By Catherine Carlson

Most of us have heard the phrase “Mercury is in retrograde,” ever so often offered up as a reason for something not going smoothly in a person’s life. It’s true that retrograde periods can be challenging. It’s nothing personal and we can all be affected differently, so I wanted to give you the straight scoop on what Mercury retrograde periods are and how to navigate them.

When a planet moves into what is called a retrograde period, it’s not because the planet is physically behaving differently. However, from an earthly perspective, the planet appears to be in reverse motion. In actuality, Earth and the planet in retrograde have caught up with each other for a time, much like two cars on the freeway. This optical illusion from the earth’s point of view is what we call “turning retrograde.” When this period is complete, we say the planet “stations direct.” Because Mercury has the shortest orbit in our solar system, its retrograde periods occur the most often—three to four times per year and lasts for about three weeks. These periods approach and recede like a sunrise and sunset. The three-week Mercury retrograde period is when the energy is most intense, but we may still experience retrograde effects in the few weeks before and afterward, referred to as shadow periods.

When a planet goes through its retrograde period, it adversely affects whatever that planet represents. It’s as though the planetary energy is sluggish, or not as pure and straightforward, like a radio station with static and interference. The planet Mercury rules communication, transportation, and legal agreements. Because these are all major areas of daily living, we can be heavily impacted by Mercury retrograde periods with personal, and even widespread, problems in these areas.

Some common hiccups you may experience during a Mercury retrograde are problems with technology. You may lose information you thought was saved, your phone connection can be repeatedly bad, or your friends may not be able to receive your texts—for no apparent reason. If you purchase a new phone, computer, or other electronic device during a retrograde period make sure you also get the warranty. One example of widespread communication and technology problems occurred during the Mercury retrograde period this past January when the United Kingdom’s postal service was hit by a major cyber-attack. It shut down their international mail service for several weeks.

The effects of Mercury retrograde on transportation are very noticeable. Driving your everyday route may suddenly become a major construction zone with a detour. You may experience unexpected delays on a road trip or at the airport. If you plan a trip, buy tickets, or make reservations of any kind during a retrograde period, know that even if that trip occurs after the retrograde period, you may experience changes or delays at the time of the trip or event.

When it comes to legal documents, this would involve anything where you are making a formal agreement or signing contracts. Purchasing a car or home during Mercury retrograde may mean there will be changes you couldn’t foresee at the time of purchase. If you sign a car lease, that lease may be able to be extended even though that was not initially the contract. If you buy a home, there may be something revealed about the home that you were unaware of at the time you bought it or you may not stay in the home as long as you had planned. For example, it wasn’t until several years after my family had lived in our home that we learned from neighbors that there had been serious water damage in one of our bathrooms. This was not something ever disclosed when we bought the home. Thankfully it had been repaired correctly and did not cause further problems.

If you begin a new job during this time, the job is likely to change in some way. You may be given more responsibilities that were not in the original job description, or you may be transferred to another location, or your boss that hired you may be transferred to a different team, leaving you with new supervisor. In my experience, Mercury retrograde also always seems to affect everyday things like making plans or appointments. Whether you schedule a lunch, dentist appointment, or meeting, often as the date approaches it is either canceled or re-scheduled.

The planet Mercury rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo. If you have those signs featured strongly in your natal chart, you will feel the Mercury retrograde periods more. As I write this, we are between retrograde periods which is why I am taking advantage of the time to communicate as clearly as possible!

If all of this sounds disruptive and frustrating, it absolutely can be, but there is an upside to Mercury retrograde and knowing that can help you navigate the terrain. On the positive side, things you’ve been wishing and hoping for may finally happen! If you have been waitlisted at a school, this could be the time you receive your acceptance letter. If you have been wanting to make a big purchase, but haven’t had the resources, this can be a time when that item goes on sale, and you are able to make it work within your budget.

“Retro” means behind or backward. The direction of (Mercury) retrograde appears to be going backward and that is the clue for how to flow with the energy. Look back over your shoulder—did you leave anything behind? Go back to what you were working on months ago. Returning to old assignments, unfinished projects, cleaning out your closet, basement, or garage are excellent things to do and you will find you have great success with such tasks.

The delays, the hold-ups and the re-dos may actually be in your best interest. You may learn the thing you wanted didn’t work out because there is something better up ahead that you can’t see yet. Transportation-wise, if you have had a trip on your bucket list forever, this is the time when that can happen, or you may re-visit a place where you spent time as a child.

One of the most interesting effects of retrograde is people you haven’t heard from in ages may be encountered. You may get a phone call out of the blue or bump into someone at the airport. During one Mercury retrograde a close relative of mine found an unopened letter she had received years earlier from a distant cousin she had never met. Upon finding the letter she was able to finally make a connection.

Some astrology folks will tell you to avoid agreements, trips, and new electronics during these periods. I hardly think that’s realistic. What if something breaks and you need a replacement immediately? You can’t stop living during Mercury retrograde. You can’t avoid making plans and you won’t experience every issue every time. But, having a basic understanding of this planetary phenomenon, you can hopefully be prepared and ride with the energy instead of being annoyed by it. Go retro. It’s less a time of new beginnings, action, or forward motion so slow down, go back to things from the past and be willing to flex. Expect whatever is already in motion to change.