You may have heard that, in late 2023, Mercury is retrograde from August 23 to September 15. It occurs again from December 13 to January 1, 2024. So we’ll be starting the New Year off with Mercury moving forward!
But what does this really mean? In astronomical terms, planets always move in the same direction. So Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion that occurs when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in the sky from our perspective on Earth. This happens because Mercury’s orbit around the Sun is slightly smaller than Earth’s, so it can sometimes pass us from behind.
In astrology, Mercury is the planet that rules communication, travel, and technology. So, it is believed that Mercury retrograde can cause problems in these areas. People may experience miscommunications, travel delays, and technical difficulties during this time.
Skeptics and scientists (especially astronomers) will point out that there’s no evidence that Mercury retrograde has any negative effects on people’s lives. Of course, this would be difficult to prove one way or the other. For example, if you miss your flight during Mercury retrograde, was that the cause or would it have happened anyway?
Some people believe that it is simply a time to slow down and reflect, while others believe that it is a good time to start new projects. Ultimately, whether or not you believe in Mercury retrograde is up to you. Even if you are a skeptic, you might consider that it could affect other people who do believe. You can think of it as similar to the placebo effect.
For more information about Mercury retrograde, see the Farmer’s Almanac.
If you do find yourself experiencing some challenges during this time, try not to worry too much. It’s only temporary. Here are some tips for dealing with Mercury retrograde:
- Be patient and understanding with yourself and others.
- Double-check your work and communications.
- Avoid making major decisions or changes.
- Be flexible and adaptable.
- Take some time for self-reflection.