Mercury appears to move backward across the sky three times a year. These intervals are referred to as Mercury retrograde or simply Mercury retrograde periods. These times in particular were traditionally regarded by astrologers as being marked by uncertainty, lag, and frustration. Think of unfinished love letters, careless emails, and hurried travel arrangements! However, it is thought that intuition is strong at this time, making it a great time to think back on the past. Exceptional coincidences can occur.
In This Article...
What Is Retrograde Motion?
Comprehending that the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun at various distances and velocities is the first step in understanding the astronomical reason for retrograde motion. We can see the other planets traveling across our sky along their own courses while we ourselves round the Sun.
From our vantage point, a planet may occasionally seem to have abruptly reversed course and begun to move backward across the sky. The fact that Earth is positioned so close to the planet creates this illusion since a planet in orbit cannot suddenly change its course and always moves in the same direction. Because it merely appears that the planet is traveling backward (“retrograde motion”), this phenomenon is known as apparent retrograde motion.
When Is Mercury in Retrograde in 2022?
Mercury will appear to be moving backwards in 2022 between the dates listed below.
- 13 January to 3 February
- October 1 to September 9
- 28 December to 18 January (2023)
What You Should Do When Mercury is Retrograde
Mercury is the planet that governs all forms of communication, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as activities that are closely tied to communication, such as contracts and negotiations. It also governs transportation, motor vehicles, shipping, and mail.
As a result, when Mercury is in retrograde, strive to maintain your flexibility, patience, and understanding. Also, give yourself extra time to travel. Before you take that vacation, double verify your email responses and contact the bookings.
Review projects and plans during these times, but don’t make any decisions that are definitive until Mercury is direct once more. You can’t stop life, but you can prepare for it by planning ahead, having backup plans, and being understanding of other people’s shorter attention spans.
Take a Moment to Reflect
Some people attribute all the upheaval in their life to Mercury being in retrograde. But now is a good moment to take a step back and consider what you focused your efforts on.
If your faith and family are essential to you, for instance, are you investing enough time and effort in them, or have you become overcommitted to other activities like your job or a hobby? Being conscious of the links between different aspects of your lifeespecially during Mercury retrogrademay help you keep that equilibrium or at the very least, better understand how it functions. Losing that balance can have an adverse effect on all of them.
Think about that for a moment. When Mercury is in retrograde, it can be a great time to sit back and reevaluate who you are and what you are doing, but wait to make any significant changes until after the retrograde is over.
Mercury and the Zodiac
The zodiac sign Earth is in when Mercury turns retrograde affects the kind of effect you experience as well. There are 12 zodiac signs.
Check out our monthly horoscopes and learn more about the characteristics of the various zodiac signs. By consulting your zodiac profile for gardening, you can make sure that nothing goes wrong with your gardening during Mercury’s retrograde.
Mercury Retrograde:
- 2022 from September 9 to October 2. This retrograde has a Libra start and a Virgo finish. August 20 marks the start of pre-shadow, while October 16 marks the end of post-shadow.
- 2023 from December 29 to January 20. This retrograde is entirely in the sign of Capricorn. The pre-shadow phase starts on December 12 and ends on January 26, 2023.
Mars Retrograde:
- 30th October 2022 to 12th January 2023. This retrograde only occurs in Gemini. The pre-shadow phase starts on September 3 and finishes on March 15, 2023.
Jupiter Retrograde:
- 2022 from July 28 to November 23. Beginning in Aries and ending in Pisces, this retrograde. The post-shadow phase will finish on February 14, 2023, and the pre-shadow phase will expire on May 4.
Saturn Retrograde:
- between June 4 and October 23, 2022. This retrograde is entirely in the sign of Aquarius. Beginning on February 26, the pre-shadow period will last until January 26, 2023, and vice versa.
Uranus Retrograde:
- from January 23, 2023, until August 24, 2022. This retrograde is fully in the sign of Taurus. The pre-shadow phase started on May 7 and finishes on May 9, 2023, for the post-shadow phase.
Neptune Retrograde:
- between June 28 and December 3, 2022. This retrograde is fully in the sign of Pisces. The post-shadow phase will expire on March 24, 2023, and the pre-shadow phase started on March 7.
Pluto Retrograde:
- October 8, 2022, until April 29, 2022. This retrograde is entirely in the sign of Capricorn. Pre-shadow started on January 6 and ended on January 29, 2023, respectively.
In 2022, are there any retrogrades?
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.
In 2022, who will the Mercury retrograde affect?
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:
Is Venus currently retrograde in 2022?
Venus retrograde 2022 is over! From December 19, 2021, to January 29, 2022, Venus was in retrograde, which made communication more difficult. It may sound familiar. It was a double whammy because Mercury retrograde 2022 was still in the middle of its first cycle.
Is Mars going direct in 2022?
In astrology, Mars is a symbol of physicality and action and is frequently connected to anger and a high level of vigor. Approximately every two years, Mars goes retrograde for a few months. Mars will turn retrograde around the end of 2022.
What actions are prohibited in 2022 when Mercury is in retrograde?
An optical illusion causes Mercury to appear to move “backwards” or go into retrograde. The globe is simply slowing down; it is not literally moving backwards. Mercury often orbits the sun more quickly than the earth does. Mercury completes its orbit around the sun in 88 days as opposed to the earth’s 365 days. As a result, it appears to be travelling ‘backwards’ from east to west rather than the other way around.
Astrologers claim that this remote celestial event frequently has effects on Earth as well. When Mercury slows down or appears to “dance backward,” the realms it ordinarily oversees seem to be disrupted.
Mercury retrograde 2022: The things to expect
Given that it is taking place in the middle of eclipse season, this Mercury retrograde may be a little bumpy. Be prepared for minor hiccups, protracted delays in acquiring critical information, or paperwork that is crucial to your career. If you are prepared to travel during this time, you can run into issues like losing money, receiving duplicate bills, or breaking your electronic gadgets. An unwelcome former acquaintance or opponent, or even an ex-partner, may briefly reappear, causing tension and conflict.
You must be ready for disruptions in travel, communication, the news, and other aspects of your life. The retrograde may also encourage untrue rumors, tantrums, misunderstandings at work, technological failures, missed flights, and travel delays.
Since Mercury prefers being in Gemini, the first phase of the Mercury retrograde, which lasts from May 10 to May 22, is a better time than the second phase, which is in Taurus. According to astrologers, it is advised to take care of your mental welfare during the first 12 days, practice yoga and meditation, and calm yourself to achieve clarity and prevent feeling overwhelmed. During this time, you will have the option to make adjustments to your life while you go through challenging but profound changes.
On May 22, Mercury makes a significant mood change and moves into Taurus, which, in contrast to Gemini, is associated with attributes like intransigence, diplomacy, and indulgence. Due to their opposing natures, Mercury does not especially enjoy being in Taurus, thus you might feel compelled to slow down even more in opposition to Mercury’s wishes. You can get a bodily sense of being physically exhausted and abnormally sluggish.
During this time of the retrograde, watch out that you are not putting off important tasks to your detriment. Spend your time wisely and resist letting leisure develop into indolence.
Mercury retrograde 2022: The ways to cope
Taking a cue from Mercury’s sluggishness, now is a wonderful time to refocus, take stock, and unwind in your personal life. Avoid doing activities that make you feel overwhelmed and take some time to concentrate on what matters most. You must be cautious and deliberate when talking and commuting during Mercury retrograde because these things tend to happen more frequently during this time.
During this stage, it’s possible that emails and text messages won’t arrive or the GPS won’t work. Therefore, double-check any technology-related items as well as your professional emails. Editing is crucial, and in this case, less really is more. Instead of rushing into a conversation, it is best to take a moment to relax and consider what you will contribute. This will prevent misunderstandings.
Mercury retrograde 2022: Ways to avoid failure
It may be challenging, but Mercury retrograde is surely not awful. You will navigate the entire period with few snags if you equip yourself with the proper mental tools. Avoid rushing through jobs or projects and pay attention to the details to achieve this.
Avoid speeding while traveling and be especially cautious when driving. Make sure you have your passport and other necessary paperwork with you, and make sure your electronics are properly charged. It is best to proceed more slowly so as not to miss any crucial information.
Utilize this opportunity to alter and mend previous hurts, connections, and friendships. Release the held negative emotions and let go of old grudges. If you disagree with someone nearby, try to put yourself in their position before making snap judgments and picking a battle. As the retrograde drives you to review, rethink, and refocus, continually practice patience.
The retrograde is nothing to fear, to say the least. This cosmic shift is here to point you in the proper direction and provide you with new insights and clarity about your current situation. If you take this occurrence in stride and consider it an opportunity to develop a higher level of consciousness and a better understanding of others, new situations, and yourself, you won’t be influenced by it.
February 2022: Are there any planets in retrograde?
You will be in the final phase of Mercury retrograde when February officially starts. Your attention will be drawn to how you disseminate ideas and see them through to completion during this retrograde, which started on January 14 in the air sign of Aquarius and ends on February 3 in the earth sign of Capricorn. This retrograde will be focused on your ambition, tenacity, and dedication to whatever is at the forefront of your focus by the beginning of February. Capricorn will either give up or make its own way if it cannot see a clear road ahead. You might come to the realization that you can no longer afford to spend time once this retrograde is through.
However, even after Mercury stations direct, the story of its retrograde phase continues. In fact, you’ll then start to feel the post-retrograde shadow, which will help you adjust as the disorienting effects progressively fade over the course of the following few weeks. And on February 11, when Mercury joins forces with Pluto, the planet of profound and terrible truth, you might come to a climactic decision that serves as the death knell.
Once this retrograde is over, you won’t experience another one for a while. Make sure to take use of this period to launch projects, gather momentum, and travel.
What does the upcoming 2022 Mercury retrograde mean?
Mercury will turn retrograde for the second time in 2022 on May 10. You may hear all kinds of things being attributed to the retrograde period of the planet of communication during this period, which ends on June 2, from technological glitches to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones.
However, what precisely is Mercury retrograde, why is it such a huge problem, and is there anything that can be done to prevent its hazards and errors?
