Mercury Retrograde Is Bringing Exes Back Into the Picture, and Three Zodiac Signs Could Feel It Most

Life can get messy when conversations go wrong, plans fall apart, and someone you thought you had moved on from suddenly reappears. For astrology followers, Mercury Retrograde is often associated with exactly these kinds of frustrating situations, from confusing messages and travel delays to unfinished business in relationships. The latest astrological forecast has put three zodiac signs under the spotlight, with astrologer Clarisse Monahan identifying Gemini, Virgo, and Scorpio as the signs that could feel this period most strongly.

The situation becomes even more intriguing because Venus, the planet associated with love and relationships in astrology, is also described as retrograde during the same period. According to Monahan, this combination is linked to revisiting past connections and trying to understand why certain relationships

ended. Whether that means receiving an unexpected message from an ex or finally finding the clarity to move on, the forecast has plenty for astrology enthusiasts to think about.

Why Mercury Retrograde Has Such a Dramatic Reputation

Mercury Retrograde is one of astrology’s most talked-about planetary events, largely because it is associated with everyday frustrations that almost everyone recognises. Astrologers traditionally connect Mercury with communication, travel, contracts, commerce, and the exchange of information. When the planet appears to move backwards across the sky, they interpret the period as a time when these areas of life may become more complicated. Clarisse Monahan, Soho House’s resident astrologer, described the recurring phenomenon as a series of difficult transits that can leave people feeling as though ordinary tasks require extra effort.

Monahan explained the astrological interpretation by saying, “Whenever a planet goes retro, it looks like it’s moving backwards in the sky from our view on Earth.” She added that this apparent backward movement is believed by astrologers to distort the planet’s influence. Astronomically, however, Mercury does not reverse its orbit around the Sun. The effect is an optical illusion caused by the relative movements of Earth and Mercury. There is no established scientific evidence that this apparent motion causes travel delays, relationship problems, or communication breakdowns, although the astrological tradition continues to attract people looking for meaning in everyday experiences.

The Three Zodiac Signs Facing the Astrologer’s Warning

Gemini, Virgo, and Scorpio are the three signs Monahan highlighted in her forecast. Gemini and Virgo are traditionally ruled by Mercury, which explains why astrologers often pay particular attention to them during its retrograde periods. Scorpio enters the picture because Mercury is described as retrograding in that sign during the period covered by the forecast. These associations form the basis of the prediction, although they cannot establish that people born under these signs will experience more difficulties than anyone else.

Gemini Could Experience Communication Confusion

Gemini is often associated with conversation, curiosity, and the exchange of ideas. Since Mercury rules the sign in traditional astrology, a retrograde period is commonly interpreted as a time when misunderstandings and crossed wires may become more noticeable. A message could be interpreted differently than intended, or an important conversation might require more clarification than expected. For Gemini readers who enjoy following astrology, the practical approach is to slow down during difficult discussions and make sure everyone understands what has actually been said.

Virgo May Need to Revisit Important Decisions

Virgo is the second Mercury-ruled sign included in the forecast. Astrological descriptions commonly associate Virgo with organisation, planning, and attention to detail, making the retrograde period a symbolic opportunity to review existing arrangements. That could mean checking appointments, reading documents carefully, or reconsidering a decision before committing to it. These habits can be useful regardless of someone’s zodiac sign, especially when an avoidable mistake could create extra work later.

Scorpio Could Revisit Unfinished Business

Scorpio’s connection to this forecast comes from Mercury’s reported retrograde movement through the sign. In astrology, Scorpio is frequently associated with emotional intensity, privacy, and unresolved personal matters. The combination is therefore interpreted as an opportunity to reconsider difficult conversations or reflect on experiences that still carry emotional weight. That does not mean every Scorpio should expect drama, but the symbolism may encourage some readers to examine whether an old issue still deserves their attention.

Venus Retrograde Adds Another Layer to the Forecast

The forecast becomes more complicated with Venus also described as retrograde until 13 November. In astrology, Venus represents love, attraction, beauty, and relationships, while Mercury is associated with communication and exchanges. When the two are interpreted together, astrologers often connect the combination with revisiting romantic decisions, reconsidering old attachments, and trying to understand why certain relationships unfolded as they did. For anyone who has been left with unanswered questions after a breakup, that interpretation may sound particularly familiar.

Monahan explained the connection by saying, “With Mercury and Venus Retrograde together, we want to understand why things happened.” She suggested that someone who was previously ghosted could receive a message that helps explain what happened, although closure might also come without any contact from the other person. Sometimes, a person may simply realise that the relationship no longer occupies the same place in their thoughts. The astrological interpretation encourages reflection, but there is no scientific basis for predicting that an ex will return because of planetary movements.

Could Someone From Your Past Suddenly Reappear?

The possibility of hearing from an ex is one of the most attention-grabbing themes associated with Venus Retrograde. Monahan compared the idea to the premise of High Fidelity, in which a character revisits past relationships while trying to understand what went wrong. In the context of the forecast, an unexpected message could reopen an old conversation or offer an opportunity to discuss something that was never properly resolved. However, receiving a message does not automatically mean that a relationship should begin again, and the circumstances surrounding the breakup still matter.

What If You Were the Person Who Disappeared?

Monahan also raised the possibility that someone who previously ghosted another person might decide to reach out. She said, “If you’re the one who did the ghosting, this might be your moment to reach out and give that person closure.” A sincere apology can help acknowledge the hurt caused by disappearing without demanding forgiveness or a response. For some people, writing an unsent letter may be a better way to process their feelings. The important consideration is whether making contact would be respectful and welcome, rather than whether astrology suggests the timing is right.

The Everyday Problems Astrologers Associate With Mercury Retrograde

Beyond romantic complications, Mercury Retrograde is traditionally linked with practical annoyances involving work, travel, and everyday communication. Monahan described possibilities such as deals falling through, parcels going missing, and people finding themselves misunderstood more often. These examples are familiar enough to resonate with readers, particularly when several small frustrations occur close together. Still, ordinary mishaps happen throughout the year, and the timing alone cannot establish a connection with Mercury’s apparent motion.

For people who follow the astrological interpretation, the suggested response is to take extra care with routine decisions instead of assuming that every inconvenience signals something dramatic. The following habits can help reduce preventable mistakes during a busy period:

• Check messages before sending them: A quick reread can help prevent confusing wording or an unnecessarily tense exchange.
• Confirm travel arrangements: Review booking details, departure times, and connections before setting off.
• Read important documents carefully: Take time to understand contracts and agreements before signing.
• Think before making expensive purchases: A short pause can help distinguish a genuine need from an impulsive decision.
• Clarify relationship misunderstandings: Ask questions rather than assuming that a poorly worded message reveals someone’s intentions.

These steps are practical at any time of year. They offer a way to respond constructively to everyday problems without treating an astrological forecast as a guarantee of what will happen.

Should You Delay a Major Life Decision Until November?

Monahan suggested that people could use the retrograde period to review decisions rather than rushing into major changes. Her comments included caution around signing documents, negotiating, buying and selling, and making significant personal commitments. Within astrology, the advice reflects the idea that Mercury Retrograde is a time for reconsideration. However, there is no established scientific evidence that signing a contract, accepting a job, or moving house during this period leads to worse outcomes.

The sensible approach is to judge each decision on its actual circumstances. Someone considering a job offer should review the salary, responsibilities, contract terms, and deadlines before deciding. A person planning a house move should consider finances, logistics, and practical arrangements. Delaying a decision can be useful when more information is needed, but postponing an opportunity solely because of Mercury Retrograde could create unnecessary difficulties of its own.

Why the Forecast May Feel So Familiar

Astrological explanations can feel compelling because they connect with experiences people already understand. Most people have dealt with a confusing text, an unexpected delay, or a conversation that did not go as planned. When several frustrating events happen close together, it is natural to search for a pattern that might explain them. Psychology offers one possible explanation for why these connections can feel convincing: people tend to notice information that fits their expectations, especially after they begin anticipating a particular outcome.

That does not mean the frustrations themselves are imaginary. A missed connection is still inconvenient, and an unresolved relationship can still be painful. The distinction is between recognising a real experience and assuming that a planetary event caused it. Astrology can provide a framework for personal reflection, but its predictions should not replace evidence or determine major decisions involving money, work, or relationships.

What the Dates Mean for This Mercury Retrograde

The supplied forecast identifies 24 October to 13 November as the Mercury Retrograde period and also describes Venus as retrograde until 13 November. However, the original material contains a conflicting reference to 24 September, so the dates need independent verification before publication. That discrepancy should be resolved against a reliable astronomical calendar and the original interview rather than silently treating both dates as correct.

For astrology followers, the end of a retrograde period traditionally marks a shift back to the planet’s apparent forward motion. Some astrologers also discuss a post-retrograde shadow period, during which they believe themes from the earlier cycle may continue to be reviewed. Astronomically, Mercury’s apparent motion changes as the relative positions of the planets shift. There is no established scientific evidence that this transition automatically improves communication or brings former partners back into someone’s life.

For Gemini, Virgo, and Scorpio, the forecast offers a reason to pay attention to conversations and reflect on unresolved personal matters. But a difficult message does not have to become an argument, and an unexpected text from an ex does not require a reply. The most important decision is still the one made after considering what happened, what has changed, and what is genuinely right for you.