Feeling a Little Off These Days? Find Out How Mercury Retrograde Affects You
Plus, 10 ways to deal with it.
Did you accidentally delete something extremely important? Was your train delayed, or did you lose your luggage? Perhaps you missed a scheduled virtual meeting because you wrote down the wrong time zone? Blame it on Mercury Retrograde!
Or, at least, that is what everyone seems to be doing lately. In the past, these moments were understood to be inconvenient coincidences, but with the growing popularity of astrology, Mercury Retrograde is at the top of the list of cosmic calamities that everyone is talking about. Let's break down what Mercury Retrograde is, especially because we're actually in the middle of Mercury Retrograde—it began on Dec. 29, 2022 and will end on Jan. 18, 2023. Here's what you need to know.
What is Mercury Retrograde?
Three to four times a year, Mercury, which is the planet closest to the Sun, seems to stop and begin to move backward from our vantage point here on Earth. But it’s not ACTUALLY doing so. Similar to when a car and a train pass each other and one seems to be moving backward, it is like an optical illusion of sorts.
In astrology, Mercury rules communication, travel and technology. Mercury is usually the fastest planet in our solar system, so when it slows down during its retrograde, so does everything that Mercury governs. Hence the reason that Mercury Retrograde has become the cosmic explanation for the rough period of miscommunication, technology mishaps and disruption of plans that happens multiple times a year!
Related: How To Use Myers-Briggs To Find A Career You Actually Love
When does Mercury Retrograde happen?
Mercury Retrograde occurs about three or four times a year.
How long is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury Retrograde usually lasts about three weeks.
What are the dates for Mercury Retrograde in 2023?
Here are the dates and the zodiac signs Mercury reverses through this year:
Mercury Rx in Capricorn: Dec. 29, 2022 - Jan. 18, 2023
Mercury Rx in Sagittarius: Dec. 13, 2023 - Jan. 1, 2024
What are the dates for Mercury Retrograde in 2024?
Here are the dates and the zodiac signs Mercury reverses through in 2024:
Mercury Rx in Sagittarius: Dec. 13, 2023 - Jan. 1, 2024
Mercury Rx in Aries: April 1 - April 25
Mercury Rx in Leo: August 4 - August 28
Mercury Rx in Sagittarius: Nov. 25. - Dec. 15
Does Mercury Retrograde affect mood?
Yes, Mercury Retrograde can affect our mood. Mercury is the planet that rules our mental processing, intellect and the part of us that makes decisions. When Mercury Retrograde happens, we may experience a bit of “brain fog”—meaning, we may find ourselves more indecisive than usual, forgetful, confused about something we thought we had all figured out or experience deeper psychological shifts. Any of these things have the potential to cause more stress, sadness or despair. However, it’s important to remember that the Universe is always working in our favor. These things aren’t just happening because some cosmic force thinks it’s amusing; we are actually being nudged to release outmoded ideals, behaviors, people and situations that aren’t allowing us to be our best selves!
What signs will be affected by Mercury Retrograde 2023?
No zodiac sign is safe from the effects of messenger Mercury’s backspin, but Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius will feel Mercury Retrograde the most since Mercury will take its annual backspin in each of these signs this year. Also, Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, and will always feel the hiccups of Mercury’s reversal (best of luck out there, Virgos!).
Related: Work-Life Balance Tips Based on Your Sign
How does Mercury Retrograde affect you?
Fire Signs (Leo, Sagittarius, Aries)
Fire signs are known for their boundless energy and bold expression. During Mercury Retrograde, they may run into obstacles that force them to slow down or accidentally make offhand comments that unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings. This can lead to a lot of conflict and frustration!
Water Signs (Pisces, Scorpio, Cancer)
Water signs are naturally intuitive and connected to their feelings, and Mercury Retrograde can bring forth external events that make them feel emotionally insecure. Disputes with family and friends can make them retreat to their inner world to reconnect with their hearts.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
Earth signs value stability and security, and when Mercury Retrograde happens they may find that their foundation gets a little shaky! Mistakes like deleting an important document or canceling plans are common and challenge their need to maintain a level of control.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Air signs are the thinkers and communicators of the zodiac and Mercury Retrograde can bring on a period of uncertainty and miscommunication. They may second-guess decisions that were thought to be final or overanalyze conversations that leave them feeling confused.
Related: Stress-Relief Tips: 4 Easy Steps for Letting Go of Stress
Does Mercury Retrograde cause anxiety?
Mercury Retrograde itself does not cause anxiety, but the potential chaos of a Mercury Retrograde tornado of mishaps could bring forth anxious thoughts and feelings. For example, missing your flight or having a fight with a loved one can definitely cause anxiety and stress, but there is always a lesson embedded within that conflict.
What should you not do during Mercury Retrograde?
Don’t be scared! There is nothing to fear about Mercury Retrograde! It’s important to remember that the Cosmos always has your well-being in mind. Mercury Retrograde doesn’t happen to cause us unnecessary pain and stress, it is to help us reframe our thoughts and change our behaviors for our greatest good.
What is Mercury Retrograde good for?
Anytime a planet goes retrograde, it’s a good time to reassess, review, reset and recalibrate. If everything was always easy-breezy and went exactly the way we wanted, where would we have the opportunity to be creative and stretch beyond what we think is possible? Mercury Retrograde delivers universal lessons to help us with patience, faith, perseverance and not taking life so seriously.
Does Mercury Retrograde cause breakups?
Mercury Retrograde itself does not cause breakups, but if there were already cracks in the foundation of the relationship, Mercury Retrograde could usher in a “make it or break it” moment. Common themes of Mercury Retrograde include arguing over nonsense, closet skeletons being revealed and old flames coming back into the picture, which can surely invite conflict to current partnerships! However, this could all lead to a great cosmic do-over rather than a for-sure ending.
How do you deal with Mercury Retrograde?
We can all deal best with Mercury Retrograde by not panicking or living in fear. Here are a few tips to help you deal with mental Mercury’s backspin:
Try not to start anything new at this time.
Back up and save all of your documents and data.
Think before you speak. Pause and breathe before sharing your thoughts.
Re-read all emails before you push send.
Check and recheck your travel plans. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Don’t sign any contracts or make major plans if you can help it.
Don’t assume an ex coming back in your life means they are here to stay!
If you are going through a tough time, know that it will pass.
Check to make sure your goals are still in alignment with what you really want.
Don’t react negatively or jump to conclusions if you are misunderstood.
Plus, since we started the new year in mercury retrograde, you may even want to hold off on starting your new routines and habits based on your resolutions until Jan. 19!
Why is Mercury Retrograde a big deal?
As astrology becomes more popular and everyone learns about Mercury Retrograde, it’s nice to have an explanation for the sometimes crazy and inexplicable moments that happen in our lives. It can feel good to know that we aren’t the only ones experiencing trickster Mercury’s mishaps and we aren’t alone in our discomfort.
Try to remember that there’s nothing to fear. Astronomers have been tracking Mercury’s retrograde for over 400 years… the world just so happens to be more aware of it now. As long as we aren’t sitting back and blaming Mercury Retrograde for every bad thing happening in our lives, it can be a great opportunity for reassessing our goals and handling unfinished business.
Read up on everything about your astrology sign here, thanks to the AstroTwins!
