Mercury Retrograde Is Back — And It Might Bring Your Ex With It

We’ve all been there. One minute, you’re minding your own business, living your best life, and the next, your ex is sliding into your DMs like it’s 2016. So, what gives? Well, you can thank Mercury Retrograde for this delightful blast from the past. However, this retrograde isn’t your typical cosmic rollercoaster — it’s got some extra twists that might make it harder to resist answering that “hey, stranger” text. We asked astrologist Evan Nathaniel Grim to help guide us through this *interesting* time.

How Is This Retrograde Different From The Others?

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Let’s get one thing straight: not all Mercury Retrogrades are created equal. This one is spicier, thanks to a powerful Mercury Cazimi on August 18th and a Full Moon in Aquarius squaring Uranus on August 19th. If that sounds like a mouthful, it’s because it is. The Cazimi is like a mental clarity superpower, but with Uranus in the mix, expect some unexpected revelations. Think “plot twist” energy.

According to Grim, these revelations are likely to hit where it hurts — our relationships. With Venus heading straight for a showdown with Saturn, things are going to get real, real fast. This retrograde isn’t just about miscommunication or lost emails; it’s about making serious decisions in our partnerships. Whether you’re reaffirming your commitment or making peace with a breakup, this Mercury Retrograde could bring all those unresolved feelings to the surface. And yes, that includes the ones involving your ex.

What Signs Will Be Affected By This Retrograde The Most?

If you’re a Virgo, Pisces, Gemini, or Sagittarius, buckle up because this retrograde has your name written all over it. Grim explains that from August 4-14, those with placements in these signs from 0-4 degrees will feel the retrograde’s effects the most. Then, from August 14-28, the cosmic chaos shifts to Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, and Taurus placements from 21-29 degrees. So, if your astrological chart lights up like a Christmas tree in these degrees, don’t be surprised if life feels a little extra retrograde-y.

Why these signs, you ask? Grim says it’s all about Mercury’s journey as it shifts backward from 4 degrees of Virgo to 21 degrees of Leo. This backward dance impacts signs in the mutable (Virgo, Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius) and fixed (Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus) modalities. Basically, these signs are in the cosmic spotlight, and the universe is holding nothing back.

What Signs Will Most Likely Hear From Their Ex?

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Here’s the tea: Virgo, Pisces, and Taurus Risings, you’re at the top of the list for an ex sliding back into your life during this retrograde. Virgos might find themselves closing loops on multiple situations, while Pisces could reconnect with an official ex. For Taurus, it’s more likely to be the return of a situationship that’s been haunting your Insta stories. And let’s not forget Cancer Rising — someone you used to vibe with might just pop back up in your life, whether you’re ready for it or not.

As we move into the Leo phase of the retrograde from August 14-28, Aquarius Risings will be deep in reflection about past partnerships. Aries Risings might stumble upon a casual partner from the past, and Gemini Risings might get a message from a former connection. And if you’re a Leo Rising, you could find yourself reassessing everything, including your relationships.

But the real MVPs of this retrograde? Virgo and Pisces.

“Virgo and Pisces are the most likely to make a serious commitment to someone from their past because of the Saturn-Venus opposition occurring in their axis of the zodiac,” Grim says. So, if you’re a Virgo or Pisces and feeling the urge to revisit an old flame, know that the stars are basically pushing you toward it — but proceed with caution.

If you’re one of these signs and you find yourself reconnecting with an ex during this retrograde, take a moment to reflect. Mercury Retrograde might make the past seem more appealing than it really is.

As Grim advises, “It’s still best to proceed cautiously until Mercury is Direct.” Use this time to gain closure, resolve unresolved matters, and maybe — just maybe — say goodbye for good. Or, who knows, maybe you’ll finally get that closure you’ve been needing. Just remember, the stars can only guide you — the rest is up to you.