When Mercury goes retrograde, what happens and how does it effect us? Many astrology believers believe that retrograde motion starts a cycle of bad luck, but what exactly does this mean?
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion in which the planet appears to be travelling backwards from our perspective on Earth. According to astrologers, technology and communication may be hampered during this seeming rearward motion, casting a damper on anyone’s summer attitude.
Check out everything you need to know about Mercury’s retrograde, including how to use its energy and what it means for you…
In This Article...
When Mercury is retrograde, what does it represent in astrology?
“Mercury must be retrograde” has become a catchphrase for explaining why things in our lives have gone awry. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong during this planetary phase, according to astrology’s Murphy’s Law. That is, at least, how we use it in everyday conversation. But, in astrological terms, what does Mercury retrograde really mean?
When Mercury appears to go backward in its orbit, it is said to be retrograde. Mercury spends only 88 days to circle the sun, compared to Earth’s 365 days, hence this optical illusion occurs several times a year. As a result, astrologists believe that the regions of life ruled by this planet may likewise take a wrong turn. That, according to astrologer Emily Ridout, suggests issues with communication and travel.
“In mythology, Mercury is the winged messenger of the gods,” she explains.
Because we use our brains to communicate (writing, spoken word, email, contracts, agreements, etc. ), that imagery represents the intellect. The planet nearest to the sun is connected with sending and receiving messages, as well as being a mode of transportation (i.e., transportation). While a Mercury retrograde may cause a squabble with your significant other or cause your train to be delayed, it isn’t the cause of your toaster breaking this morning.
What should you avoid doing when Mercury is in retrograde?
“We can have technical or mechanical troubles, and our wires in all forms of communication can feel crossed,” says Ellen Bowles, an astrologer and co-author of Astrology SOS. “Planetary retrogrades are periods of communal thought and rest. When Mercury goes retrograde, we are advised to slow down and double-check our work.” The desire to go over every last detail extends beyond the retrograde period itself, which lasts three to four weeks. Mercury’s shadow phase, sometimes known as “retroshade,” lasts for a week or two before and after the retrograde, and the same restrictions apply during this time as they do during Mercury retrograde.
When Mercury is retrograde, what signs are affected?
Nothing in astrology is more infamous than the dreadful Mercury retrograde. After all, Mercury is the planet that rules communication and cognitive function, so it has a lot of influence in your day-to-day life. When this fast-moving, very intelligent inner planet goes retrograde, it can cause confusion and miscalculations, causing all of your plans to fall apart. Fortunately, if you belong to one of the zodiac signs that will be least affected by Mercury retrograde in spring 2022Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricornyou won’t have to prepare for absolute disaster.
The next Mercury retrograde begins on May 10th, when Mercury is at 4 degrees Gemini. Miscommunication is a prominent topic of this flighty and fickle retrograde, as this mutable air sign has a tendency to think faster than its lips can keep up with. Mercury won’t remain in Gemini for long, as it will retrograde back into Taurus on May 22, returning to its stubborn and slow-moving zone once more. You may find yourself overthinking each decision and struggling to see past your loyalties to particular attitudes and ideas as Mercury returns to this fixed earth sign. Keep an open mind and double-check that you know what you’re talking about.
Mercury retrograde might throw your life into a loop, but it’s crucial to remember that it only lasts about three weeks. This retrograde, which ends on June 3 at 26 degrees Taurus, may lead you back in time, bringing up unfinished business that has to be addressed. Let this retrograde give you another chance to try again if there are any things left unsaid or decisions that have yet to be taken.
Cardinal signs, on the other hand, may be spared the brunt of this retrograde’s effects. This is why:
When Mercury goes retrograde in 2021, what signs will be affected?
Because the retrograde is in cardinal Libra, the other cardinal signs in the other elements will be the most affected by this backward turn. This contains the signs of Aries (cardinal fire), Cancer (cardinal water), and Capricorn (cardinal earth) (cardinal earth). It will be felt in your seventh house of partnership, Cancer’s fourth house of domestic life, and Cap’s tenth house of career, Aries.
What impact does Mercury retrograde have on me?
Mercury is retrograde on Friday the 13th, which coincides with Friday the 13th. Mercury is the planet that regulates short-term travel, communication, and exchange in astrology. These aspects of life are jeopardized when Mercury turns retrograde, which happens a few times a year for a few weeks. In general, expect delays, the resurgence of exes, various system failures, and a regrettable text or two.
Because this retrograde happens in Gemini, the fast-talking and often short-sighted sign, lips will be loose and peace and quiet will be hard to come by. Friday the 13th does not have any astrological significance, but it does fall in the midst of this retrograde and a strikingly spectacular eclipse season. Grace is the key to navigating today and tomorrow: the grace period you’ll need to arrive on time and safely, as well as the grace you may provide to yourself and others when words slip and meaning is lost. With this in mind, I’ve come up with some sound recommendations for your sign this Friday.
Ex-lovers resurface during Mercury retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is known for bringing back people from the past, including ex-lovers. While this is a wonderful moment to tackle old difficulties, that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to resolve them. It can, however, bring some closure and insight into what went wrong in the first place.
Is it possible for wonderful things to happen during Mercury retrograde?
Overall, Mercury retrograde can provide explanations and confirmation for happenings that are otherwise unfathomable. The same can be said for astrology in general: it is one of many tools available to assist us in cultivating self-awareness in order to support overall wellness and health.
Don’t get a new haircut.
It’s not the best time to start something new when Mercury is retrograde. Rather, this time is all about redoing, reevaluating, readjusting, and so on. When it comes to your hair, this is not the time to have a bold cut. You can conduct your homework for when the retrograde is over, but don’t commit to a new look while the transit is in effect. Any Mercury retrograde haircut we’ve ever had hasn’t been our fave, to say the least.
Don’t dye your hair a different color.
In the same line as the last advice, you should avoid drastic hair changes. Keep your present hair color or at the very least dye it something similar. It’s possible that switching from jet black to platinum isn’t the finest choice. It’s preferable to put any hairstyle changes off until once the retrograde is through.
Don’t switch up your haircare routine.
Rather than replacing all of your go-to products with new ones, make use of the ones you already have. You can certainly reevaluate which aspects of your routine are working and which aren’t, but don’t make any drastic changes just yet. Wait until Mercury retrograde is over before making any changes to your haircare routine. “As long as it’s not something permanent,” Lina says, “I’d go for it.”
Don’t rush into anything.
Mercury retrograde can make us feel powerless and helpless. When this happens, we tend to make hasty decisions in order to regain control. This is especially true with our strands, which is why Lauren advises against “rushing into things.” Instead, she advises that you “spend the time and money necessary to get it done well.”
This is also true for large haircare purchases. Lina advises that you avoid purchasing anything pricey during this time. “If you’re thinking about getting a Dyson Airwrap, I’d wait until early February when both Venus and Mercury are still direct,” they say, because devices bought during Mercury retrograde can be glitchy.
When Mercury goes retrograde in 2022, what signs will be affected?
Mercury retrograde pops up to stir the pot just when you think you’ve got all your ducks in a row and all your troubles figured out. When it comes to astrology, there’s always an inconvenience lurking around the corner, and nothing epitomizes this more than when Mercury, the planet of communication and cognition, begins moving backward rather than ahead through the zodiac. If you belong to one of the zodiac signs that will be most affected by Mercury retrograde in spring 2022Taurus, Gemini, Scorpio, or Sagittarius, you might expect some technological issues in the near future.
Mercury retrograde tends to produce temporary disruption and mayhem when it stations retrograde. This retrograde, which occurs three to four times per year, is something you’re comfortable with because you’ve seen it before. In other words, there’s no need to be concerned; the world will not end, and you will emerge uninjured on the other side. While Mercury retrograde is known for causing miscommunications and misunderstandings, it’s also a lovely time to reflect on your life, examine prior projects, and take care of unfinished business.
Mercury retrograde begins on May 10 and ends at 4 degrees Gemini this spring. Mercury rules this mutable air sign, making this a classic retrograde experience full of bewilderment and distraction. Keep in mind what you say and how you say it, particularly if you’re stretching the truth. On May 22, Mercury will re-enter Taurus, making this retrograde’s energies slower and more unpleasant, since Mercury already finds moving through this inflexible fixed earth sign difficult. Fortunately, it will all come to an end on June 3rd, just as fast as it began.
Here’s what people born under the signs of the zodiac should know:
What zodiac signs will be impacted by Mercury retrograde in 2022?
Mercury retrograde appears to stir the pot just when you believe you’ve got everything in order and all your troubles solved. When it comes to astrology, there’s always an annoyance lurking around the corner, and nothing epitomizes this more than when Mercury, the planet of communication and cognition, starts moving backward through the zodiac instead of forward. If you’re born under the sign of Taurus, Gemini, Scorpio, or Sagittarius, you should be prepared for some technological troubles in the near future.
Mercury retrograde is known for causing momentary upheaval and mayhem. This retrograde occurs three to four times a year, and you’ve probably seen it before. To put it another way, there’s no need to be concerned; the world will not end, and you will emerge unhurt on the other side. While Mercury retrograde is known for causing a slew of miscommunications and misunderstandings, it’s also a lovely time to reflect on your current situation, revisit past projects, and take care of unfinished business.
Mercury goes retrograde on May 10 at 4 degrees Gemini, going backwards. Mercury rules this fluid air sign, so expect disorientation and distraction during this retrograde period. If you’re stretching the truth, be careful what you say and how you say it. On May 22, Mercury will re-enter Taurus, making the retrograde’s energies slower and more unpleasant, since Mercury already finds moving through this inflexible fixed earth sign difficult. Fortunately, everything will come to a close on June 3rd, just as fast as it began.
The following are some things that people born under the signs of the zodiac should be aware of:

