Have you ever wondered, what does Mercury retrograde mean?  Mercury Retrograde is a time when Mercury appears to be moving backward.  It lasts about a month but is a little longer due to Mercury going into shadow and coming out of shadow.  Mercury retrogrades 3 to 4 times a year, so it’s hard to avoid.

Mercury rules communication, technology, and transportation.  These are the three areas you can see have a little disturbance during Mercury retrogrades.

What Mercury retrograde means

So what does Mercury retrograde mean?  Well, when Mercury retrograde you may notice you have technology glitches and miscommunications.  I always find that my auto-correct on my phone doesn’t work as well, I often get people texting me when they mean to text someone else and vice versa.   I was listening to the radio once during a Mercury retrograde and they were talking about how they accidentally texted the wrong person and was having people call in and share their experiences of doing this.  One lady called and said that her pastor and her husband have the same name and she accidentally texted her pastor and told him she loved him.  This is a Mercury retrograde moment.

Communication

People often say don’t sign a contract during Mercury retrograde.  I have seen many people sign contracts during Mercury retrograde and have the outcome not so great.  I had a friend sign a lease for an apartment and the apartment had mold and her and her boyfriend broke up during the contract and her boyfriend stopped paying the lease and it created all sorts of chaos for them both.  Although this doesn’t always happen, it is best to take a fine comb and look through any contract several times before signing it if you need to sign a contract during Mercury retrograde to avoid any miscommunication.  When Mercury retrograde happens you can reconnect with old friends.  You may notice when Mercury retrogrades that friend you haven’t heard from since the last Mercury retrograde calls you or you are out and about around town and you run into an old friend or customer you haven’t seen in a long time.

Technology

You may also find you have computer glitches during Mercury retrograde.  Mercury is ruled by Gemini and Gemini is the sign that is associated with technology.  Jason Bagnell is a Gemini IT professional and any time there is a Mercury retrograde his business does amazing.  He is really amazing at fixing computers even during a Mercury retrograde.  If you need any computer help, contact Jason.  He offers remote support and can help you out.

Transporation

I would also recommend putting your phone down while driving and remembering that it can wait until later.  Sometimes Mercury retrograde can create car accidents, so keep your eye on the road and take extra precautions when driving during Mercury retrograde.

General

Mercury retrogrades can be a great time to take a step back and rethink, review and reevaluate things.  This is a good time to question things in your life.  Are you going in the direction you would like?  It is also helpful to look at what sign it is in to learn more about what area of your life it is affecting.  You can do this by looking at what house and sign.  You can learn more about how to do this here.

Mercury Retrograde in Aries

This can be a great time to rethink your identity.  It is a great time to think about what you want to start and who you want to be.  This can be a good time to think about what actions you can do to get the results you want.  This can be a time when you think more about yourself.

Mercury Retrograde in Taurus

This can be a good time to think about what you really value.  You can be rethinking something you wanted to purchase or your possessions.

Mercury Retrograde in Gemini

During this time you can find you are having more technology glitches than normal during a Mercury retrograde.  Make sure to do any backups.  You may also find more miscommunications than normal during this time.  You can be rethinking the way you think.  You can also be rethinking what you are learning.

Mercury Retrograde in Cancer

This is a time when we can feel indecisive and not sure what to do.  This is a good time to think about what would create a solid foundation for yourself.  This is a time when we can be more emotional about the past.  This is a great time to learn about your ancestors.  The past can also give you insights and help you rethink something related to home and family or how you are playing out patterns of the past.  It can also bring up attachments you have to the past.  Do you feel nurtured, safe, and secure?  This can also be a time when you rethink the definition of family.

Mercury Retrograde in Leo

Leo is usually very courageous and confident.  During this time we can speak our minds easily, but this is a good time to allow yourself time before you say what is on your mind.  Allow yourself time to make sure you are confident in the decisions you want to make before you talk about it.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo

This can be a good time to rethink your daily routine and health.  Is there something you are thinking about doing to improve your health?

Mercury Retrograde in Libra

This can have us rethinking what it is to create more balance in our life.  This can also be a time to rethink the way in which we approach relationships.   It is a time when you can look at ways you can improve relationships.

Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio

This is a good time to see where you might be giving too much of yourself to others.  It can also bring an awareness of where others are giving and supportive in relationships.  During this time we can be more secretive about our thoughts and even transform the way we think about things.  This is also a time when we can overcome fears from the past.

Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius

This can be a great time to rethink the way we think.  This is a great time to look at what we believe.  Are you being optimistic or overly optimistic?  Do you believe what you used to?  There can be a lot going on that we are trying to comprehend.

Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn

This can be a great time to rethink your responsibilities or your career.  Is your career bringing the results you want?  Do you have something you need to focus on and take on more responsibility?  What are your ambitions and goals?

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius

This can be a time when you rethink your friendships.  Do you like your friends?  This can be a time when you run into old friends and hear from old friends.

Mercury Retrograde in Pisces

During this time you may find your mind is more sluggish and you may feel a little brain foggy.  This can be a good time to meditate and relax your mind.  It can also be a time when you get more intuition.  This can also be a great time to envision what you want for the future.  Pisces is oftentimes seen as a sign of letting go of the past.  Is there something you need to let go of?

Make sure to check out other articles on Astrology Basics.