What Happens To You When Mercury Is In Retrograde

1. What Happens When Mercury Is In Retrograde?

imagesource/allureMercury retrograde is an optical illusion which means it looks as if the planet is moving backwards from the view on earth. It is perceived as a backwards motion and during this time, technology and communication can be disrupted and can dampen anybody's summer mood.

2. Does Mercury Really Move Backwards?

imagesource/readersdigestIf you do a little stargazing, you'll see that Mercury appears to be moving backwards but after a while (a three and a half week period), the planet will reverse itself and move "forward" again. About three or four times a year, Mercury speeds past Earth & that is when we experience Mercury retrograde.

3. How It Actually Works

imagesource/todayshowFor example, if you were driving in a car and another passed you, you can tell that it's going faster than the car you're in, but if you speed up and go past that car then it would appear that it was going backwards. Same goes for Mercury, the turbulence and disruption that Mercury creates when it's in retrograde - we feel on earth.

4. Which Areas Of Life Does Mercury Rule?

imagesource/stylecasterMercury rules communication - listening, speaking, learning, reading, editing, researching, negotiating, selling and buying. Mercury rules agreements too - important documents, book manuscripts, term papers, agreements, deeds, contracts, leases wills and so on!

5. Why Does This All Happen?

imagesource/stylecasterWhen a planet is in retrograde, your planet is basically in a sleeping or resting state. So when Mercury is 'napping', the activities that is commands don't get the full benefits of a well-functioning planet. Then when it wakes up - thats when you feel the shake up.

6. What You Should & Shouldn't Do During Mercury Retrograde

imagesource/yourtangoTry to remain flexible, patient and understanding during this time and allow yourself some time to travel and sit back. This is the perfect time for you to relax and reflect on how well you're doing. Double check everything before you go away, because this is the perfect time for Mercury to mess you up!

7. DO NOT

imagesource/oprahdailyWhile Mercury is in retrograde, you should NOT make any important moves, nothing gets settled during this period and it's often really difficult to make plans during the retrograde period. Even if a decision is made during retrograde, it can often change after Mercury turns direction.

8. More Things You Shouldn't Do

imagesource/dailyexpressDuring this period, you also shouldn't do anything involving communications, such as launching or advertising your new business. Even if your business is not related to communications, this is still a poor time to start a new endeavour.

9. Do Not Move House

imagesource/dailymailDuring this time, you should not sign any contracts, whether it's verbally or written as the environment is extremely fluid and changeable, so if you're dealing with a move, this is not the right time. Problems could creep up at a later date that were completely unanticipated.

10. How Mercury In Retrograde Affects Your Energy Levels

imagesource/astrology.com

Astrologer Helen Frost explains, "The

body will inevitably be holding all this volatile energy which can be super creative, great for dance, for sport and creative inspiration,"

Frost told Bustle. "However it can be a challenging few weeks emotionally, and it would be easy to misdirect this energy which could have unpredictable and serious repercussions."

11. The Best Advice For This

imagesource/hercampusTry to stick to your daily routine as closely as possible, channel your energy into exercise, it'll do you good, physically and mentally or into creative pursuits. This will stop you from making silly life decisions when you're feeling low or anxious.

12. How It Can Affect Your Skin

imagesource/dazedThe stress and change in your life is likely to show up on your skin, which means during this time, it may be worth investing in some extra nice skin care and take some time to yourself to make sure that your skin is hydrated and getting all the love and care that it needs.

13. How It Affects Your Diet

imagesource/shapeWhenever you're feeling anxious, stressed and nervous it can affect your gut and if you're encountering any physical or emotional turmoil, the chances are that your stomach will feel more sensitive than normal. This usually tends to coincide where people feel the urge to binge out on junk food.

14. How It Affects Your Diet continued...

imagesource/spoonuniversityFoods like pizza and pasta might make you feel good for that short moment of time but when you're eating them excessively, they can play havoc on your anxious state - so make sure you're eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and proteins are also a big help!

15. Always Prioritise Your Mental Health Especially During This Time

imagesource/womanandhomeDuring times of stress and turmoil, putting your mental health first is most important! Whether it's going for a nice stroll with friends, enjoying a yoga session on Youtube, or a healthy brunch - whatever makes you happy, do it! Treat yourself...within reason, remember what we've just been saying.

16. How To Harness The Energy Of Mercury Being In Retrograde

imagesource/emirateswomanAccording to Daisy Foss, an International Healer, "Through balancing masculine and feminine energies, Amazonite helps you to see both sides of any personal or interpersonal problems which is vital during this time of strained communication. Try warming up an Amazonite crystal by a radiator or candle to expel this calming and neutralising energy."

17. How It Affects Friendships

imagesource/readersdigestAccording to Daisy, Mercury being in retrograde can cause huge relationship challenges. "As this planet appears to retreat, it may feel like it's all going wrong in your love life, as you bring up issues and arguments from the past. 

Cheating, betrayal or loss of intimacy are all challenges you can face.

18. How It Affects Friendships continued...

imagesource/expedia"Communication is key and with Mercury, the planet of communication, seemingly backtracking, you have to work extra hard! Focus on making your relationship stronger by talking, being honest and openhearted." 

These issues don't always need to be big problems that last throughout retrograde either.

19. It's Not Always Bad Times When Mercury Is In Retrograde

imagesource/astrologysignsWhen things are feeling a little off, sometimes it's a sign of things looking up on the road ahead. People tend to really struggle during this period of time because they cannot see how things are actually about to change. Do not act on things whilst Mercury is in retrograde, just hang on & try take it easy!

20. If You Were Born Under Mercury Retrograde

imagesource/foreverconsciousIt is said that whoever was born during this time, are immune from a lot of the mayhem during these phases. These types of people are also said to have philosophical and reflective natures that help them through complex times. So if you're baby was born under retrograde, then it's surely a good thing?

21. Mercury Retrograde Periods from 2023 - 2030

imagesource/myimperfectlifeEach year, Mercury will favour one element over any of the others. If Mercury is in Fire, don't be shy about suggesting unusual solutions, whether in relationships or at work. If its in Earth, then make sure to be practical and know your limits. If its in Air, have lots of discussions and communicate and if its in Water then just use your intuition.

22. 2023

imagesource/allure2023 Mercury Retrograde dates are as followed; December 29, 2022 - Jan 18, 2023, goes direct in earth sign Capricorn. April 21 - May 14 in earth sing Taurus. August 23 - September 15 in earth sign Virgo. December 13, 2023 - January 1, 2024 in fire sign Sagittarius.

23. 2024

imagesource/bustle2024 Mercury Retrograde dates are as followed; See above, January 1, 2024 goes direct in fire sign Sagittarius. April 1 - April 25 in fire sign Aries. August 4 - August 28 in earth sign and ends in fire sign Leo. November 25 - December 15 in fire sign Sagittarius.

24. 2025

imagesource/dailyexpress2025 Mercury Retrograde dates are as followed; March 14 - April 7 starts in Fire sign Aries, ends in water sign Pisces. July 17 - August 11 in fire sign Leo. November 9 - November 29 starts in fire sign Sagittarius, ends in water sign Scorpio. Make sure to take some time for yourself during these dates.

25. 2026

imagesource/vogueindia2026 Mercury Retrograde dates are as followed; February 25 - March 20 in water sign Pisces, then, June 29 - July 23 in water sign Cancer then October 24 - November 13 in water sign Scorpio. Make sure to take some time for yourself during these dates.

26. 2027

imagesource/suggest2027 Mercury Retrograde dates are as followed; February 9 - March 3 starts in water sign Pisces, ends in air sign Aquarius then June 10 - July 4th stars in water sign Cancer, ends in air sign Gemini. October 7 - October 28the starts in water sign Scorpio and ends in air sign Libra.

27. 2028

imagesource/harparsbazaaraustralia2028 Mercury Retrograde dates are as followed; January 24th - February 14th in air sign Aquarius, then May 21st - June 13th in air sign Gemini. Then September 19th - October 11th in air sign Libra. Make sure to take some time for yourself during these dates.

28. 2029

imagesource/astrology.comJanuary 7th - January 27th stars in air sign Aquarius, ends in earth signs Capricorn, then May 1st - May 25th in earth sign Taurus. September 2nd - September 24th starts in air sign Libra, ends in earth sign Virgo then December 21st - January 10th, 2030 in earth sign Capricorn.

29. 2030

imagesource/yahooSee above, December 21st, 2029 - January 10th, 2030 in earth sign Capricorn, April 12th - May 6th, stars in earth sign Taurus, ends in fire sign Aries. August 15th - September 8th in earth sign Virgo then December 5th - December 25th starts in earth sign Capricorn, ends in fire sign Sagittarius.

30. Mercury In Retrograde & What It Means

imagesource/stylecasterIf you didn't know anything about astrology before, you may know a little more now! Once you begin to pay attention to how events in your life change during these phases, it'll start to make more sense now and you'll start to take note of them more. Keeping track of Mercury retrograde periods can allow you to increase your productivity.

31. When Will Mercury Be In Retrograde This Year?

imagesource/ILYThere are four dates that we will talk about over the next few pages, that explain what will happen whilst Mercury is in retrograde. The four signs that will be mostly affected by them will be, Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius.

32. Dec 29, 2022 to Jan 18, 2023 in the Earth sign Capricorn

imagesource/yahooThis year jump starts while Mercury is in Retrograde and it can sometimes make it difficult to stick to those new years resolutions. Fear not, it ends midway through January - just hold onto any Christmas present receipts a little longer, because you might just change your mind.

33. April 21 to May 14 in the earth sign Taurus

imagesource/metroukThe year's second Retrograde occurs in Spring and it'll be a time for you to reevaluate your finances and spending habits. Money comes and goes which is why it's always a good idea to keep on top of your budgets. Boundaries and relationships will also need to be reevaluated.

34. Aug. 23 to Sept. 15 in the earth sign Virgo

imagesource/ELLEThis summers mercurial backspin will cause anxieties to flare up as well as a desire to be alone. It'll make you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders because Virgo is latching itself onto the emotions of others. Energy is contagious so be sure to protect yourself at this time.

35. Dec. 13 to Jan. 1, 2024 in the earth sign Capricorn and fire sign Sagittarius

imagesource/ELLEThis retrograde may put a dampener on your vacation plans as you may experience some slight detours so just be sure to be ahead of it when it arrives. When Mercury glides from Capricorn back into Sagittarius all hell break's loose.

36. How To Prepare For Mercury Retrogrades This Year

imagesource/astrologyA few astrologers out there believe that you can prevent yourself from suffering the backlash of Mercury in retrograde, others prefer to just let things happen naturally. If you're not prepared to take this lay down, carry on reading to see how you can prepare for this rocky road...

37. Back Up All Your Computer Files & Emails

imagesource/popsugarWhen Mercury rules, communications are down and that means all types of communication. Don't update anything on your website that is critical, don't buy any new tech and be slow and deliberate, before Mercury arrives, be sure to back everything up!

38. Meditate To Remain Calm

imagesource/deviantartMindful meditation can reduce stress, anxiety and a wandering mind so when Mercury is in retrograde, it's crucial to keep your mind focused on what it needs to focus on. Deep breaths and carry on, Mercury doesn't stay in retrograde too long so don't worry.

39. Keep An Obsidian Stone By Your Electronic Devices

imagesource/etsyAn Obsidian stone tends to have smooth curved surfaces and sharp edges and caters to ego. It exposes the dark truths and helps clear negative energies. So if you keep one near your mobile phone, it will block out negativity from arriving via text or email.

40. Drink Plenty of Citrus

imagesource/thehoodwitchDrinking citrus helps you avoid miscommunications on your end, lemons, limes and even oranges can help as they are the essence of Mercury. So when Retrograde is approaching, be sure to stock up on these handy fruits - they could help you avoid some serious mishaps.

41. Plan Ahead For Extra Travel Time

imagesource/newyorkpost“When Mercury is in retrograde, this is when we get road closures, changed flight times, double-booked hotels, lost tickets, cancelled services,”

believes astrologer Francesca Oddie. “Weird things happen, like we get to the airport and our flight just isn't there on the board."

42. Have Patience - It Doesn't Last Forever!

imagesource/farmersalmanacYou may experience an increase in delays. frustrations, miscommunications and even technological mishaps, but fear not, retrograde doesn't last too long and although it's not an ideal time for anyone it can be a time to reflect on things that have happened to you & what you could learn from it.

43. What Is Mercury Retroshade?

imagesource/woman&homeMercury retroshade is basically the lead up and the aftermath to Mercury Retrograde. The pre zone is when Mercury slows down and twinges before Retrograde begins. Post retroshade zone happened after Mercury Retrograde.

44. What Is Mercury Retroshade continued...

imagesource/graziaindiaIt depends what time of the year and what retrograde you're in to how you 'deal' with it, if it's the third one of the year, you'll be dealing with situations differently as things are being brought to light as the time goes on.

45. Who Is Most Affected By Mercury Retrograde?

imagesource/woman&homeMercury is the ruling planet for Gemini and Virgo, so people with these placements may feel the retrograde a little more during these periods. People with placements in whichever sign the Mercury period is currently in will also feel it more intensely than others.

46. Who Is Most Affected By Mercury Retrograde Continued...

imagesource/twitterWhen last years Mercury retrograde carried into this years whilst in Capricorn, means Capricorn, Gemini and Virgo feel the effects more. But other with the signs, Leo, Aries, Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius, Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius and Pisces should still be wary at this time.

47. Crystals That Help Protect You During Mercury Retrograde

imagesource/myimperfectlifeCrystals cal cleanse your aura, increase positive communications in your life, align your chakras and calm your anxiety. You may not believe in crystals and how they work, but you have nothing to lose trying them and they're a great way to protect yourself.

48. Aquamarine

imagesource/twitter"It provides emotional and intellectual stability and enhances the connection with your higher self,"

certified crystal healer Jen Faeline Mergell noted on her website Crystal Guidance. "Carry Aquamarine to provide a protective layer around your energy field and create stability."

49. Rose Quartz

imagesource/twitter"A stone of unconditional love, rose quartz works by opening your heart to all types of love, including self love, romantic love, love of the community, friends, family, and everything on Earth,"

Energy Muse explained on its website.

50. Blue Lace Agate

imagesource/twitter"Blue lace agate is a gentle, calming stone that brings you grace and tranquility! It lessens all anger (even deep anger issues) and calms nervousness,"

Mergell explained. "It assists you in releasing the fear of death and oppressive burdens"

51. Chrysocolla

imagesource/twitterCrystal Chrysocolla helps heal emotional heartache and balances your mood. This magical stone also helps menstrual cramps and muscle pain so if your period occurs throughout retrograde, this stone could do double the work. Amazing.

52. Turquoise

imagesource/twitter "If you are seemingly menaced by misfortune, the stone attracts the imbalance into itself and absorbs the harmful vibrations,"

Mergell explained. Turquoise helps summon the courage to express yourself without fear and it helps avoid misfortune.

53. Selenite

imagesource/twitter"Selenite is useful any time you need to shift, reset or cleanse your aura as it's excellent at moving and removing stagnant energy,"

Andrea Towns, owner of Fractalista Designs, told Goddess Provisions. It's the perfect crystal to cleanse your aura.

54. Hemanite

imagesource/twitter"The Hematite crystal meaning is linked with its ability to absorb any toxic emotions holding you back from your natural state of joy and vitality,"

Energy Muse explains. It helps clear away anxiety, negative feelings and stress.

55. Amethyst

imagesource/twitter"It is thought of mostly as a protective stone. As it is linked to the crown chakra, it is helpful in purifying the mind and clearing it of negative thoughts. This includes the negativity of stress and anxiety, which is why many meditate with amethyst so as to rid themselves of that darkness,"

Energy Muse explains.

56. Citrine

imagesource/twitter"It is a stone of abundance and manifestation, attracting wealth and prosperity, success and all things good,"

Crystal Vaults noted on its website. "It also encourages generosity and sharing good fortune. Citrine assists in all fast money ventures, and is especially helpful in financial speculation and for commercial success. Carry one in the purse or wallet to attract money and stop excessive outflow."

57. Clear Quartz

imagesource/twitter"If your spirit needs illumination, it brings clarity to shadows within the mind. A universal healer, it links to all the chakras to provide balance and harmony,"

Energy Muse explained. "Its ability to be programmed for manifestation is unlike any other crystal. It will help manifest your intentions like never before."

58. Retrograde 2023 Won't Be As Terrible As You Think!

imagesource/glamourAstrologer Liz Simmons believes that this time period is a great learning tool and we can take it as an opportunity to review what's going on in our lives. This planet is also pretty cooperative during our next trip around the sun so it's not actually going to be as bad this year! Woohoo!

59. Retrograde 2023 Won't Be As Terrible As You Think, Continued...

imagesource/chaninicholas"These first three might be somewhat easier to go through since earth energy is stable, determined and rational,"

Simmons says. "So, it might be easier to work through the logistics of the craziness that Mercury retrograde could bring."

60. Retrograde 2023 Won't Be As Terrible As You Think, Continued...

imagesource/myimperfectlife"Many think that Mercury retrograde is all doom and gloom, but this is not the case at all,"

he says. "One of the positives it can bring into our lives is that it acts as an amplifier to our intuition, meaning that even if we can’t articulate or intellectualize our emotions, our gut feelings about things will actually be very accurate."