Mercury retrograde in astrology is a phenomenon that creates a visible reverse movement of the planet. How does Mercury retrograde affect us, and why should we be wary of it? What can and cannot be done during this time? You will learn about all of this if you read this post.

What does Mercury retrograde mean?

Each planet in the solar system has two types of motion. The first is the usual course of a celestial body when it follows its usual direction along its trajectory and does not try to ‘go astray’ from the path. But the retrograde movement of planets in astrology is the phenomenon when a celestial body begins to move backwards. In reality, this, of course, does not happen. It’s just that at a certain period, the planet moves around the Sun along a different trajectory and at a different speed. From Earth, it seems that it has gone back – an optical illusion is created.

Mercury is the planet responsible for information, knowledge, documents, contacts, communication, sales, Internet, transport, technology and gadgets. Mercury retrograde can negatively impact these areas. However, often during Mercury retrograde people blame the planet for everything, although in a global sense, it is not the cause of serious problems in a person’s life.

How many times a year does Mercury retrograde happen?

Mercury is the fastest planet in our solar system. It orbits the star every 88 days and enters a retrograde period when it flies past Earth. This happens 3-4 times a year, and each period lasts about 3 weeks. So in 2024, humanity will encounter Mercury retrograde three times.

Who is affected by Mercury retrograde?

Mercury retrograde affects everyone in one way or another, but with different strengths and in different areas. More precisely, this can only be determined by an individually compiled natal chart. If in a person’s chart Mercury controls important areas of life, then it can bring negativity into the life of that person. Additionally, some people were born during Mercury retrograde. During such periods, on the contrary, for them, any undertakings with documents, studies, communication and purchases will be additionally supported by good luck.

What not to do during Mercury retrograde?

During the period of retromercury, it is better not to undertake any excessive activity. All your endeavours will be meaningless, or even harmful. Thus, it is not recommended to plan trips or make deals, and if you have to make them, you should carefully double-check the information, make backup copies of projects, and duplicate important data.

It is also important to pay close attention to the transport schedule. For example, if you are planning a flight during the retromercury period, then there is a high probability of delays, flight transfers or some kind of confusion. There is no need to plan important sales and purchases since there is a risk that the process will be complicated or drawn out. 

  It is important to be careful at this time, since at such moments there is often an increase in accidents on the roads, and people easily get into conflicts.

In addition, you should not dive too deeply into relationships during these periods. It is not recommended to schedule dates or seek new acquaintances. It is best to focus on yourself or your work, as Mercury retrograde has a positive effect on the fulfilment of previously conceived plans. Also, during this period, it is better not to register a marriage and, of course, not to sign a marriage contract.

However, if, for example, the apartment has not been sold for a long time, then in retromercury the procedure will speed up. Also, during the period of Mercury retrograde, you can do all the things that have accumulated and return to old projects. Everything that was not completed will be completed with ease in the period of retromercury. In general, the period of Mercury retrograde is a good time to put things in order in your life: repair what is broken, discard unnecessary items, and declutter. 

Don’t blame Mercury retrograde in everything

Mercury retrograde has become part of popular culture. Songs are dedicated to it, eyeshadow palettes are named after it, and there are a million memes on the topic. But popularity has a downside: it shifts responsibility for all the troubles onto the poor planet, and not onto yourself. Admitting guilt requires a certain amount of courage and strength of character. After all, the person is to blame for many troubles, although sometimes it is difficult to accept. It is much easier to blame retrograde Mercury for everything. Of course, in all events, there is an element of chance, force majeure. But people have a reason, which can help them respond to unexpected events.