A Complete Guide to Every Mercury Retrograde Happening in 2024
Mercury Retrograde Meaning Astrology
Calling all astrology lovers – Mercury retrograde is causing a mess again. You’re probably already aware of how retrograde cycles can create problems and stir up trouble. And while it's true that things can get really confusing during retrogrades, it’s nothing you can’t handle. Mercury retrograde is not a new phenomenon, despite the fact that social media has turned it into a star-studded event that most people misunderstand. That’s why we’ve set out to set the record straight on what Mercury retrograde really means.
When a planet goes retrograde, it’s a sign that you need to retrace your steps. Something you thought was finished or in the past isn’t quite done with you yet. The zodiac sign and planet that a retrograde occurs in will show you which area of life you need to review, rework, and revise before moving forward. Because Mercury rules communication, travel, commerce, and technology, all of these themes will cause you trouble whenever Mercury takes a detour from its usual path. The good news is most retrograde effects are minor, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating.
If you’re looking for tips on how to make Mercury retrograde work for you – you’re in the right place. We spoke to two professional astrologers to learn what Mercury retrograde means, how it influences your life, and what to expect from the remaining retrogrades left this year. Grab your calendar and mark down these dates – because this year, 2024, brings a total of four Mercury retrogrades looking to give you a new outlook on life.
MEET THE EXPERTS:
Daniela Karpenos is a professional astrologer, content creator, and founder of Cosmic Latte, a space for astrology-fueled creativity and reflection. She’s known for her fresh, inquisitive, and playful approach to teaching astrology and using it as a tool for growth and self-discovery. Subscribe to her newsletter or follow along on social media.
Bridget Pennisten (BP) is a professional astrologer and counselor who specializes in evolutionary astrology. They combine their formal background in psychology and traditional counseling with astrology in their every client work – creating the space for people to harness the insights of the cosmos in everyday life.
What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean in Astrology?
Mercury retrograde refers to the period of time when Mercury moves slower than the Earth around the sun – causing it to appear to spin backward in the night sky. Retrograde motion is an apparent change in the movement of a planet in the sky, but that doesn’t mean the planet is physically moving backward in its orbit. Retrogrades are visual illusions that are created based on how we perceive other celestial objects moving around the sun. During a retrograde, other planets move through space more quickly than Earth and will pass Earth in orbit around the sun. All of the planets in the solar system move in the same direction, but the difference in orbit speed is what causes the retrograde illusion.
How Long Does Mercury Retrograde Last?
Mercury is the fastest-moving planet in the solar system – and it goes retrograde more often than any other planet. You’ll start to feel the energy take effect during the pre-shadow period – three weeks before Mercury turns retrograde. This transit acts as a preview of what to expect during the real retrograde period. And each Mercury retrograde ends with a post-shadow period in the weeks following the planet's cosmic backspin. This means there are three weeks of things slowing down (pre-shadow), three weeks of the actual retrograde, and three weeks of getting things back up to speed (post-shadow).
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How Mercury Retrograde Will Affect Every Zodiac Sign 2024
If you're ever dealing with cosmic drama and wondering if Mercury is retrograde – there's a good chance it might be. Mercury retrograde occurs three to four times a year, and each cycle lasts about two to three weeks. It's the most common planetary retrograde of the bunch. In 2024, Mercury will go retrograde four times in fire signs: Sagittarius, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius (again). Here's what you can expect for every Mercury retrograde of 2024.
2024 Mercury Retrograde Dates:
December 13, 2023 to January 1, 2024: Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius
April 1 to April 24, 2024: Mercury retrograde in Aries
August 4 to August 27, 2024: Mercury retrograde in Leo
November 25 to December 15, 2024: Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius (December 13, 2023–January 1, 2024)
2024 begins with a blast from the past when Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius ends after two weeks of chaos. Starting last year on December 13, 2023, this cycle wipes the slate clean starting on New Year's Day 2024–giving you a fresh start to tackle your resolutions for the year. This retrograde will float between the energy of Capricorn and Sagittarius, adding Saturn and Jupiter's cosmic influence to the mix. When these two planets are together, you'll feel encouraged to take a calculated risk. You spent the last few weeks of 2023 considering what you can do differently in the coming year. And once this retrograde ends, you can take a calculated risk toward making your dreams come true!
Key Dates:
Mercury retrograde shadow begins on November 25, 2023, in Sagittarius
Mercury stations retrograde on December 12, 2023, in Capricorn
Mercury retrograde enters Sagittarius on December 22, 2023
Mercury stations direct on January 1, 2024, in Sagittarius
Mercury retrograde shadow ends on January 20, 2024, in Capricorn
Mercury Retrograde in Aries (April 1, 2024–April 24, 2024)
The second Mercury retrograde of 2024 starts on April 1, 2024, and ends on April 24, 2024, in the sign of Aries. When Mercury is in Aries, communication becomes bolder, and people feel compelled to speak what's on their hearts. Expect your thoughts and ideas to flourish in new ways, with the possibility of making meaningful new connections with people who share your passions. However, this period also aligns with April Fool's Day, meaning the chances of small jokes or off-handed comments being blown out of proportion is at an all-time high! During these two weeks, be mindful of what you say and how you say it, or you might end up dealing with some drama you didn't see coming.
Key Dates:
Mercury retrograde shadow begins on March 18, 2024, in Aries
Mercury stations retrograde on April 1, 2024, in Aries
Mercury stations direct on April 25, 2024, in Aries
Mercury retrograde shadow ends on May 13, 2024, in Aries
Mercury Retrograde in Leo (August 4, 2024–August 27, 2024)
The third Mercury retrograde of 2024 begins on August 4, 2024, and lasts until August 27, 2024, in the sign of Leo. Creative and confident, Leo is a sign that expresses itself freely and without worrying about what others think. Leo rules the heart in astrology, meaning this retrograde could deal with your love life. This retrograde is also special because it begins in Virgo, the sign of its rulership, before moving into Leo. You'll be gaining clarity around the value of your relationships and making decisions about who stays and who goes. And if that sounds familiar, it's because this Mercury retrograde feels very similar to vibes from the Venus retrograde last summer. Don't be tempted into repeating the same toxic dating patterns and relationship cycles! You deserve so much better in love.
Key Dates:
Mercury retrograde shadow begins on July 16, 2024, in Leo
Mercury stations retrograde on August 4, 2024, in Virgo
Mercury stations direct on August 28, 2024, in Leo
Mercury enters Virgo on September 8, 2024
Mercury retrograde shadow ends on September 11, 2024 in Virgo
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius (November 25, 2024–December 15, 2024)
The last Mercury retrograde of 2024 will start on November 25, 2024, and end on December 15, 2024, right at the beginning of the holiday season. This retrograde is an opportunity for you to reflect on everything you've experienced so far and deepen your connection with your intuition. Although communication and travel plans could get complicated, especially before family gatherings, this retrograde is a step in the right direction in the long term. What may feel like setbacks at the moment will help you see success in a new light. You'll be putting what you've learned to the test and growing in a way that will bring rewards into your life. Clear space and make room for magic!
Key Dates:
Mercury retrograde shadow begins on November 7, 2024, in Sagittarius
Mercury stations retrograde on November 25, 2024, in Sagittarius
Mercury stations direct on December 15, 2024, in Sagittarius
Mercury retrograde shadow ends on January 2, 2025, in Sagittarius
What Happens When Mercury is Retrograde?
If you’ve ever wondered why Mercury retrograde has such a bad reputation – it’s because of everything that can go wrong during this cosmic reset. Planets moving in direct motion, aka non-retrograde planets, act in a very predictable way without much fuss or fanfare. Most of the time, planets move in this forward motion, and things carry on as expected. During retrograde cycles, the flow of energy, productivity, and action are all thrown off balance. “When a planet moves through retrograde motion, it changes how the planet functions in relation to us and how we express ourselves through that energy,” says BP.
During retrogrades, you'll want to keep an eye on Mercury-ruled areas of life, such as communication, self-expression, local travel, commerce, and technology. One or more of these things will likely give you grief during the two to three weeks Mercury is retrograde. You may also experience issues or conflicts with friends, family, romantic partners, or coworkers. However, it's not all bad news. Retrogrades are also ideal for rethinking your current approach to life and reevaluating how you want to proceed. "Retrogrades reveal all the unfinished business we must tend to, even when we're always on the go. While you might have considered yourself healed or moved on from a situation, retrogrades are humbling and supportive of your continued personal growth," says Karpenos.
Why Do We Feel Bad When Mercury is Retrograde?
During Mercury retrograde, people report struggling with miscommunication, travel problems, and technology issues. However, this trickster planet can also negatively impact your physical and mental health. In astrology, Mercury retrograde can cause your energy levels to fluctuate and change your mental sharpness. Tasks that usually take you a few minutes could frustrate you to the point of tears! If you find yourself less cheerful than usual or the stars have you feeling unfocused or on edge, there's a good chance Mercury retrograde is to blame. On the flip side, people born during Mercury retrograde will feel unstoppable! Because the energy of your birth chart is aligned with the unpredictable energy of retrograde cycles, this period of time is a chance for you to make progress on your projects in creative, unexpected ways! The rules of the retrograde don't apply to you the same way as they do for other people. So don't be afraid to make your move.
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How Does Mercury Retrograde Impact Your Relationships?
Mercury retrograde is a unique opportunity to reflect on your life, work on personal growth, and improve your relationships. This is a time of reflection and transformation, where the stars ask you to make decisions based on self-love and development. It involves setting higher standards for oneself, respecting one's worth, and being honest about codependency. Expressing your emotional needs to your partner can foster stronger connections and better communication, which is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling love life. Conversations might sometimes get uncomfortable or tense, but many people find that retrogrades help them clear the air in their relationships and move forward with greater empathy and understanding. So, use this chance to refresh your relationship and embrace the positive changes that come with this phase.
What to Do (& What Not to Do) During Mercury Retrograde
Mercury retrograde happens three to four times a year and it's impossible to avoid it. It may cause delays or complications in achieving your goals, but it can also provide you with a different, fresh perspective. The best approach is to learn how to cope with it and prepare a set of tips to help navigate through this cosmic fluke successfully.
Here’s a list of things you should (and shouldn’t) attempt during Mercury retrograde:
What to Do During Mercury Retrograde:
Welcome the change of pace and give yourself permission to reflect on your current situation. When Mercury is retrograde, your best course of action is to remain calm, patient, and easygoing in your approach to life. Through the period of Mercury retrograde, pause before you make any major decisions. Retrogrades are a time that can cloud your judgment and cause confusion if you’re not mindful of the details. Take your time and review everything before you move ahead with your plans. And trust your ability to be flexible and make good decisions in the moment. “Treat this retrograde as a reevaluation period. Whatever forward motion you try to take now might be met with resistance or future realignment,” says Karpenos.
Don’t wait for trouble to arise–be prepared for things to go wrong and have a plan ready. You can’t stop Mercury retrograde from causing trouble, but you can plan ahead, create backup plans, and be prepared for things to go wrong. Try creating a Mercury retrograde checklist of tasks you need to handle before the planets go crazy. “Things like backing up your tech and getting that oil change for your car might be a place to start. You’d also benefit from adding extra buffer time in your schedule for delays and random hangups,” BP suggests. Be sure to double-check all of your plans, contracts, messages, and work materials before sending anything important.
Embrace a new way of thinking and open yourself up emotionally to change. While it’s easy to focus on how retrogrades are plaguing other people – remember that you might be part of the problem, too! The effects of retrogrades are very powerful, and nobody is immune. Consider how these cycles might push you to examine your role in things. Retrogrades can feel like a major inconvenience, but it's all in how you handle the challenges thrown at you. Mercury retrograde might mess with certain plans you had, technology you rely on, or relationships you value, but it’s really an opportunity to slow down and recenter yourself.
What *Not* to Do During Mercury Retrograde:
Sign any contracts, make any big purchases, or take action on big life decisions. Along with communication, Mercury is the planet that rules commerce, meaning a lot can go wrong in the business world during this cosmic detour. If you’re being pressured to commit to something on an accelerated timeline or you don’t have time to review all the paperwork, it’s best to hold off until after Mercury stations direct. Mercury retrograde can also cause contractual agreements to get confused and even lost, so make sure you have copies made of anything important.
Speak out or turn or say something you’ll regret. Because Mercury rules communication, people are more irritable than usual during retrograde cycles. Miscommunications can come in many forms, from misspeaking to saying something out of turn to misunderstanding someone’s intentions and more. So, take the time to listen and comprehend what people are saying during conversations. Be extra careful with online, email, and text conversations where it's difficult to detect the tone of the other person. It’s also a good idea to ask for clarification if you’re confused about someone's words or actions. Assuming during a Mercury retrograde will only hurt you.
Reconnect and rekindle things with that toxic ex from the past. It sounds cliche to say, but Mercury retrograde can cause old flames to spin the block and try to win your heart. And it’s not for no reason. Mercury retrograde can cause old feelings to bubble to the surface, and if your ex feels like there were things left unsaid, Mercury retrograde might inspire them to reach out. Of course, it’s also possible that the retrograde vibes are causing them to remember all the good times without remembering why things didn’t work out the first time. So, be wary of giving out second chances to people who swear they’ve changed during Mercury retrograde.
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