It's Mercury Retrograde — Has your ex come back yet?

That dreaded time of year, Mercury Retrograde, is coming to an end. Even though we go through this three times a year, every time it comes around it feels we're completely unprepared for it. Here is a little recap for those just getting into astrology: Mercury Retrograde is when Mercury appears to be going backward in the sky. Astrologically, this turns the world around a little bit and asks us to revisit themes from our past in order to heal and move forward. Additionally, there are always a few side effects of Mercury Retrograde, including travel delays, delays in plans generally, miscommunication, technical issues, and, yes, your ex coming back. 

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo 

This Mercury Retrograde is stationed in Virgo, a mutable sign that's known for picking up on all the small details. Virgo typically has a bad rep for being petty and passive-aggressive, but this is because Virgo is a sign that reads into the details and takes actions and small slights to heart. With this Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, we’re called to quiet down. Whatever you say can and will be held against you at this time. It's very likely that arguments might pop up however, it’s important not to engage. With Mercury Retrograde in Virgo and Mars and Jupiter in Gemini, it’s safe to say that the less you say, the better. 

What to do if your ex is coming back on Mercury Retrograde?

When it comes to exes coming back, the best thing you can do this retrograde (and every retrograde) is not engage. There's very little in the universe right now that's saying it will be a good and healthy conversation. All signs are pointing to a knock-out-drag-out fight, babes. But why is it that we're seeing more exes coming back this retrograde compared to the previous? Well, it’s because Mercury is in alignment with Venus, the planet of love, so while in retrograde, themes of past love are coming forward. As mentioned before, Mercury Retrograde asks us to be introspective and look to the past as a way to move on. For matters of love, this might mean getting closure from a past relationship or recognizing any negative thought patterns or toxic habits you have that you need to address. 

Make time for yourself

One thing is certain, though: for a lot of sun signs, exes are coming back into your life, but tread with caution. Now is not the time to get back together with them; now is the time to learn from your past relationships, look at them with a discerning eye, and try to move forward. If you're recently single and still dealing with your breakup, lean into your feelings. Mercury Retrograde isn't a time to run away and suppress, it's a time to feel, meditate, journal, and live your emotions. It can be really easy to avoid feeling your feelings. Try your best to make time for yourself. 

An opportunity for growth

The healing process isn't linear, and right now, the universe is putting your hurt right in front of you and demanding that you address it. We're being tested and asked to ask ourselves the hard questions — was I the problem? Did I handle that situation well? Do I love myself as much as I love others? Can I give myself the love that I deserve? If you can sit down with these themes and really process your relationships, it will open you up to great things. Sometimes, we need to revisit the past in order to prepare for the future.