Images by Emily-Layne Kapetanovic

A retrograde occurs when a planet looks like it is moving backwards in the sky, from Earth’s perspective — either a faster planet is passing us, or we are moving past a slower planet. During this time, we tend to feel the challenging aspects of the given planet more easily. As the closest planet to the sun, Mercury has the quickest orbit and experiences retrograde three times every year, for about three weeks each time.

The next retrograde phase begin ons May 29th and will end on June 22nd.

Mercury represents communication and transportation — the messenger. So when this planet is in retrograde, we are more likely to experience issues with mail, travel plans, contracts and language. There could be trouble with your car, or packages that never get delivered. Or important conversations that just seem to go completely unexpectedly.

General tips;

The following are some ways that you can minimise the challenging aspects of Mercury’s energy. These are super general — you can find specific advice for your chart further down.

Try your best to organise your life so that transactions/contracts can be finalised outside of this period. If this isn’t possible (which is totally OK), just make an extra effort to do your research and get all the facts before entering into a deal.
Back up your computer files and photographs onto a hard drive (or iCloud).
Double-check your reservations and bookings before travelling — maybe even print out important documents, have back-up copies.
Schedule your car in for maintenance if you suspect it might need it. If using public transport, be cautious of any delays in the network. Perhaps allow some extra time when travelling to really important meetings.

the positives;

It’s not all doom & gloom for these three weeks. In fact, Mercury retrograde is the perfect time to re-analyse and assess your life. Where are you directing your energy? And is this serving your highest purpose?

Remember that you might have trouble communicating these revelations to others, and it is best to wait until after retrograde before putting any new ideas into action.

Now we will dive into some advice for each specific sign. We encourage you to look at your Rising/Ascendant sign here — it represents your most natural/outer self which is most easily exhibited in the outer world. The effects will be felt more fully by people with significant placements in Virgo & Gemini, as these signs are ruled by Mercury.

Aries

Mercury rules your general communication. Try and take a pause before speaking, particularly if you’re acting on impulse. Be wary of fire (physical heat) and sharp objects.

Taurus

Mercury rules your communication with intimate/blood bonds, and also discussions around finance. Stay aware of self-destructive behaviour and make the effort to dismantle habits that no longer serve you.

Gemini

Mercury rules your communication with family, as well as affecting how you present yourself to others (self-image). This sign is known to have the most difficult time during Mercury retrograde.

Be aware that your tendency is to find endless distractions. Write down some ways that you can clear your head — yoga, swim in the ocean, walk in the park?

Cancer

Mercury rules your personal communication, particularly in discussions about the past. Ensure you are communicating your feelings as clearly as possible to avoid misunderstandings.

Leo

Mercury rules your communication with friends, and also discussions around personal finance. This season is reminding you to approach things slowly and steadily, and to not be disheartened if plans are extended.

Virgo

Mercury rules your communication about career, as well as affecting how others percieve your body language and mannerisms. This sign is known to have the second most difficult time during Mercury retrograde.

Know that you might experience analysis paralysis through being too critical of what is unfolding around you.

Libra

Mercury rules your communication about education, travel and legal issues — as well as discussions about what has occurred in the past. You might need extra room to breathe. Gift yourself time-space alone before making any drastic decisions.

Scorpio

Mercury rules your communication with friends and more intimate relations, as well as discussions about shared financial resources. There might be a tendency to make poor decisions about financial and intimate matters.

Sagittarius

Mercury rules your communication with bosses, collegaues and close partners. It might be easy to misinterpret conversations that either have a distance gap or language barrier.

Capricorn

Mercury rules your communication about travel, work and legal affairs. You might experience problems with people in authority — either bosses at work or bureaucracy in general. It could be powerful to boycott social media for the duration of the month.

Aquarius

Mercury rules your communication with partners and children, as well as potentially discussions around finance. You might find spending time in group settings quite trying. Take the time to really reconsider if/when past relationships re-emerge in your life.

Pisces

Mercury rules your communication about family and home — including conversations with a (potential) partner. Don’t resist taking some extra time out to rest. Fall back onto meditation for clarity, if you feel called to.

So Mercury Is In Retrograde