How to Survive Mercury in Retrograde

Are you scared of a little retrograde? It isn't scary, I promise! It's just part of the celestial forecast--something to be aware of!

Knowing about the Mercury Retrograde helps us to prepare for the energy that the season brings. A forecast doesn’t mean you don’t go out when it’s raining, it just means that you bring an umbrella, close the sunroof, and wear your waterproof boots.

I don’t know how Mercury became a constant scapegoat for everyone's communication issues, but it’s always everyone’s go-to when they need to play the blame game. Let’s learn to work with this energy, instead of fearing and dreading these liminal spaces.

What is a Retrograde?

A retrograde is when the planet appears to be moving backwards from the Earth's perspective. This results in the "shadow side" of the planet's energy becoming more prominent for that period of time. 

Mercury Rules Communication

The planet Mercury rules communication and coordination issues, so it's important to be mindful of this during the Retrograde times. This idea comes from the connection to mythology, the Messenger to the Gods, Mercury, with his winged shoes was in charge of Divine and Earthly communications.  In modern communications, we deal primarily with verbal, written, digital, and other varied types of interpersonal communication. 

Do This:

• Slow down 
• Listen to your intuition 
• Mindful communication 
• Pause and reflect before reacting 
• Check your tone 
• Have a backup plan 
• Double-check emails + attachments before sending
• Double-check travel arrangements (flights, hotels, cars, etc.)
• Take extra time with contracts

Not This:

• Panic
• Procrastinate
• Take arguments personally
• Stop your life because of Mercury Rx
• Make large purchases or buy things you don’t need 
• Forget to show patience, compassion, and understanding

Remember to:

• Relax
• Readjust
• Reset
• Research 
• Return 
• Redo 
• Reform 
• (Trust the) Redirect 
• Release 
• Remember 
• Refresh 
• Reframe 
• Refine 
• Rehearse 
• Reject
• Reassess 

2023 Mercury Retrograde Dates 

Here is a list of the 2023 dates that Mercury will be in Retrograde:

• ​December 28, 2022 to January 18, 2023 
• April 21 to May 14 
• August 23 to September 14
• December 13 to January 1, 2024

How do you feel about Mercury Retrograde now? Let me know in the comments below!

Love,
​Arielle Sterling