Mercury is a planet in our solar system. It is the smallest planet and the closest planet to the sun. Because of its proximity to the sun, Mercury has a very short year - it takes just 88 Earth days to complete one orbit around the sun. Mercury has a rocky, barren surface with many impact craters and deep valleys. It has no atmosphere to speak of, which means that temperatures on the surface can vary widely, from over 800 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to minus 290 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Despite its small size, Mercury has been the subject of several space missions, including NASA's Mariner 10 and MESSENGER spacecraft, which have helped astronomers learn more about this fascinating little planet.
Mercury is associated with communication, intellect, and mental agility. According to astrologers, the position of Mercury at a person's birth can influence their personality traits and communication style.
In astrology, when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in its orbit, it is said to be in retrograde motion. This phenomenon is known as "Mercury retrograde," it occurs three or four times per year for approximately three weeks at a time. During Mercury retrograde, astrologers believe disruption can occur with the normal flow of communication, technology, travel, and commerce, leading to misunderstandings, delays, and other challenges. During this time, it is essential to be extra careful when signing contracts, making important decisions, and traveling.
I have grown to love mercury retrogrades. Mercury rules me, and I feel great depths of opportunity during a retrograde that welcomes me toward introspection and expansion. Over the years, I have learned to apply the positives of Mercury retrograde and remain mindful of mercurial cheekiness.
In 2024, Mercury retrogrades four times. We are now in a new cycle; new people, circumstances, or situations may enter, influencing our lives. Emotional and spiritual growth can reach new levels of expansion. Transformation and transmutation of that which is no longer needed can take place with Mercury's support. In 2024, Neptune's cycle in Pisces will end, and in 2025, it will begin its transition to Aries. This period is significant as it is a time to consolidate and apply the lessons learned over the previous years. During Neptune in Pisces, we can explore our emotional depths, embrace our spirituality, and nurture our creativity.
Tip during this time: Stay grounded and practical with time and money.
What to do when Mercury is retrograde
Retrogrades are often an intense time for many. Mercury, the planet of communication, goes retrograde and takes three weeks off 3 or 4 times a year, impacting all types of communication. Mercury Retrograde is all about moving into a deepening of our trust, faith, and inspiration, listening to and following your intuition. Surrender and tap into the universal messages available to you right now. You have abundant support to quieten, hear, and receive. It is a great time to revisit a project, reconnect with people, do some deep emotional or spiritual work, or finish something you started a while ago.
Mercury retrograde is an exciting time when things that may have been looming or eluding you come to the surface to be transformed or healed. Mercury also impacts and rules all the messages we give ourselves. (a big one at any point in time) For some, this resurfacing is uncomfortable. The awareness of the messages you are sending yourself can open the door to huge breakthroughs and disarmament of limiting beliefs or unempowering patterns. Discomfort is an opportunity for change, and change leads to expansion.
Tip during this time: What you resist persists. Go with the flow, allow and welcome all that is with unconditional love. Practice this until it is natural and becomes your “go to” response. It may take a bit to welcome that which is unwanted or undesired with love, but with time it gets easier. Ultimately it is a skill learned like any other skill. It's all about shifting perspectives.
Mercury retrograde sometimes breeds confusion as the planet of communication. Mercury rules our "lower" mind--how we perceive and interpret the information we receive from our environment and relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over communication, speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail, shipping, plus issues with electronics. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sleepy state.
During Mercury retrograde, decision-making may be challenging. Signing contracts, engaging in critical decision-making, making important purchases, or launching a new business are not recommended during Mercury retrograde. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It's a time when being careless or inefficient with money, personal information, or paperwork can be costly.
Tip during this time: Backup, check, check and triple check.
Fire signs: In 2024, all fire sign placements are in for a transformative experience. They will be inspired to be adventurous in their search for new colors, flavors, and scenery to reignite their creative spark. By channeling their energy into discovering new ways to experiment, they will be better equipped to manage their confidence. Directing their fire in the right direction will lead to triumph!
Earth signs: The 2024 retrogrades of Mercury may pose significant challenges for earth sign placements, especially those activated in the fourth, eighth, and twelfth houses. During this time, they will need to take a step back to rest, relax, and take a break from screens and people. They will be asked to examine any underlying patterns that may be tied to self-destructive behaviors. Although it may be an intense process, it will be worthwhile in uncovering negative patterns and self-talk.
Air signs: Air fuels fire, which means that air placements will have an easier time navigating the 2024 retrogrades of Mercury. By embracing new ways of thinking, they will unlock exciting opportunities. Their ability to think and act quickly during moments of stress will enable them to impress everyone involved and come to the rescue.
Water signs: The combination of fire and water can be explosive, especially during the 2024 retrogrades of Mercury. Water signs will need to be mindful of their actions to avoid emotional outbursts. Instead of getting caught up in drama, focus on reviewing finances and work projects, as these areas may require attention during this time. Going with the flow will be key.
Key Dates for Mercury Retrograde in 2024
January 1: Mercury goes direct in Sagittarius.
January 8: Mercury begins moving at its regular speed.
March 21: Mercury begins to slow down.
April 1: Mercury goes retrograde in Aries.
April 11: Mercury conjunct Sun in Aries.
April 25: Mercury goes direct in Aries.
May 5: Mercury begins moving at its regular speed.
July 27: Mercury begins to slow down.
August 4: Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo.
August 14: Retrograde Mercury enters Leo.
August 18: Mercury conjunct Sun in Leo.
August 28: Mercury goes direct in Leo.
September 4: Mercury begins moving at its regular speed.
November 21: Mercury begins to slow down.
November 25: Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius.
December 5: Mercury conjunct Sun in Sagittarius.
December 15: Mercury goes direct in Sagittarius.
Mercury Retrograde Dates
2024 December 13 (2023) - January 1, 2024 (Capricorn/Sagittarius) April 1 - April 25 (Aries) August 4 - August 28 (Virgo/Leo) November 25 - December 15 (Sagittarius) 2025 March 14 - April 7 (Aries/Pisces) July 17 - August 11 (Leo) November 9 - November 29 (Sagittarius/Scorpio) 2026 February 25 - March 20 (Pisces) June 29 - July 23 (Cancer) October 24 - November 13 (Scorpio) 2027 February 9 - March 3 (Pisces/Aquarius) June 10 - July 4 (Cancer/Gemini) October 7 - October 28 (Scorpio/Libra) 2028 January 24 - February 14 (Aquarius) May 21 - June 13 (Gemini) September 19 - October 11 (Libra)