What is Mercury retrograde and how will it affect my zodiac sign in 2022?

So, you’ve just heard that we have another Mercury retrograde cycle looming on the horizon. I can feel your collective groan from here!

But wait — didn’t we just go through a Mercury retrograde phase, like, practically a few weeks ago? It’s like you blink and suddenly you’re about to face another one! They’re like that ex who just won’t disappear even though you’re totally over it.

Let’s take a quick look into what Mercury retrograde does in this ultimate easy guide!

What happens during Mercury retrograde?

First off: let’s be upfront. Planets do not actually move backward in space. But from our vantage point on Earth, they certainly look like they do!

That is because of the speed of our Earth’s rotation and the distance of the planet from us. While the Earth is not the center of our solar system, since we were born here, this is our center of perspective when we look up into the night’s sky. It may seem silly to think that an optical illusion can actually cause major effects for us down below — but as ancient cultures studied for thousands of years, what happens in the sky is mirrored within our lives.

Mercury is the planet of communication, the mind, intelligence, connection, media, technology and commerce. It is the fastest moving celestial body in our sky, second only to the moon. Mercury is known as a personal planet, which means that it affects us significantly within our day-to-day lives. Since everything that Mercury rules is so integral to our daily routines, we notice the effects of any of his retrogrades especially potently!

What are the stages of a Mercury retrograde?

Mercury retrograde comes in several stages. Each one is important, as we can better understand the journey we will undergo.

The first thing to note when assessing a Mercury retrograde phase is to understand which zodiac sign it falls within during the complete phase. Sometimes this can even be two zodiac signs! The themes and what that zodiac sign rules will be reviewed on a collective level — but primarily from an intellectual point of view. Also, if you have your natal chart, you can check which house it falls within, as those particular correspondences will also be reviewed.

From the moment that Mercury crosses the degree where it will eventually station later on at the end of the official retrograde cycle, it begins the first period called pre-shadow or “retroshade” (for people looking for a more modern term). It will slow down little by little until it is barely moving a degree a day.

When Mercury officially freezes within the sky, like a lantern frozen above us, this is called “the storm.” This takes place twice — the day it turns retrograde and the day it turns direct. The day before, the day of and the day after are all a part of this storm energy, and it’s when things are extremely chaotic and confusing. It’s as if tons of cosmic dust has been thrown into the air and we can’t process anything that is happening.

From the day it turns retrograde until the day it turns direct, this is the official Mercury retrograde period that people most often refer to. It lasts for about three weeks. This is when everything that was slowing down and showing confusion in the pre-shadow is very specifically reviewed. Frustrations, delays and obstacles are guaranteed.

Finally, after Mercury turns direct and undergoes the second storm, it will gradually regain speed day-by-day until it crosses the degree it had originally stationed retrograde upon. This is called the post-shadow phase or, again, “retroshade.” Everything that broke down during the pre-shadow and retrograde will finally become clear as you sort out a better path forward.

What is good about Mercury retrograde?

Mercury retrograde phases are not here to destroy you or create problems. Instead, they are here to help you slow down and review, reassess and reorganize. That is why people, situations and projects from the past pop back up for us to look over once again. The best part about this is that we may realize we want to fine-tune our plans or reunite with that person or situation. If not, it can also clarify this for us so we let it go and learn the lessons once and for all.

What is difficult about Mercury retrograde?

Mercury retrograde is never a good time to make agreements, start relationships, become married or sign contracts. If you do, what you initiate will eventually fall apart because it is formed on rocky ground. It is also not a good time to make major purchases, start new jobs or jump upon sudden decisions. Also, anything with moving parts may fall apart, whether it’s a car, computer or another piece of technology. Delays and obstacles are likely to manifest, but may actually free up your schedule a bit because of it. It’s best to lie low, relax and watch what happens rather than stressing yourself out. This, too, shall pass.

Mercury retrograde dates 2022 -to 2023

2022:

• January 14, 2022 – February 3, 2022. It begins in Aquarius and ends in Capricorn.
• May 10, 2022 – June 2, 2022. It starts in Gemini and ends in Taurus.
• September 9, 2022 – October 2, 2022. It launches in Libra but concludes in Virgo.
• December 29, 2022 – January 18, 2023 in Capricorn.

2023:

• Dec 29, 2022 – Jan 18, 2023. It takes place entirely within Capricorn.
• April 21, 2023 – May 14, 2023. It occurs completely in Taurus.
• August 23, 2023 – September 15, 2023. It happens in Virgo.
• December 13, 2023 – January 1, 2024. It backpedals through Sagittarius.

2024:

• January 1, 2024. It awakens in Sagittarius.
• April 1, 2024 — April 25, 2024. It happens in Aries.
• August 4, 2024 – August 28, 2024. It starts in Virgo and concludes in Leo.
• November 25, 2024 – December 15, 2024. It takes place in Sagittarius.

2025:

• March 14, 2025 – April 7, 2025. It starts in Aries but ends in Pisces.
• July 17, 2025 – August 11, 2025. It happens in Leo.
• November 9, 2025 – November 29, 2025. It is initiated in Sagittarius but calms in Scorpio.

2026:

• February 25, 2026 – March 20, 2026. It takes place in Pisces.
• June 29, 2026 – July 23, 2026. It swims through Cancer.
• October 24, 2026 – November 13, 2026. It stirs the depths of Scorpio.

2027:

• February 9, 2027 – March 3, 2027. It begins in Pisces but ends in Aquarius.
• June 10, 2027 – July 4, 2027. It starts in Cancer and ends in Gemini.
• October 7, 2027 – October 28, 2027. It dawns in Scorpio and retreats to Libra.

2028:

• January 24, 2028 – February 14, 2028. It sleeps in Aquarius.
• May 21, 2028 – June 13, 2028. It occurs in Gemini.
• September 19, 2028 – October 11, 2028. It happens in Libra.

2029:

• January 7, 2029 – January 27, 2029. It appears in Aquarius and then finds solace in Capricorn.
• May 1, 2029 – May 25, 2029. It happens in Taurus.
• September 2, 2029 – September 24, 2029. It dawns in Libra and awakens in Virgo.
• December 21, 2029 – January 10, 2030. The cycle resides within Capricorn.

2030

• December 21, 2029 – January 10, 2030. It happens in Capricorn
• April 12, 2030 – May 6, 2030. It begins in Taurus and ends in Aries.
• August 15, 2030 – September 8, 2030. It occurs in Virgo.
• December 5, 2030 – December 25, 2030. It cycles first in Capricorn and returns to Sagittarius.

Kyle Thomas is a globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, ABC Television, Hulu, Bustle, Elite Daily, House Beautiful, Marie Claire, YahooNews, MSN and more. He is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, business executives and prominent influencers. His work harnesses the power of the stars in regards to entertainment lifestyle and trends affecting people worldwide. For more information, visit KyleThomasAstrology.com.