Whether or not you believe in the zodiac, people have been observing activity in the night sky for centuries. Mercury in retrograde is an astrological event in which Mercury appears to reverse it's direction. However, it is not actually going backwards, but instead is an illusion known as "retrograde motion." Because we can only see the planets from Earth, which is also spinning, our view of them is skewed by our perception.

Scientists debate with astrologists about it's significance and influence on the day-to-day lives of humans on planet Earth. While Mercury's "new" spin is just something we see, some objects in Space do experience true retrograde, like Venus, which spins backwards on occasion. Mars also experiences its own "retrograde," and that gets more attention because it's easier to observe.

For those who do believe in the zodiac, the Mercury in retrograde calendar may be consulted. Mercury has already gone through its phase twice this year (January 5th-25th and April 28th-May 22nd) and is set to begin again twice more (August 30th to September 22nd and December 19th-31st.) The planet is believed to affect the signs it is in throughout the process.

This August, Mercury will be in Virgo. The retrograde cycle includes different phases: pre-shadow, retrograde, direct, and post-shadow. The pre-shadow term this month will be from the 10th to 29th (with it's most intense days from the 25th-29th), begin retrograde on the 30th (most intense days being August 30th-September 3rd and September 18th to the 21st), and it's post-shadow phase will conclude on October 6th.

Traditionally, it is believed this time is a cause for great stress, change, and confusion. It is suspected that the source is Mercury's short orbit around the Sun, and it's turbulence causing a "wind" on Earth.

So what can you do? Astrologists have some advice. Mercury rules communications and contracts, so avoiding signing new things, or at least thinking them through thoroughly, is highly recommended. You should also not agree, verbally or on paper, to anything such as housing contracts, hiring new employees, or making any crucial decisions. This time period is said to cause a lot of confusion and mistakes, so it is best to wait.

It's also recommended to schedule elective plastic surgery for times outside of Mercury in retrograde, especially when it's in Venus, known for it's beauty.

Whether or not this is something you believe, some will swear by it's accuracies, though there is no solid scientific evidence to support it or the zodiac signs in general. Holding off on making important decisions isn't always bad advice, but don't let that decide what you should and should not do.

A more notable even happens every ten years, when Mercury comes into the pathway of the Sun from our view on Earth. This happens on May 9th.