Mercury Retrograde Information

Understanding the infamous astrological transit.

Mercury Retrograde is an astrological phenomenon that occurs three or four times a year when the planet Mercury appears to travel backward in its orbit, as viewed from Earth. This is an optical illusion caused by the relative speeds and positions of Earth and Mercury.

In astrology, Mercury rules communication, travel, technology, contracts, and thought processes. During its retrograde periods (typically lasting about three weeks), these areas are thought to be prone to disruptions, delays, misunderstandings, and technical glitches.

Common Associations with Mercury Retrograde:

• Communication mishaps, misunderstandings, arguments.
• Travel delays, cancellations, lost luggage, transportation issues.
• Technology malfunctions (computers crashing, phones acting up, emails lost).
• Signing contracts or making major decisions leading to later revisions.
• Feeling mentally foggy or scattered.
• Unexpected encounters with people from the past.
• Need to review, revise, reflect, and redo things.

Upcoming/Recent Mercury Retrograde Periods (Approximate Dates):

Note: Actual start/end times vary and "shadow periods" before and after are sometimes considered. These dates are typical but consult astronomical sources for precise timings.

Navigating Mercury Retrograde:

While often viewed negatively, astrologers suggest using this period productively:

• Review & Revise: Revisit old projects, plans, or ideas. Edit and refine your work.
• Reflect & Reassess:** Take time for introspection. Reconsider past decisions.
• Reconnect:** Reach out to old friends or contacts.
• Repair & Reorganize:** Fix broken items, back up data, clean out clutter.
• Be Patient & Flexible:** Expect potential delays and double-check details (especially travel plans and important communications). Avoid signing major contracts if possible, or review them extremely carefully.
• Communicate Clearly:** Be extra mindful of how you express yourself and confirm understanding.