What Is "Mercury Retrograde"?
Mercury Retrograde
Mercury retrograde is said to influence our moods and actions, with notable periods in 2024 and 2025. Here’s a guide to these cosmic events, their timing, and how to navigate their potential effects.
What Is “Mercury Retrograde”?
Three to four times each year, Mercury appears to reverse its path across the sky in a phenomenon called "apparent retrograde motion" or simply "Mercury retrograde." This has been associated with confusion, delays, and miscommunication. Astrologers suggest that it’s a time of heightened intuition and unusual coincidences, making it ideal for reflection on the past rather than launching new projects.
Understanding Retrograde Motion
Retrograde motion is an optical illusion. As Earth orbits the Sun, it occasionally appears as if other planets, including Mercury, are moving backward. This shift occurs due to the varied speeds and distances of planetary orbits within our solar system.
Mercury Retrograde Dates
2024:
December 14, 2023 – January 2, 2024
April 2 – April 25
August 5 – August 28
November 26 – December 16
2025:
March 15 – April 7
July 18 – August 11
November 10 – November 30
These periods reflect the Mercury Retrograde dates in AEST.
What to Do During Mercury Retrograde
Mercury rules communication, travel, technology, and contracts, so during retrograde periods, it’s recommended to:
Double-check plans: Review details for travel, appointments, and contracts.
Stay flexible and patient: Allow extra time for travel and expect potential delays.
Revisit projects: Focus on reflection rather than starting new endeavours.
Avoid major decisions: If possible, delay signing contracts or making big commitments.
Reflect on Priorities
While some attribute everyday chaos to Mercury retrograde, these periods are ideal for re-evaluating what truly matters. Consider whether you're dedicating enough time to things like family, personal growth, or your own wellbeing. Use this period to ensure that your energy aligns with your priorities.
Moving Forward When Retrograde Ends
After Mercury retrograde, a “shadow period” follows for a couple of weeks as Mercury returns to its usual path. During this time, ease into major decisions, allowing any unresolved miscommunications or technical issues to settle. Gradually resume plans and organise any pending paperwork with fresh clarity.
Mercury and the Zodiac
Mercury retrogrades influence can vary depending on its position in the zodiac. For example, in late 2024, it occurs in Sagittarius, a sign associated with travel, law, and higher learning. If Sagittarius is prominent in your chart, you may feel these retrograde effects more intensely.
Key Dates for Mercury Retrograde in Late 2024 / Early 2025:
November 7: Pre-retrograde shadow begins in Sagittarius.
November 26: Retrograde officially starts in Sagittarius.
December 15: Mercury goes direct.
January 3: Post-retrograde shadow ends.
This final retrograde of 2024 encourages Sagittarius natives (and those with Sagittarius rising) to take extra care in travel and communication, as they may experience more delays and missed connections than usual.
How Mercury Retrograde Impacts Each Zodiac Sign
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18):Mercury retrograde may reveal that some connections no longer align with your goals. Collaborate with those who share your vision, and by January, you’ll feel more connected to a supportive network.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20):Prepare for career-related challenges that test your resilience. This period encourages you to question if your work aligns with your values. By January, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether you’re on the right path or ready for a change.
Aries (March 21 – April 20):Mercury’s retrograde in November may affect your boldest plans. Focus on organising travel details and finances. Expect moments of introspection around your beliefs and philosophies. Lean on your sense of humour to get through mishaps, and by January, you’ll have stories and insights that strengthen your resilience.
Taurus (April 21 – May 21):For you, this retrograde may shake up areas of security, stability, and intimacy. Delays in payments or leaks of confidential matters could create unease. Use this time to reassess how you manage money and relationships, ensuring a solid foundation. By January, this phase can help refine your financial acumen and sense of self-worth.
Gemini (May 22 – June 21):Since Mercury is your ruling planet, retrograde periods may feel especially challenging. This phase affects your closest relationships, encouraging clarity and reassessment. By January, you’ll have a better sense of which connections to prioritise and which to release.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22):This retrograde brings a focus to work and wellbeing. Often inclined to help others, you may find that setting boundaries becomes essential. Reserve some of your nurturing energy for yourself, and by January, you’ll find a healthier balance between giving and receiving.
Leo (July 23 – August 23):Mercury’s retrograde in your realm of romance and creativity invites you to reflect on love and passions. Use this time to finish projects you’ve started and to deepen connections. By January, you’ll approach both love and creativity with renewed commitment and depth.
Virgo (August 24 – September 22):This retrograde touches your home life, potentially causing delays or disruptions. Known for your organisation skills, this period encourages you to prioritise what brings harmony to your space. By January, you’ll feel a greater sense of alignment with your home and personal life.
Libra (September 23 – October 23):Communication is in the spotlight for this retrograde, leading to potential mix-ups in messages. Reflect on how you connect with others and ensure your interactions are authentic. By January, your communication style will feel more genuine and confident.
Scorpio (October 24 – November 22):Mercury retrogrades focus on finances and self-worth may prompt a reassessment of your relationship with money and values. Take this time to invest in things that bring fulfilment. By January, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your true worth.
Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21):As Mercury retrogrades in your sign, take this period to evaluate how you present yourself. Focus on expressing your authenticity, and by January, you’ll feel aligned with your natural charm and curiosity.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20):This retrograde period encourages you to revisit old plans. Let go of what no longer serves you, and by January, you’ll be ready to pursue meaningful ambitions with renewed focus.
30-minute hatha yoga sequence
Here's a 30-minute hatha yoga sequence designed for Mercury retrograde, with a slow, grounding flow to encourage reflection, calmness, and alignment during this introspective period.
Mercury retrograde is a time when communication, travel, and technology can seem out of sync, so this class focuses on centering, staying present, and releasing tension.
All Mercury retrograde periods offer us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign. Each phase presents unique insights that can ultimately deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Blessings,
Sarah Schofield
Purusha Wellbeing
