Mercury in Cancer Is All About the Feels

On May 28, Mercury, the planet of communication, zooms out of its fav sign, Gemini, and dips into the cool waters of the cardinal water sign, Cancer. On May 28, the quick, witty, super-social frame of mind you’ve had is out in favour of a more easygoing, introverted, and (kind of) emo one. If you’re a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces), then Mercury in Cancer’s vibes mean you’re thriving, but if you’re a cardinal sign (Aries, Libra, Capricorn), then you might have a tough time staying afloat!

Mercury is the brainiest planet in the solar system, but now that it’s in emotional Cancer, your heart is winning out over your head. Cancer is the sign of the crab, but TBH, it’s really a soft-shell crab, IYKWIM? These next few weeks find you waaaaay more sensitive than usual, and you’re going to understand why Cancers have such a crabby (get it?) rep. That might sound stressful (especially since Venus Retrograde is making relationships a hot-ass mess right now), but there’s actually a ton of good that can come from this transit.

With your increased sensitivity comes empathy, and you’re showing care and compassion towards your crew. You're listening more than talking rn, but when you do open your mouth, whatever you say will have meaning and depth behind it—there’s absolutely nothing superficial about the crab! Cancer is also the sign of family and home life, so your family (whether biological or chosen) is becoming a much bigger focus. Making new connections isn’t even remotely a priority right now, because these introverted Cancerian vibes make it hard for you to come out of your shell.

Look out, though: Mercury in Cancer has a tendency to make you take everything personally. Funny, pleasant, and positive interactions make you feel ahhhhhhh-mazing, but arguments or even slightly snarky comments make you feel like you’re hitting rock-bottom. Cancer usually hides in its shell when there’s conflict, but the crab has some mighty claws that can come out when provoked! This is especially true during Mercury Retrograde—it lasts from June 18 til July 12 and will be in Cancer the entire time. Before having a knee-jerk reaction and lashing out when someone says something shady, just make like a crab and shuffle away! If you cool down before you talk things out, you’ll be able to avoid the drama without a hitch—otherwise, you might feel like this transit is just (and this is the last pun, I promise) one big crab roast!

Read your Sun/Rising horoscopes below:

Aries

You’re feeling especially emotional with Mercury in Cancer. This transit is basically one long trip down memory lane, and NGL, it might be a bit overwhelming, especially after Mercury Retrograde starts. You’re being called to reflect on your past so that you can make sense of it all, deal with any emotional baggage, and find positive takeaways. Stay home, relax, and just do you, Aries.

Taurus

As an earth sign, you’re naturally compatible with water sign vibes, Taurus, so Mercury in Cancer is pretty chill for you! Despite Cancer’s introverted rep, you’re actually communicating with others more, and you even have the potential to make new connections. Earth signs such as yourself are known for being more logical than emotional, but Mercury in Cancer is helping tell others how you feel. By the end of it all, you’ll be closer than ever with your loved ones and might even have a new pal or two.

Gemini

You’re always on the go, but Mercury in Cancer is telling you to sloooooooow dooooooown for the next several weeks. You’re taking life seriously during this transit, which is new for you, Gemini! This transit is also focusing on your financial situation. It’s a good time to finish up any long-term projects, go over your budget, and work on developing better spending (and saving) habits. Is it the most exciting time? Nope. But is it a much-needed breather from your usual hectic lifestyle? Absolutely.

Cancer

The planet of communication is now zipping and zooming through your sign! The brain fog of the past few weeks is lifting away, and you’re finally feeling like you can think and speak clearly. Now, you can share your feelings without being misunderstood or ignored, so if you have something to say, say it! Take advantage of Mercury’s influence sooner rather than later, though, because Mercury Retrograde is coming up soon!

Leo

You’re an outgoing, charismatic fire sign, but Mercury’s transit through watery Cancer could possibly rain on your parade. You’re used to saying whatever’s on your mind, but now you're having a tough time feeling heard. You’re like the Sun, Leo, and you’re used to having others in your orbit, but right now, you’re flying solo—so schedule in plenty of alone time. Do some serious self-reflection and figure yourself out on a deep level, because your bad habits are becoming more prominent now. It sucks, I know, so take the next few weeks to eliminate old patterns and develop better ones. That way, when Mercury enters your sign, you can share your light with everyone!

Virgo

Mercury in Cancer’s energy just works for you, Virgo, and the next few weeks are pretty positive. You’re not the most social sign, but you’re feeling more extroverted right now. Whether you’re planning a Zoom happy hour every weekend, FaceTiming your bestie every day, or just blowing up your group chat, this transit is all about connecting with your crew. It’s much easier for you to make new connections now, too, but don’t expect an influx of Tinder matches —these new connections are waaaay more likely to come in the form of new acquaintances or casual friendships.

Libra

As Mercury floats through Cancer, you’re finding that your attention is being pulled towards your career. Your inbox is overflowing, and you probs feel like your boss has their eyes on you 25/8—and that’s because they do. You’re being put into the spotlight at the office, even if it's a virtual one, and the work you do right now plays a critical role in your professional future. Do your best, and it’ll pay off in the long run—but if you slack off, then you can anticipate a call-out in the next few weeks!

Scorpio

Now that Mercury is in Cancer, a like-minded water sign, you’re finding it easier than ever to think and communicate—and it feels like others are genuinely picking up what you’re laying down. You’re feeling more confident, outspoken, and optimistic... sounds pretty great, right? Well, yeah, but watch out for coming off as preachy, a know-it-all, or just plain extra. In general, though, people are appreciating your buoyant attitude—you’re so darn fun to be around that they won’t mind if you’re a little over-the-top!

Sagittarius

You’re always, always, always on the go, Sagittarius, but now that Mercury is in low-key, slow-moving Cancer, you gotta let your feet touch the ground. Even though you’re the most lighthearted, jovial sign, you’re finding that this transit makes you feel more serious about your relationships. You want connections with depth and meaning, so whether you’re FaceTiming with your FWB or connecting physically (wink, wink) with your boo, you’re placing a huge emotional investment in them. If you’re in a relationship, this is a great transit to get closer with your partner, but if you’re single, catching feelings for your latest right-swipe is practically guaranteed!

Capricorn

You’re known for your independence, but Mercury in Cancer’s vibe makes you feel more codependent than you’d like. You’re primarily focused on all your one-on-one connections, so this is wonderful for growing closer with your S.O., getting to know your BFF even better, or turning an acquaintance into a real friend. It’s also not a bad time to start swiping on your dating apps—but don’t DTR anytime soon, because the upcoming Mercury Retrograde might turn it into a reeeaaaaal sticky situation!

Aquarius

The next few weeks find you focusing on your work life, Aquarius. You have a never-ending list of tasks to do, your boss is checking in all the time, and you’re trying to be as productive as possible. Work hard and stay on top of your sh*t, Aquarius! Mercury in Cancer is giving you the brainpower and energy to handle it. It’s an exhausting transit for sure, but if you persevere and do all your work (and do it right), your life will be more smooth, efficient, and completely reorganized!

Pisces

Mercury in Cancer is a spectacular transit for you, Pisces, and even with the upcoming Mercury Retrograde raining on everyone else’s parade, you’re having a pretty good time! Cancer’s like-minded water sign vibes harmonize with you beautifully, and you’re connecting with others, finding joy, and just feeling good. This transit is also a great time to add more romance to your life, have way better sex, and get creative—so go for it!