The Mercury Retrograde survival guide: How to avoid getting tangled in a cosmic mess
In astrology, Mercury is the planet of communication, information, travel and connection. It governs everything from conversations and emails to contracts, technology and transportation. When Mercury is moving 'direct', these aspects of life tend to flow in a straightforward way. But during its retrograde period, that flow often becomes more tangled.
Think of it like this: Mercury Retrograde is the mental equivalent of waking up in the middle of the night. Things can feel foggy or dreamlike. You might be more sensitive, more emotional, or more reflective. Just as you wouldn't expect sharp clarity at 3am, it's wise to lower expectations around communication and logistics during this time.
This is why Mercury Retrograde can bring mix-ups or delays – emails go missing, travel plans shift, or conversations get misunderstood. It's easy to see why it's earned a spooky reputation. But instead of hiding under the covers, consider this: Mercury Retrograde is also a valuable pause. It invites us to slow down, review, reflect and reconnect.
In fact, retrogrades often bring clarity by revisiting the past. Hidden truths may surface. Miscommunications may be cleared up. You might suddenly understand something you missed before. It's a good time to revise a project, catch up with someone from your past, or finish a project you've left hanging. rachellehicks.com
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The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
August horoscope: What your star sign has in store for love, work & life this month according to the tarot cards
THIS August, prepare for a cosmic reset and a surge of personal growth! From Aries stepping into power and clarity to Taurus locking in love, each sign is poised for significant shifts... Advertisement 13 Kerry King has 30 years of fortune telling experience Aries Cross the threshold, Aries - august opens a portal to power, clarity and cosmic rewards. 13 Self awareness reveals natural leadership power Love & Relationships – The Emperor Power dynamics are important, they shape our interactions and sense of identity. The Emperor suggests you're struggling with a power dynamic in your inner circle, someone has an upper hand and is wielding it wrongly. Advertisement Read more on horoscopes It's time to correct this by changing the mood, activity, and frequency of contact. This person is likely to be very similar to you, almost a cosmic twin. Re-set the energy by behaving differently this August. This will work. Be consistent. Advertisement Most read in Horoscopes Work & Purpose – The Sun You are entering your most powerful and successful era! The Sun is a bringer of success, prosperity, joy, and ambition, almost inviting you to enter a realm of reward by making a confident step through a portal. You need to apply, pitch, ask, challenge, or create something- almost like a sacrifice or ritual. Advertisement If you do it boldly, led by hope not fear, you will be met with great success. International opportunities are also possible. Omen to look out for – Nine of Cups Look for the number 9 or repeats of it. Advertisement Look for symbols of wish making and dream fulfilment i.e. stars, magic lamps, genies, fairies etc. Look out for a situation where you need a dash of luck to succeed. If you notice one of these omens then you're in the right place at the right time to get what you most want. Take a step right THERE AND THEN. Advertisement About Kerry King Kerry King, the tarot queen, uses tarot and star sign wisdom to create inspiring forecasts and insights, with nearly 30 years fortune telling experience, and many happy clients all over the world. Join Kerry's secret tarot club for exclusive forecasts, predictions, lessons, readings and 1-1 access to Kerry. Sun readers get a WHOLE MONTH for FREE with this link Book your own tarot reading with Kerry . Find Kerry's Good Karma Tarot deck Taurus Love locks in, but big decisions linger - Taurus, August is all about knowing what (and who) you want. 13 You can win whatever game you choose to play this July Love & Relationships – Ten of Coins All Taureans crave stability, certainty, and control- it's hardwired into their nature. Advertisement The Ten of Coins delivers these much-sought things into your love life this August via proposals, commitments, declarations, intimate connections, legal agreements, and shared goals. If you're single, then a solid, loving fellow Earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) could enter your realm and become your 'everything'. A happy ever after in love awaits. Work & Purpose – The Lovers Advertisement You feel a bit confused about your direction this August- maybe a head vs heart schism about your path or next step. Take your time, don't be pressured into a snap judgement. Do the mental gymnastics and research to understand your situation, options, and potential fully, and wait until you feel clear and calm about a certain option. And then, and only then, take decisive action. Advertisement Omen to look out for – Queen of Wands Look out for women who inspire, excite, or wildly entertain you. Listen to them carefully. Look out for Fire sign folk (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) who invite you someplace. Advertisement Look out for course, books, shows or podcasts about leadership. If you notice one of these omens then you're being advice, opportunity or insight that will help you to rise, take ownership, and fulfil a leadership role you're destined for. Gemini Step back, learn more, and let the universe show its hand - Gemini, this month is a masterclass. 13 You are rising, this is your time Advertisement Love & Relationships – Three of Wands Step back from the pressure or expectation that it's YOU who has to do all of the organising, fun-creation, and effort. Let things swing as they would without your 24/7 influence, and see what's really there. Sometimes you do too much for others, and it's taken for granted. Advertisement The Three of Wands shows that August will bring plenty of openings for folk to show you their true feelings and intentions towards you. Work & Purpose – Page of Pentacles Education is your BFF. All Geminis love learning and studying- you never really left that school mentality. Advertisement The Page of Coins wants you back in the classroom, potentially for career (re)training, or even personal development. Whether it's formal or informal will depend on your circumstance and opportunity, but however you do it, seek education and stimulate your mind with new knowledge and skill. What you learn could take you places! Omen to look out for – The High Priestess Advertisement Look for the number 2 or repeats of it. Look for couples who catch your eye, and ask yourself why. Look out for psychic experiences or interludes, uncanny or strange occurrences, and notice where you were / what you were doing. If you notice one of these omens then you're receiving instruction from a higher being about what is important for you in relationships vs what you need to do / own / work on solo. Advertisement Cancer See the truth, honour your intuition, and glow up - Cancer, August is a mirror and a map. 13 Coincidence, creativity, and collaboration Love & Relationships – Seven of Cups Avoid the temptation to retreat into your Cancerian exoskeleton shell and spend more time thinking, vs doing anything, about your love life and key relationships. Advertisement You can project, assume, overthink. It doesn't do any good. Instead, verify, discuss, ask, challenge, check. Get clarity on where you stand and take steps from that point (not what you imagine to be the case). Work & Purpose – Three of Wands Luck, karma and fate are conspiring to bring you new news and ideas this August, so let them do their thing and don't get in the way! Advertisement Tune into your intuition and gut instinct (which is very powerful for you). Notice random events or acts, coincidence, omens and signs. Pay attention to your dreams. Decipher messages and nudges and signposting from the psychic intel you receive! Use it and new doors will open! Advertisement Omen to look out for – Judgement Look out the number 20 or repeats of it (maybe in year format i.e. 2025). Look out for mirrors, reflective surfaces that show you clearly or in a flattering light. Look out for descriptions of you, your star sign maybe, or personality type that really resonate. Advertisement If you notice one of these omens then you are being told to update and upgrade your self image. You are more powerful, beautiful, smart, and talented than you currently think. Get up to speed on your magnificence! Leo Step into your power, Leo - this month, your creativity and confidence light the way to exciting new beginnings. Advertisement 13 You feel empowered to make those big decisions Love & Relationships – Two of Wands You are always popular and in demand, both in friendships, family circles, and romance. It's time for you to know and act on the relationship priorities that you most value and wish to serve or build. Advertisement Know your inner circle, your key folk, and treat them as such. Don't get distracted or taken offline by new projects or faces. Show loyalty and commitment and it will be returned tenfold, because you ARE loved. Work & Purpose – Knight of Coins Advertisement August, despite being holiday season, might feel like hard work for you but the rewards will all be worthwhile so keep your nose to the grindstone… and then celebrate when the job is done, you'll feel all the better for it. Be determined and diligent in your efforts, whether this is related to career tasks, education or personal projects. It will be demanding, but it will also be rewarding, and that's a happy balance. Omen to look out for – King of Cups Advertisement Look for dreams about love and romance, and notice WHO you're dreaming about and how you feel. Look for instant sparks and attractions with strangers. Look out for chance encounters with someone you're immediately fascinated by. If you notice one of these omens you could be meeting or about to (re)connect with your future soul mate! Advertisement If you're single (even if you're not…) this could be IT! Virgo Justice, closure, and a second chance you didn't see coming - Virgo, it's time to reset. 13 Green lights all round to go for your dreams! Love & Relationships – Justice Advertisement Play fair, be nice, stay on the straight and narrow, but don't sacrifice yourself or your desires and needs to keep the peace either. Balance is what is needed. Maybe you've been ridden over too many times, maybe you've crossed lines you shouldn't have. Be honest and admit where there have been injustices in your close relationships recently. Advertisement What can you learn here? What could you change? If you're single, a beautiful Libran soul will enter your realm and perfectly suite in with your lifestyle. Work & Purpose – Four of Cups I think you feel a little complacent, maybe even bored or tired of your role or projects. Advertisement This happens. We get a bit burnt out, we hit a wall, we need a change. Use August as a refresher month. See things with new eyes, get a fresh take on stuff, take a break and return with clear vision and a rested mindset. Advertisement If you can get away and take a complete break, then do. You are renewing and restoring your energies. Omen to look out for – Eight of Cups Look for the number 8, or repeats of it. Advertisement Look for second chances, repeats, reruns, reinventions of old ideas in new guises. Look out for memories or echoes of situations where you missed out on something but, maybe just maybe, it was for the best in hindsight. If you notice any of these omens then you're being given a chance. Libra Solitude, strategy, and a smart plan forward - Libra, this is your long game era. Advertisement 13 You have everything you need; now make it work for you Love & Relationships – The Hemit Solitude is a great healer and restorer. A little absence makes the heart grow fonder. Giving someone the gift of missing you is often enough to reset the dynamic and return that loving feeling. Advertisement Don't be scared to withdraw and get some peace and quiet, don't be nervous of creating a boundary. The Hermit hints you need space. You need solitude so you can think (and so can they…). Work & Purpose – King of Swords Advertisement It's a good month to make a 10 (or 5) year plan! What's the goal, the key objective? What's the strategy to achieve it? What are the tactics and timescale? The King of Swords brings precise thought, clarity, inspiration, and innovation to your realm, helping you future proof and create shrewd plans of attack to get where you want to be- wherever that is! This is a planning and research month. Advertisement Omen to look out for – Five of wands Look for the number 5 or repeats of it. Look for the feeling of frustration and resentment, sit with it, and notice who or what it sticks to. Look out for situations where you feel stuck / overwhelmed / done to / stagnated. Advertisement If you see any of these signs, then you're being shown first things first, the places you've outgrown and can immediately withdraw from. Act on this insight. Scorpio Challenge accepted - Scorpio, this month you win, lead, and love on your own terms. 13 A breakthrough is coming Advertisement Love & Relationships – Seven of Wands There is competitive energy in your relationship realm, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it serves to be tested or tempted or offered a challenge which helps you rise to the occasion! Look out for people who inspire new ideas or energy in your love life or friendships. Advertisement Look out for sparky Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) who motivate you to BE different. Maybe this August's love life move is to set your own goal or target and MAKE it happen! Work & Purpose – Ten of Coins If I said it would ALL be alright in the end and you're destined for riches no matter what, then what power move would you confidently make? Advertisement Perhaps THAT is the step you're destined to take this August. The Ten of Coins promises a career and wealth happy ever after, as long as you stick to the plan and deliver consistently against it. Be measured, well paced, and keep showing up, and people will believe in you, invest in you, and help you get where you want to go. Respect is earned over time. Advertisement Omen to look out for – Ten of Wands Look for the number 10 or combinations of it. Look out for thins which have deflated, wilted, melted, or withered. Notice places which look invitingly relaxing and comforting. Notice safe sanctuaries and rest zones. Advertisement If you notice one of these omens then you're being invited to activate a phase of deep rest and hibernation- maybe for a hour, maybe for a weekend- you decide. Rest is restorative right now. Sagittarius This is your month, Sagittarius - new people, powerful insights, and journey. 13 Assertiveness is what's needed Advertisement Love & Relationships – Ace of Wands It's all new on the relationship front! New friends, admirers, family members, colleague, allies, and acquaintances. These folk are being drawn into your life for a reason: to help you initiate new projects, roles, and growth. It's a time to travel with friends, plan a major life change with a loved one, embark on a new hobby in a group setting. Advertisement Look out for inspiring and charismatic Fire sign folk (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) that you feel an immediate attraction towards. Work & Purpose – Judgement Judgement brings a deep and lasting sense of clarity to your realm. You feel like you really understand your unique blend of experience, talent, skill, interest, and proven ability. Advertisement You know the niche for you! When this is so blindingly clear, it's so much easier to embrace that identity wholly, and to feel every inch of yourself authentically. And this identity fit leads you to new opportunities because you're vibrating NEXT LEVEL, attracting the opportunities meant ONLY for you. A powerful August. Advertisement Omen to look out for – The Chariot Look out for the number 7, or repeats of it. Look out for unusual, outlandish, antique, or eye-catching vehicles. Look out for trips, holidays, outings, excursions, and events that feel aligned to your emerging sense of identity and purpose. Advertisement If you notice one of these omens then you're given a golden opportunity to travel or visit someplace that will UNLOCK vast new areas of potential for you. Capricorn Solo focus, big joy, and a lucky break - Capricorn, August helps you get ahead. 13 Discover your path to success Love & Relationships – Queen of Swords Advertisement The Queen of Swords is all about solo and independent power and fortitude. Sometimes you just so better flying solo, right? Sometimes your own company is the best fuel and energy to help you get done what needs doing! That's not to say you shut off from family, love or friendship, but you MUST make time for your own projects and goals, by yourself, this August. Advertisement Your relationships will benefit from you being the best version of you! Work & Purpose – Three of Cups Wouldn't it be great if work felt like play? That's kind of the ultimate goal, because then time becomes precious. Advertisement Time crawls when you have a job whereas it flies when you have a vocation. Is it time to find that vocation for yourself? The Three of Cups simply asks you to focus on, as much asp possible, what you love and enjoy doing in work or education. Amplify the interests. Advertisement Excel in the areas you're already talented and proficient. Build on success and joy, and create an awesome career. Omen to look out for – Three of Wands Look for the number 3, or repeats of it. Advertisement Look for coincidence and de ja vu. Look out for invitations that come from weird or totally unexpected sources. If you notice one of these omens then you're being gifted a golden opportunity to do something new that will lead to a new upwards trajectory in career, education, or both. It's time to get lucky and get ahead. Advertisement Aquarius Truth, talent, and total alignment - Aquarius, it's time to create something real. 13 New outlook = new opportunity Love & Relationships – Seven of Cups Overthinking rarely leads you anywhere good, useful, or worthwhile, in fact it often leads you in circles. Advertisement Your sign is famed for purity and honesty, so just get clarity on whatever feels murky. Ask questions. Seek truth. Understand the situation vs assuming or projecting. Look out for creative Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) this August, a true alliance could be forged. Advertisement Work & Purpose – The Magician The Magician is a wonderful card evoking entrepreneurship, creativity, invention and innovation. You are going to create something magnificent that plays to a strength or talent and it's going to activate a new chapter of success and growth. This is also a manifesting card so you're being given ideas and good fortune to help your ambitions and dreams come true. Advertisement This August is a game changer. Go create! Omen to look out for – Three of Swords Look out for the number 3 or repeats of it. Look out for gut feelings of disquiet or distrust about someone or something. Advertisement Look out for people whose actions do not align with their words or promises. If you notice one of these omens then you being shown a situation that is not what it seems and carries negative potential. Remove yourself. Act on your hunch. Protect your interests. Pisces Grow stronger, think bigger, and expand your realm - Pisces, August brings new purpose. Advertisement 13 Wonderful relationships unlock new opportunities Love & Relationships – Page of Coins There's a real earnestness and desire to do better emerging in your relationship realm, on all levels, with family, friends and in love. If we all tried a bit harder and repaired past damage and did better in future, how amazing could our alliances and support network become? Advertisement What if we all took that vow together? Pisces, make this happen in your world. It could create the strongest relationship network EVER, with you in the middle of it, beautifully supported and loved. Work & Purpose – Eight of Swords Stop worrying about what others might think or say. Advertisement That is their business, not your business. And your assumptions and projections really reveal more about your own insecurity or fear than the truth or reality of things. So, stop, press pause on that kind of thinking. Refocus on what you know, on what is happening, on the events and outcomes you're managing. Advertisement And craft steps and actions that serve those realities directly, clearly, and positively. A bit of focus will change everything. Omen to look out for – The World Look out for the number 21 or repeats of it. Advertisement Look out for trips, outings, vacation ideas, and journey inspirations that speak directly to a passion or goal in your realm. Look out for stories, shows, and podcasts about something overseas that fascinates you. If you notice one of these omens then you're being asked to broaden your horizons, consider going someplace to do something stretching, or even moving location! The world is your oyster, Pisces. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
29-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
The clever £10 gadget that means your kitchen counters are always clean and crumb-free
HOMEOWNERS can keep their kitchen counters clean and crumb free with zero effort, thanks to a £10 gadget. With the kids now 2 The £10 buy will make sure your counter tops are always crumb free Credit: Lakeland 2 The tool effortlessly sucks up debris Credit: Lakeland It can be an absolute nightmare trying to keep on top of everything, but the Priced at just £9.99, the nifty tool sucks up any crumbs, dust or glitter on your counter-top, at the touch of a button. Simply make sure your kitchen counter is dry, press the on button and kick back with a nice cup of tea. The high-power product is super quiet, so it won't disturb your afternoon nap, and features a cordless design, so you don't need to faff about with any annoying wires. It has a 30-minute run time, and sucks dirt into a canister, than can be easily emptied into the bin. The gadget is super tiny, so you can store it on the top of your counter, without it taking up any space. Plus, the USB chargeable device comes with a three-year guarantee, so your home will be crumb free for years to come. Lakeland said: "Tidying your surfaces has never been so simple thanks to the Lakeland Mini Countertop Vacuum. Most read in Fabulous "Lightweight and portable, this mini vacuum is compact and completely cordless, making it easy to carry around and store in tight spaces when not in use. "Great for cleaning up glitter and crumbs from worktops and kitchen countertops, it's a handy little helper to get your surfaces back to looking their best. Sun tests world's thinnest vacuum at Dyson HQ – and 'PencilVac' is SAS of cleaning "With little brushes on the bottom, it helps to collect loose crumbs and dust, before sucking them up into the little unit to empty into the bin. "Built for everyday cleaning, it saves you time while keeping your space looking immaculate with minimal effort." More budget cleaning tools German discounter Lidl has also launched a bargain cleaning tool this week, for £160 less than Screwfix's version. The handy gadget can be used for multiple purposes including water extraction. The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Its multi-functionality allows it to be used in your house, garage or warehouse as it comes with a wide range of accessories and nozzles. It is ideal for use as a dust extractor when sawing or sanding as it picks up finer dust particles. The vacuum can also take care of your gardening needs as it has a blower mode which will come in handy in Autumn when the leaves start falling. Read more on the Irish Sun Rival Aldi, is also currently selling a product that can help to get rid of that can build up on blankets and other bedding. Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver can be found in stores' middle aisle, which is home to a number of limited edition bargain products.
Irish Independent
27-07-2025
- Irish Independent
What is a birth chart in astrology – and what does yours say about you?
Visually, it appears as a circle: you can imagine the upper half representing the sky above the horizon, and the lower half showing the part of the sky below the horizon. A birth chart is made up of three essential components: the 12 zodiac signs, the 12 houses and the 10 planets (including the Sun and Moon). Each of these parts represents specific energies, and their arrangement emphasises or de-emphasises certain personality traits and life themes. The part of a birth chart most people know is their Sun sign. When someone asks, 'What's your zodiac sign?' they're really asking, 'Which zodiac sign was the Sun in at the moment of your birth?' While the Sun sign is important, it only tells a small piece of the story. In reality, everyone has multiple prominent zodiac signs represented in their birth chart. While not all 12 signs will carry the same 'volume', it's common for at least two or three to stand out as significant influences. I like to think of this as a colour palette. When we bring these emphasised signs together, they create a unique vibe. Some palettes blend complementary shades, while others feature stark contrasts – both are beautiful in their own way. This explains why some people display contrasting personality traits, while others behave consistently across different situations. Similarly, every chart highlights a different set of what I like to call 'main character planets'. For example, someone might be considered Mercurial (Mercury as main character energy) if they're naturally chatty and curious, or Venusian (Venus as main character energy) if they're social and diplomatic. Finally, when we look at the houses in a birth chart, we're exploring major life topics: things like home, siblings, relationships, career and more. The birth chart can also reveal which life areas may offer the most personal growth over a lifetime, and how best to navigate those themes.
