Now might be a good time to order yourself a new journal and pick up a bottle of wine for a little extra emotional love… because it’s Mercury Retrograde season. But don’t freak out just yet — retrogrades aren’t the end of the world, so remember that this affects each sign differently. Now, for all of us, it’s time to prioritize peace and open ourselves to the lessons presented by the universe in this retrograde.
First, take a deep breath — you will be okay. While three weeks of retrograde will definitely bring changes to your life (and might bring about some drama), this astrological transit isn’t the end of the world. Astrologers June, founder of Saturn and Honey Astrology, and Candice Childress of The Hippie Dippy, are here to explain all things retrograde and keep you patient.
What even is Mercury Retrograde?
They definitely didn’t teach this in middle school science, but these astrologers are here to break down this cosmic phenomenon.
“Mercury retrograde is a period where the Planet of Communication appears to be spinning backward in orbit but in reality, it’s just an optical illusion,” says Childress.
Since Mercury is the planet of communication, you can expect communication to be impacted during this time. So don’t rush into anything, especially breakups, and take this time to reflect on your feelings — don’t act on them until the retrograde is over.
“Mercury’s retrograde periods occur when Mercury is physically closest to the Earth — so it’s not exactly that Mercury is weak during this time. It’s more that its influence feels more intense or overwhelming than usual,” says June. “Things are subject to sudden, unexpected change during this time, and it often feels like the past is coming back to mess with us.”
When is the retrograde going to happen?
Mercury stations retrograde on April 21st at 4:34 AM EDT, at 15º Taurus. Sorry Taurus, this one is going to hit you hard.
It will be time to expect the unexpected because, according to June, “This retrograde is particularly chaotic and messy, as Mercury will station retrograde conjunct Uranus, the planet of change, instability, unpredictability, innovation, and liberation.”
This is a time to avoid major life changes, and purchases so put that credit card away. Get ready by doing a quick spring clean, scheduling some appointments, and catching up on any bills. This way you are going into retrograde as prepared as possible.
Mercury retrograde will end on May 14, so you can definitely survive these few weeks even if they feel ruled by chaos.
How will Mercury Retrograde affect me?
So, is your life going to feel like chaos? Read on to see how the retrograde will affect you, based on your zodiac sign.
Aries (March 20 – April 19):
Sorry babe, your season just ended and you definitely have done some reflecting. Now, it’s time to look in the mirror and give yourself a little extra self-love as this retrograde affects your self-esteem.
By the end of the transit, financial issues may resolve themselves. This is the perfect time for some financial affirmations and take time to remember that money loves to find its way to you.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20):
This is *your* retrograde, so get ready. Since this retrograde is happening in your season, you will definitely be feeling this one a little more intensely. This is a time to look inward because the communication planet is going to make you feel like you have less to say to others and more to yourself. Grab a journal, get comfy, and reflect.
At the end of the transit, you may be feeling like the most honest version of yourself. Remember the person you are and have always unwanted to be and unlock that person to shine your way into summer.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20):
Mercury is your ruling planet, babe, so this retrograde will definitely be affecting you. While you may usually be an outgoing person, this retrograde will definitely bring you some quiet. So, enjoy the break as you protect your peace and allow your subconscious to see what you need.
By the end of retrograde, you might feel like a weight is lifted and you might feel rested. Take the peaceful feeling and use it to let yourself let go.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22):
The vibes are def gonna feel a little off to you. Mercury is stationing in your 11th house of community this retrograde, so prepare to communicate about anything that has been weighing on you. Also, the 11th house tends to shine a light on your ideas for the future, so this is a great time to vision board about what you want in the future.
Once mercury stations direct, you may feel more positive about relationships with your friends and family. Since you took the time to create space, you can also evaluate the placement of these people in your life and potentially make room for new friends in your life. You are intuitive, so listen to yourself on this one, trust me.
Leo (July 23 – August 22):
Leos, this is the time to put away that competitive confidence and focus on your career, since this retrograde is bringing Mercury to your 10th house of career. If things aren’t as perfect as you wanted them to be in your professional life, things might get more challenging. Take that Leo confidence and turn it into creativity to solve problems that might be presented to you.
Take this retrograde as a time to learn how to be a little more humble. (Sounds like a good time to take a lesson from Kendrick Lamar.)
Virgo (August 23 – September 22):
Get ready to take a few wrong turns and end up in a new place in this retrograde, Virgos. You may feel a little lost as Mercury enters your 9th house of travel, but remember you can’t always know where you are going, so embrace these changes.
By the end, this retrograde will bring feelings of direction back to you, allowing you to refocus on what matters to you. Enjoy the journey and pay attention to the lessons the universe is trying to teach you.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22):
Libras, if you have been feeling less than organized with your money, Mercury entering your eighth house of transactions will have you looking at every penny. Take this opportunity to have a no-spend month, and reevaluate your spending habits. It’s also probably time for you to reevaluate that situationship, walking away from it as a way to bring yourself more peace.
All in all, this retrograde will ignite you and you will be freed of what no longer benefits you. Ultimately, this will allow the balance of your life to return.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):
You have been in your healing era, Scorpio. Take that passion as Mercury stations retrograde in your seventh house of partnerships. If your partner isn’t giving you what you need, it might be time to reevaluate. You might also feel the sting of past heartbreaks but as a reminder to look inward at your personal growth.
The end of retrograde will bring some confidence in communication. You will clearly see who you want in your life and who you might want to invite back from your past.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21):
This retrograde will have you entering your self-care season, so stock up on face masks and silk pillowcases, my Sagittarians. Look at the routines you have and see what benefits and what doesn’t: This is the perfect time to try that new workout class you have had your eye on, or splurge on a better moisturizer to perfect that skincare routine.
The end of the retrograde will have you well-rested and ready, especially after implementing a new wellness routine into your life. You can’t work hard if you are tired, so enjoy finding a new groove and leave retrograde ready to take it all one step at a time.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19):
Get ready to feel a little stuck this retrograde, Caps. This retrograde has Merucry positioned in your fifth house of pleasure, lust, and creativity, which might make romantic relationships feel a little stale. You might even reconnect with an old fling, which could definitely inspire a feeling of FOMO.
This retrograde could be worse, so take time for yourself and don’t rush into decisions about relationships.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):
Chances are there is a chair in your room full of laundry, or approximately 857 old water cups next to your bed. This retrograde is going to be a reminder to care for your home, even if you are looking for more human interaction. Your space should be a place of peace and relaxation so reset it this retrograde.
This retrograde is positioned in your fourth house of home and family so you will feel yourself resolving conflicts as Mercury leaves retrograde on May 14.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 19):
Shhh, dear Pisces: remember to be careful when communicating during this retrograde period. This retrograde is taking over your third house of communication, meaning your words will be interpreted differently than you mean. Also, don’t be surprised if you suddenly get responses from that frat bro who ghosted you either.
This retrograde will bring clarity about communication and conflict. Take this time to sit back and observe choosing your words very carefully.