Mercury stations retrograde at 10° of Aquarius on 14 January and turns direct on 3 February at 24° of Capricorn.
Mercury retrograde is a common phenomenon, which occurs at least three times per year. Mercury stations retrograde in signs of the same element for up to a year and a half. Right now, Mercury is retrograding in Air signs (Gemini, Libra & Aquarius). Mercury was retrograde in Aquarius last year from 30 January to 21 February 2021.
Mercury is the planet of communication, thinking, opinions, ideas, language, learning, multitasking, social skills, trade, negotiation, networking, short-distance travel, siblings and neighbours.
Mercury is known as the trickster god, and this aspect of its personality is especially obvious during retrogrades, when Mercury “plays tricks” that can be felt on Earth and in our daily lives. During Mercury retrogrades, it is very common to experience challenged communication (miscommunication, arguments, debates, difficulty expressing oneself, brain fog, etc.), travel and delivery delays, sudden change in plans, as well as technological, electronic and mechanical breakdowns.
Mercury retrogrades have become superstitious phenomena, with astrologers often advising not to sign important contracts, change jobs, buy a car, travel or make travel plans during Mercury retrograde. While it is indeed prudent to back up USBs and media, as well as to make sure that devices and appliances are running properly before the retrograde starts, Mercury retrograde is not something to obsess about. Its effect on a personal level greatly depends on where it falls in your birth chart. For instance, you might feel this retrograde strongly and not be affected by the next one at all.
The most beneficial aspect of Mercury retrograde is perhaps the introspection phase that it brings to our daily lives. It is a time for revaluation, reassessment and reflection. It allows us to get in touch with our inner voice and inner dialogue, a more subtle language that is often difficult to express in words or aloud. Mercury retrograde is a very good time for journaling, visualisation, dreaming, meditation and artistic expression. It also often brings feelings of nostalgia, so it is very common to be thinking about the past, to be looking at old photographs or to have people from the past reappear into our lives at this time.
With Mercury retrograding in Aquarius, we might find ourselves revaluating our purpose and our place in society, what we stand for and what we expect from others. We might rethink our friendships, groups, communities and networks; we might reach out to old friends or get in touch with groups and associations that we used to be a part of in the past; or we might revisit old ideas, dreams, creations and ideals. On a collective level, we can expect Internet, technological and electrical breakdowns, travel delays and problems (especially with planes), miscommunication and disagreements around societal themes, as well as the resurgence of societal movements that aim to create a better and inclusive future for our societies.
Happy Retrograde!
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