Mercury Retrograde Ending in Cancer Means This Week May Bring a Much-Needed Release

As we shift out of the summer-eclipse season and resettle into a new, more aligned, normal, we embrace another week that asks us to feel, shed, and reemerge in our power. And to be sure, this ask—with Mercury stationing direct and the sun trine Neptune on the same day—requires a major release of ideas, negativity, and emotional weight on our shoulders.

Mercury finally goes direct on July 12th at five degrees in the sign of the crab. On this same day, the sun in Cancer makes a positive trine to Neptune, which is currently stationed in Pisces. Cancer and Pisces are both water signs, and this trine is tinged with the ethereal, mystical, and clarifying qualities of this element.

With Mercury also going direct in a water sign, you may finally feel ready to commit to a new idea or communicate your feelings. That said, even though Mercury is moving forward again, he’s still in his retroshade shadow, and as a result, we may still feel a bit foggy from his backspin. So make sure to implement your ideas and feelings slowly.

The cosmos asks us to acclimate and integrate the lessons we’ve learned during this retrograde in Cancer. As the sign that rules our roots, our memories, and our heritage, Cancer offers tough medicine: to heal our histories, both personally and collectively, so that as a world, we can begin to move in the direction of cosmic health.

Mercury’s retrograde at this placement encouraged us to take a deep dive into our past and make peace with our memories. And with the sun trine Neptune on the same day he goes direct, the energy is ripe for a revelation that will finally help you release something that’s been weighing you down.

With the sun trine Neptune on the same day Mercury goes direct, the energy is ripe for a revelation that will finally help you release something that’s been weighing you down.

Also on the 12th, the waning quarter moon occurs at 21 degrees in Aries. This marks the halfway point between the full moon (and lunar eclipse in Capricorn) and the upcoming new moon. With eclipse season behind us and Mercury course-correcting, this is truly a turning point. We get a chance to digest all the pressure and intensity of where we’ve been and let go of that burden. If you can, find a way to connect with water that day. Whether it’s swimming in open water, taking a bath, or just having a good cry, spending time near water will feel extra soothing.

On the 14th, the sun in Cancer opposes Jupiter, and on the 15th, the sun opposes Pluto. Jupiter and Pluto have been in a tight conjunction in Capricorn for some time, and with the sun opposing this aspect, there’s potential for whatever you’re working on to go big. The key for maximizing this opportunity is to pay close attention to wherever in your life is in the midst of massive transformation.

Give your ego identity a moment to catch up to your spiritual evolution in order to work toward alignment. The synergy of this transit is asking us to own our power and to wield our power ethically. Now’s the time to stand behind what you truly believe, but consciously and driven by the values and ethics guiding your life.

In the midst of this, Mars conjoins Chiron, the wounded healer, in Aries. Chiron in the first sign of the zodiac calls upon us to really examine the wounds of our identity. Mars is all about power, force, and moment, and with this transit happening in a fire sign, it can feel like a lot.

All transits these two days are in cardinal signs—the sun in Cancer opposing Jupiter and Pluto in Capricorn, and Mars and Chiron in Aries—which represent initiation and change. We’re in the midst of massive global change, and we’re only halfway through this astrologically intense year. We have more to go, but for now, it’s essential that we take a moment to integrate what we’ve learned from shifting power dynamics while setting the intention for how we’d like our world (and ourselves) to change.

Lastly, the sun squares Eris on the 16th. Eris is the dwarf planet of discord and feminine rage, and she’s currently transiting through Aries, the sign of aggression. Instead of turning that frustration on ourselves, though, this transit asks us to honor our collective rage. With the world continuing to awaken to systemic injustices, rage is warranted. Use it with the intention.

We’ve been through a lot this year, but this week marks an important turning point. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to process all that you’ve been through and release what doesn’t serve you or your goals so that you can get clear on the productive power you can use to invigorate the back half of the year.

Jennifer Racioppi is the creator of Lunar Logic—a philosophy that integrates the deep wisdom of both science and spirituality, and blends her expertise in astrology, positive psychology, and women’s health—to coach high-achieving female entrepreneurs to reach their next level of success.