December 15, 2021
Mercury Retrograde–the time when Mercury (planet) looks like it’s going backward–causes confusion and frustration for us, but also presents a valuable opportunity to use the retrograde to our advantage, by learning from past mistakes, breaking unhealthy habits, re-evaluating our approach to certain situations, and thinking about future plans.
There’s a planetary misconception circling around the internet that this time is “bad luck”. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as everything in this universe holds both positive and negative aspects to it. The energy of Mercury isn’t bad… it just has to be repurposed if we want to thrive during this cycle. Mercury retrogrades 3-4 times a year for a period of 3 weeks each time.
Mercury retrograde has become a popular term socially, online, and with astrologers, who warn that these three weeks are one of the most challenging periods in the year to navigate. It’s common to avoid making big purchases or signing contracts and agreements specifically during the retrograde period.
I don’t think it’s really fair to say that Mercury Retrograde is a bad thing or to view it as something to be feared. It’s a natural phenomenon, much like the phases of the Moon. Mercury moves backward every 3-4 months for about three weeks. While Mercury retrograde may be a challenging factor to contend with, it is not necessarily a negative influence. In fact, its movement can be quite productive for those who are willing to put aside their ego, focus on the internal and the reflective, and embrace the unknown.
You might notice that your life is a little more out of whack than normal. Maybe things aren’t getting done when they should; emails aren’t being answered so you’re getting frustrated with people; contracts seem to be moving at a snail’s pace; etc. Is everything totally falling apart?! It’s OK…relax — it’s normal. The retrograde period poses its fair share of surface-level issues and stressors, but astrologically speaking this is actually an ideal time to take some extra time for reflection and self-care, or for restructuring your habits for efficiency – which in the end actually does end up saving you time!
Mercury rules our “lower” mind—how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, mail, shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state.
The first Mercury Retrograde in 2022 is from January 14 to February 3 in the signs of Aquarius and Capricorn.
The second Mercury Retrograde in 2022 is from May 10 to June 3 in the signs of Gemini and Taurus.
The third Mercury Retrograde in 2022 is from September 9 to October 2 in the signs of Libra and Virgo.
The last Mercury Retrograde in 2022 is from December 29, 2022 to January 18, 2023, in the sign of Capricorn
December 12, 2022, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone at 8° Capricorn 08′
December 29, 2022, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 24° Capricorn 21′ Rx
January 18, 2023, Mercury stations and turns direct at 8° Capricorn 08’D
February 7, 2023, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone at 24° Capricorn 21′
I've been obsessed with Human Design since I came across it in 2014. Learning about my own design was transformative. I've been studying it ever since and I know how powerful and affirming it can be to learn who you are through your chart.
I've been obsessed with Human Design since I came across it in 2014. Learning about my own design was transformative. I've been studying it ever since and I know how powerful and affirming it can be to learn who you are through your chart.
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