What is Mercury Retrograde?

If you are new to the astrology community, you have probably heard the term “mercury retrograde” before, but might not know precisely what it means. Due to the increasing presence of astrology in pop culture, there is a lot of information about what happens when Mercury stations retrograde, and sometimes this cosmic event is painted as all doom and gloom. While the trickster planet does throw us some curveballs during his retrograde period, there is no need to doomsday prep for every Mercury Rx.

What does “Mercury retrograde” mean?

When a planet stations retrograde, it means that from the perspective of Earth, a planet seemingly moves backwards across the sky. All planets station retrograde for some period of time (aside from the Moon and the Sun), some more often than others. Astrologically, when a planet is retrograde, it means that the energy of that planet is hindered or restricted. The manifestations associated with the planet are often delayed until it stations direct (begins moving forward). Mercury stations retrograde 3 to 4 times a year, making it the most common retrograde event we observe on Earth.

How does Mercury retrograde affect us?

Mercury is the ruler of communication and travel, so during the retrograde period, we will see a direct effect on the transmission of information both in our personal lives and on a universal level. Delayed trains, mixed messages, and technological errors are all indications of Mercury retrograde. For this reason, it is ill-advised to plan travel, buy tickets, or sign contracts during this time. Moving forward on projects at work or home may be difficult during Mercury Rx, as this period is typically associated with reworking, reorganising, and rethinking.

Mercury Rx will present differently depending on what sign the planet is transiting, and to understand how it will affect you personally, you’ll need to know what house in your natal chart Mercury will be transiting. Use our tool here to get a copy of your full birth chart.

What are common feelings during Mercury retrograde?

It is easy for us to become irritable and unfocused during this cosmic event. Since Mercury rules communication, many find that they experience conflict due to misunderstandings with co-workers or close friends. Reflection and introspection are common themes around this time. You may notice recurring thoughts or behavioral patterns that need adjusting for you to achieve your highest potential. 

Who is most affected by Mercury retrograde?

The planet Mercury rules both Virgo and Gemini, so anyone with any of their big 3 in those signs will feel the effects of Mercury retrograde heavily. Those with Mercury transiting their first, fourth, seventh, or tenth houses will also experience Mercury’s tricks, especially in those areas of life that the houses rule. For example, someone with transiting Mercury Rx in the 4th might experience misunderstandings with family members or a recurring problem in the home that needs to be addressed. 

With the right tools and careful planning, Mercury retrograde can be a great time for personal growth and reflection. Mercury’s pranks are effectively life lessons in disguise. To find out what lessons Mercury is asking you to learn, read your Mercury Rx horoscope in our 2023 guidebook. 

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