Let’s face it: Mercury Retrograde can be a real bummer. It’s the time of the year when our tech gadgets misbehave, and our travel plans often go awry.
And on top of that, social media is talking about Mercury retrograde like it’s the end of days.
In a nutshell, Mercury is the planet of communication, commerce, short travels, and ideas. So during this time, you may experience tech issues and delays with travel plans, as well as conversations that feel like they are just going in circles.
It’s best to prepare for Mercury retrograde by sticking to your priorities, thinking twice before making decisions, journalling, backing up devices, being patient with travel, and just taking it slowly.
If you’re wondering what to do before mercury retrograde, we’ve got you covered.
What You Should Do Before Mercury Retrograde
When a planet is in retrograde, it appears to be moving backward from our perspective.
Because Mercury’s orbit is much shorter than the Earth’s (Mercury only has an 88-day year), their revolutions overlap.
When this happens, every three months or so, an optical illusion that Mercury is moving the other way occurs.
It’s kind of similar to being in a car and looking out the window, and it looks like all the other vehicles are moving in reverse. It’s a time typically associated with confusion and miscommunication.
But if you know what to expect, you may minimize your troubles when Mercury moves into retrograde.
1. Make a Priority List and Stick to It
Mercury is the ruling planet of both Gemini and Virgo, both mutable signs.
Mutability makes you feel like your energy is being pulled from one direction to another. It’s not a coincidence Mercury dominant individuals always seem to be anxious.
Many people report feeling similarly anxious during Mercury Rx. No surprise, not only does Mercury rule communication but all mental faculties as well.
But fear not! A prepared mind is an impenetrable mind.
Take a page from the planner of the heavenly bodies, Saturn, by making a list of things you have to do and prioritizing what needs to be done first.
It can save you a lot of confusion and headaches later on.
2. Think Before You Commit
Avoid signing any contracts or making any big purchase decisions before and during Mercury Rx.
Mercury also rules trade and commerce, so these dealings may only “look” appealing, similar to the illusion of the planet moving backward across the sky.
3. Back Up Your Files
Mercury in retrograde is notorious for messing with technology.
Before the planetary event starts, it’s advised that you prepare for glitches by backing up your files to the cloud or to an external hard drive.
4. Put the Phone Down
My biggest tip? Reduce your screen time.
Miscommunication happens often enough. You don’t want to worsen it by making an online faux pas, too.
5. Expect Delays in Travel
If you’re planning to travel in the next few weeks, you should expect delays and cancellations.
Plan your trip accordingly by scheduling different activities and trips for different days. If one thing doesn’t work out as planned, move on to the next.
6. Journal
You may find it especially difficult to express yourself during this time. You may stumble through your words and stutter more than usual.
It’s normal to get frustrated. When Mercury, or any planet, is in retrograde, the effects of the planet turn inward.
Since the energies of Mercury become more personal, it makes total sense that we are especially aware of our own inner voice.
Journaling is a great way to organize your thoughts and work on the way you speak to yourself.
7. Choose Your Battles
Mercury rules communication, and when it is retrograde, we might feel like our words do not come out quite right or as we intended.
And since everyone’s brains feel foggy all over (Mercury rules the mind), here is a reminder that we need to slow down in order to express ourselves fully.
Don’t waste your energy arguing with people. Instead, think before you speak. Remember, how you feel today can easily change tomorrow, but how you treat people lasts forever.
8. Learn to Listen
Mercury isn’t just about speaking. It’s about listening, too. In a world of constant communication and left-brain supremacy, we’re always on the go.
Mercury Retrograde is an opportunity to take a break and make sure you’re listening to other people’s needs.
Mercury Retrograde asks us to reflect deeply upon our choices. Without the swift guiding hand of the planet of intellect, we ought to be more purposeful in words and actions.
Think back on the analogy of the moving car beside your own. It’s trippy, right? For a brief moment, we are reminded of our unique perspective hereEartharth.
If anything, Mercury Retrograde is simply an invitation for us to reflect on our relativity with respect to those outside of us.
Make Friends With Mercury Retrograde
This planetary event isn’t all doom and gloom. It’s actually a great opportunity to slow down. When it comes to Mercury retrograde, don’t fight it. Adapt yourself.
Speed, haste, and drive are not the most advantageous things to be associated with during a retrograde.
The goal is to slow down, take your time and pay attention to detail to ensure you don’t miss out on anything significant.
Learn how to harness the power of Mercury Retrograde.
With a little open-mindedness, you can embrace the idea of slowing down and listening to the people around you, including, and most importantly, yourself.
We may not be able to control the stars, but we can at least benefit from their influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercury rules language, short-distance travel, technology, and intelligence. It is best to avoid taking action in these areas of life without deep introspection first.
Mercury Rx affects all of us to varying extents. Mercury dominants may be more susceptible to the effects of the trickster planet.
The same goes for Gemini and Virgo Risings, who have Mercury as their chart ruler. Third House placements, as well as Gemini and Virgo on the planets, are also more affected by Mercury in retrograde.
