A Very Necessary Tarot Reading for the End of Mercury Retrograde

Photo credit: Khadija Horton - Getty Images
Photo credit: Khadija Horton - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

The cosmos are tricky, y’all! Just when Mercury Retrograde ends and you think you’re in the clear, in walks the sneaky cosmic aftermath called Mercury Retroshade. So what, exactly, is that? Also called the Post-Retrograde Shadow, it happens when Mercury starts moving forward again, and everything that happened over the past few weeks starts coming at you, all at once.

Mercury Retroshade lasts for about two weeks after Mercury Retrograde ends. It tends make you jump through celestial hoops, especially in your relationships. I know it’s a lot, BUT you can work this to your advantage if you play your cards right. Your tarot cards, that is.

Here’s a very necessary tarot reading for the Retroshade period, from March 9th to the 23rd. Now’s the time to reflect on all the drama that happened during Mercury Retrograde and start putting things right.

Aries: Four of Wands

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

Things are getting hotter for you, Aries. This is the time to manifest the relationship you want and deserve. You’ve worked hard on yourself and this calls for a celebration, but roll with the punches, because you might encounter delays. If you’re feeling socially awkward, blame it on the shadow and use these two weeks to center yourself.

Taurus: Seven of Pentacles

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

Deep breaths, Taurus. Setbacks are just a part of your week rn, but your perseverance will lead you to success. You and bae are in a good place, so take this time to catch your breath and enjoy how strong your relationship is. If you’re single, try dating outside your comfort zone—bump up the age range you're looking at and get to swiping.

Gemini: Ten of Cups

Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck
Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck

You have the chance to cozy up in a serious love bubble over the next two weeks, Gemini. If you’re boo'd up, you should relax and appreciate what you’ve built together, even if it’s only been a few months. Show your honey how much you care and try not to complicate things. If you’re single, you’re ~glowing~ and people are noticing. Open the floodgates and let love in.

Cancer: Four of Cups

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

You’re feeling a bit uninspired during this Retroshade period, so take a little time-out from your emotions. You might feel unappreciated by your S.O., but they’re just stuck in the Retroshade fog and will come back around soon. If you’re single, you may be protecting your heart so much that no one’s catching your eye. Try your best to find the positive and it’ll come back to you tenfold.

Leo: Knight of Wands

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

You’re feeling extra spontaneous during this shadow period. Have all the fun, kitty cat, but make sure not to step on any toes. Channel your fiery energy in the bedroom and try something new. But be careful not rush into anything right now, especially with that cutie who’s watching alllll your Instagram Stories (unless you’re cool with a one-nighter, that is).

Virgo: Queen of Pentacles

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

This Retroshade is looking good for you Virgo, so use it to your advantage. While others are spinning out, you’re calm, cool, and collected. Check in on your friends, nurture your S.O., and hold your head high. Your good deeds will pay off very soon.

Libra: Temperance

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

Mercury Retrograde was rough, and now your scales need some tending to. Take these two weeks to find some much-needed me time. If you’re in a relationship, see if boo wants to do a spring cleanse with you. If you’re single, now is the time to make decisions about any ex-lovers who surfaced over the past few weeks. Keep in mind that going back to an ex is like reheating a French fry: not advised.

Scorpio: Two of Pentacles

Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck
Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck

Any attempts to take control will just leave you spinning your wheels. If you’re feeling confused about your relationship, have an open and honest convo with your honey. Most likely, you’re carrying work stress home with you and you need a vacation—together. If you’re looking for love, you have to be more proactive. Try some candle magick and visualize yourself in your ideal cuddle puddle.

Sagittarius: The Hermit

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

This shadow period is asking you to think deeply about your values and what you want your legacy to be. Use this time to decide where you want your relationship to go and have a chat with bae about how to get there. If you’re single, give yourself the time to reflect on past relationships and you’ll start attracting new and better lovers. Level up, bb!

Capricorn: The Lovers

Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck
Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck

Tap into the deepest layers of your heart during this shadow phase, Capricorn. You could enjoy a closer spiritual connection with your boo or meet someone you can really ~connect~ with. But don’t make any major decisions until after the shadow period is over. Instead, take note of any feelings and sleep on them before acting.

Aquarius: Ten of Pentacles

Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Rider-Waite deck/Raydene Salinas Hansen

Use this time to tap into making your relationship’s foundations even stronger. If you and your S.O. come from different backgrounds, take this time to learn about their culture. Find ways to merge your traditions, or come up with unique ones that are true to both of you. If you’re single, there’s a strong chance you could meet your next S.O. in the coming weeks, so be open to new encounters.

Pisces: The Magician

Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck
Photo credit: Raydene Salinas Hansen/Rider-Waite deck

The powers of manifestation are in your hands. You can be a powerhouse of magic if you maintain your strength and tell the Universe exactly what you want. You need to be clear about your desires with your loved ones, too. Try not to swim away from any uncomfortable conversations, but be ready to set some boundaries if you need them.

You Might Also Like