Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

Each planet (except the sun & moon) has periods throughout the year where it appears to be moving backwards through the sky. This “backwards” movement is called retrogradation! When a planet is retrograde, its energy doesn’t flow as easily, therefore it’s more difficult to express the needs represented by the planet. Mercury is the planet of communication. It represents our logic, decision making, our intellect, and even the way we speak (and other forms of communication). It’s also associated with technology, travel, and means of travel (cars, trains, buses, etc).

Since Mercury represents communication, technology and travel, these things will be affected by Mercury retrograde! Be on the lookout for miscommunications, sudden arguments, technology glitching and malfunctioning, car troubles, and decisions gone wrong. When Mercury turns retrograde (it does so about 3 times a year, more often than any other planet), it’s a time to double check all your bases, touch up on details, and make backup plans rather than tackling things. It’s time to SLOW DOWN and think things through to avoid damage that could be caused by impulsivity or poor planning.

Retrogrades are times to lay low and avoid big decisions, and this is especially true with Mercury retrograde. Since Mercury represents our thought processes and decision making, it’s more likely for missed details and misunderstandings in your plans to be the cause for big mishaps during this time, so don’t take shortcuts! During Mercury retrograde it’s pretty easy to be caught up in intense arguments just to realize that it was only a big misunderstanding. Think things through! Take the time to make sure you’re on the same page so that you’re not jumping down peoples’ throats over something petty! You’ll probably notice people jumping at each others’ throats just to realize they were actually in agreement in the first place.

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To be prepared for Mercury retrograde, here’s an easy checklist:

• Backup your phone, laptop, hard drives, any other electronics.

• If you're doing anything major with electronics, such as video recording or photography, make sure that everything is functioning properly BEFORE working so that you don't have to make up lost footage or redo things completely due to malfunctions!

• Double check everything, especially anything involving writing, reading, listening, exchanges of any kind, purchases, travel plans, etc. Triple check to be really safe.

• Verify and confirm important details that are communicated to you so that there aren't any misunderstandings.

• Don't be afraid to repeat yourself. Make sure whatever YOU are communicating comes across as clearly as possible.

• Make sure your vehicle is in good condition if you have one. Car trouble is common during Mercury retrograde! The same goes for other forms of transportation too, so be prepared for bus/train/plane delays.

• LISTEN carefully and think before you speak.

• Don’t jump to conclusions.

• Don't make any spontaneous decisions that are poorly thought out.

• Make sure you have backup plans for any big life events, projects, etc. in case something in your Plan A falls through the cracks.