What Retrograde

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 kind of retrograde are we currently 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.

What occurs when Mercury is 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 affects us does the retrograde have?

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 occurs following a retrograde?

In other words, it’s our first attempt at the problem, whereas the retrograde is our second attempt at dealing with the same issue. Mercury is aspecting the same degrees and signs now that it is retrograde as it did before the shadow zone. The post-retrograde begins immediately after the retrograde and lasts for two weeks after that. The same circumstances that occurred before the retrograde period must be handled and managed throughout that third pass.

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.”