Here are my top suggestions for Mercury Retro, if you want to be very specific:
1. Avoid significant automobile or technology purchases
Mercury is in charge of all things technological and mobile. Engine malfunctions and software bugs are common during Mercury retrograde, not just a possibility. If feasible, wait until after Mercury retrograde to make any purchases if you need a new car, an iPhone replacement, a charger, or really anything involving wires. You may not always have a choice, though. I just had to purchase a new iPhone after shattering my water-damaged one during a Mercury retrograde. I interpreted this as Mercury letting me know it was tired of me using a phone that wasn’t ideal for my daily communications and professional communications. Just make sure to preserve the receipt if you find yourself needing to make a purchase during Mercury retrograde like I did. It’s possible that you’ll need to send it back (yes, another “re” word).
2. Complete your projects.
The time during Mercury retrograde is ideal for reflection and commitment. Therefore, if you have a ton of unfinished ideas, get to work! You might be motivated to finish organizing your garage or finish that knitting project you put off last winter, depending on what sign Mercury is transiting. This is the time to use technical skill and a methodical, slow approach for anything.
3. Be patient.
If you have something essential to say, be patient and take your time saying it because Mercury retrograde is known to cause delays and misunderstandings. Check your text messages and emails for errors before sending them to avoid miscommunication. If you’re dating someone new, they can take a while to organize dates with you or your schedules might not line up. Accept this as a learning curve and an opportunity to get to know their rhythm rather than becoming frustrated.
4. Maintain flexibility.
Many people experience nostalgia during Mercury retrograde, and you may find yourself remembering an ex-partner, a distant BFF, or a former coworker. Be the Mercury retrograde you want to see in the world and text them if you’re itching to reconnect. Of course, reconcile is a word that begins with “re.”
During this passage, you can also unintentionally run across old friends. Maintain as much flexibility in your schedule as you can so you may take advantage of the chance encounter and catch up over lunch rather than just saying goodbye. The idea is to capitalize on fortuitous coincidences.
In This Article...
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.”
How might the Mercury retrograde be made better?
Once more, the dreadful Mercury retrograde is set to start. Mercury retrograde, though feared by the majority of us, is a normal occurrence in our universe and offers us just as many benefits as it does drawbacks. Mercury is the planet that stations retrograde the most frequently, doing so three times this year for periods of three weeks each. We may create opportunities for realignment and inner growth all year long if we learn to navigate these periods appropriately.
Mercury looks to be moving backwards in our sky, but he is actually forward motion. This is the first thing to comprehend. The fastest-moving planet in the solar system, Mercury completes one orbit of the Earth every 88 days, or up to four times a year. Similar to when a car passes another, slower going vehicle, as he passes us, it creates an optical illusion. The quicker car looks to be temporarily moving backwards before completely overtaking the slower car. The same effect that causes Mercury Retrograde also causes this.
Mercury is the planet that governs all of our technological and information exchange systems, as well as communication. The portion of us that quickly assimilates knowledge and transmits it to others is ruled by Mercury. The regular flow of energy is reversed as he retrogrades. Instead of flowing freely to others, ideas and thoughts sometimes seem to get trapped in our heads. The same thing happens when we communicate digitally: email servers crash, social media platforms have glitches, and our standard methods fall short of our expectations. Undoubtedly, it may be a frustrating moment. Speaking, writing, and even producing art might be challenging for us. The energy seems to become caught before bursting through chaotically, confusing everyone, like a sling shot. Here are some suggestions to assist you get through this period and actually use it to improve your environment rather than make it worse.
Can you benefit from Mercury’s retrograde motion?
Their curiosity is obvious for this reason.
This phenomenon is one of the few that has pretty universal impacts on everyone and always has noticeable effects. You will quickly realize how crucial it is to take note of these stages once you start to pay attention to how events in your life alter during them.
You may enhance your productivity and reduce some of the annoyance they can cause by keeping track of Mercury retrograde times. Let’s examine Mercury retrograde in more detail and what it means to you.
Does Mercury Really Move Backward?
Actually, Mercury doesn’t go backward. If you look up at the stars, you will notice that Mercury looks to be moving backward, exactly as thousands of years ago’s astrologers believed. After some timein Mercury’s case, three and a half weeksthe planet will turn around and start moving “forward again.
Mercury’s orbit is substantially shorter than Earth’s since it is the planet that is nearest to the Sun. Mercury races past Earth around three or four times a year, and at those periods we go through Mercury retrograde. When a car passes you while you are in it, you can tell it is moving more quickly than you. However, if it slowed down and you passed it thereafter, it would appear as though the vehicle was moving backward. Then, when the other vehicle accelerates and passes you once more, it stirs up all of the road grit. Mercury passes by at a high rate of speed, like a locomotive passing by, leaving a strong, turbulent gust of “wind in its wake. Mercury’s retrograde motion can cause turbulence and upheaval, which might impact how we feel on Earth in our daily lives.
In astrology, we always hold that the adage “As above, so below” is correct. By that, we mean that there is a fractal connection between human activity on Earth and celestial orbits. This notion permeates all of astrology and is a very useful one to remember.
Areas of Life Mercury Rules
All forms of communication, including speaking, listening, learning, reading, editing, and researching, as well as bargaining, buying, and selling, are governed by the planet Mercury. Mercury also governs all formal agreements and contracts, as well as significant materials like term papers or book manuscripts, contracts, leases, wills, and so on.
All forms of code, including computer codes, as well as travel, shipping, and transportation are under the purview of this planet. These areas frequently get disorganized or spin out of control while this planet is retrograde.
What causes this to occur? Astrologically, a planet is in a resting or sleeping state while it retrogrades. As a result, while Mercury is sleeping, none of the operations it controls are being overseen by a fully operational, waking planet. Expect some degree of mayhem to happen!
What You Shouldand Should NotDo During a Mercury Retrograde Phase
Avoid making any significant decisions while Mercury is retrograde. In any case, nothing will be satisfactorily resolved for the future during these times, making it practically difficult to establish a strategy. It is challenging to influence other people’s decisions during a retrograde time. Even if a choice is made, it could alter, either right away or far later, as Mercury switches to direct motion.
It would not be advisable to launch a magazine, website, or any kind of advertising or media campaign during Mercury retrograde periods.
Even if the new efforts are unrelated to the communications sectors, these phases are regarded as bad times to start them.
Similar to this, it is not advisable to sign any contracts or even shake hands on new agreements during a retrograde period. Neither sign a lease nor close on a home during this time. Agreements made orally are regarded as equivalent to written ones. Regardless of what you are told or believe, the environment will be highly fluid and dynamic.
The folks you are dealing with may not always be dishonest. Simply put, no one can accurately forecast how things will be in the future. It’s possible that when you start a new job, it won’t exactly be what you expected it to be. If you are a manager, it will be challenging to select the best candidate, therefore avoid hiring anyone if at all possible. If you purchase a home, later issues that you could not have anticipated could arise.
Do Not Have Plastic Surgery or Other Elective Surgery When Mercury, Venus, and Mars Are Retrograde
Surgery is unavoidably necessary in an emergency. We do have an option as to when to schedule an operation or procedure at other points in life. It is recommended to avoid Mercury retrograde periods in specific circumstances, such as while having plastic surgery. These are occasions when judgment is clouded or mistakes are more likely to occur than at other times. The same circumstances apply to your surgeon as they do to you, so I advise waiting.
Additionally, I would highly advise against having plastic surgery when Venus is in retrograde because Venus is the goddess of beauty and the whole point of the procedure is to enhance your appearance.
Mars oversees the entire field of surgery, so Mars should ideally be in top shape as well. It is advised against performing surgery on any region of the body that Mars is transiting. For instance, since Capricorn rules the knees, it would not be advisable to have surgery during Mars’ transit of Capricorn. According to legend, Mars will make pain and swelling worse. When the surgery is performed, a full moon will result in more bleeding. We exert all of our effort.
Let me say it once more: if you have an emergency, don’t stress about following any of these regulations when having surgery. A new moon solar eclipse caused me to require very serious surgery on the incorrect bodily area (because Mars was in the sign ruling the part of the body that was being affected by the surgery). It’s true that the operation was difficult, but it was a great success. Have surgery if you need it!
What Other Specific Things Should You Watch Out For?
Mercury controls communication and the mail, so send sensitive documents with extreme caution. When sending faxes, make sure to phone the recipient to let them know your documents are on the way. If not, they might never see it. If you must photocopy a crucial document while working in an office, make sure you get the original first. Be similarly cautious about who you send emails toyou don’t want a private message to end up in the wrong hands or forwarded to unauthorized parties.
You might be working on a project for a customer when they suddenly change their mind and give you new directions, forcing you to throw away some of your previous work. There are many opportunities for misunderstanding, therefore throughout these times, constantly summarizing what you believe the other person has just said. You’ll be glad you went the extra mile!
During Mercury retrograde periods, it is common for computers to crash and for appliances, machinery, and other electronic devices to start acting worn out and needing maintenance immediately. In preparation of any Mercury retrograde period, make a backup of your computer. Wait until the retrograde period is through if you had intended to install new software on your personal computer (or, if you work in IT, on your network). Strange things occur during these times. For instance, even if your hard drive may have never previously caused you any issuesat least not until you generated that crucial document and your entire system crashedyou might suddenly learn that you were sold a faulty one.
Mercury also governs trade and business, so avoid making any expensive purchases or sales while it is in retrograde. Frequently, you’ll discover that the item you seek is sold out. You can come to regret your purchase if you do make an expensive purchase, such as a car, computer, or piece of jewelry. If you’re buying or selling a home, be prepared for issues, mistakes, delays, and setbacks. Only when returning something you already purchased may you make a pricey purchase during a retrograde period.
When Mercury is in retrograde motion, computers, high-tech devices, appliances, cars, and other equipment and electronics are particularly vulnerable. One possible explanation is that Mercury regulates things that move. Still, other things take place. After purchasing an air conditioner, you find out after 30 days that it has gone on sale at a significant discount. Or perhaps you purchase a pricey smartphone during a retrograde period only to drop it, break the screen, or lose it shortly after. Waiting to purchase electrical items can be beneficial.
Mercury appears to be in retrograde during the holiday shopping season in previous years. For instance, Mercury was in retrograde in 2011 from “Black Friday (the Friday following Thanksgiving, November 25, when retailers make money because everyone loves to shop) until December 13 at the conclusion of the day.
When Mercury is in retrograde, it’s a good idea to bring extra maps (or make sure your GPS is up to date), make sure you have enough gas, and double-check that you have the right address and clear driving directions. Before you depart, if your automobile is producing odd noises, have it inspected; you don’t want a problem to become evident while you are driving. If you are traveling by air, confirm that your trip will depart on schedule with your carrier. Bring your iPod and a good book to the airport in case there are lengthy delays, and make sure your luggage is clearly labelled so that it won’t get misplaced or transported to the incorrect airport.
If your journey is business-related, it could be advisable to avoid traveling while Mercury is retrograde. Traveling during the retrograde is okay, though, if you are going back to see a previous client you worked with. Salespeople are aware that past customers are almost always the source of new business. If you work in sales, give all of your previous customers extra attention during these times.
During these times, you can go on a vacation. Actually, it might be the ideal time to leave because you can escape everything and everyone back at the office will appreciate it “sensation of retrograde While you are away, people will miss your advise and abilities to solve problems quickly! You might feel compelled to see a childhood favorite that you haven’t seen in a while during a retrograde phase. It could be a lot of pleasure because returning back to familiar areas is preferred.
In these stages, forgetfulness might be an issue. You are more likely to forget your plane ticket or passport on your desk than to put it in your pocket. You are also more likely to leave your mobile phone, sunglasses, or gloves in the rear seat of a cab. In case one of these priceless possessions is misplaced, I usually suggest taping your business card to the back of your smartphone or computer case and putting it in the case that holds your spectacles.
Additionally, I advise making a photocopy of the gift card’s serial number if you purchase one for someone else. This way, if you or the receiver loses the card, you may immediately acquire a replacement from the merchant. (Of course, maintain the staple holding your receipt to the photocopy. Some merchants will provide you with a gift receipt that includes the serial number, saving you the effort of having the card photocopied. Even so, retain a copy for your records as well because your receiver might misplace it. In case they do misplace your gift and are too embarrassed to inform you, let them know you are taking safeguards. A comedy of blunders frequently surrounds Mercury retrograde!
While we’re talking about photocopying crucial documents, make a copy of your passport and give it to your family as well. It will be much simpler for you if you have a copy to provide to the passport office in the event that you lose your passport. While you are thinking about it, act upon it today!
Additionally, during Mercury retrograde periods, romance frequently goes crazy. Couples frequently have communication breakdowns, which can lead to a chain reaction of mistakes. Stay focused on clarity and avoid making snap judgments. Another possibility is that your spouse or beloved has a sudden change of heart. For instance, if your significant other says, “I want to break up with you,” he or she can respond, “No, let’s not! I didn’t mean it at all! That’s because throughout these phases, people’s judgment can be impaired. Mercury going backwards is known for causing confusion.
Remember that throughout the year, Mercury retrogrades in three different zodiac signs. Delays and disappointments will be considerably more obvious than usual if it retrogrades in your sign. Try to be even more diligent in this situation and carefully review any suggestions, concepts, creative endeavors, and other plans to identify any weaknesses or false presumptions. Always go above and beyond to uncover faults when a retrograde is in effect. These times necessitate a methodical and intentional approach.
A Handy Truth About Mercury Retrograde: Things Are In Flux, But You Don’t Know They AreYet
Consider Mercury’s retrograde as a momentary indication that the wind is shifting. The trouble is that everything appears to be unchanged and in flux up ahead on the road. These times are challenging because you can’t yet understand how they are about to alter, frequently dramatically.
Consider taking a new job while Mercury is in retrograde. After you start, the corporation implements drastic cost-cutting measures, and you subsequently learn that some of the workers who report to you will be let go. Additionally, your title changes, though not in a way you choose. In this typical instance, you were unaware that these protocols were being prepared, and if you had known, you never would have accepted the position. When Mercury is out of phase, events like these frequently take place. When Mercury is in retrograde, avoid starting a job and avoid accepting one.
A Key to the Solution to Any Mercury Retrograde Problem Lies in the Element Mercury is Found In: Fire, Earth, Air, or Water
Mercury will prefer one element over another each year. Mercury will be retrograde in fire signs in 2012, which means we must use brand-new, imaginative, and creative solutions to any issues that arise. Fire signs are bold, inventive, and very artistic. Don’t be afraid to offer a highly unconventional solution. The same as fire indicators, you should approach the issue from a big-picture perspective.
Be very realistic when looking for a solution and rigorously stick to time or financial constraints if Mercury is retrograde in an earth sign. When Mercury is in retrograde, money frequently plays a significant role in both the problem and the solution. You’d probably be better off staying away from making a bold suggestion, which would have been possible with Mercury in a fire sign.
There will need to be a lot of communication if Mercury retrogrades in an air sign because air signs are quite talkative. Talk to many of people and ask them about their opinions. Also, do a lot of research. Modern and analytical air signs It’s likely that you’ll learn about a solution that is so novel you didn’t even know it was feasible. After going through this process, choose the response that feels the most appropriate to you. Be careful to make this decision based on logic and not emotion.
Use your intuition if Mercury is going backwards while in a water sign. If your study suggests one course of action but your gut tells you to reject that course of action, trust your intuition. Research can be influenced by the way questions are posed. Our emotional intelligence is frequently more accurate; intellect can only take us so far. Mercury moving backwards when in a water sign is a clear indication that it’s time to start paying attention to your inner guidance.