November 16, 2021

By Karlee Resler-Seek

Graphic by Karlee Seek

We always hear the words “Mercury retrograde” in a scary sense, but what does it mean for us? In this column I will explain the retrograde, what it does to the planet and how it affects your specific zodiac sign that Mercury is in. Don’t know where Mercury is in your chart? Go to Astro-charts.com for a free birth chart!

In astrology, Mercury is the planet that rules communication. Different signs in our zodiac highlight the way we speak and present ourselves. The messenger planet takes 88 days to orbit the sun, so it could be in a specific sign anywhere from 15 to 60 days. The longer transits are because of retrograde, which happens about three times within a year. Whenever a planet is retrograde, it seems to move backward in the sky. The actual planet does not physically start moving backwards in the sky; it just appears that way because of the relative position of Mercury, the Earth and how they are moving around the sun.  This regression extends the stay of a planet in a certain sign. Astrologers use the themes of that sign to see how retrograde could affect the average person in their daily life. Rather than being a pool for chaos and bad times, this period should be seen as review and reassessment.

If you don’t know your Mercury sign, a good rule of thumb is to look at your sun sign. Wherever the sun is in your chart, Mercury cannot be more than two signs away. For example, if you’re a Leo sun, your Mercury could be Cancer, Leo or Virgo. With this in mind, here is how your personal Mercury sign is affected during its own retrograde transit. 

Aries: You can be seen as quick and to-the-point, which creates a double-edged sword. People mistake your ability to be concise with an inability to cooperate. During your transit, try to be patient and understanding.

Taurus: Being known as the “stubborn” sign is highlighted most, making you seem almost unapproachable. Your passions fuel your thinking, and that’s what makes this placement great. During your transit, try to be cognizant of how you can be malleable.

Gemini: Your quick wit and numerous interests may become your downfall. It’s easy to be bored or scattered in your thinking, resulting in burnout. During your transit, try to be concise and focus on interests that don’t consume a lot of energy. 

Cancer: Your ability to easily get in touch with emotions and communicate those feelings makes this sign seem a little sensitive. During your transit, try to act with your head and not your heart to save some emotional pain.  

Leo: The confidence you hold when you speak is astounding. You are aware of your know-how. However, this can make you come off as a know-it-all. During your transit, try to choose certain situations where you show your intellect instead of carrying it with you all the time. 

Virgo: This sign is accustomed to being particular and detail-oriented. A lot of your energy can go into taking care of daily needs, making you appear high-strung. During your transit, try to take things easy.

Libra: An ability to think objectively is natural to you. Being the titleholders of diplomacy and fairness sometimes can land you at a fork in the road. During your transit, try to focus on calculating concrete solutions. 

Scorpio: Searching for deeper understanding has become your passion. In that search, you become more secretive and protective. During your transit, try to learn who to trust and open up to; your intuition will guide the way. 

Sagittarius: Thinking about the bigger picture has always been your niche; you can be seen as a free thinker. During your transit, try to ground yourself and outline goals you can see the steps to, as well as the end. 

Capricorn: Methodical speaking and constant structure is a must for you. Much more a thinker than a feeler, you can compartmentalize ideas often to a fault. During your transit, try to get in touch with those emotions before storing them away for the “rational” side of you. 

Aquarius: Seen as the “unconventional” sign, your form of self-expression is one that is known to stir things up. You always have something to say, which can come off as overwhelming or egotistical. During your transit, try to practice listening more than speaking.

Pisces: One of the most gentle of the signs, you are able to communicate in a pleasing and warm way. However, your heart can get too involved with these affairs. During your transit, try to protect yourself from potential hurt feelings. 

Mercury retrograde should not be a reference point whenever the transit happens over a final or a fight with your friends. This period comes quarterly to let you stop and reflect for a moment. These signs show specific themes during their retrograde relating to their characteristics. The themes of specific retrogrades are shown through these signs. With this knowledge at hand, make the next retrograde on Jan. 14, 2022 a point of personal analysis.  

Edited by Abby Stetina | astetina@themaneater.com