You’ve probably heard of Mercury retrograde, the planetary phenomenon we’ve all learned to dread, even if you’re not a big fan of horoscopes and astrology. It is said to have an impact on technology and communication, and things may feel a little off. You might find yourself forgetting appointments, losing your keys, or noticing your computer has suddenly stopped working.
Mercury retrograde, according to science, is merely an optical illusion in which the planet appears to reverse its course and move backward in the sky. What time does it occur? The crucial dates in 2022 are: 13 January to 3 February 3, 10 May to 2 June, and 9 September to 1 October. This occurs often three or four times a year.
The three retrogrades this year are all between earth and air signs, reflecting the fact that we are currently in the Age of Aquarius, a sign that is characterized by “abrupt change, building communities, fighting for causes that you care about, and achieving technological achievements.” It will be an excellent time to assess finances and relationships in a year that urges us to make significant love and financial decisions, spanning Capricorn to Aquarius, Taurus to Gemini, and Virgo to Libra.
In This Article...
How do you feel when a retrograde occurs?
Expect to have either more or less energy than usual, especially worried energy. will either drain you of your typical vigor, leaving you feeling tired, or fill you with chaotic, scattered energy, possibly leaving you feeling restless, distracted, and agitated.
What occurs while a retrograde is in motion?
The Latin word retrogradus, which literally translates to “backward step,” is where the word retrograde originates.
Retrograde, as the name suggests, occurs when a planet, as seen from Earth, appears to move backward in its orbit. Due to the fact that it is an optical illusion, astronomers refer to this as “apparent retrograde motion.”
Direct or prograde motion is the opposite of retrograde motion. Astrologers are more likely to use the word “direct motion,” while astronomers prefer the term “prograde motion.”
Which symptoms are impacted by retrograde?
Nothing in astrology is more notorious than the dreadful Mercury retrograde. Because it rules both cognitive and communication processes, Mercury has a significant impact on how you live your daily life. This quick-moving, very intelligent inner planet tends to confuse people and lead to errors in judgment when it goes retrograde, which can derail all of your goals. Fortunately, you don’t have to prepare for total disaster if you belong to one of the zodiac signs that will be least affected by Mercury retrograde in spring 2022: Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn.
On May 10, as Mercury is transiting through Gemini at a 4 degree angle, the next Mercury retrograde will start. As a result of this mutable air sign’s propensity to think more quickly than it speaks, miscommunication is a major theme of this erratic and capricious retrograde. Mercury won’t stay in Gemini for very long, though, as on May 22 it will turn back into Taurus and travel through that sign’s obstinate and slow-moving zone once more. Mercury is returning to this fixed earth sign, so you may find yourself second-guessing every choice and finding it difficult to look past your attachments to particular beliefs and viewpoints. Be careful you know what you’re talking about and try to have an open mind.
Despite the fact that Mercury retrograde can throw your life for a loop, you must keep in mind that it only lasts for around three weeks. This retrograde, which will terminate on June 3 at 26 degrees Taurus, could transport you back in time and bring up unfinished business that has to be attended to. Let this retrograde give you another chance to attempt because there might still be things you need to say or decisions you need to make.
In either case, cardinal signs might not experience the full effects of this retrograde. This is why:
During a retrograde, what should be avoided?
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 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.
Does retrograde exhaust you?
Getting the right amount of sleep is more crucial than ever during potentially stressful periods like Mercury retrograde. Here are my three suggestions for sleeping well, even when Mercury retrograde has made everything seem strange from space.
Write in a Sleep Journal
You can record your thoughts, fears, and even to-do lists for the day in a sleep journal. You’re assisting yourself in managing your stress and emotions by keeping track of these. This may result in more sound sleep every night.
To give oneself enough time to unwind, I suggest journaling a few hours before going to bed. You can use any kind of notebook to keep a sleep record, but Best Self diaries are what I personally suggest.
Reduce Stress Before Bed
Your ability to sleep may be even more compromised if you are concerned about the outcomes of Mercury retrograde. Instead, set aside an hour each night before bed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. You can attempt several different relaxing methods to have a better night’s sleep. Some of my favorites are listed here:
- Before bed, take a warm bath or shower.
- breath control drills
- progressively unwind
I advise you to forgo using electrical gadgets like your computer or phone during this time. In this method, your body will be able to manufacture the melatonin you require for a restful night’s sleep.
Take a Sleep Supplement
The correct supplement can literally save your life if you’ve been battling to obtain a good night’s sleep. A well-known and well-liked sleep aid is melatonin, sometimes referred to as the sleep hormone. Another excellent choice is magnesium. I advise Jigsaw Health’s magnesium supplements.
My Sleep Doctor PM formula is an additional choice you can consider. This is especially useful if you wake up in the middle of the night because my middle-of-the-night mixture can swiftly put you back to sleep without leaving you groggy in the morning like you may with other supplements.
When Mercury is in retrograde, it may seem as though everything is upside down. If you don’t receive the rest you require during this time, it may seem much weirder.
However, despite being out of sync due to Mercury retrograde, you can still have a decent night’s sleep.
What occurs in relationships while Mercury is in retrograde motion?
You may find yourself and your partner bickering or discussing old difficulties because Mercury retrograde has a tendency to bring up concerns from the past. That’s not to imply that a breakup is imminent because of retrograde, but it is definitely cause for alarm because couples do suddenly split up during this time.
Which retrograde are we now in?
January 14February 3, 2022, is the first retrograde period. May 10June 3, 2022, is the second retrograde period. September 9October 2, 2022, is the third retrograde period. December 29 until January 18, 2023, is the fourth retrograde.
What is now 2022 retrograde?
Knowing when Mercury will turn retrograde is very significant since, like every year, Mercury will turn retrograde in 2022 as well. In fact, based on the above table, Mercury will turn retrograde three times this year.