so, retro?
Mercury Retrograde: two words that strike curiosity and dread in the hearts of both the informed and innocent. In astrology, Mercury retrograde refers to the 21-day period when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit, as viewed from our perspective on Earth.
This famous astrological phenomenon occurs multiple times throughout the year and its effects are often associated with communication mishaps, technological glitches, travel disruption and general chaos in daily life.
Astrologically, Mercury is said to ‘rule’ communication, technology, travel, and intellect - so it makes sense that Mercury’s backspin would impact these areas of life and make them more prone to confusion, misunderstandings, and delays. This is because Mercury's apparent backward motion can disrupt the flow of energy - like a train whipping through a station at speed and rattling windows and making bystanders feel windswept. Just as the announcer will warn travellers to ‘stand behind the line’ before the passing train arrives - astrologers warn everyone to be extra vigilant during Mercury’s moment in reverse gear.
The most commonly reported effects of Mercury retrograde are:
Communication issues - accidentally sent a typo to the whole company? Didn’t send the attachment? Text the wrong contact? Retrograde Mercury loves a comms crisis.
Technical malfunctions - computer resets during a work call? Dropped phones, smashed screens? Appliances on the fritz? Electricals being eccentric? Mercury in retrograde thrives on a lighting up a live wire.
Travel trouble - During its retrograde revolution Mercury serves up detours, delays and cancellations. If you’re travelling during this time, triple check everything and give yourself so much extra time.
Mercury Retrograde isn't all doom and gloom though. Nothing in astrology is.
This time offers a valuable opportunity for introspection, reflection, and reevaluation. When the energy is a little more elusive, we're encouraged to slow down, review our plans, and reassess our priorities. It's a chance to revisit old projects, tie up loose ends, and reflect on past experiences. In this sense, by dealing us a delay or two, Mercury is forcing us to slow down - whether we want it or not.
Instead of resisting the disruptions and frustrations that may arise, we can do our best to preempt them and choose to embrace them as lessons in our own humility and humanity. Spoiler alert: you don’t have to have it together all the time and you are allowed to make a mistake once every retrograde or more. Mercury in retrograde reminds us we can stumble, stop and start over. Perfection is an illusion.
Ultimately, the impact of Mercury retrograde on our lives depends on how we choose to perceive and respond to it. By resting and reassessing before we act, we can Rise into the slower, re-energising pace of the retrograde period. Equally, by working with the energy of this time to its best effect, we can Rise out of retrograde feeling renewed and ready for the forward momentum on the other side.