Three or four times a year, for roughly three weeks each time, Mercury appears to move backwards through the zodiac. "Mercury retrograde" has become a popular explanation for every missed email and broken phone. Vedic astrology takes it seriously, but in proportion.
What is happening
Mercury orbits the Sun faster than Earth. When it passes between Earth and the Sun, it overtakes us and, seen from Earth, seems to slow, stop and move backwards before going forward again. Nothing actually reverses; it is a matter of perspective. See retrograde planets for the general idea.
What it is linked with
Mercury rules communication, trade, contracts, travel arrangements, technology and the reasoning mind. While it is retrograde, these areas tend to slow down or need a second look:
- messages misread or delayed, and second thoughts;
- contracts with overlooked details;
- travel plans that change;
- devices and software that misbehave;
- old contacts and unfinished matters returning.
What it is good for
The prefix re- is the key. Retrograde Mercury is an excellent time to review, revise, repair, reorganise, reconnect and research. Editing a draft, clearing a backlog, fixing processes or reconnecting with old clients all go well.
Practical advice
- Double-check contracts, bookings and important messages; build in time for changes.
- Back up files and devices.
- If you must sign or launch something, do it, but read carefully and keep options open.
- In muhurta, astrologers prefer not to start major new communications or business ventures during the retrograde.
In your own chart
A Mercury retrograde transit matters more if Mercury rules important houses for your Lagna, if you are running a Mercury dasha, or if the retrograde happens over a sensitive point in your chart. Someone born with Mercury retrograde often handles these periods better than most.
Check your Mercury and its role in your free birth chart.