Mercury retrograde has just begun. In task-oriented Virgo, to September 21, the retrograde is well aligned with back-to-it season. The focus is on specific work, correction, repair, revision, and healing. The focus is also on what or who is missing; what hasn’t been said, done, or included; what isn’t yet complete; and the problem, negative, or shortfall. The details or missing pieces are of issue. It’s easy to get it wrong or to follow the wrong advice. Ask more questions; get a second opinion; hire a specialist. Omissions can make for extra headache, heartache, or expense. While you can never be too careful, there are times when too much concentration on the small stuff can get in the way.

Thursday’s solar eclipse in Virgo underscores the karmic nature. A sense of added anxiety to get on with it is your clue. Time is moving on, and it waits for no one. Necessity calls for more serious ambition toward the work and the future. The eclipse draws from cut-to-the-chase Mars and the Saturn/Neptune transit that has been in operation since the end of 2014. The changing face of our worldly and personal reality is now undeniably well into its program. Marking endings, beginnings, and transitions of significance, remember that an eclipse can be event-generating before, during, or after the actual date.

Friday’s Mercury/Jupiter goes deeper into the conversation, exploration, or process. Setting a productive backdrop, Tuesday’s sun/Pluto and Wednesday’s Venus/Saturn help us to get the new initiative started on the right foot.

Aries
March 20 - April 20

Thursday’s solar eclipse marks an auspicious time to get to work, to get it fixed or healed. Yes, sign up for more training; hone a specialty. Mercury retrograde suggests that a repeat or revisit is particularly well timed. There’s something more to work out with a key person; perhaps travel or legal steps are necessary. Take extra good care of the furry folk.

Taurus
April 20 - May 20

If you are born at the end of April or the end of Taurus, then Thursday’s bring-it-to-life eclipse will hold added promise. Of course, it sets a particularly opportune/fertile backdrop for all. The eclipse gifts you with a second chance. Mercury retrograde, a repeat or remeet influence, underscores the karmic nature of the moment. Optimize on Thursday, Friday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Gemini
May 21 - June 21

It’s time to let go of the past, to let go of preconceived expectations, judgments, or ideas, and to allow the future to unwrap itself. Thursday’s eclipse can uproot you and change your address, career focus, or life course. A significant goodbye, departure, homecoming, or revamp can be part of the mix. Mercury retrograde can extend a revisit, renovation, or work-it-out period.

Cancer
June 21 - July 22

What’s next? Thursday’s solar eclipse can present more questions than answers. Although the future holds uncertainty, it is infused with greater-than-average potential. Today sets up tomorrow, so aim for a great launch. Do what you can as you can—it will add up. Mercury retrograde is an ideal time to train/study, resume, revisit, reapply, talk it over, or try again.

Leo
July 22 - August 23

Give up to get; streamline, cut back, repair, or replace it. An upfront or extra payment can be required. Thursday’s solar eclipse can create a void, alert you to a missing element, open it up unexpectedly, or put you on the shortlist. Second-guessing, doubt, worry, or necessity can get the better of you initially, but in the end you stand to gain.

Virgo
August 23 - September 23

Thursday’s solar eclipse is particularly catalytic if it’s also your birthday or if you are born in the first few days of September or the last few days of Virgo. For all, it is a very potent kickoff time. Mercury retrograde in Virgo gives you an extended time to get a better fix on it. Friday, Tuesday, and Wednesday should prove productive and smooth-running.

Libra
September 23 - October 23

Keep it simple and open-ended for now. The solar eclipse and Mercury retrograde can dish up something unforeseen, especially Thursday through Sunday. The best you can do is to put safety first, to take it one step at a time, and to allow rather than to push. Answers, clarity, plans, and circumstances will chart their own course. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’ll make good progress.

Scorpio
October 23 - November 22

Mercury retrograde and Thursday’s solar eclipse can put you back in the game, perhaps unexpectedly so. Expect to reconnect with folks or to revisit a plan, goal, or project. Perhaps there’s something more to experience or express. You could part ways with a lover or a special someone. The solar eclipse can also boost income or restimulate a moneymaking prospect. Tuesday/Wednesday are optimal.

Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21

While Mercury retrograde may pile on extra work and/or pile up necessity, Thursday’s solar eclipse signals the start of a new career and/or personal-life chapter. Avoidance is futile. Perhaps you don’t have everything you need or want just yet—don’t let it stop you. Friday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are your best days to make the call and/or give it another shot.

Capricorn
December 21 - January 20

It seems you have more to consider, discuss, explore, and/or try than you have assumed or assessed. By all means, go further, do more, seek more. No matter what package it comes in, consider what shows up now a saving grace. If there’s something to fix or to be gained, it’s better soon rather than later.

Aquarius
January 20 - February 18

There’s always room for improvement. Thursday’s solar eclipse spotlights health and wealth. Sorting out is likely to involve more than just you alone. More discussion, negotiation, tests, information, research, or air-clearing is needed. Intimacy—or lack of it—is another topic up for review. Friday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are great for a revisit or remeet.

Pisces
February 18 - March 19

Some things are simple and straightforward; some are not. A key relationship can keep you coming, going, or guessing. You could be called on to help or for a bailout. The eclipse could also busy you with a contract renewal, repair project, or money matter. Thursday/Friday is exposing. Tuesday/Wednesday, you’ll get a good handle on it.