Every year, around June 18th to July 12th, we’re graced with the phenomenon of Mercury retrograde, affectionately known as "water reverse" in some circles. It’s like clockwork; every time this cosmic event rolls around, a flurry of articles pops up. On one hand, it’s to help everyone get a more comprehensive and objective understanding of what Mercury retrograde actually is—though it seems like there’s still a lot of fear surrounding it. On the other hand, there are always certain precautions we need to take during this period. So, this time around, I thought I’d share some insights on how this year’s second Mercury retrograde might impact us, covering the following topics: 1) What is Mercury retrograde? 2) What are the usual effects of Mercury retrograde and why does it happen? 3) What’s the theme of this Mercury retrograde? 4) The impact of this Mercury retrograde on the 12 zodiac signs (video).
Now, what exactly is Mercury retrograde? It’s essentially the retrograde motion of Mercury, although it’s not actually moving backward. Instead, its trajectory and speed change, and because of the "visual illusion" we experience here on Earth, it appears to be moving backward. This cosmic dance happens three to four times a year, with each cycle lasting about three to four weeks, so don’t think that Mercury is retrograding all 365 days of the year!
Let’s talk about the usual effects of Mercury retrograde and why they occur. To understand this, we need to know what Mercury governs. In astrology, Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini and Virgo, so its influence is closely tied to the traits associated with these signs. Mercury is in charge of communication, transportation, electronics, learning, work, health, memory, and just about anything and everything related to daily life. No wonder we feel like everything in our lives is turned upside down during Mercury retrograde.
When Mercury starts its retrograde journey, it’s like a cosmic signal for us to look back, to re-examine the paths we’ve taken, the words we’ve spoken, the actions we’ve taken, and the decisions we’ve made. Are they right? Do they need correcting? Typically, Mercury retrograde has the following effects:
Communication-wise, we might encounter communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and increased communication costs because we’re used to summarizing our thoughts succinctly, but during Mercury retrograde, we need to be crystal clear to avoid misunderstandings.
Workwise, we might find it more difficult to execute projects and tasks because everyone is affected by Mercury retrograde, leading to unexpected variables and roadblocks.
It’s not a great idea to start new goals or make important decisions during Mercury retrograde because we’re more prone to impulsive, incorrect decisions. So, whether it’s house hunting, switching jobs, or any other significant decision, it’s wise to be cautious and thorough in our evaluation and analysis to avoid regrets.
During Mercury retrograde, it’s also common to experience issues with logistics, electronics, vehicles, appliances, and plumbing. It’s a good time to check and repair these items and to ensure data backups are up-to-date. Since Mercury is also associated with transportation, it’s important to be vigilant about traffic rules and to expect possible delays when traveling. Personal schedules and plans may also be subject to changes and uncertainties.
Nostalgia is another side effect of Mercury retrograde because it encourages us to look back. We might bump into old acquaintances, dream about them, or even feel the urge to revisit old haunts.
On the emotional front, we need to be aware of any existing emotional issues, whether it’s trust, family, or personality clashes, as these are likely to resurface during Mercury retrograde. If not handled rationally, they could impact the stability of our relationships. Also, while Mercury retrograde may bring up nostalgia, it doesn’t automatically mean a reconciliation is in the cards, and if it does happen, it’s not guaranteed to work out.
For learning, Mercury retrograde is a great time for revision. It’s an opportunity to revisit and reinforce what we’ve learned in the past. However, if we’ve been sloppy and not paying attention, we might find ourselves with a "" and increased academic pressure.
The theme of this Mercury retrograde is a sense of stagnation in our lives, particularly in the emotional realm. With Mercury retrograde in a water sign and considering other current celestial events, it might affect the stability of our emotions, including issues related to family and housing. For example, couples might need to navigate through some rough patches and put in more effort to find new excitement and passion. In terms of family, aside from potential conflicts with family members, there might be unresolved emotional and psychological issues from our upbringing that need addressing. Many people will also need to deal with real estate transactions, rentals, and moves, but because of Mercury retrograde, we should be prepared for a long haul and not rush into things. It’s even better to wait until after July 12th to finalize these matters.
As for the impact of this Mercury retrograde on the 12 zodiac signs, you can check out the video timestamps for detailed insights. Just remember, these are general trends, and individual experiences may vary.
And finally, here’s a Mercury retrograde talisman for everyone. May it shield you from the cosmic chaos and keep you grounded.
(Note: The images included in the original text cannot be displayed in this format, but they were mentioned as part of the visual content accompanying the article.)
