Mercury is due to be in retrograde imminently once again and, while your friend who believes in astrology might be panicking, you may wonder – what does it all mean? And is Mercury retrograde even real?
The answer is yes. An apparent retrograde motion is something that actually happens in our solar system.
It is due to be in retrograde next week – from August 5 to 28, with many believing it forces us to struggle with everyday communication issues. But whether it actually does have any impact on what happens here on Earth remains up for debate.
Find out below what happens during Mercury retrograde and the effects it (supposedly) has on our planet.
What is Mercury retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is technically when the smallest planet in our solar system is in an apparent retrograde motion, or moving backwards.
It isn’t actually moving backwards, as planets move forwards in their orbit around only the Sun. Mercury retrograde is actually an illusion caused by Earth’s position in relation to Mercury.
Retrograde happens when a faster-moving planet catches up with and passes a slower-moving one. This creates the illusion that the slower-moving planet is moving backwards.
When will Mercury retrograde next happen?
Mercury will be in retrograde three times in 2024.
It happened from April 1 to April 24, then will strike again next Monday (August 5 until August 27).
It will then happen again from November 25 to December 15.
What do people believe happens during Mercury retrograde?
For people who believe in astrology, Mercury retrograde has a special meaning. Mercury is said to rule communication, so during this time it is said that this can go awry.
Some astrologers (or astrology fans) believe that during Mercury retrograde, miscommunications occur: emails won’t be sent, text mishaps will occur and mixed signals will be sent.
Mercury retrograde is also said to affect travel: think traffic jams, train delays and missed buses.
Technology is another area said to be controlled by Mercury. Expect technical errors, mechanical breakdowns and computer malfunctions.
Personal gaffes are said to be aplenty in this time too – think accidentally double-booking plans, tripping over and even forgetting vital appointments.
But maybe it is a sign to slow down.
Constance Stellas, an astrologist and the author of the Little Book of Self-Care series and the Guided Astrological Journals, said in an interview: “Mercury was the messenger god, and he ruled all communication and thought-filled connections between people as well as documents. Thinking clearly, thinking slowly, reaching for words, remembering names — all these functions are ruled by Mercury.
“The message during retrogrades should be to slow down and take a mental vacation. Re-flect, re-do, re-imagine.”
