— with Amanda Painter

Now that we’ve come through the third and final eclipse of this season, how are you feeling? Have you passed through a distinct phase, or sense that you’re oriented differently? If you’re still sorting out what you’ve been through, taking that process gently might best suit the movements of Mercury and Mars for a little while.

We’re in the final week of the present Mercury retrograde, which has been almost concealed under the other unusual astrology surrounding it — the eclipses, which are now over; and Mars retrograde, still in place until Aug. 27. Mercury will station direct on Sunday, Aug. 19, at 12:25 am EDT (4:24:38 UTC).

Mercury in false color based on photos from Messenger. Image by NASA / JHU Applied Physics Lab / Carnegie Inst. Washington

The period when Mercury prepares to station direct is usually a time of revelations: of hidden truths emerging, and patterns coming together.

If this has been a productive and pleasant time for you, you’ll likely see your way through into the next stage of development, including what might need altering. If you’ve experienced challenges or struggles, you may well find a key to overcoming them, or at least understanding them better.

One signal feature of retrograde phases is the necessity of slowing down in some way, and making sure there is sufficient room to relax and recuperate.

That may come in handy on Thursday of this week, as the Sun, Vesta and Eris form a closely aligned grand trine in the fire signs. The period during which this is exact is fairly brief; however, you may need to watch for any risk of over-stretching yourself, which could lead to a feeling of being burnt out, especially following the recent eclipses. Maintain as judicious a work-life balance as possible, and be prepared to ask for help if you need it.

Aside from this aspect pattern, the intensity of the past few weeks is likely to dissipate somewhat. When Mercury stations direct, it will be closely sextile Venus, which is nicely placed in its own sign Libra. That has the sense of a ‘soft landing’ after what will have seemed to many an especially turbulent, or at least exciting, journey.

Given that the sextile aspect indicates action, this is perhaps also a sign that you need to be gentle and patient with yourself as Mercury changes direction. It would certainly be worth continuing to put off any major decisions or purchases, if possible, until the end of the month. By that point Mars will have stationed direct, and we’ll all be on somewhat more familiar ground.