Guys: We're almost there. We swim through a sea of tears, also known as cancer season. We emerged from the summer's series of eclipses in one piece (well, for the most part, anyway). Now, we're happy because the summer of 2019 with Mercury retrograde will end on July 31st - the same day as the New Moon in Leo. That's a lot of astrological activity happening in one day (not to mention this new moon marks the second of July!). But is there any special astrological significance when Mercury goes direct during a new moon? Short answer: yes. We’ve had a fresh start and are energized, and it’s time to start getting excited about moving forward.
Now, let's start by acknowledging some of the difficulties that come with this particular Mercury retrograde period. As always, Mercury retrograde is a time of slowing down. Communication is very confusing, scheduling and timing is difficult, technology isn't as reliable as usual - yes, it can be a challenge. But all of this chaos is astrology's effort to get us to slow down, reflect on where we are, and reevaluate how we want to move forward.
But Mercury will go direct on July 31, which means its energy will start moving forward again. This happens just over an hour before the height of the New Moon in Leo – which, as you may know, represents a brand new lunar cycle and is often a good time to plant energetic seeds for your future.
"This is a new moon where we are called to try new things, see the world with new eyes, and maybe even take some chances," astrologer Lauren Howard Coleman explains on her website. "We Like a bird emerging from its shell, adapting to a new world.”
Busy spoke with astrologer Lisa Stardust about the significance of the new moon, which occurs on the same day as Mercury goes direct. "We're coming to terms with our emotions and trying to figure out what's next in life," she explains. “We’ve had the opportunity to look at situations and people from different perspectives — and now we’re deciding how we want to move forward as individuals.”
Y'all, moving forward without reflection is not the right approach - integrate what you've learned before moving forward. This fusion is real . We are adjusting our outlook to incorporate the lessons of Mercury retrograde and the recent series of eclipses over the summer, so this new moon energy is rejuvenating us and awakening us into a new, more experienced state.
"We are stepping out of our comfort zone, which is scary and difficult but necessary," Stardust continued. “Through this journey we will realize what we truly want from others and ourselves.”
The energy combination of Mercury going direct at the same time as the new moon is very important, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy: we still have to deal with the post-retrograde shadow period, so we're not out of the woods yet.
"Mercury will remain in the post-retrograde zone until August 15, causing havoc and chaos before then - it's not over yet," Stardust warns. "We have one more chance to improve our situation and relationships."
So while new projects started during this time may take longer to get off the ground since Mercury has just gone direct, it shouldn't slow you down. This is a super auspicious time to start fresh, and there's no need to rush it - starting slowly just means you have more room to work out any kinks in your plan before you get started.
This new moon will also be a good time to restart your magical work. You may already be looking through your spellbook to cast some Mercury Retrograde protection rituals, but during the solar eclipses that occur in the summer, this is not a good time for manifestation or spell work. However, with these transits, that is changing.
"This luminary is known as the 'Black Moon' and is also a supermoon. This means the moon is very close to Earth, making it a favorable time to cast a spell," Stardust tells Bustle. "In the light of this light, we will be propelled by the universe to evolve and move towards our heart's desires. During the eclipse, things come to light - now, we can use this information to move in the direction of what we love go ahead."
With this in mind, send a group text to your tribe and get to work! Mercury is stationed directly with the new moon, giving us the perfect opportunity to get back into our magical practices, plant the seeds for exciting and creative new beginnings, and begin integrating what we have learned through the summer eclipses and retrogrades All lessons learned. We are becoming the new cosmic baby and are ready to enter the second half of 2019 with extra power.
