Have you heard of Hermes the Messenger and Trickster? Better known as Mercury, he was the only Olympian who could travel between the land of the living and the land of the dead. In August, Mercury will be especially active in the skies.
Mercury rules trade, short journeys, human consciousness, and the logical mind—governing perception, interpretation, reasoning, learning, speech, and communication. He corresponds to the left hemisphere of the brain and the anatomy of hearing.
Given that Mercury influences so many core mental functions, it helps to pay attention to his movements and aspects this month.
Below is a clear look at Mercury’s key transits and what they may mean for communication, thinking, and decision-making.
Mercury Moves Into Leo
August 5, 2020
On August 5, Mercury leaves sensitive Cancer and enters bright, expressive Leo. Communication shifts outward: speech becomes more dramatic, confident, and passionate. Thoughts grow bolder and more creative, and you may feel a stronger urge to be heard.
Mercury in Leo often gives people a knack for timing—saying the right thing at the right moment. Expect livelier conversation, charismatic presentation, and a desire to make your message stand out.
Mercury Squares Uranus
August 10, 2020
On August 10, Mercury squares Uranus and the mind rebels. Thoughts may come too quickly to express easily—try writing ideas down. Insights and “lightbulb” moments can arrive suddenly, bringing original, ahead-of-their-time thinking that can surprise you.
This transit also increases mental restlessness: scattered or erratic ideas, anxiety, and impulsive actions are possible. You might encounter surprising news or issues with electronics. To manage the heightened mental energy, practice breathing exercises, meditation, or other calming techniques.
Stay flexible and open-minded to handle unexpected situations, and pause to think before agreeing or acting on spur-of-the-moment impulses.
Mercury in Leo Trines Mars in Aries
August 17, 2020
On August 17, Mercury in Leo trines Mars in Aries. Communication becomes fiery and direct. People feel more confident speaking up and are eager for clear, honest discussion.
The mind is sharp, alert, and inclined to learn by doing. This is a productive time for planning and action: decisions are easier, writing and competitive activities are favored, and energetic collaboration can move ideas into reality.
Use this transit to strategize, form practical plans, and push forward on projects that require focus and momentum.
Mercury Enters Virgo
August 20, 2020
On August 20, Mercury moves into meticulous Virgo, cooling the earlier Leo heat. Communication becomes more thoughtful, analytical, and precise. Where Leo thrives on presentation and flair, Virgo favors clarity, detail, and accuracy.
Expect a shift toward practical, service-oriented thinking. Messages may be quieter but more carefully considered and exacting.
Mercury in Virgo Trines Uranus & Jupiter
August 25 & August 29, 2020
On August 25, Mercury in Virgo forms a trine to Uranus, opening the door to inventive ideas and clever problem-solving. New perspectives and practical innovations can emerge with relative ease.
On August 29, Mercury trines Jupiter, bringing optimism, expanded information, and opportunities to broaden your outlook. Intuition, creativity, and the ability to consider larger philosophical questions are enhanced, supporting clearer thinking about long-range goals and purpose.
Neptune Opposes Mercury
August 30, 2020
On August 30, Neptune opposes Mercury, creating foggy perception and a higher risk of misunderstanding or misinformation. This transit calls for caution: avoid making major decisions based solely on unclear or secondhand information.
Be direct and specific in your communication to prevent misinterpretation. On the positive side, Neptune’s influence can be beneficial for creative and artistic work that relies on imagination and symbolic thinking.
Embrace Mercury’s Energy
August is an active month for Mercury. With Mercury in Leo early in the month, expect bold, expressive communication; later, Mercury in Virgo invites careful review and refinement. Throughout these transits, more information and insights are likely to surface, sometimes suddenly and sometimes with careful analysis.
This month is a good time to speak your truths and to plan the path you want to follow with both creativity and discernment. Pay attention, think before acting, and use periods of heightened mental energy to create, organize, and refine your ideas. Stay well and stay clear in your communication.