unchanging verb. 1a: retreat; go back. b: to review or summarize anything. 2: to deteriorate into a worse state.
In This Article...
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.
How do we get affected by 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 does my relationship to the Mercury retrograde mean?
Mercury retrograde isn’t merely a run of bad luck, despite the fact that this time period may feel like it’s upending your entire universe (why did I have to run into my ex again?). The negative consequences of this journey are typically intended to be for the better.
Astrology does this to make us review, double-check, and go over things again. It seems logical that we should slow down and reevaluate our lives during Mercury retrograde because it isn’t a good time to start something new. Having said that, you might be considering everything from your health to potential employment changes. One of the finest ways to deal with the inescapable surprises that Mercury delivers is to know what to do and expect in beforehand.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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).
What planet is now 2021 in retrograde?
One revolution of Mercury, one of the planets with the shortest orbits around the sun, takes about 88 days. Mercury is one of the planets that moves the fastest. The aforementioned aspects of a native’s life are impacted by Mercury Retrograde in 2021.