Mercury Retrograde: What It Means & How to Navigate It

If you’ve ever struggled to start projects, experienced miscommunication, or had your electronics suddenly go haywire, chances are you’ve felt the effects of Mercury Retrograde. Many of us — myself included — have playfully (or not so playfully!) blamed Mercury for our mishaps during these times.

🌌 What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean?

Mercury rules communication, contracts, paperwork, travel, thoughts, and ideas. About three times a year, for roughly three weeks at a time, Mercury appears to move backward in the sky. This retrograde motion often brings confusion, delays, and a touch of chaos into our lives.

🚫 Don’ts During Mercury Retrograde

• Make major life decisions

• Sign contracts or important paperwork

• Buy a new car

• Begin a brand-new relationship

• Take things too personally

✅ Do’s During Mercury Retrograde

• Slow down and read contracts carefully

• Reflect on past choices and lessons

• Have back-up plans for travel

• Repair your car or electronics

• Revisit self-care rituals (like re-coloring your hair)

• Review your financial situation

• Clear your space energetically

• Release unhealthy habits

⚡ What You Can Expect

• Miscommunication and misunderstandings

• Electronics glitching or batteries dying

• Short tempers and heightened emotions

• Accidents or delays while traveling

• People from the past reappearing in your life

✨ The Gifts of Mercury Retrograde

While Mercury Retrograde has a reputation for being difficult, it also offers powerful opportunities. This cycle invites us to pause, review, and realign. You can use this time to reflect on relationships, finances, and old patterns, clearing the way for new beginnings once Mercury goes direct.

Remember: life doesn’t need to go on pause just because Mercury is retrograde. Sometimes contracts need to be signed or important conversations must happen. The key is to move with mindfulness, patience, and clarity.