What is Mercury in Retrograde?

Keep Calm--Mercury is officially in Retrograde. Mercury goes into retrograde a few times each year, every year, so anything that can go wrong during that time is likely because of good old Mercury in Retrograde.

What is Mercury in Retrograde?

Retrograde motion is when a planet appears to stop its rotation altogether and reverse direction in its orbit. This happens due to an optical illusion as viewed from Earth. But, in the world of astrology, the retrograde motion has negative connotations. Mercury is the fast-moving planet that governs communication, travel, and technology. It helps us transmit messages by controlling both what we say and how we process what we hear from others. Three or four times per year, Mercury appears to go backward in the sky. According to Forbes, “Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and it pings back and forth either side of the sun every 88 days, swapping between being (just) visible low on the horizon either before just sunrise or just after sunset. In one Earth year, Mercury completes just over four orbits of the Sun, so three times a year it comes closest to Earth, something called ‘inferior conjunction.’”

What Happens When Mercury is in Retrograde?

During this time, people will be blaming any misfortune big or small on this effect. Similar to the “full moon” effect, Mercury Retrograde brings about energies that cause delays, miscommunications, and technology glitches.

Additionally, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by your intuition, receiving downloads, messages, and synchronicities from your spirit guides. It is especially important to keep your emotional and energetic boundaries up!

What Not to Do During Mercury Retrograde

Some people believe that it’s important to back up all electronics and be careful not to clumsily drop or mistreat smartphones or delicate gadgets. Because it’s likely that if some damage can be done, it will be done during Mercury in Retrograde. On the lighter side, glitches, delays in technology, and slow WiFi are more likely. Take notice!

How Does Mercury in Retrograde Affect Us

Some people experience sleeping through alarm clocks, feeling more fatigued, and for more interpersonal miscommunication to arise during this time. So, be mindful of being non-reactive in times of confrontation, meditate, work on breathing and relaxation.

How to Survive Mercury Retrograde

• Go with the flow: Try to roll with the punches! Laugh when you forget your computer at home when arriving at work, shower the night before in case you sleep through your alarm again, and try not to panic if your child support payment hasn’t gone through in a week or two. Be patient, relinquish control, and keep your anxiety at bay in the healthiest ways possible!

• Don’t start arguments or confrontations: Communication is bound to be misinterpreted and wires can get crossed during this time. Try writing your thoughts out, taking time to process emotions, and give yourself a “time out,” if needed. On the contrary, if you’ve upset someone near and dear to you by using the wrong language or making a joke that didn’t land, just be an adult and apologize. Don’t blame Mercury in Retrograde for all of your behavior--accountability is better!

• Go Easy on YOU: You might find yourself in the midst of mood swings and having a hard time sitting still or understanding your feelings. Go easy on yourself, don’t force it, and refer to tip #1 on this list.

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