Mercury is in retrograde from July 18 to Aug. 11—here’s what it means for your sign
How will the Mercury Retrograde affect you?
According to Resti Santiago a.k.a. Filipino Astrologer, Mercury goes on retrograde starting July 18 until Aug. 11 (Philippine time).
"While it's not the most critical astrological event, Mercury Retrograde offers valuable insights and warnings, especially concerning timing. Its placement in your astrological chart highlights areas where you should exercise extra caution," he told PhilSTAR L!fe.
In general, the astrology expert said that it's important to slow down and be in tune with your thoughts and feelings during this period. He also noted it's best to avoid signing business deals, hiring new employees, holding board meetings, starting a new business, dealing with someone new, and buying new appliances and gadgets during this time.
Wondering what the Mercury Retrograde means for your sign in particular? Here are Santiago's predictions along with some advice on how to navigate the challenges that could come with it.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This isn't the time to take gambles with your resources, even if additional responsibilities tempt you to do so. Mercury Retrograde can lead to miscalculations of risk versus reward. Avoid speculative financial decisions.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

You might feel easily excitable with many ideas swirling in your mind. However, blurting them out without considering your family's feelings could lead to hurt egos. With Mercury in your fourth house of family, be mindful of how your words impact family relations.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Your magnetism could be high, but exercise caution with your words and actions. Even minor mistakes can escalate, particularly if you're active on social media. Schedule trips carefully and safeguard your documents and belongings when traveling.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Don't push your luck. During Mercury Retrograde, you must be careful in all your dealings. Looks can be deceiving, so always conduct thorough background checks when interacting with others or making online purchases.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

Retrogrades often begin with a sense of confusion, and since this one is in your own sign, you might experience self-doubt and uncertainty. This is an ideal time to review your worldview and ensure it aligns with your true self, or consider letting go of long-held beliefs.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)

Pressure from various aspects of your life might lead you to seek solace in solitude. If approached carefully, this can be an effective strategy to process your inner emotions. Transform past hurts and anger into momentum for moving forward.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

A trip might be on the horizon, but be wary of new acquaintances. While it's fun to socialize, remember that not everyone you meet is meant to stay in your life. Avoid sharing too much personal information.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Attention can be a double-edged sword. You might receive more accolades at work, but equally, more will be demanded of you. Ensure you're compensated fairly for your efforts. This is a good time to negotiate for additional compensation with your superiors.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

If you're feeling lost, a short vacation could be beneficial. Use this "me time" to deepen your understanding of life by exploring philosophies that resonate with you. Expand your mental horizons and be open to new challenges.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Many things are happening in your life, and decisions loom. While retrogrades aren't the best time for making transformative decisions, they are perfect for contemplating them. Ensure your financial records are in order to make informed choices based on facts.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

You might meet interesting people at galleries or parties. Before deepening any new connections, take a pause during this retrograde to clarify what you truly want and need in a relationship. Then, compare that with what the other person offers.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)

If you're not feeling well, consult a doctor. Do not self-prescribe. A retrograde in your house of health can worsen things if you take the wrong medicine. Prioritize sufficient rest and relaxation.
Resti Santiago a.k.a. Filipino Astrologer is the founder of Astrology Friends Philippines and is one of the leading proponents of traditional astrology in the country. To discover more about the potential of astrology for your life, check out his Facebook page.