Mercury Retrograde December 29th, 2022 to January 18th, 2023
Mercury Retrograde Motion www.candlelightgarden.com
What is a planet in retrograde?
Whenever a planet goes backwards through the zodiac signs in astrology we call that planet in retrograde. Does the planet itself actually go backwards? No, because all the planets orbit around the sun going forward in actual motion. But due to the shape of the orbit around the sun which can vary from planet to planet, from our viewpoint here on earth, it appears like the planet is going backwards. This appearance of backwards motion is what we call retrograde.
What happens when a planet retrogrades?
In astrology, each planet has particular functions or expression of life that it rules. When a planet retrogrades the functions ruled by the planet in retrograde become a little more challenging or will require adjustment from us to get the best use of the energy involved and to create the happy experiences that we want in life. Mercury rules all communications, electronics, teaching, learning, reading, siblings, short trips so these areas will take a little more patience and persistence.
What happens when Mercury Retrogrades?
It is sort of like the ruler of information and communication takes a nap. Any of the activities that Mercury normally rules then can have wonky results. We must have patience and take the extra steps to get the result we want during this time. This includes a week before and after the retrograde. at the beginning and the end of retrograde when Mercury is busy turning we often see extra communication issues. This Mercury Retrograde occurs in Capricorn. Capricorn rules, work, career and ambition, use of resources, and well the rules lol. Capricorn sets the rules and habits that we keep. Mercury in Capricorn is very practical, methodical, security minded. Enjoys what is common and familiar or even repetitive. Effort over time is favored when Capricorn is in play and results in the happiest outcomes.
Things that should be paused, on hold, or avoided until after retrograde include:
- Contracts – Try to put the signing of them off until 1 week after the retrograde if you can. There may be information that is unknown or incorrect that will come to light after the retrograde and that could affect the contract. This would include home purchases, leases, car purchases, any type of legal contract. Sometimes you can’t wait and I completely understand that. If you can wait then it’s better to wait as it will help end in contracts that will make you happy for a long time
- Large Purchases – Cars, Appliances, Houses, Apartments, and Electronics. If it’s possible it is best to wait until after January 18th, 2023 to make these purchases. If you simply must buy a refrigerator or a heater or whatever at this time then keep your receipt and register the warranties. The items purchased during Mercury retrograde sometimes break or need exchanged for some reason and having the receipt makes that easier if it does happen.
- Negotiating salary for a new job. This is like a verbal contract for work and if you can wait until after the retrograde odds are you will like how it turns out better.
- Miscommunications with colleagues, friends, any family but especially siblings can pop up now. Try to be clear but also confirm what you are hearing from others. This really helps keeps the miscommunication errors from occurring.
Things that are good to do during Mercury retrograde include:
- Double checking that the information you relayed was received and is correct. Miscommunications can be more frequent during the retrograde so check in with people and make sure you are all on the same page.
- Repeating information with others helps to avoid problems as well.
- Rereading any thing you do need to sign helps avoid errors that can be a little more common right now.
- If the information you are giving to someone is important to you then make them repeat it back or put it in their phone to make sure they got it.
- Try to be a little forgiving of yourself and others if information does get misunderstood and delays are created.
- Back up electronics and pcs if possible 1 week before and during the retrograde. Electronics may go on the fritz but if you have a backup then you will be less troubled about it.
- If there was something that you worked on before in the past and are now coming back to then that activity is favored during the retrograde. Old projects, plans that got left on hold, or even research projects can see easy progress now.
- Doing research on anything. It’s a great time to research info on any desired large purchases, especially electronics, cars, homes, or other large purchases. Planning what actions you want to try after the retrograde completes tends to lead to happier outcomes.
- Problem solving is favored right now which is a great way to figure out how to keep going forward with goals and things. Look for new ways to accomplish the same task and you will get there much faster and feel happier with your progress.
I would love to hear what kinds of experiences related to the mercury retrograde you encounter during this time! Feel free to send me an email about your situation or a story of what happened to you here!