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.
In This Article...
When did Mercury last go into reverse?
Mercury can go retrograde multiple times this year since it completes a solar orbit faster than Earth does: 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.
How often did Mercury go backwards?
The night sky’s objects appear to “travel from east to west through the night sky” due to the Earth’s daily rotation. The other planets in our Solar System all orbit the Sun at different rates, whereas the stars’ positions in relation to the Earth are fixed, at least from our vantage point.
The wider orbits of the outer planetsMars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptuneallow them to orbit the Sun more slowly than Earth does. As a result, throughout its orbit around the Sun, the Earth frequently passes in front of these planets.
An outer planet that the Earth passes over temporarily appears to be moving backward in relation to the stars.
Imagine two vehicles traveling in separate lanes along a highway in the same direction. Even if the slower automobile is still moving rather quickly in the same direction, if one car is moving faster than the other, it will appear to the person in the faster car that the slower car is moving backward.
The same mechanism that causes Mercury and Venus to become retrograde also causes them to move backwards. When they lap us, Mercury and Venus seem to go into retrograde.
Mercury’s 88-day orbit around the Sun causes the Swift Planet to turn retrograde three or four times a year, for a total of around three weeks at a time. Retrograde motion is less frequent but lasts longer for outer planets.
This year, when was Mercury retrograde?
Do you frequently make the wrong statement at the worst possible time? The stars provide an explanation: Mercury retrograde is the name of the celestial occurrence that will affect us four (four!) times in 2022.
On Friday, January 14, the first Mercury retrograde of 2022 starts in Aquarius. Then, on January 25th, the planet enters Capricorn. We can anticipate frustrating miscommunications, technology failures, and travel accidents as Mercury quickly travels backward. Although the actual start of the first Mercury retrograde of the year isn’t until Friday, January 14, its shadow phase started on December 29, 2021. We started to experience the impacts of retrograde during this time, albeit they were not as strong as when things were in full swing.
What zodiac signs will be impacted by the 2022 Mercury retrograde?
When you believe you have everything under control and your troubles solved, Mercury retrograde seems to mix things up. There’s always a problem lurking around the corner when it comes to astrology, and nothing illustrates this more than when Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, starts to move backward through the zodiac rather than ahead. Taurus, Gemini, Scorpio, and Sagittarius are the zodiac signs that will be most impacted by Mercury retrograde in spring 2022, so you *might* want to get ready for some technical issues soon.
Mercury usually stirs up temporary turbulence and commotion when it stations retrograde. This retrograde, which occurs three to four times a year, is nothing new to you because you’ve already encountered it numerous times. In other words, there is no need to be concerned; the world will not end, and you will survive it unharmed. Although miscommunications and misunderstandings frequently occur when Mercury is retrograde, it is also a lovely time to reflect on your life, look back on previous endeavors, and take care of any unfinished business.
Mercury retrograde this spring starts on May 10 at 4 degrees Gemini, going backwards. Mercury rules this mutable air sign, so this will be a typical retrograde experience marked by confusion and diversion. Think carefully before you speak, especially if you’re twisting the truth. On May 22, Mercury will reenter Taurus, slowing down the intensity of this retrograde and making it more frustrating for Mercury, who already finds it difficult to move through this rigid fixed earth sign. Fortunately, everything will finish on June 3 just as swiftly as it began.
What the astrological signs listed below should be aware of is:
What days will Mercury be in retrograde in 2022?
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.
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.
What effects does Mercury going backwards have on the body?
What effect it’s having on your energy levels Expect to have either more or less energy than usual, especially worried energy. will either drain you of your typical vigor, leaving you feeling tired, or fill you with chaotic, scattered energy, possibly leaving you feeling restless, distracted, and agitated.
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 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.
How will the 2022 Mercury retrograde affect me?
Right, Sagittarius? You have never, ever, never in a million years left a relationship before. Ha! You’re the first to do it, so leave right away without turning around! It will be extremely important to consider how you collaborate with others and whether you are on the same page during this Mercury retrograde phase. Exes can even be waiting around right now, or you might discover that you keep thinking about someone from your past. You are advised to do so if you’d like to try to get back in touchor, at the absolute least, bury the grievance, forgive, and go on. Later on in the trip, either your career and occupation or your physical routine and health will be confused. Avoid making snap judgments.
What activities should you avoid when Mercury is 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.”
