Beginners Guide to Mercury Retrograde
Three times or four times a year, Mercury goes into retrograde and creates chaos…learning how to handle the effects of Mercury retrograde is essential to keep you balanced, centered, and ready to face ANYTHING!! In this post, learn what Mercury retrograde is as well as 4 things to avoid and how to protect your energy during this period!
Scientifically, what is Mercury retrograde?
Planets move from east to west around the sun. When a planet is in retrograde it creates the illusion of moving backward, from west to east instead. Because Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun, its orbit is much shorter than Earth’s so about three or four times a year, Mercury speeds past Earth creating the backward illusion, this is Mercury retrograde.
Astrologically, what is Mercury retrograde?
In astrology, it is believed that when a planet is in retrograde it is resting or sleeping. As a result, the areas that the planet governs are essentially being unsupervised which tends to make a mess of the activities connected.
Mercury rules communication, documents, travel, and electronics. Communication such as listening, speaking, learning, reading, editing, researching, negotiating, selling, and buying. Documents such as contracts, agreements, deeds, leases, wills, and so forth. Travel such as cars, flights, trains, etc. Electronics such as phones, computers, tablets, internet services, etc. As you have probably put together, mercury rules a lot so when it’s in retrograde the general vibe is chaos.
4 Things do During Mercury Retrograde
Double Check Communications
Be sure to double-check and maybe even triple-check all communications during this period; re-read your emails and texts, including your responses!! Make sure to think before you speak and choose your words carefully, not only is communication affected on your end but your words can potentially be taken the wrong way by the person you are communicating with. It is also a good idea re-read anything you researching, learning, and editing. Basically, be mindful of anything you are dealing with that has to do with words!
Don’t Make Any Big Decisions
Try not to sign any important contracts/agreements during this period but, if you must, TRIPLE- CHECK the terms before committing!! It is also not the best idea to make any verbal agreements but again, if you must, just be sure to clarify any uncertainty!
Check Travel Plans
If you have any travel plans during this period, confirm any reservations, create an itinerary, and get your automobile checked! Also, be extra alert and stay calm while driving…road rage should be taken down a few notches during Mercury retrograde!!
Back-up Electronics
ALWAYS make sure to back up your electronic BEFORE the retrograde begins…you never know and it’s better to be safe than sorry especially when you’re working on a project! Do not be surprised if your phone randomly turns off, apps crash, or the wifi disconnects…just breathe and blame it on Mercury!
Spiritual Self-Care
Protecting your energy and keeping yourself zen is EXTREMELY important during Mercury retrograde! This is the key to NOT flipping out on everyone and everything!
Self Reflection
It is a perfect time for self-reflection, look back on your past, learn from your mistakes and try to do better. As this is not the best time to be in deep communication with others, you should take this opportunity to bring your attention back to yourself. Meditate a little more for deeper self-reflection and be honest with yourself!
De-Stress
With all the madness that occurs, you should take time to de-stress so you don’t blow up! You can de-stress by taking a bath, trying a new face mask, and/or getting a message. Do what you need to do to relax during this wild time; SELF-CARE IS KEY! CLICK FOR MORE ON SELF-CARE DURING MERCURY RETROGRADE!
Keep in your routine
Stay in your comfort zone throughout this retrograde because trying something “new” will only make you prone to mistakes and accidents. Stay along the lines of your normal routine until this period of time ends before adding anything new.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember during this period is to remain calm, positive, and level-headed! I know how frustrating the Mercury retrograde shit-show can be, but, that will just add fuel to the fire and make everything even worse. Mistakes are expected to happen a little more than usual – DO NOT BLOW IT OUT OF PROPORTION!
Mercury retrogrades in 2023:
- April 1 to April 24.
- August 4 to August 27.
- November 25 to December 15.