Mercury is in retrograde right now, which means it’s moving backward across the sky. This period is often associated with confusion, difficulty, and even disharmony. Why? Because Mercury moves around the Earth in a manner that can disrupt standard patterns and schedules.
It can be difficult to make decisions during this time because you’re not sure what the best course of action might be. Additionally, communication may become difficult because people are unclear about each other’s intentions or motives.
While Mercury in retrograde isn’t always easy to deal with, understanding its meaning will help you better prepare for its effects on your life.
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What Happens When Mercury is in Retrograde?
Mercury in retrograde can cause a lot of confusion and disruptions in our lives, as Mercury is the planet that governs communication, travel, and commerce.
During this time, it’s important to be extra careful with your words and actions as they may not have the intended effect. Be patient and go with the flow, as things will likely be out of your control.
Mercury retrograde is notorious for causing havoc. If you’re planning a big project, you might want to wait until it’s over. And if you’re already in the middle of something, expect a few bumps in the road.
How Does Mercury in Retrograde Affect Each Zodiac Sign?
Aries
Aries is very headstrong, and Mercury’s retrograde motion can cause confusion and delays. They may find themselves second-guessing their decisions or feeling like they are not in control. It is important for Aries to take a step back during Mercury retrograde and to be extra careful with their communications.
Taurus
Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus which is also impacted by Mercury’s movements. As a result, Taurus may find that their usual routines are thrown off, and they may feel out of sorts.
However, this can also be a time of introspection and reflection as they are forced to slow down and take stock of their lives.
Gemini
Gemini is constantly on the move, and change is its middle name. This means that Mercury retrograde can bring confusion, miscommunication, and delays. It can also create a sense of restlessness and anxiety.
Don’t try to force anything. Be patient and flexible. Most importantly, don’t take anything too seriously. Just ride it out, and it will eventually pass.
Cancer
Cancer is a water sign meaning they are highly intuitive and in touch with their emotions. They may have difficulty communicating their feelings during this time and may withdraw from usual social activities.
They will also find that their dreams are more vivid during this time, and they may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
Leo
Leo, the fixed fire sign, is known for their strong will, pride and determination. However, when Mercury is retrograde, these qualities can magnify and cause problems.
They may become even more stubborn and inflexible, unwilling to budge on even the most minor issue. This can lead to arguments and conflict at home and work.
Virgo
Virgo is a very analytical and detail-oriented sign. Mercury retrograde can cause them to become even more fixated on the details. This can lead to them missing important details or getting bogged down in the minutiae.
If they can focus on the big picture and let go of the need for perfection, they can weather the storm.
Libra
Libra is an air sign, and Mercury is the planet of communication. This means that Mercury in retrograde can disrupt the communication between Libra and the people in their lives.
This can lead to misunderstandings and arguments. Additionally, Libra may have a hard time making decisions during this time. They may need more time alone to process their thoughts and feelings.
Scorpio
Scorpio is highly intuitive and in tune with their emotions. This can make them very sensitive to the energy around them, which can be easily disrupted when Mercury is retrograde.
During this time, Scorpios may find themselves feeling more anxious or stressed than usual. They may also have difficulty communicating their needs and withdraw from others. It’s crucial for Scorpio to take some extra time for themselves during this transit and to focus on self-care.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is known for its passion and energy. However, when Mercury is in retrograde, this energy can become stifled, and Sagittarius may find it difficult to express themselves. This can lead to frustration and even anger as Sagittarius feels like they are not being heard.
Capricorn
Capricorn may find that their progress is halted when Mercury is in retrograde. This can be frustrating for Capricorn, who is accustomed to seeing their efforts pay off.
They may also find that they are more forgetful than usual, which can be a source of frustration, as Capricorn prides itself on being detail-oriented.
Aquarius
If you’re an Aquarius, you’re probably used to things going your way. You’re independent, strong-willed, and always seem to be ahead of the curve. But when Mercury goes retrograde, all of that changes.
You should expect things to go a little off course. Miscommunications are common so make sure you’re extra clear when conveying your thoughts. Since retrogrades are all about reflection, take this time to introspect and figure out what’s really important to you.
Pisces
Pisces are highly sensitive and intuitive, making them prone to being impacted by the energy of Mercury in retrograde. This can manifest in several ways, from feeling more confused and scattered than usual to picking up on the negative energy around them more easily.
Things You Shouldn’t Do During Mercury Retrograde
Change Home
Mercury in retrograde is a time when communication and transport are prone to errors and delays. It is a time when it’s easy to lose things, and your energy levels are likely to be low. All these factors are vital during a move, and it’s recommended you either delay it or plan well ahead and be as organized as possible.
Start Major Project
Things tend to go a little haywire during Mercury retrograde, and you may have to restart or redo a lot of work. It can also bring up old issues or problems that you thought you had already dealt with, so you may want to wait until it’s over before starting something new.
Sign Contracts
Mercury retrograde is a time when you may be more likely to change your mind about things. If you sign a contract during this time, you may end up regretting it later. It can also be a stressful and chaotic time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to wait to sign contracts until things have calmed down.
Make Image Changes
Mercury retrograde is a time of reflection, so you may not see yourself clearly and could make changes you regret later. It is chaotic and confusing, so making changes to your image could add to the chaos and make it harder for you to find your footing.
Mercury Retrograde Effect on Love Life
You may find communication more complicated than usual. If you’re in a relationship, this can lead to misunderstandings and arguments. You may also find that you’re more sensitive than expected, and your partner’s actions or words may hurt you more than they usually would.
If you’re single, you may find that your love life is more chaotic than usual. You may have a hard time meeting new people, or you may start a relationship that quickly fizzles out.
Overall, Mercury retrograde is not the best time to start a new relationship. If you’re already in a relationship, having a heightened sense of how you communicate with your partner is crucial to avoid unnecessary tension or arguments. It might be the perfect time to focus on reconnecting and spending quality time together.
When is Mercury in Retrograde in 2022?
Mercury will be in retrograde during four different periods in 2022:
- January 14 to February 3
- May 10 to June 2
- September 9 to October 2
- December 28 to January 18, 2023
Conclusion/Summary
It doesn’t matter which zodiac sign you belong to, there is one inalienable truth for everyone; certain things may become more challenging when Mercury is retrograde. By analyzing your birth date and star sign thoroughly, you will understand how Mercury works best for you and what to avoid during a retrograde time.
If you find yourself acting differently and things feel out of sync or become harder during these times, it’s important to remember that it is entirely out of your hands. Things will get back to normal once the retrograde runs its course.
