mercury retrograde — is it a hoax or a fact?

You may find that at certain times of the year is seems that mishaps are happening more often. According to astrologers this could be due to Mercury retrograde.

What is Mercury retrograde?

Scientifically speaking, Mercury retrograde isn’t a thing. It’s an optical illusion where we earthlings perceive Mercury as moving backwards as Mercury overtakes the Earth.

Astrologically speaking, Mercury retrograde was traditionally seen as a cycle of misfortune. Today, in modern western astrology it’s a time for reflection rather than action taking.

Facts about Planet Mercury:

• the smallest planet in our solar system;

• 1 year on Mercury = 88 Earth days;

• it doesn’t have any rings or moons;

• it’s just a little larger than our moon and cratered similarly; and

• it orbits closest to the Sun.

photo source: NASA, JPL, PIA11406

More facts about planet Mercury

Planet Mercury is named after the Roman god Mercury, who is considered to be the the messenger of the gods but also the god of financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication (including divination), travellers, boundaries, luck, trickery, and thieves; he also serves as the guide of souls to the underworld.

For astrological purposes, planet Mercury stands for intellect, communication, travel, and technology.

When is the next Mercury retrograde?

The next Mercury retrograde is taking place from tomorrow (13 December 2023) to 1 January 2024 (in the middle of Sagittarius season and beginning of Capricorn). People who are susceptible to planetary movements so called transits, may “feel” this “backward movement” during and also roughly a week or two before and after, which is called the shadow period. Mercury retrograde happens roughly 3 to 4 times a year and, yes, Mercury isn’t the only planet that stations retrograde.

Mercury retrogrades for 2024:

• 2 April - 26 April - Aries into Taurus season

• 5 August - 29 August - Leo into Virgo season

• 26 November - 16 December - Sagittarius season

What is this nonsense of Mercury retrograde about?

Whether you are a “believer” of astrology or not, this isn’t a gloomy time. Some go so far as to not sign contracts or start any new projects during this time. That’s just not feasible for most.

It’s actually a time to thrive. Of course you can get on the plane, do your work, sign that contract, start a new project BUT slow down your pace:

• Take your time to reflect, reconsider, slow down on any impulsive actions. 

• Pay attention to your thoughts and dreams, write them down, they may need more time for incubation. 

• An idea birthed during mercury retrograde requires patience and time to mature.

• Re-read your social media, emails and texts during this time, be mindful of your communication.

• This is a time to check-in whether you have unfinished business.

• If you are planning on travelling plan in a little extra time in for possible hiccups.

Come on, it’s the holidays, it’s okay to slow down and smell the mince pies and enjoy the fairy lights!

This is also an ideal time to reflect and sort out and potentially let go of what is no longer useful to you. Whether it is old habits or that stack of clothes that don’t fit anymore. It’s a great time to change the “story” and reframe it in a way that aligns with you.

If old, rehashed issues appear, re-visit the pain and sorrow and go for another round of healing. It's a great time to do therapy, seek counsel and get a reading.

If you’re not feeling Mercury retrograde

Congratulations! I don’t either despite being sensitive to transits. This is probably because I was born during Mercury retrograde. I thrive during this time, feeling a sense of calm in the usual comings and goings and seem to function more efficiently overall. You can find out on here if you were born during Mercury retrograde.

Mercury retrograde - a hoax or a fact?

The answer is yours to make.

At least It’s a great excuse to slow down and be more mindful of what I do. This time it falls into the holiday season so why not give it a try.