From October 31st– November 20th, Mercury is retrograde (NOT “in” retrograde). Although effects may also be felt a few days before and after these dates.
Halloween’s over but now we’ve entered the truly spookiest time of the season: mercury retrograde 🙃
— justice (@justiceaudre) November 3, 2019
You have likely heard references to this through pop culture at some point in your life. The media tends to inaccurately portray it as something to be stressed about or a scapegoat for all problems.
The truth is, Mercury goes retrograde three times every year, so it is just part of life. Understanding it is important, however, because you want to ensure you use the transit to your advantage instead of letting it get the best of you.
Is Mercury Retrograde an Astronomical Phenomenon?
In astronomy, Mercury retrograde is when Mercury appears to be moving backwards (east to west instead of west to east) on the ecliptic, from a geocentric perspective. Mercury does not literally change its orbit; instead, it is an optical illusion, similar to that of driving next to a car moving slower than you. The slower car appears to move backwards even though it doesn’t literally move backwards.
Mercury in Ancient Mythology
In Roman Mythology, Mercury is the messenger of the gods (the same as Hermes in Greek mythology). He is the god of communication, travelers, messengers, merchants, tricksters, and thieves. In ancient texts, he characterized by his cleverness, speed, youthfulness….. and mischievous behavior (not unlike how Mercury retrograde works…)
Mercury Retrograde in Astrology
In astrology, Mercury rules communication, thought processes, ideas, learning, education, writing, calculations, speaking, transportation, electronics, mail, and domestic travel. When Mercury is retrograde, these areas of life are more prone to problems or delays.
During this three week period, we need to be more cautious with decision making, communication and planning because we are more prone to errors than usual. Electronics, in particular, tend to be particularly prone to hiccups, so it would be wise to back up your computer before any Mercury retrograde period. It also is not a great time to make a major decision or sign a big contract.
Common Mercury Retrograde Occurrences:
Mental lapses, rethinking, misunderstandings, lost checks, missed appointments, typos, cancellations, postponements, delays, frustrations, getting lost, losing things, electronic hiccups, social media disruptions, flight delays, the engine light in your car coming on, car problems, hitting “reply all” on accident, your text not sending, etc.
You get the idea.
The primary thing Mercury retrograde represents is delays, because symbolically Mercury gets diverted from its path in the sky for a while, but then eventually makes it back to where it started and completes its journey.
— Chris Brennan (@chrisbrennan7) July 23, 2019
What to Do During Mercury Retrograde
This is a time to slow down, rethink, and re-evaluate different aspects of our lives. It forces us to shift our focus to things we may have been neglecting.
Since it is in Scorpio, I suspect this retrograde might have to do with facing vulnerabilities, conflict, or heavy emotions. However, it will be different for everyone, based on your individualized horoscope.
Much of modern life is lived at top speed, racing from one thing to the next. Mercury retrograde is a chance to slow down + revisit people, places or projects.
— Kelly’s Astrology (@keldreamer) November 5, 2019
Rather than start something new, I try to focus on completion while Mercury is retrograde.
Believe It or Not, Mercury Retrograde Serves a Purpose
I like to think of the Mercury archetype as a curious 5 year old kid always asking “why?” and experimenting through play. When Mercury goes retrograde, the “kid” starts to make mistakes and misbehave. He breaks things, annoys his parents, and causes a little extra chaos to everyone around him.
This leads to frustrations and being scolded, but he learns in the process. He also has to figure out how to put everything back together.
The Mercury retrograde archetype is an annoying little kid who likes to play pranks, break things, and yell “got ya!” with an evil, yet high pitched laugh
— Astro Academic (Steph) (@AcademicAstro) March 21, 2019
The best way to learn how something works is the break it and figure out how to put it back together. Trial and error leads to new discoveries and ideas. So Mercury retrograde is the universe’s way of forcing us to re-examine and re-think certain aspects of our lives…. Or just mess with us (lol 🙃🙃🙃)
when I explain to people that the basic function of Mercury is to destabilize and contest, I often put it this way: what’s a good way to figure out how something works? Break it, then figure out how to put it back together. That’s kind of what Mercury likes to do.
— jo gleason, Omen Watcher (@justjogleason) October 19, 2019
Mercury Retrograde For Your Rising Sign:
Everyone’s individual horoscope is very unique, however, these might be topics that could involve reassessing or reflecting on over the month of November.
(Please note, this is based on your RISING sign and NOT your sun sign. You need your birth time for your rising sign.)
Aries – Debts, shared resources, inheritances, taboo topics, intimacy, and/or your psyche
Taurus – Your relationship, business partner, and/or an enemy (one-on-one relationships are a theme)
Gemini – Your health, routines, work environment, pets, any illness, and/or acts of service
Cancer – What you do to have fun, recreation, creative expression, your children (if you have any), and/or romantic flings
Leo – Your home, roots, family, past, private life, and/or parents
Virgo – Your community, siblings, communication, school, and/or travel endeavors
Libra – Your finances, material possessions, and/or assets
Scorpio – Your body, health, and/or identity
Sagittarius – Your past, unconscious mind, loneliness, altruism, hidden matters, and/or sadness
Capricorn – Your friends, group involvement, and/or dreams
Aquarius – Your career, reputation, and/or public image
Pisces – Your beliefs, faith, religion, travel, and/or schooling