If you've been feeling rather out of sorts recently - whether you're under the weather with no symptoms, or struggling to feel satisfaction where you once used to - there could actually be a pretty reasonable explanation as to why.
That's because we're right in the midst of a Mercury retrograde, a time of year summarised for many by sadness, anxiety and all-round bad vibes.
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Now, we're here to fill you in on all the need-to-knows, as well as which star signs will be most affected by the astrological phenomenon.
What is Mercury retrograde?
First things first, let's get into what a planet being in retrograde actually means.
According to celebrity expert astrologer, Inbaal Honigman, when we say that a planet is in retrograde, it means that it appears to be going backwards in the sky.
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Speaking to Tarotoo, she explained: "In actual fact, planets can only ever travel forward, along their orbit, but because our planet Earth moves, too, sometimes planets appear as if they're going backwards.
"When a planet is retrograde, we view it as bringing challenges within the realm of that particular planet, and also potentially dragging the past into the present."
It started on 4 August and is set to go on for 23 days.
Still with us? Great.
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But what actually happens during this time?
When Mercury is in retrograde, not only will the star sign ruled by this planet be affected, but it will also have a knock on affect on some other horoscopes - two others in particular.
"This planet has a strong impact on all things communication - emails, online shopping, texts, conversations, speeches and even contracts," Inbaal explained.
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She added that even the most conversational of individuals may find themselves stunted during the period, and that chatting in person and via the telephone could lead to some serious miscommunication.
We could also see important emails going missing, passwords getting accidentally changed and phone numbers being deleted as communication takes a hit.
Which star signs will be the most affected?
Let's finally answer the most dreaded of questions - which star signs are most likely to feel the brunt of Mercury retrograde?
Virgo
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According to Inbaal, between 4 and 14 of August, Mercury reverses through the sign of Virgo.
She explained that the most likely areas of daily life to be affected through this unavoidable low patch are close friendships and career, so great care should be taken in these regions, at least until the end of this week.
Leo
Once Virgo babies' rough spell is over, it's likely be be Leos that take a hit, particularly between the 14 and 27 August, being that the planet is retrograde in the sign of Leo.
A horoscope famed for their ability to remain in control and on top of life, Mercury retrograde might see the opposite being the case for Leos. They're likely lose things, accidentally say the wrong thing, or slip up at work. Therefore, vigilance is key for Leos at this time.
Gemini
As we say, there's always one star sign ruled by each planet, and in Mercury's case, it's Gemini. Therefore, whenever the planet hits an unexpected bump, Gemini babies will feel it innately.
"This August, Mercury reverses first through meticulous Virgo," explained Inbaal. "And then through proud Leo, therefore Gemini can find themselves doubly hit." She added that, being that every Gemini has two sides - they can be attentive, or aloof, and sociable, or solitary - one of these sides will inevitably be affected, 'so Mercury attempts to divide and rule the Gemini by messing with each personality in turn'.
So, good luck, guys!
Topics: Mental Health, Health, Astrology, Life, Real Life
Rhianna Benson