These mixed signals and unexpected consequences come from the steroid shot this Eclipse gives to the already challenging Mercury Retrograde period. Allow extra time, consider alternative plans and prepare for surprises.
Gemini highlights the quick thinking, communication and sometimes tricky and changeable nature of this planet that gives its name to the word mercurial. While Mercury in Gemini embodies the trickster, Mercury in Virgo embodies the crafty trader. While Mercury in an Earth Sign is less flexible than when it is in Air, with the help of the Mutable nature of Virgo, Mercury is able to adapt, repurpose and cobble together whatever it needs to solve a practical issue.
During a retrograde, Mercury travels the same 15 degrees three times. The first shadow period happens almost 3 weeks before the planet stops or stations retrograde.
Solar eclipses are New Moons with extra punch. Like a New Moon, a solar eclipse often heralds a time of new beginnings as well as the endings that proceed them.