Mercury Retrograde Explained

Mercury retrograde is a phrase that has become commonly used outside of astrological circles, yet it is only partially understood.

In astrology, Mercury is associated with communication, partnerships, deals, technology, and travel.   A retrograde phase is commonly thought to signify delays – particularly around travel, communication, cancelled or missed appointments and technological problems.  Mercury is often blamed or used as a reason or excuse as to why things may not be working out quite as planned.

It is important to remember that astrology, and the movement of the planets, does not cause anything.  The energy of the cosmos is in constant flux and everything in the universe is changing with it. 

There is a lot of superstition around a Mercury retrograde phase, but it is simply an astronomical phenomenon.  It occurs when Mercury aligns with the Earth and is at its closest point.  Mercury is on a shorter and faster orbit, as it catches up to Earth, it appears from our perspective as if Mercury is moving backwards.  In astrology, we say it has a retrograde motion. This occurs approximately three times per year for the duration of three weeks. *

It is perhaps best understood if we think about the energy from a planet being more strongly felt as it gets closer to Earth.  Mercury is the closest planet to Earth and as it comes to its closest point it is said to ‘station’ ie: it appears as if it is not moving.  At this point the energy is at its most powerful and this is when we can feel the energies symbolically associated with Mercury more intensely.

The language of astrology speaks of a Mercury retrograde phase as being a period where we can expect misunderstandings and miscommunication. There can be delays to projects that we have been trying to move forward.  Anything already in motion may be slowing down or moving backward, so it is important to be patient at this time.  Some astrologers advise against signing contracts or important legal documents.  Often this cannot be delayed or avoided, so the best advice is to be more thorough in checking information and reading small print.  Details should not be overlooked and being more considered in our communication is also advisable.

Each Mercury retrograde phase will throw up different issues and different challenges depending on at which point the retrograde occurs.  Other aspects occurring at the same time may be more powerful, which could mean that we don’t feel the retrograde phase as intensely.  It will also affect each of us differently depending on how our own birth chart is configured.  For some of us, certain retrograde phases will have a bigger impact and may feel more challenging.  If we are born under a Mercury retrograde phase, it can be that we feel more at ease with the energy during a retrograde cycle. 

Despite the negative connotations of a Mercury retrograde, it can be a positive phase if we view it as an invitation from the cosmos to review, reflect, revise, restore, and re-calibrate.  We can take the opportunity to slow down and step back from anything that is going on around us, if we focus inwardly.  It is a period where we can consolidate and reflect on any lessons learned or in fact any lessons that we have not yet learned. 

What plays out during a retrograde cycle will depend on what is going on in our personal lives. We are given an opportunity to review our lives, our situations and reassess our next steps forward.   

At a collective level, incidents and issues may arise such as large-scale technological glitches, transport delays, and misrepresentations.  This is best understood if we think of the more powerful force being emitted by Mercury as having a greater effect.

Instead of focusing on the minor details of how Mercury retrograde is affecting each of us in our day-to-day lives – the delayed flight; the broken washing machine; the cancelled train – we could all benefit by looking at the more important issues that impact the collective.  If we take time to think about what we are saying, how we are saying it, and the impact it has, then Mercury retrograde could be viewed as a positive transit that brings positive changes.

Mercury in Shadow

* Astrologers also refer to a ‘shadow period’. This is the area of the sky or degree of the zodiac that it will appear to travel back to.  If for example, Mercury is going to retrograde back to 21 degrees of Leo, when it reaches that degree in its forward motion, we say it has entered its shadow period.  Following its station to forward motion, it is still considered in its shadow period until it moves beyond the degree at which it stationed to retrograde motion.   A Mercury retrograde phase can therefore last approximately 8 weeks if we count the shadow period.   It can therefore be advisable to be cautious with detail for the whole period.

Artwork by Alexander Rodchenko