How Often Does Mercury Retrograde?

Mercury Retrograde occurs three to four times annually and can be extremely frustrating; however, it doesn’t have to be all bad!

Named after the Roman messenger god Mercury, this planet of swift movement rules communication in all forms–listening, writing, reading and speaking–including negotiations and contracts as well as travel transportation and shipping activities.

It happens three to four times a year

Every three to four weeks, Mercury enters an apparent retrograde motion phase. While this phenomenon may seem new to some people, its correlation to astrological events dates back millennia – even as far back as Babylonian astronomers who recorded detailed observations on clay tablets.

Astronomically speaking, Mercury’s apparent retrograde movement is not due to any change in its orbit; rather it is an optical illusion caused by its speed relative to our distance from it. When Mercury passes closest to us on its orbital journey, it seems to slow down temporarily before appearing to move “forward”. Once it passes by again it reappears to move “backward”.

Mercury, named for the Roman messenger god, governs all forms of communication – email and text messaging, computers and shipping. However, when Mercury goes retrograde this area can become disorganized or chaotic in our lives.

As Mercury retrograde periods approach, it is imperative that all of your data be backed up and you take extra precaution when using electronic devices. Computers may crash more frequently during these periods so it would be wise to back up all critical files on external hard drives or cloud storage before the Mercury retrograde begins.

Mercury will go into retrograde on April 1 and last through to May 13, when it goes direct again. During this period, be patient, take things slowly, avoid making major commitments or travel plans, reexamine past projects and consider your options.

Mercury is a Roman messenger god and oversees all types of communication from emails and texts to formal contracts and travel arrangements. He oversees listening, speaking, learning, reading writing editing and researching as well as controlling all written documents such as book manuscripts or term papers as well as agreements deeds contracts leases wills wills wills etc.

Mercury in retrograde cycles tends to collapse its energy, making it hard for anything productive to happen. Therefore, people are advised not to begin new projects during this period, although already underway projects may continue as usual – for instance if you are trying to secure business deals from past clients this could be the perfect opportunity to do so!

It affects communication

Mercury, which governs communication and technology, appears to move backwards three to four times each year, causing miscommunication, interruptions at work, and strain in relationships. While skeptics of astrology may dismiss this phenomenon as irrelevant to everyday life, those who take it seriously are advised to take extra caution during Mercury retrograde periods by delaying starting any major projects, making major decisions or starting new endeavors during retrogrades and expecting delays as much as possible.

Mercury appears to move backward because it encircles Earth from afar before flying toward its current zodiac sign, whereupon it turns around and returns back toward where it started its journey – creating the illusion that Mercury is moving in reverse. This cycle takes place three or four times every year and creates the appearance that Mercury is going in reverse due to its fast pace – creating the perception that it’s moving backward.

Astrologers tend to blame Mercury retrograde for everything from miscommunications and technology failures, to interpersonal disagreements. While this might seem unfair, Mercury retrograde only occurs every three to four weeks and, at its most active, only affects our daily lives for several days each time it makes an appearance.

As Mercury will be retrograde, we should make a point of thoroughly checking all important documents, emails and schedules prior to starting retrograde. Furthermore, getting vehicles and electronic equipment checked as well as backing up digital data before the retrograde begins is also wise. Individuals should avoid making large purchases or signing contracts during retrograde as well as being prepared for potential delays with flights and packages.

Mercury retrograde can work to our benefit in surprising ways. For instance, if we turn down a project from a client during this period and they later come back with an even better offer later, taking it may be worthwhile.

Mercury retrograde calls for patience with others and clear, precise communication. Misunderstanding or saying something hurtful during this period may occur more easily, so if possible it would be beneficial to switch from phone calls or emails to face-to-face interactions during this time.

It can be frustrating

Astrologers know that when Mercury retrogrades, it can create confusion, miscommunications and roadblocks in many aspects of life. While this may be frustrating – particularly if signing contracts or finishing important projects during this time – don’t let it get you down – just remain patient and prepare yourself for whatever comes your way.

Mercury retrograde occurs when the planet moves backward in its orbit and has an adverse impact on communication, travel and commerce – as well as technology and electronics – so messages may get lost or devices malfunction during this period. Many refer to this period of time as the “merry astrological blunder”.

While Mercury retrograde may not be the time for initiating new projects, you can still make progress by revising existing ones. For instance, if you’re working on something that involves multiple people such as an important project that needs clarification by all involved. It can also be an ideal opportunity to organize closets, complete overdue tasks, and answer backlogged emails.

As Mercury retrograde occurs during a time of increased uncertainty, it’s wise to refrain from purchasing expensive items or services during this time. Your risk of receiving products or services that don’t meet expectations increases significantly. Traveling during Mercury retrograde poses greater risks, so be especially wary when planning your travel plans. Check flight times, double check baggage and have an alternate plan in case of delays or other unforseen events. Make sure to pack a backup battery or portable charger for your phone, as well as an area map and first aid kit, just in case something unexpected occurs during travel. Also remember to switch off cell phones during plane rides as they could interfere with navigation systems leading to potential crash landings – something no passenger wants!

It’s a good time to reflect

Mercury Retrograde is an opportunity to step back and consider your life as a whole, taking time for self-care and spending quality time with loved ones. It is also an ideal time for creativity. However, it’s wise not to make major decisions during this period; wait until after Mercury goes direct before finalizing contracts or purchasing significant items. During Mercury retrograde it may become apparent that things are not what they seem; be wary when signing any agreements during this timeframe.

Mercury Retrograde can make life seem chaotic; people may become disoriented and struggle to communicate clearly, electrical appliances may break, relationships become more volatile and unpredictable – 71% of respondents to a recent Flirtini survey believe Mercury Retrograde causes their loved ones to behave differently than usual!

At first, this may appear alarming. Astrologers explain that when Mercury appears to move backwards, this is just an optical illusion; normally Mercury orbits more quickly around the sun than Earth; when in retrograde motion however, its speed slows and it appears as though Mercury is moving backwards.

Imagine driving at 60 miles per hour on a highway and then suddenly switching lanes at 30 mph; cars in the other lane will seem to be moving backward even though they are all travelling in the same direction.

Astrologers have long seen Mercury’s retrograde movement as an indicator that miscommunication may arise and projects can get off track, leading to misguided project outcomes and lost productivity. More modern astrologers take a more positive approach when explaining planetary phenomena, and encourage their clients to use the retrograde period as an opportunity to reassess goals and priorities.

Other planetary phenomena also have their own individual effects throughout the year. Jupiter completes its orbit every 12 years and goes retrograde every nine months for about four months; as Jupiter represents luck, expansion and philosophy it offers an excellent opportunity to review your life and decide how you want to live it.