Welcome to “Winning Pond,” the newsletter that explores the mysteries of tarot and astrology while offering unique personal development exercises and challenges. I believe that we are here to create our dream reality, whatever that means for you.
NOTE: All newsletters can be found on WinningPond.com as well as exclusive articles, my favorite books & tarot decks.

📣QUICK ANNOUNCEMENT: We had a little bit of an ooopsie and messed up the 8 day Focus to Clarity challenge. Totally my fault. I want to get the information out there so to make up for it you can watch the entire webinar about creating your very own Focusing statement here.
The webinar will be a little over an hour, will cost nothing but your time. By the end of it you will have developed a focusing statement which is like having a goal but on steroids.
The benefits of having a focusing statement have completely transformed my life and I want to share that clarity with everyone.

“Tarot is simply a tool to help us work with the energy.”
Chris Reck

🌟Navigating Mercury Retrograde in Virgo🌟
Embracing the Power of Precision & Self-Reflection
In this particular cosmic phenomenon, the influence of Mercury Retrograde occurring in the detail-oriented sign of Virgo adds an intriguing layer to our experiences. Mercury officially goes retrograde August 23rd – September 14th, but we have already been in the shadow period for 2 weeks, and will be in the shadow period for 2 weeks after it goes direct. So we are in this energy for a little bit.
Let’s work WITH this energy and explore the unique dynamics of Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, emphasizing the power of precision and self-reflection during this transformative period.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo: A Closer Look
During Mercury Retrograde, our communication, technology, and plans can experience disruptions and challenges. However, when combined with Virgo’s meticulous and analytical energy, we are provided with an opportunity for deeper understanding and growth.
- Precision and Clarity in Communication: Mercury, the planet of communication, takes on the analytical lens of Virgo during this retrograde. It calls us to be more precise and intentional with our words, emphasizing clarity in all forms of expression. Taking extra care in our communication will help us navigate potential miscommunications and misunderstandings during this period.
- Practicality with Technology and Systems: Virgo’s practical nature comes to the forefront when navigating the impact of Mercury Retrograde on technology and systems. It encourages us to approach electronic devices and digital systems with a discerning eye. Taking the time to back up data, ensuring devices are functioning optimally, and organizing our digital space will mitigate potential disruptions during this retrograde.
- Delving deep into Self-reflection: Virgo’s influence highlights the importance of introspection and self-reflection during Mercury Retrograde. Use this time to review your plans, goals, and projects, ensuring they align with your highest intentions. Embrace Virgo’s analytical energy to identify areas for improvement and make the necessary adjustments.
- Embracing Adaptability and Patience: With Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, adaptability and patience become essential qualities to cultivate. The earthy energy of Virgo encourages grounding and staying connected to the present moment. It reminds us to slow down, breathe, and flow with the cosmic rhythm, rather than resisting the unexpected changes that may arise. Embracing adaptability allows us to navigate the challenges of this retrograde with ease.
Mercury Retrograde in the sign of Virgo presents a unique opportunity for growth and self-reflection. The precision and analytical nature of Virgo infuse this retrograde with a focused energy that encourages clear communication, practicality with technology, and introspection. As we embrace adaptability and patience, we can navigate the fluctuations of this retrograde with grace and cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our aspirations.
Remember, Mercury Retrograde in Virgo is a time of powerful transformation, offering us the chance to realign our intentions and move forward with newfound clarity and precision in all areas of life.
If you want to know more about navigating these energies specific to your energy, check out your free readings on my YouTube channel by clicking the button below:

Mercury Retrograde is a time to focus on all the ‘RE’s’: REbirth, REcalibrate, REstructure, REorganize, REnew, REflect, REevaluate, REview, & REwatch your readings on Minnow Pond Tarot!
Chris Reck
🌟MASTER THE MERCURY RETROGRADE ENERGY🌟
I recommend looking at your Sun Moon & Rising Signs for a complete picture of your energy.
- Your Sun = your core personality
- Your Moon = your emotions
- Your Rising = the mask you wear (or what the world sees)
👇Click your zodiac sign to watch ALL of your readings👇
▶️ ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
During this Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, embrace the power of precision. Take a step back to review your plans and projects, ensuring they align with your desires. Embrace the earthy energy of Virgo to ground yourself, find clarity, and make insightful adjustments. Patience and adaptability will be your allies.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, ARIES
▶️ TAURUS (April 20 – May 20)
This Mercury Retrograde in Virgo invites you to delve into self-reflection. Take the time to evaluate your values, relationships, and financial endeavors. Focus on practicality and detail-oriented approaches to achieve growth and stability. Embrace this period as a catalyst for refining and solidifying your foundations.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, TAURUS
▶️ GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
Communication is key during Mercury Retrograde in Virgo. Exercise caution with your words, be clear and concise to avoid misunderstandings. Technology may present challenges, so back up your data. Embrace this retrograde as an opportunity to reflect on your thinking patterns, refine your message, and foster better connections.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, GEMIN
▶️ CANCER (June 21 – July 22)
This Mercury Retrograde in Virgo encourages a closer look at your home, family, and emotional well-being. Reflect on your domestic life, make adjustments where necessary. Seek practical solutions to create a harmonious living environment. Embrace the power of self-care and self-reflection to nourish your emotional foundation.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, CANCER
▶️ LEO (July 23 – August 22)
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo emphasizes introspection. Take this time to review your communication style and strategies. Reflect on your goals, both personal and professional, and revise them with precision. Focus on enhancing your creativity and self-expression, while also being adaptable to unexpected changes along the way.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, LEO
▶️ VIRGO (August 23 – September 22)
This Mercury Retrograde is in your sign, amplifying its influence on your life. Embrace the power of self-reflection and refinement. Pay attention to your communication, relationships, and personal goals. Use this time to set intentions, organize your life, and make adjustments for a more aligned and fulfilling future.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, VIRGO
▶️ LIBRA (September 23 – October 22)
During Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, prioritize self-care and introspection. Pay attention to your mental and physical well-being. Reflect on your values, beliefs, and aspirations. Seek balance between your own needs and the needs of others. Embrace the opportunity to realign and find harmony within yourself and your relationships.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, LIBRA
▶️ SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21)
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo invites you to review your personal and professional networks. Reflect on your friendships, collaborations, and community involvement. Embrace the power of discernment to assess the authenticity and value of your connections. This retrograde also encourages depth and transformation in your personal journey.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, SCORPIO
▶️ SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21)
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo invites you to review your personal and professional networks. Reflect on your friendships, collaborations, and community involvement. Embrace the power of discernment to assess the authenticity and value of your connections. This retrograde also encourages depth and transformation in your personal journey.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, SCORPIO
▶️ CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo calls for introspection on matters of philosophy, spirituality, and personal growth. Reflect on your belief systems and expand your understanding. Seek practical solutions to transform your inner world. Embrace this retrograde as a time to reevaluate your purpose and align it with your ambitions.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, CAPRICORN
▶️ AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18)
During this Mercury Retrograde in Virgo, revisit your joint resources, finances, and intimate connections. Reflect on your financial strategies and make practical adjustments where necessary. Embrace this period as an opportunity to deepen your emotional bonds and transform your relationship with shared resources.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, AQUARIUS
▶️ PISCES (February 19 – March 20)
Heartfelt communication takes center stage during Mercury Retrograde in Virgo. Reflect on your partnerships and collaborations. Seek clarity, understanding, and precision in your interactions. Embrace practical and detail-oriented approaches to foster healthier connections. Use this retrograde to fine-tune and strengthen your relationships.
👉Click Here to find out YOUR NEXT STEP, PISCES
Remember, these messages offer guidance and insights for each zodiac sign during Mercury Retrograde in Virgo. Embrace the opportunities for growth, introspection, and refinement that this cosmic event brings forth. Trust in your intuition and navigate this period with grace and mindfulness.
☝️Click Here☝️ to find your AUGUST readings. I recommend watching your Sun Moon & Rising signs for a complete picture of your energy at this time.
In case you missed it…
In 2023 we have 7 planets going Retrograde at once! 😱
Retrogrades are a time of going within & really focusing on all of the “RE” words: Renew, Reflect, Rest, Rebirth
- Venus Retrograde (July 23-Sept 4) happening in the sign of Leo making this a time to reflect, rekindle & transform your passions.
- Mercury Retrograde (Aug 24-Sept 16) happening in the sign of Virgo. Mercury is the planet of communication, and with the detail oriented sign of Virgo, this is a great time to refine your communication and execute precise decisions.
- Pluto Retrograde (May 11 – Oct 22) happening in the sign of Aquarius. This is where you reclaim your personal power and prioritize your purpose.
- Saturn Retrograde (June 18 – Nov 4) happening in the sign of Pisces. This will push you to question your beliefs & let go of limiting beliefs. This is an excellent time to refine your daily rituals & self-care routines.
- Neptune Retrograde (July 1 – Dec 6) happening in the sign of Pisces. Expect your intuition to be on fire, so developing self-trust is crucial at this time.
- Jupiter Retrograde (Sept 5 – Dec 31) in the sign of Taurus. Make sure that your values are aligned with your goals. Taking steady action towards what you want to create will bring a lot of success. Don’t overindulge during this time.
- Uranus Retrograde (August 29 – Jan 27) retrograde in Taurus. This is a time to break free from any stagnant routines and make changes on both micro and macro levels. Explore new solutions and find a healthy balance of rebellion.
The 7-planet retrograde of 2023 brings with it challenges, but also valuable opportunities for growth and self-reflection. By understanding the influence of each retrograde and embracing the medicine of each planet, we can navigate this astrological event with clarity and purpose.
More than ever we need to look at our belief systems, our deepest desires, and our daily practices as we move through these times. Buckle up, because the planets are about to take us on a cosmic journey of self-discovery and transformation, and it is going to be a WILD RIDE! Don’t worry, I’ve got the secret sauce for your energy covered in all of your readings on Minnow Pond Tarot!
Thank you everybody, and enjoy your week!
Let’s make a Dent on the Universe together!
