We’re still not out of the woods, but the most recent Mercury retrograde period is finally finished as of Friday, June 3 (phew!). It’s in your best interest to stay on your toes in the upcoming weeks because every Mercury retrograde has a “shadow” period that lasts for two weeks before and after the planet backspins.
Here are some suggestions for handling your relationshipsromantic and otherwiseuntil Mercury retrograde is truly ended, as it is known for impairing communication:
In This Article...
How long does Mercury’s retrograde shadow last?
Think of Mercury retroshade as the prelude to the main act and the end credits. Two weeks before and two weeks after the actual retrograde, Mercury is in its shadow period. Now you know why you could feel a little weird before the planet truly begins to travel backwards!
The planet often moves more slowly before Mercury retrograde and more quickly after. All planets, not just Mercury, experience pre- and post-shadow phases, which each have their own astrological mysticism.
It’s not unusual to get a preview of the event before it happens, which can be a little intimidating. Mercury is reviewing the same zodiacal moves it made during the retrograde when it is, however, in its post-retrograde shadow. but this time, according to astrologer Nina Kahn, it’s progressing and gaining speed.
What is the shadow phase of Mercury retrograde?
About two weeks before and two weeks following the planet’s backspin, Mercury goes retrograde. A planet passes through a time known as “stationing,” where it is adjusting to the U-turn, before and after it is in retrograde. Our perception of its effects may change over time, like the lingering emissions from a car with a damaged exhaust system.
Step 1: Find Where Mercury Retrograde Begins and Ends
The Mercury symbol and the retrograde dates are highlighted in yellow in the example below, which uses the Mercury retrograde of October 426, 2014. If you squint, you can see a little R symbol for a planet turning retrograde and a D symbol for a planet turning direct.
yet another sign of a retrograde? The column’s numbers are reversed. These figures represent the angles at which Mercury transits a given sign. In the given instance, the retrograde began on October 4 at 2o Scorpio and finished on October 25 at 16o Libra. Math time! The 30o space on the spherical zodiac wheel is occupied by one of the 12 zodiac signs. Understand that 12 x 30 equals 360 degrees of the circle? Yes, astrology is unquestionably a sort of geek art.
We can determine where the shadow started and finished for this Mercury retrograde from the ephemeris because it started at 2o Scorpio and moved back to 16o Libra.
Step 2: Find The Shadow’s Beginning
Mercury retrograde is like going backwards when driving, so to determine the start of the Mercury retrograde shadow period, we look at the end date of the retrograde. We turned back in our ephemeris to find when Mercury was last at 16o Libra after it finished its retrograde on October 26 at 16o Libra. Aha! It was on September 14, 2014!
Then, it’s possible that we’ll start to see indications of the approaching Mercury retrograde: fuzzy thinking, jumbled communications, and former lovers and close pals emerging from hiding. This is the perfect moment to prepare for Mercury crazy as well: back up digital data, talk to loved ones about anything that’s bothering you, and make sure all of your key papers and codes are locked up and password-protected.
Step 3: Find the Shadow’s End
Again, since Mercury is in retrograde, which means it is moving backwards, we must look at the START date of Mercury in retrograde to determine when the shadow of Mercury in retrograde ends. We look ahead in our ephemeris to see when Mercury returns to 2o Scorpio after it entered retrograde on October 4 at 2o Scorpio. In this instance, we can observe that on November 11, 2014, it successfully crosses the 200 Scorpio point.
Processing and integration are the main themes of the second Mercury retrograde shadow. Sure, Mercury retrograde might completely upend our life, but what are the priceless lessons to be learned? What necessary gains and modifications did Mercury’s retrograde bring about? Make significant, audacious changes during the period when Mercury turns direct to the end of its shadow. For instance, you might come to see that your abusive lover was merely reacting to YOU when YOU quietly criticized his every move. Eek! You may test out a new, more assertive style of communicating with him and resolving disputes during the second half of the shadow. This might be the solution you need to save your relationship.
Shadows of Other Planetary Retrogrades
You should be aware that EVERY planet experiences retrograde motion. Retrograde has taken on a sinister connotation. These are also crucial periods to fully evaluate, improve, and restructure, despite being rather irksome. These spells are necessary for us to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater. While Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all reverse annually for a significant portion of the year, Mars and Venus only do so every other year. The same method can be used to determine their shadow phases as in the case above. Seize your ephemeris, and get to work!
What do you do during the shadow of Mercury?
Typically, the pre-retroshade gives you a preview of what the retrograde will specifically imply for you. You should act upon any irrational impulses you may have at this time, no matter how slight. When you ignore your intuition while your head is still clear during a retrograde, things get nasty. Preparation for the retrograde should be done during the pre-shadow. Before Mercury Retrograde starts, the AstroTwins advise backing up data, updating your cybersecurity, and paying your bills. If you have a trip planned or a significant contract to sign soon, now is the time to double-check everything. Take use of this opportunity to evaluate your situation, routines, and outlook. Over the next few weeks, eliminate anything that isn’t working in your favor and think through your options.
What is the shadow period of Mercury retrograde in 2022?
The retrograde will be in Gemini from May 10 to May 22; from May 22 to June 3 it will move into Taurus. Beginning on April 25, the pre-retrograde shadow will last until June 18, and the post-retrograde shadow will follow. October 2 through September 9.
The shadow phase is what?
Mercury retrograde has a “shadow” phase, according to the twins, which begins a few weeks before the actual retrograde and concludes a few weeks later. They note that this period is similar to the lingering exhaust from a bus or automobile after it has been driven away.
The time required by the direct planet (in this case, Mercury) to make up the ground lost during its retrograde motion is referred to as stationing. The twins explain that it might go on for weeks or even months and feels somewhat like going backwards in time. With the phases of the moon, we may also observe its “shadow.” The days before and following the full moon, for instance, could have a heightened, slightly chaotic energy that you can feel.
What zodiac signs will be impacted by the 2021 Mercury retrograde?
The other cardinal signs in the other elements will feel this particular backward turn the most because it is occurring in cardinal Libra. Aries (cardinal fire), Cancer (cardinal water), and Capricorn are included in this (cardinal earth). Aries, it will manifest in your fourth house of domestic life, Cancer, your seventh house of partnerships, and Cap, your tenth house of careers.
What actions are prohibited in 2021 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.”
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: