Astrology is an art form that makes accurate predictions about the future of life on Earth by using the positions of the planets. The fact that this ancient art form has been extant for so long has allowed us to observe patterns throughout time and determine that wherever the planets go, something on Earth will also be impacted.
When a planet appears to be moving backwards in the sky to us on Earth, this is known as a planetary retrograde. No, planets don’t go backwards in reality. Because of the speed at which the Earth rotates, it is an optical illusion. Ancient people understood, however, that when a planet alters its speed or direction, the thing it governs will have difficulties or perplexity at that particular time.
The sun, the moon, and clearly our Earth (since we’re, uh, standing on it) don’t retrograde, and technically, in astrology, we refer to the sun and moon as our primary celestial bodies “shining objects in the sky. However, depending on their distance from us in the solar system, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all retrograde at various times. Simple rule: A planet’s retrograde period will be shorter the closer it is to us and longer the farthest it is from us.
For those who are even more eager astrologers, the inside 411 is as follows: In addition to what the planet rules being out of balance during a retrograde, whatever zodiac sign the planet is in at the time will also experience widespread uncertainty. Different things are associated with each zodiac sign; Taurus is associated with money, whereas Libra is associated with romance.
Last but not least, we often notice that individuals, projects, and events come back to us as the earth moves away from the sun in the sky. Thus, when you unexpectedly enter that person’s direct message box “A planetary retrograde may be in reality urging you to take another look at that scenario, whether it be your ex who got away or your thoughts on picking up an old interest you put on hold because you just became too busy.
In This Article...
How do we become affected by the retrograde?
What occurs and how does Mercury’s retrograde phase impact us? Many proponents of astrology think that the retrograde motion starts a cycle of bad luck, but what does it actually mean?
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion, which implies that from our vantage point on earth, it appears as though the planet is travelling backward. Astrologers think that disruptions in electronics and communication during this alleged backward motion could dampen everyone’s summer attitude.
Find out what Mercury’s retrograde means for you, how to use its power, and anything else you need to know about it here.
What transpires when retrograde?
You’ve probably heard of Mercury retrograde, the planetary phenomenon we’ve all learned to dread, even if you’re not a big fan of horoscopes and astrology. It is said to have an impact on technology and communication, and things may feel a little off. You might find yourself forgetting appointments, losing your keys, or noticing your computer has suddenly stopped working.
Mercury retrograde, according to science, is merely an optical illusion in which the planet appears to reverse its course and move backward in the sky. What time does it occur? The crucial dates in 2022 are: 13 January to 3 February 3, 10 May to 2 June, and 9 September to 1 October. This occurs often three or four times a year.
The three retrogrades this year are all between earth and air signs, reflecting the fact that we are currently in the Age of Aquarius, a sign that is characterized by “abrupt change, building communities, fighting for causes that you care about, and achieving technological achievements.” It will be an excellent time to assess finances and relationships in a year that urges us to make significant love and financial decisions, spanning Capricorn to Aquarius, Taurus to Gemini, and Virgo to Libra.
What exactly does a retrograde mean?
The Latin word retrogradus, which literally translates to “backward step,” is where the word retrograde originates.
Retrograde, as the name suggests, occurs when a planet, as seen from Earth, appears to move backward in its orbit. Due to the fact that it is an optical illusion, astronomers refer to this as “apparent retrograde motion.”
Direct or prograde motion is the opposite of retrograde motion. Astrologers are more likely to use the word “direct motion,” while astronomers prefer the term “prograde motion.”
What is now 2022 retrograde?
Knowing when Mercury will turn retrograde is very significant since, like every year, Mercury will turn retrograde in 2022 as well. In fact, based on the above table, Mercury will turn retrograde three times this year.
What zodiac signs are impacted by Mercury’s retrograde motion?
Nothing in astrology is more notorious than the dreadful Mercury retrograde. Because it rules both cognitive and communication processes, Mercury has a significant impact on how you live your daily life. This quick-moving, very intelligent inner planet tends to confuse people and lead to errors in judgment when it goes retrograde, which can derail all of your goals. Fortunately, you don’t have to prepare for total disaster if you belong to one of the zodiac signs that will be least affected by Mercury retrograde in spring 2022: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
On May 10, as Mercury is transiting through Gemini at a 4 degree angle, the next Mercury retrograde will start. As a result of this mutable air sign’s propensity to think more quickly than it speaks, miscommunication is a major theme of this erratic and capricious retrograde. Mercury won’t stay in Gemini for very long, though, as on May 22 it will turn back into Taurus and travel through that sign’s obstinate and slow-moving zone once more. Mercury is returning to this fixed earth sign, so you may find yourself second-guessing every choice and finding it difficult to look past your attachments to particular beliefs and viewpoints. Be careful you know what you’re talking about and try to have an open mind.
Despite the fact that Mercury retrograde can throw your life for a loop, you must keep in mind that it only lasts for around three weeks. This retrograde, which will terminate on June 3 at 26 degrees Taurus, could transport you back in time and bring up unfinished business that has to be attended to. Let this retrograde give you another chance to attempt because there might still be things you need to say or decisions you need to make.
In either case, cardinal signs might not experience the full effects of this retrograde. This is why:
What activities are prohibited during a retrograde?
Ellen Bowles, an astrologer and co-author of Astrology SOS, claims that “we can have technical or mechanical troubles, and our wires can seem crossed in all our channels of communication.” “Planetary retrogrades are occasions for everyone to stop and think. We are being advised to slow down and double-check the details when Mercury is retrograde.” The urge to meticulously examine every last aspect extends beyond the three to four weeks of the retrograde period itself. The same guidelines for what not to do during Mercury retrograde also apply during this time, which lasts for a week or two before and after the actual retrograde. This period is known as Mercury’s shadow phase or “retroshade.”
What zodiac signs will be impacted by the 2021 Mercury retrograde?
The other cardinal signs in the other elements will feel this particular backward turn the most because it is occurring in cardinal Libra. Aries (cardinal fire), Cancer (cardinal water), and Capricorn are included in this (cardinal earth). Aries, it will manifest in your fourth house of domestic life, Cancer, your seventh house of partnerships, and Cap, your tenth house of careers.
Which retrograde are we now in?
January 14February 3, 2022, is the first retrograde period. May 10June 3, 2022, is the second retrograde period. September 9October 2, 2022, is the third retrograde period. December 29 until January 18, 2023, is the fourth retrograde.
Do relationships suffer from Mercury’s retrograde motion?
Mercury retrograde may seriously mess with romantic relationships, family dynamics, and emotions in general since it can cause communication to go crazy. You might send a weird text, say the wrong thing at the wrong moment, or double-book plans. If you’re single, now isn’t the time to swipe irrevocably right or left because it’s difficult to make decisions.
Mercury retrograde may not be the best time to make a decision if you are debating whether or not to commit to someone, whether it be a present romantic partner or the hookup from last night.
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Prenuptial agreements and divorce paperwork might be tricky to sign during this time because you run the risk of forgetting anything crucial (especially if you ignore the fine print).