How To Survive A Mercury Retrogade

UPDATED JUNE 2020

What does Mercury retrograde really mean?

“Mercury retrograde is the phenomenon in which Mercury appears to change the direction of its orbit – it happens three or four times a year. It’s important to note this backwards movement is actually an illusion, similar to the one you experience when you’re in a car moving faster than a train alongside you: the train appears to be moving backward but it’s just moving more slowly than you are. The same thing happens when Earth passes Mercury in our orbit around the Sun. Mercury is just moving slower than Earth, causing the illusion it’s moving in retrograde. But illusion or not, astrologers believe that during this time, it has an effect on life here on Earth, specifically within the realm of communication and technology.” – Fiona Graham, astrologer

Why does Mercury retrograde have a bad rap?

“The bad PR began many moons ago, when ancient astrologers and folk in general believed the stars seemingly moving backwards or retreating were bad omens. In astrology, Mercury is the planet associated with all forms of communication, hence when the planet is in retrograde these areas of life can be affected and may be slowed down or disrupted – trains may be cancelled, misunderstandings may occur, computers might crash, or agreements change. Any star activity cannot be defined as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, it just is, and depends on how we handle situations and our own responses.” – Carolyne Faulkner, founder of Dynamic Astrology and author of The Signs and Your Stars

“It’s crucial to note Mercury retrograde has been over-emphasised by amateur astrologers, making the impact of the retrograde motion appear more negative and malevolent than it really is.” – Fiona 

Does it have the same impact for every star sign?

“Yes and no. Mercury retrograde always impacts Gemini or those whose rising sign is Gemini – this is because in astrology, each sign has a ruler or a ‘boss’ and Mercury rules Gemini. We also have the karmic impact of North Node in Gemini for the rest of 2020, which forces difficult conversations to the fore and asks we all drop our masks (metaphorically, not the physical ones). However, Mercury changes the sign it falls in every 28-30 days and will thus impact people of that sign, too, depending on the time of year.” – Carolyne 

Is there anything you should avoid during a Mercury retrograde?

“Try to take extra care during this time – don’t buy a new phone, computer or car; take extra care to protect your electronics; double check travel times; don’t sign any business deals and avoid relationship-defining conversations. However, it really isn’t the end of the world if these things can’t be avoided.” – Fiona

“If you have to travel during a Mercury retrograde, don’t stress, just be aware, and give some thought to how you are communicating with others. Take the time to plan your journey online, even if it’s a familiar one, and always allow more time than usual; take breaks from social media or turn off alerts; double check emails before you hit send and always check the recipient; be patient with others and try not to lose your temper.” – Carolyne 

Are there any positive aspects?

“Absolutely. A Mercury retrograde is a great time to review plans, assess options, revisit the past and carry out important research. A retrograde encourages us to think about things and plan a little more than usual; it also gives us the opportunity to sort out past misunderstandings as our tolerance and awareness levels are heightened. It can actually be a very creative time for lots of individuals.” – Carolyne

When is Mercury next in retrograde? 

“Mercury next goes into retrograde on June 18th until 10th July. This Mercury retrograde is in the sign of Cancer, triggering family issues, security and ancestral history. It’s worth noting we all have a sprinkling of each sign in our full natal charts so it will impact us all. Cancer as an energy is creative, nurturing, kind and sensitive – so kindness and compassion for self and others, without expectation of a return, is the way to go with this retrograde.” – Carolyne 

What’s the bottom line? 

“Try not to associate Mercury retrograde with negative connotations – it certainly isn’t a time for dread and panic. Just aim to be a little more organised than usual, and try to go with the flow as much as possible if your best-laid plans do get changed or disrupted.” – Fiona

“The best mode to be in during a Mercury retrograde is one of ‘non-reaction’. Treat the time period as one of information gathering and practice patience whenever you feel yourself becoming agitated. Ask questions to avoid misunderstandings and be the peacemaker – people are not quite the rational folk they were pre-Covid-19 so tolerance and cutting self and others some slack will produce marvellous results. Mercury retrograde always asks you to review what you have already started rather than to take on anything new. People from your past may come back into your life, too, but once Mercury turns direct (the opposite of a retrograde), you can resume making plans and continue business as usual.” – Carolyne 

 
*Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes.