Ah, Mercury retrograde – the infamous period when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit. It’s a time when chaos seems to reign supreme, and everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. As I scrolled through my calendar this morning, the glaring reminder I had previously entered for April 1st took me aback: ‘Mercury retrograde begins’.
QUICK LINKS
- Understanding the impact of Mercury retrograde
- Mercury retrograde dates in 2024
- Common Mercury retrograde mishaps
- Is Mercury retrograde really that bad?
- How to navigate Mercury retrograde: Tips and coping strategies
- Final thoughts
If you have no idea what Mercury retrograde is, you can read about it in my previous article, What is Mercury retrograde and how do I survive it? To summarise, Mercury retrograde occurs when Mercury, the planet of communication, appears to move in reverse. This optical illusion happens three to four times a year, and each retrograde period lasts for about three weeks. During this time, it’s said that the energy of Mercury becomes a little wonky, leading to all sorts of mix-ups and creating a general mess of things. Wonderful.
Understanding the impact of Mercury retrograde
During this retrograde period, many people (myself included) tend to attribute mishaps in their lives to this seemingly innocuous planet. You see, during this cosmic event, things can get a little bit out of whack. Communication becomes muddled, technology malfunctions, and plans go awry. Emotions also run high, often leading to tears. It’s like the universe is playing a prank on us, and we’re left to navigate the mayhem.
During Mercury retrograde, it’s common to experience delays, misunderstandings, and general confusion. You might find yourself sending emails to the wrong recipients, experiencing glitches in your gadgets, or even having your best-laid plans fall apart at the last minute. It can be frustrating, to say the least. But the good news is there are ways to navigate this cosmic disruption and come out unscathed.
Mercury retrograde Dates in 2024
1 – 25 April 2024
As reminded by my calendar, the next retrograde will occur from the 1st to the 25th of April in the sign of Aries.
Here’s an astro tip: Your words matter now more than ever. The tiniest nuance in your communication could spark misunderstandings or escalate into conflicts faster than you can say “retrograde.” So, it’s wise to exercise restraint and think before you speak. Taking a moment to pause and reflect could save you from unnecessary headaches down the road.
via GIPHY
4 – 28 August 2024
The second retrograde will take place from the 4th to the 28th of August in the signs of Virgo and Leo.
In this retrograde, expect some life hiccups and conundrums. What used to run smoothly might hit a snag out of nowhere. My top tip for this period? Before unleashing that passionate, potentially aggressive email, pause for a breath and review your message. Trust me, a quick double-check can spare you from potential mishaps and cringe-worthy email moments during Mercury retrograde.
via QuickBooks on GIPHY
25 November – 15 December 2024
The final retrograde of the year will happen from the 25th of November to the 15th of December in the sign of Sagittarius.
This retrograde phase might put the brakes on your usual speedy vibe. Hold off on booking those travel tickets for now. It’s probably not the best time to hit the road. Think lost luggage, transportation hiccups—basically, Murphy’s Law on steroids. So, maybe stick to exploring closer to home until Mercury is back on track.
Common Mercury retrograde mishaps
First and foremost, communication tends to go haywire during this time. You might find yourself constantly misinterpreting text messages, having difficulty expressing your thoughts, or experiencing a general breakdown in communication with others. It’s like the words just get lost in translation, and you’re left feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
Technology also seems to have a mind of its own during Mercury retrograde. Your phone might suddenly freeze or crash, your computer might decide to go on a strike, and your internet connection might become as useful as diet water. It’s enough to make you want to scream into the void, but like with every retrograde, this too shall pass.
Travel and transportation can also be affected by during these periods. Flights may be delayed or cancelled, trains might experience unexpected breakdowns, and road trips could turn into a series of detours and wrong turns. So, if you find yourself stuck in traffic or waiting at the airport, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the universe has a plan, even if it’s not the one you had in mind.
Is Mercury retrograde really That bad?
Mercury retrograde often gets a bad rap, but is it really the disaster everyone makes it out to be? The truth is, no, not really. On the contrary, it can be a time of growth and self-reflection. Use this period to reassess your goals, revisit past projects, and make any necessary adjustments. Embrace the chaos and see it as an opportunity for personal growth.
Even though communication can go astray during Mercury retrograde, it doesn’t mean that all your conversations will end in disaster. Be mindful of your words, double-check your messages before sending them, and be open to clarifying any misunderstandings that may arise. With a little extra effort, you can navigate the communication minefield with grace.
Lastly, although it’s advised not to sign contracts or make big life-changing decisions during Mercury retrograde, it doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. Instead, use this time to reflect, reevaluate, and plan ahead. Take a step back, reassess your options, and lay the groundwork for future plans. Remember, life goes on, no matter what the planets are doing.
How to navigate Mercury retrograde: Tips and coping strategies
Here are some tips and coping strategies to help you survive and thrive during this time.
Slow down and be patient
Mercury retrograde has a way of throwing a wrench in our plans, so it’s important to slow down and be patient. Allow extra time for travel, give yourself space to think before responding to messages, and be prepared for delays and detours. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and sometimes things take a little longer than expected.
Double-check everything
During Mercury retrograde, it’s crucial to double-check everything. Before hitting send on that important email, read it over one more time. Before signing any contracts or making major purchases, review the fine print. Taking a few extra moments to ensure accuracy can save you from potential headaches down the road.
Embrace the unexpected
Mercury retrograde has a way of throwing curveballs our way, but instead of resisting, why not embrace the unexpected? Use this time to explore new opportunities, try something different, and step out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might discover hidden talents or stumble upon a path you never considered before.
Practice self-care
The energy of Mercury retrograde can be intense, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself during this time. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Whether it’s taking long walks in nature, practicing yoga, or indulging in a bubble bath, prioritise self-care and nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, Mercury retrograde may bring its fair share of dilemmas, but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. By understanding the impact of Mercury retrograde and adopting coping strategies, we can navigate this cosmic rollercoaster with ease and even use it as a catalyst for personal growth.
So, when Mercury goes retrograde in a few weeks’ time, get ready for a wild and bumpy ride. Most of it is beyond our control, so we might as well embrace the cosmic chaos that comes with it. Happy navigating!
