Mercury, named after the messenger god of the Romans, is the planet that governs communication, quick thinking, technology and travel. It is also the ruler of Gemini and, sometimes, of Virgo. When Mercury is in retrograde, technology tends to glitch and break down, emails and voicemail get lost, airplanes are grounded or trains redirected, instructions are misheard, relationships and friendships hit rough patches, and decisions are likely to be made wrong or not made at all.
The following is a guide to Mercury retrograde and to navigating its complex influence.
What Is Mercury Retrograde?
The planet Mercury is closer than the Earth is to the Sun and it travels very quickly. Because of Mercury's position, speed, and eccentric orbit, Mercury appears to travel backwards relative to the Earth about three times a year - we see it moving from the West to the East across the nighttime sky. Mercury goes retrograde for 8 to 15 days at a time.
Some astrologers consider a week on either side of the retrograde phase as a "shadow" retrograde, with similar effects to Mercury retrograde (but slightly less impact) – so Mercury retrograde's impact can be felt for as much as three months out of a year.
The Effect of Mercury Retrograde
Mercury has a confounding effect on almost everything related to communication, travel, and communication-related technology.
Cell phones mysteriously malfunction; emails vanish into cyberspace, never to return; phone messages get eaten by the voicemail gnome. Travel is typically rerouted or delayed during Mercury's retrograde phase.
Perhaps most importantly, major decisions seem puzzling and unclear, and should usually not be made until the "fog" of Mercury retrograde vanishes - about a week after it stations direct. Otherwise, people may find themselves regretting the choices they signed their name to while the messenger was retrograde.
Do Not:
- make tight travel plans that hinge on planes being on time
- send important information by email without following up
- make big decisions (e.g. an engagement, a breakup)
- buy big-ticket items (e.g. a house, a new sound system)
What Is Mercury Retrograde Good for?
Mercury retrograde is a good time to consider the past and how it informs the present. It is a time to process the choices and events we live through every day and to remember to breathe.
Carefully considering decisions and taking the time to double-check facts and communication puts the brain into a more observant and less frenzied pace, and allows us to slow down a little.
During Mercury Retrograde, Please Consider:
- calling instead of using email
- reading schedules at least twice
- considering all the options and waiting until a week after Mercury goes direct to make your final decision – things will probably seem much clearer then
- giving yourself twice as long for travel as it should take
- double-checking that everyone understands what you're trying to say
- reading the fine print
Does Mercury Retrograde Affect Everyone the Same Way?
Mercury retrograde does not affect everyone the same way. Some people have more difficultly, both emotionally and practically, during this time than others. Those who have Mercury retrograde in their birth or natal chart are usually less affected by the planet's retrograde movement than others.
For everyone, though, Mercury in retrograde signals a time to take things slowly, postpone major decisions, confirm that emails and voicemail arrive in the right places, take extra time for travel, and to consider old and new directions in life.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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