Retroshade:
This is the period that happens both before and after a planet’s actual retrograde period (pre- and post-shadow).
The pre-shadow period is when a planet slows down before turning retrograde, while the post-shadow is when it regains speed after turning direct.
Mercury enters its pre-shadow period on July 16 until it turns retrograde on August 4/5, depending on your timezone.
During the pre-shadow, when Mercury slows down before it officially turns retrograde, it moves through the area of the sky it will revisit during retrograde. Whatever themes or issues come up during that pre-shadow time are likely to resurface when Mercury is retrograde.
For example, if you’re dealing with friendship issues or challenges with work, they are likely to resurface for review, revision, and/or reconsideration during Mercury’s retrograde period.
In other words, the pre-shadow gives you a glimpse of the issues or themes that will be revisited during Mercury’s retrograde.
During the post-shadow, Mercury will retrace the same part of the sky it did during the pre-shadow and retrograde period, and those same challenges that arose during those periods are likely to resolve or come to full-circle moments.
Mercury’s pre-shadow, retrograde, and post-shadow period will cover 21-29° of Leo and 0-4° of Virgo between July 16 and September 11.
Here are some reflection prompts to help you figure out what this retrograde period will mean for you:
What houses belong to Leo and Virgo in my birth chart?
Do I have any points or planets within 21-29° of Leo or 0-4° of Virgo in my birth chart?
What is arising for me during this Mercury retrograde pre-shadow period?
What is in need of a backup plan?Â
How can I integrate more moments of reflection into my life during the retroshade & retrograde periods?Â
If you want a deep dive into what this Mercury Rx period will mean for you based on your sign, a Mercury Rx survival guide + rituals — enter the MC Portal below.