Mercury Retrograde represents the “Winged Messenger”, in the western world it is known as the “God of the Roads” and also that of “the thieves”.
All planets in the solar system go retrograde. Each planet moves through its orbit always in the same direction but every so often a visual phenomenon called “planetary retrogradation” occurs, it is an optical illusion that leads to the appearance that the planets change their direction.
This apparent change in direction is actually caused by the differences in speeds that each planet has around the Sun. By modifying the speed of its march on some occasions our planet Earth moves forward and generates this particular perception that the other planet is going “backward” or retrograde.
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun and thus carries a special place in astrology, through its rich language of symbols, function closest to the solar consciousness and the center of identity or the Self.
Mercury is the planet that rules communication and represents the principles of communication, mindset, thought patterns, rationality and reasoning, adaptability, and variability. Also, the immediate environment of neighbors, siblings, transportation over short distances, messages and forms of communication such as mail, email, and telephone, newspapers, journalism, and writing”, are mostly face delays or even major technical errors; says predictive astrologer Priscilla Maciel.
Key Stages:
The stages that make up the retrogradation of Mercury speak in the principle of a planet in a constant movement called “prograde”, which advances degrees but suddenly begins to slow down. In astrological predictions, the retrograde dates are known in advance.
In a second moment, the movement goes glow down which means for a few minutes it will stop. This first slowdown period is known as “pre-shadow”, which is a situation where the planet’s abilities are no longer presenting themselves as clear but are still in operation. It is the moment when the first oversights and neglects arise, generating conflicts due to generalized omission and carelessness.
The third stage is “stationary Mercury”, which is a moment of particular detention since it precedes retrogradation, and hence the specific name that this moment receives, called “stationary retrograde”.
The fourth station occurs with the “retrograde movement”, which is the crucial moment, that invites us towards the introspection process, if we are capable of being aware of these stages in order then we are able to work on it and align measures into our lives, accordingly.
Far from being negative, it is a moment of deep experiences and opportunities that allow another vision, and clarity toward diverse areas of living. Once the planet returned or “regressed”, it stopped again, which is a moment called “direct stationery”, since it just precedes the moment that follows.
The sixth movement is “Mercury direct”. Although it has returned to its “advance degrees” function, the planet still has to go all the way back as it was before. And, therefore, this process is only complete when returning to the starting point. Once that threshold is passed, it can be said that the retrogradation process has ended, since everything that is traversed from now on is a new advance.
Frequency in a Year:
Every year mercury goes retrograde usually three times a year. In 2022, we have four dates when Mercury will turn retrograde. Its first retrogradation movement of the year was between January 14 and February 3, 2022 – from Aquarius, it retrograded to Capricorn. Later, between May 10 and June 3 -from Gemini to Taurus.
Now, it is in retrograde for the third time in the year between September 9 and October 2 – from Libra, it will reverse to Virgo. The fourth and last retrogradation of Mercury will be between December 28, 2022, and January 18, 2023 -it will be in the sign of Capricorn. This particularity is striking, which will lead us to start the new year with Mercury retrograde and which can give us a different start to 2023, with a great need for introspection and revision to face the celebrations of the new period of life.
Effects on Mundane World:
When Mercury changes direction, it is possible that both communication and trade problems may arise. It is a difficult time to start new projects, especially those related to information, networking, communication flow, and travel. Precautions need to be taken to ensure that messages are clearly understood; this often involves slowing things down and rearranging them.
Mercury retrograde in the sky is the time to review, reorder and recapitulate what we have already done, finish what is pending but not start anything. You have to be especially careful not to make hasty decisions in this period because its consequences can be unhappy.
Like every time Mercury retrogrades, there is a tendency to make mistakes. For this reason, we must try to avoid errors of judgment, not follow impulses (because misunderstandings may occur), and review papers and documents well so as not to incur carelessness.
However, if we stop to reflect, they can be very creative times where we will become more intuitive and receptive, and it will be useful for us to re-evaluate situations. Mercury retrograde reminds us that efficiency is based on stability.
For this reason, think of this as a maintenance period, ideal for examining old problems that require action, but were ignored. If there are communication problems, Mercury retrograde will bring attention back to them. Taking time to resolve them will make us better equipped to move smoothly into the future.
How to Survive?
When Mercury retrogrades, they are days to be more attentive to the functions that this planet governs, such as communication, roles, and relationships in general. These are periods to review these issues where there may even be obstacles, unforeseen events, and changes in plans that will test our ability -or not- to adapt and listen to those who think differently.
These are ideal days to reorder ourselves, review, re-choose our priorities, purify our relationships, and even seek moments of solitude to purge ourselves of the opinions of others.
It is also recommended not to panic, and not to exaggerate negativity because if something bad happens it is necessary to overcome the situation to get ahead again. Impromptu decisions should not be made, as well as maintaining a balance between the positive and negative. In times of Mercury retrograde, it is good to accompany the change of movement and redirect our minds, ideas, and ability to bond and find better ways of listening and communicating.
