You may have seen memes circulating on social media about Mercury being in “microbraids.” Maybe, instead you saw something saying about Mercury coming out of the microwave. In these instances, users are lightheartedly referencing the astrological event where the planet, Mercury, is in retrograde. A lot of people attribute chaos to this phenomenon but that just a small part of the story. The event occurs multiple times each year and is believed to impact various aspects of our lives.
The latest retrograde started on April 21 and lasted until May 14. Since the most recent retrograde has ended, this is probably the best time for you to learn what exactly it is and what it means for you. After all, retrograde will come again.
What is Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury retrograde is the astronomical event in which the planet Mercury appears to be moving in reverse. While it is in orbit around the sun, on Earth it seems as if Mercury is backtracking through the zodiac. Although it is an illusion, it holds significant astrological weight.
From an astrology standpoint, each planet is associated with certain qualities. They each are said to influence people in specific ways. Mercury is known as the planet of communication, travel, and intellect. Astrology buffs believe the planet governs how humans perceive and process information, make decisions, and express themselves. Consequently, when Mercury goes into retrograde, all of these items are challenged.
Its Effects
During Mercury retrograde, many people report that various aspects of life become disrupted. Communication seems to become challenging, which leads to misunderstandings and miscommunication. It is also said that retrograde affects technology. During this time items like computers and phones, are said to experience glitches or malfunctions. Any plans of travel can be disrupted and any large decisions that need to be made should be avoided until after Mercury goes direct once again.
It is important to understand that Mercury retrograde does not inherently mean doom or despair. There is a common misconception that these times of the year do more harm than good. Instead, you should be using this time to slow down. Oftentimes, people rush their day-to-day lives. Retrograde forces you to be more careful as well as reflect on some decisions you may have made in the past.
Remember that retrograde is actually good for your growth. Mercury will do its song and dance again starting August 23. If you start mentally preparing yourself now, you are bound to have a successful retrograde!