What is Mercury Retrograde?

Three times every year some of us may be affected by what is known as Mercury Retrograde. Mercury is the planet of communication. The term retrograde describes an orbital shift as it moves backwards through a sign technically, however, it only appears to move backward.

According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in a illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary. They just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. A retrograde period is best seen as a cycle, beginning when the planet begins to slow to a halt before traveling backwards and ending when it returns to the point where it first paused.

In 2021, Mercury will be in apparent retrograde motion during the following ranges of dates:

January 30 to February 21
May 29 to June 22
September 27 to October 23

Progress in projects may be slow. Its best not to venture into new territory as things will seem to almost stand still. Its not exactly wise to make important decisions during this time since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when its retrograde, these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual. Make sure you pay attention to the small print.

The good news is unresolved issues from the past tend to push themselves forward. To move forward, its sometimes necessary to backtrack and reconfigure our paths in life. Mercury forces us to slow down and fix what’s broken. It also gives us time to redefine projects we have put on hold. Some things actually seem to improve. You might run into old friends you haven’t seen in years. Adopted children find their lost birth parents and siblings . Things that were lost reappear. Some people have psychotherapy breakthroughs. Its a time to clean up relationships and bury the hatchet. clean your closets. Tie up loose ends. Just don’t start anything new. Treat this time as a period of gathering information. Also if you were born during a Mercury retrograde period you probably will not even be affected.

Mars is also retrograde now and may spiritualize the whole energy, so it might not be that bad of a retrograde. Try to keep grounded and if your imagination gets the better of you , try writing. Inspirations will be high, creatives should come out with some wonderful art and it will be a romantic and sexy time for lovers.

This will be a good time for debating and the intellect has had a good spring cleaning and is sharp and clear. Projects leap forward free of debris and doubt. Its also a good time for bending Karma to a fortunate outcome.