension, logic, technology, and all forms of analysis. It’s important to plan ahead and double check everything, especially during the first few days after Mercury stations.

If you’re already feeling overwhelmed with frustrations and misunderstandings, you’ll tap into a deep source of willpower as determined Mars forms a trine with regenerative Pluto on August 24. Even though you may be going to some dark places, you’re rediscovering the strength that lies dormant in your shadow self. Allow your hidden talents to come alive, saving you when you need it most.

How the Planets Will Affect Your Zodiac Sign This Week