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…
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What happens when Mercury is retrograde?
Even if you don’t believe in horoscopes or astrology, you’ve probably heard of Mercury retrograde, the planetary phenomenon we’ve all learned to fear. It’s a moment when things can feel slightly out of balance, and it’s said to affect communication and technology. You may lose your keys, miss appointments, or learn that your computer has unexpectedly broken down.
Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion in which the planet appears to shift course and move backwards in the sky, according to science. When is it going to happen? The most important dates in 2022 are: 13 January to 3 February 3, 10 May to 2 June, and 9 September to 1 October.
We are currently in the Age of Aquarius, a sign linked with “rapid change, building communities, fighting for issues you care about, and technical advancements,” and this year’s retrogrades are all between earth and air signs. It will be a wonderful moment to take stock of finances and partnerships in a year that is pressing us to make important love and money decisions, spanning Capricorn to Aquarius, Taurus to Gemini, and Virgo to Libra.
What does it mean for a person to be retrograde?
verb that is intransitive. 1a: to return: retreat b: to go over something again or recapitulate it. 2: to deteriorate into a worse state.
Is it true that all planets go into retrograde?
Do you ever had those moments when everything goes wrong and you have no idea why? Stargazer, take a look up: A planet could be retrograde, which means it appears to be spinning backward from Earth’s perspective. What exactly is going on? The Earth, on the other hand, is completing its cycle around the Sun faster than planets beyond its orbit. It will occasionally outrun them, which will result in retrograde mayhem.
The planet that is being passed will appear to stop and go backward, much like a fast automobile or train passing a slower one. This is the apparent retrograde period. The velocity appears normal again as the Earth passes this planet in its orbit, and the planet is termed to be “direct” or “prograde” (to use the snappy scientific term). You’ve probably been in a car that felt like it was going backwards when it was passed, so you know how it feels!
There is a beginning and an end to each retrograde cycle “The uncomfortable transition of the retrograde planet from apparent backward to forward motion…and vice versa is known as the shadow period. As a result, you may sense the beginnings of a retrograde cycle for days, if not weeks, before it officially begins.
While retrograde planets are but a mirage, astrology devotees can vouch to their influence. During this cycle, the areas that a retrograde planet rules can become weak, tough, or troublesome.
Because all planets go retrograde on a regular basis, we must accept these natural occurrences as both a part of life and an opportunity to grow in character. According to the Buddha, “There was no dirt, and there was no lotus. Sometimes we need a struggle to build the inner power and self-awareness we require to progress as beings.
The planets, retrograde
Mercury, the planet of communication, transportation, travel, and technology, is the most well-known retrograde, which occurs three or four times a year for three weeks. Arguments and misunderstandings erupt, plans fall apart, cars break down, and computers fail unexpectedly during a Mercury retrograde cycle. Precautions are advised by astrologers: back up your digital files before this period begins, postpone any deals, and expect to repeat or explain yourself a few times more than usual.
Every 18 months, Venus, the planet of love, enters retrograde, revealing any weak links in a relationship or bringing back old lovers. Although the media are regularly studded with celebrity breakups each time Venus goes crazy, astrologers advise against proposals, weddings, and any big relationship changes during this 4-6 week period. Every two years, Mars goes retrograde for around two months, which can cause strife and warfare. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are all “outer planets” that travel retrograde for four to five months each year. So forget about hiding under a rock, because at least one planet, if not more, is retrograde most of the time.
So what’s good about retrogrades?
The prefix re- denotes a return. Retrogrades are a good time to polish up tasks you’ve already started or dig up ones you’ve put aside. Retrogrades draw our focus back to the past, and they can really be cosmic “grace periods” during which we can finish what we’ve started or solidify our intentions, ensuring that we don’t move forward on shaky ground. Old acquaintances, loves, and issues from the past may reappear, allowing you to reconnect or revise. This is a good opportunity to settle any disagreements, explore old ideas, conduct research, or renew a commitment. During these times, tighten up your habits and preparations, and you’ll be ready to rock when the retrograde period passes.
How to proactively use every retrograde:
Mercury is retrograde, which means you should reconnect with old acquaintances and contacts, back up your devices and data, revise and clarify your thoughts, and revisit an old writing project or course of study. Make sure your social media profiles are up to date.
Heal any conflicts in your relationship or impediments to love during Venus’ retrograde. Recognize when you’re in the incorrect match and change your strategy. Reunite with an ex…or get closure with an ex if the timing is right. Make peace with a woman who is important to you.
Mars is retrograde, which means you should learn to deal with pressure and disagreement more effectively. Let go of your resentment and lay down your swords. To avoid accidents, slow down and stop rushing. Have sex with an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend (with caution!). Make an effort to improve your patience. Resuming an old sport or fitness routine is a good idea. You must have the courage to confront someone. Make peace with a man who is a part of your life.
When Jupiter is retrograde, it’s a good idea to take it easy on the risk-taking and consider your options before moving forward. Visit an old favorite location. Take over an abandoned business endeavor. Return to school and complete a degree or certification.
Saturn is retrograde, which means you should tighten up your plans and reconsider your goals and job path. Delay quick gratification and practice self-discipline. Work through conflicts with your father (thank goodness Saturn goes retrograde once a year, eh?).
Uranus is retrograde, so keep an eye on your rebellious instincts and make sure you’re not doing it for the wrong reasons. Examine your political beliefs, keep up with current events and scientific breakthroughs, and reconnect with a humanitarian cause. Keep a safe distance from destructive and disruptive people that add to the chaos in your life (you don’t need any more than you already have!).
Resuming a creative, musical, or artistic undertaking when Neptune is retrograde is a good idea. Explore and investigate your spiritual beliefs by delving into your mind, doing healing work and therapy, and diving into your subconscious. Meditation can help you become more in touch with your intuition. Be wary of denial and codepence. Get rid of the energy vampires in your life.
Explore your “dark side” and delve into past anxieties, limiting beliefs, and unconscious patterns during Pluto’s retrograde. Detoxify your environment through Feng Shui, space cleaning, sage burning, and decluttering. Protect yourself from potentially dangerous persons and situations. Recognize when you’re being bullied or controlled, or when you’re overpowering someone else, and take action. Make sure you’re not putting your own unspoken burden onto others. Past-life regressions, engaging with a psychic medium, and hypnotherapy can all help you access mysterious or buried elements of yourself.
What effect does retrograde have on relationships?
Mercury retrograde can wreak havoc on romantic relationships, family dynamics, and emotions in general, as communication goes crazy. You can say the wrong thing at the wrong time, send an uncomfortable text, or make two reservations at the same time. It’s more difficult to make decisions, so if you’re single, now isn’t the time to swipe left or right all the time.
If you’re on the fence about someone, whether it’s a present relationship or a hookup from last night, Mercury retrograde isn’t the best time to make a decision.
It’s risky to sign legal documents like prenups and divorce papers during this period since you’re more likely to miss anything vital (especially if you ignore the fine print).
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 kind of retrograde are we in right now?
The first retrograde will occur between January 14 and February 3, 2022. The second retrograde will occur between May 10 and June 3, 2022. The third retrograde will occur between September 9 and October 2, 2022. The fourth retrograde will occur between December 29 and January 18, 2023.
In the year 2022, which planet is retrograde?
Mercury will be in apparent retrograde motion in 2022 between the dates of January 13 and February 3. The dates are May 10 to June 2. The dates are September 9 through October 1.
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:
In a birth chart, what do retrograde planets mean?
In case you didn’t know, when a planet is “retrograde,” it means Earth is going through its orbit and the planet looks to be travelling backward from our perspective. “All the planets suffer retrograde motion, but Mercury is the most commonand feared!” writes Kavanagh, “since he frequently causes what I like to call ‘Mercury mischief’ in his many three-to-four annual retrogrades.” “Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Pluto, and Chiron are all larger, outer celestial bodies that have a long annual retrograde motion, usually four to five months. Every alternate year, Venus and Mars, which orbit closer to Earth, retrograde.” She goes on to say that the sun and moon never go retrograde.
“Retrograde simply means the planet’s energy is partly obstructed externally, limiting the expression of those living areas that fall under that planet’s dominion.” Ambi Kavanagh, astrologer
So, if you have a retrograde planet (or several) in your natal chart, what does that mean? Consider it a karmic lesson that must be learned during your lifetime. “It’s not all doom and gloom, and it certainly doesn’t make for a ‘poor’ chart,” Kavanagh says. “Retrograde essentially means that the planet’s energy is partly obstructed externally, limiting the expression of those living regions that fall within its domain. The soul of the chart holder opted to incarnate in order to gain deeper internal lessons about the domains of life ruled by that particular planet.”