Just hearing the dreaded phrase ‘Mercury retrograde’ is enough to send chills down one’s spine. Mugs and memes like “Not while Mercury is in retrograde” have not only made Mercury a bit of a celebrity but turned it into an unnecessary bogeyman.
You know Mercury retrograde’s reputation: tech glitches, botched contracts, delayed flights, miscommunications, and funky moods.
Mercury retrograde is upon us once again from September 9 – October 2, 2022. And we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to be afraid of it—and to give you a few pointers on how to survive the transit.
Mercury Retrograde Timeline ⏪
Three times a year, for roughly three weeks at a time, Mercury appears to reverse course in the night sky, moving in “retrograde” motion. Of course, it’s not actually traveling backward in the sky, but from the human POV, it appears that way.
Mercury, which rules communications and technology, undergoes a symbolic reversal. Sometimes this means that communications can be chaotic and in disarray. That’s where Mercury retrograde’s gnarly reputation comes in.
…But most of the time, it’s not that dramatic. Mercury retrograde is actually a great time to turn internally, review communications and contracts, and reflect upon your life. This is an opportunity for greater alignment and inner growth.
Mercury is the fastest moving planet in the Solar System and circles the sun every 88 days. But when Mercury retrogrades, it slows down until it appears to stop moving entirely. That makes the energy more intense.
Mercury stations retrograde at 8° Libra on September 9, where it will eventually reverse back to the sign of Virgo.
If you have planets or points in either Libra or Virgo, you will feel this energy strongly. It will be especially potent if you have planets or points within 6° – 10° Libra, 28° Virgo – 2° Libra, and 22° – 26° Virgo.
This retrograde period is kicked off by the Full Moon at 17° Pisces on September 10 at 5:59 am ET. Then on September 22, Mercury will conjoin the Sun at 0° Libra. In astrology, this is called a Cazimi and it means that you may have an important realization, epiphany, or AHA moment on or around this day. On September 23, Mercury will reverse back to Virgo, and will finally station direct on October 2 at 24° of Virgo.
How to Survive Mercury Retrograde ⏪
Much to the chagrin of professional astrologers, we can thank a 2014 video from Taylor Swift for Mercury retrograde’s leap to the limelight.
In fact, it is SO famous that even McDonald’s offered a Mercury retrograde promotion the last time the planet danced backward in the sky. Even people who don’t know anything about astrology know about Mercury retrograde, but that means that the nuance often gets lost.
Recalibrate your focus
This ‘retrograde’ movement is all part of a natural recalibration process, so there is absolutely nothing to fear. Instead of freaking about potential snafus, think of this time as a chance to reflect and review.
In fact, it’s likely that stoking fear around Mercury retrograde actually makes it more chaotic, like a self-fulfilling prophecy. If your alarm bells are ringing and you’re overly anxious about Mercury, you may miss the blessing of this period. This is a time when we can slow down and notice how the drumbeat of our lives may have changed. Turning inward and listening can give us key intel on how to solve problems and improve our lives.
“Instead of this time being viewed as one of communicative curses and technological condemnation from the gods on high, we can view it as essential to our growth and evolution. Yes things get tricky, testy and tedious. Yes phones get dropped and call get lost and emails go awry. No it’s not a good time to make major plans, sign big contracts or buy electronic devices. Big deal. These things are easy enough to avoid or (maybe a little harder) easy enough to deal with if we put life into perspective. The real work is much more involved.” — Chani Nicholas
Slow down and focus on self-care
Naturally, any recalibration process can be bumpy. That’s where Mercury’s bad reputation comes from. So while this tempo change is nothing to fear, it is practical to slow down and assume things may not go as planned. Give yourself extra time for travel and projects and anticipate delays. Back up your files and update your software. Cross your T’s and dot your I’s. Focus on patience and forgive any mistakes you might make during this time.
As you slow down, listen, and focus inward, it’s the perfect time to practice self-care and love on yourself a little more.
To assist with this process, we’re having a Mercury retrograde sale so you can stock up on self-care goodies. Get 20% off and FREE SHIPPING on any purchase from September 9 – 11. Use coupon code mercuryretro at checkout.
Reflect
As we progress through Mercury retrograde, we may have epiphanies or revelations, especially when the Sun and Mercury conjoin in a “cazimi” formation on September 22. Take time to jot down the lessons that present themselves at this time. Listen to the information that is being revealed and make any necessary adjustments.
@frommollywithlove ⏮ Mercury rx (Gatorade) is baaaaack
♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound
What are your favorite Mercury retrograde survival strategies? Let us know in the comments!
