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Mercury retrograde is here! In 2022, we will have long periods of Mercury in retrograde. You may feel like you have reached the lowest of the low, like your luck has run out and you are struggling to find your way in life.
Mercury rules the mind, memory and communication. This can affect everything from work to relationships. Some of the things you may feel during retrograde are:
- Distracted or forgetful. Mercury retrograde can erase your work, causing you to go to meetings and forget what your team was discussing or even that it was a meeting at all.
- When Mercury is in retrograde, some people will stop speaking to you for no apparent reason. Mercury retrograde tends to bring out the worst in some people.
- Social networks will be a little out of control during Mercury retrograde. It’s likely that you’ll suddenly find yourself with an abundance of new or old contacts on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
- You may have trouble speaking your mind, speaking up for yourself, or you may find yourself not wanting to talk at all.
Mercury Retrograde Dates
Mercury’s retrograde periods are renowned for their potential to disrupt communication, travel, and technology. Astrologers often advise caution during these times, suggesting it’s best to avoid initiating significant projects or making major decisions. To help you navigate the upcoming decade, here’s a comprehensive table detailing the future dates of Mercury retrograde from 2024 through 2030:
The upcoming dates when Mercury will be retrograde are as follows:
| Year | Retrograde Periods |
|---|---|
| 2024 |
|
| 2025 |
|
| 2026 |
|
| 2027 |
|
| 2028 |
|
| 2029 |
|
| 2030 |
|
Note: The dates and zodiac signs indicate the periods during which Mercury is in apparent retrograde motion and the signs it transits during these times.
By keeping these dates in mind, you can better prepare for the potential challenges associated with Mercury retrograde and plan accordingly to mitigate its effects.
Mark these dates in your calendar!
It’s always good to be ready for them, so you can start doing cleansing and blessing spells well ahead of time.
Mercury Retrograde Meaning
So what does it mean when Mercury is in retrograde?
The term retrograde comes from the Latin word retrogradus, which literally means “backward step.”
When a planet is in retrograde, it looks as if it is moving backward when viewed from the Earth.
It’s an optical illusion caused by the Earth’s rotation and the speed of orbit around the Sun of the other planets.
It happens when Earth moves faster around the Sun than another planet, that planet appears to travel backward as compared to the stars.
When Mercury is in retrograde, for many people, things begin to go bad.
It seems like a string of bad luck:
- Your car breaks down
- You lose your wallet
- You fry your computer
- You break up with your significant other
- You fight with friends
Mercury is associated with the Greed god it was named after.
Mercury the god govens transportation and communication.
When the planet travels backward, its power to positively influence those things it governs is stifled.
It’s a time when one should be more cautious when speaking or travelling, double checking things, and maybe putting off bigger decisions until the retrograde is over.
What NOT To Do During Mercury Retrograde
Don’t accept a new job, and avoid doing any interviews at this time. Communication issues will hamper your chances of success.
Don’t buy technology or install new tech accessories. Hold onto that new stick of RAM until the retrograde is over!
Drive less. Car problems are very common during Mercury retrograde, so when you can, walk or use your bike. You’ll save money by not having to repair a blown tire or damage from a crash!
Don’t start a new business. Communication issues will make things turn sour.
Don’t move homes. You may find that what seemed like the perfect home actually had many issues!
Don’t travel away from home. Cancellations, postponements, and delays will hound you!
Limit large purchases. You’ll probably end up with buyers remorse!
The Positives and Negatives of Mercury Retrograde
There are many obvious negatives associated with Mercury retrograde, but there are some positives too! Here are the pros and cons of Mercury retrograde:
Positive Aspects of Mercury Retrograde
Brainstorming: This is a time of great creativity. Ideas will take new twists and turns.
Reflection: Issues from your past will come into a new light. Clarity and resolutions will follow.
Organization: Mercury Retrograde is the perfect time to declutter, sort through old clothes, organize files, and deep clean.
Planning: If you’re considering starting a business or new project, this is the time to slow down and really plan it out. New details and information will pop out that you hadn’t noticed before.
Research: For those who are writing a book or trying to learn something new, this is the time to really do some deep researching.
Going with the flow: This is the perfect time to practice letting things go, learning how to focus, and increasing your patience. Maybe take up some meditation so you can stay relaxed.
Negative Aspects of Mercury Retrograde
- Contracts and agreements fall apart
- New jobs become jobs from hell
- New customers for your businesses end up being nightmare customers
- It’s hard to write or say the right thing
- Meetings and appointments end up cancelled, delayed, or taking forever to finish
- Long distance travel is more dangerous or more annoying, with delays, items being lost, unexpected weather problems, etc
- Computers, phones, printers, and all tech end up going bad or losing data
- When shopping, what you thought was a great deal ends up being a scam or more expensive than it should have been
- New roommates that move in during this time will be absolute nightmares
- New home bought at this time will have unexpected problems and need expensive repairs
- Cars break down more easily
- Arguments are much more likely
- Miscommunication! Nothing will be coming out of anyone’s mouths the right way.
Practical Tips for Thriving During Mercury Retrograde
Mercury Retrograde might have a bad reputation, but with the right mindset, it can become a time of growth and clarity. Instead of dreading this astrological event, embrace it with these practical tips to make the most of the chaos.
Double-check everything: This period is notorious for miscommunication and mistakes, so take your time reviewing emails, texts, and even verbal conversations. Backup all your important files so you don’t lose something critical at the worst moment.
Pause on big decisions: If you can, wait until Mercury goes direct before signing contracts, making life-changing decisions, or committing to major purchases. Use this time for research and reflection to make informed choices later.
Get organized: Mercury Retrograde is perfect for cleaning out your digital and physical clutter. Sort your emails, clear out old documents, and deep clean your home. Clearing space helps clear your mind too.
Practice mindfulness: Miscommunication is a given during this time. Slow down, listen carefully, and think before you speak. It will save you a lot of headaches.
Be flexible: Travel delays, tech glitches, and unexpected changes are common. Have a Plan B ready for travel or important tasks. Staying calm and adaptable can make this time feel less stressful.
Shadow Work During Mercury Retrograde
Shadow work is the process of diving into the parts of ourselves we usually avoid or hide. Mercury Retrograde creates the perfect environment for this kind of introspection. Instead of fearing its reflective energy, use it to grow and heal.
What is shadow work? Shadow work is about uncovering the hidden parts of yourself. This could mean exploring your fears, understanding emotional triggers, or confronting patterns you need to break. Mercury Retrograde helps bring these shadows to the surface, making it the ideal time to do this work.
Journaling prompts for shadow work:
- What unresolved conflicts from my past need closure?
- What recurring patterns or fears keep coming up in my life?
- How do I handle rejection, and what does that say about me?
- What am I avoiding in my relationships, and why?
Techniques for deep reflection:
- Meditation: Sit with your thoughts and visualize releasing old energy.
- Dream journaling: Keep a notebook by your bed to track recurring symbols or themes in your dreams.
- Ritual cleansing: Use sage, palo santo, or salt baths to clear your energy field and create space for new insights.
Embracing shadow work during Mercury Retrograde can lead to breakthroughs in self-awareness and emotional growth. This work isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.
Magical Practices for Mercury Retrograde
Mercury Retrograde’s chaotic energy can also be harnessed for magical practices. Instead of fighting its flow, work with it using these spells and rituals:
Cleansing rituals: Clear your space and mind by burning sage or rosemary. Visualize stagnant energy leaving your home and being replaced with clarity and calm.
Communication spell: If you’re struggling with miscommunication, write your intention for clear speech on a piece of paper. Place it under a blue candle and light it, focusing on your desire to connect effectively.
Tech protection spell: Place a quartz crystal near your computer or phone and visualize a shield of energy around it. Repeat: “Mercury, bring clarity and protect this tech.”
Decluttering spell: As you clean, say: “As I clear this space, so I clear my mind. As I release the old, I welcome the new.” This simple chant helps reinforce the energy of renewal.
The Role of Mercury in Astrology
Mercury is the planet of communication, thought, and travel. Its influence is strongest in areas of life where ideas, movement, and connection are involved. When Mercury Retrograde occurs, these areas can feel disrupted or out of sync.
Mercury’s domains:
- Communication: Mercury governs how we exchange ideas and express ourselves.
- Technology: From phones to computers, Mercury rules the tools we use to connect.
- Travel: It influences short trips, commutes, and even the flow of traffic.
- Learning: Mercury connects to memory, logic, and how we absorb information.
Mercury in mythology: Named after the Roman god Mercury, also known as Hermes in Greek mythology, this planet embodies speed, cleverness, and communication. When retrograde, its usual forward-moving energy feels reversed, leading to challenges in these areas.
Technology and Travel Survival Guide
Mercury Retrograde is infamous for disrupting technology and travel plans. To avoid unnecessary frustration, follow these tips:
Tech tips:
- Back up all important data and files before the retrograde begins.
- Update your software and devices to minimize glitches.
- Avoid buying new gadgets during this time. If you must, read reviews carefully and double-check warranties.
Travel tips:
- Double-check your itineraries and bookings to avoid surprises.
- Keep a printed copy of important documents in case your devices fail.
- Leave early for appointments or flights to account for potential delays.
With these precautions, you can reduce stress and stay ahead of Mercury Retrograde’s disruptive energy.
Q&A: Common Questions About Mercury Retrograde
Does Mercury Retrograde really affect technology? Many people notice more glitches and breakdowns during retrograde periods. Astrology suggests this is because Mercury rules communication and tech.
Can I start a new job during Mercury Retrograde? It’s not ideal, but it’s possible with extra caution. Double-check contracts and clarify expectations to avoid miscommunication.
Is Mercury Retrograde bad for relationships? Retrogrades often bring unresolved issues to the surface, but this can be a good thing. It’s a chance to reflect, resolve conflicts, and strengthen connections.
What’s the best way to prepare? Mark retrograde dates in your calendar, reflect on past patterns, and use grounding rituals to stay calm and focused.
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