Mercury Retrograde ☿ Fall 2022

Planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Virgo & Libra Season are the peak of the year so it’s a bit inconvenient having a Mercury Retrograde cycle right in the middle of it all but hey, collectively we’re getting really good at adapting to change on this batshit little planet whirling through space so let’s do ittttt.

Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, more frequently than any other planet. Mercury represents communication, travel and technology. These are the realms affected by Mercury Retrograde. Expect delays, cancellations and sudden changes; technological failures, especially cell phones, laptops or automobiles; miscommunication; lost/stolen items; general malfunction and wtf moments. I do not recommend starting a new job, buying a car, moving to a new place, or signing any contracts/documents. This is not a good time for travel, life-altering commitments, or investments.

The first 2 weeks of Mercury Retrograde take place in Libra and the last week or so in Virgo. Mercury has not been retrograde in Virgo since summer 2017 (right during the insane Solar Eclipse in Leo with the ecliptic path that crossed over the US) but Mercury was retrograde in Libra in the fall of both 2021 & 2020. Let’s first discuss Mercury Retrograde in Libra, where most of the retrograde takes place, and where many little reminders from last year’s retrograde will be bubbling up mysteriously:

Libra Season is one of the most difficult times of the year due to its emphasis on relationships. And with Mercury ruling communication and the throat chakra, we should expect a high level of social dysfunction and miscommunication during this retrograde. The good news/bad news is that the laser focus on relationships & communication is going to bring some serious challenges to the table and that means we get to work some shit out and put old patterns to rest – that’s the idea! This cycle can significantly improve our relationship to Self and therefore others.

Mercury Retrograde in Libra is all about friends, loved ones, and community. Think of it as a thorough review of your interpersonal life. Are you in the right place, surrounded by the right people? Do your relationships truly reflect where and who you are, or where you’d like to be? It is time to ponder value, authenticity, and divine timing. We are either a) getting in deeper and closer with existing community or b) opening our hearts to new scenes and new relationships.

All relationships will be tested in a powerful way. This is a time of deep inquiry before the cosmic mirror of Self reflecting other reflecting Self. At its core, Mercury Retrograde is all about change and there is simply no escaping it. Think of it as a reset.

Libra falls in the middle of the zodiac wheel. She represents compromise; meeting halfway; pacification of polarities. But the scales are not level; they vacillate wildly until the very end. This is where we see Libra’s infamous indecision. She swings in the wind, hearing both sides of the story, sympathizing with all parties. She gazes down every path, far into the future, unsure of where to go, which direction to choose.

The most important thing to remember is that Libra insists on Truth. And perhaps your truth is that you don’t know and that’s totally fine. We just have to listen closely to the wind and follow it the best we can.

And what about Mercury Rx in Virgo? This is when we get to experience mercuriality in its most quintessential form as Mercury rules Virgo (and Gemini). Virgo Season is one of the busiest times of the year, which makes sense when we dive in to mercurial essence and understand its rhythms.

When I visualize this transit, I see an alert, attentive mind. Mercury channels each constellation directly into the mental process and in Virgo this manifests as constant surveillance, like a sharp-eyed bird in analytical overdrive. When long, silvery antennae begin to grow from the pit of your gut, don’t be alarmed. The purpose of this exceptional perceptivity is to help you stay focused and aware. To the untrained eye, Virgo appears calm, cool, and collected, but look closely and you will see a bundle of nervous energy vibrating just beneath the surface. What to do with this? The trick is avoiding typical Virgo pitfalls like anxiety.

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo is far less refined than your average Virgo moment. It is super easy to become a control freak and start running around trying to put out fires and failing spectacularly. So for all the control freaks out there, myself included: not everything will go as planned. We will not be able to attend to every detail or keep everything just how it is.

Virgo rules health, nutrition, work, medicine, and service. In fact, Virgo is so good at being a helpful host/manager/parent/partner that she will work and serve until she is absolutely exhausted. My best advice for Virgos is always to slow down and take time for yourself. The world will keep on turning if you sleep an extra hour. Make yourself some dank food. Stay hydrated and take some deep breaths.

If you were born with Mercury in Virgo or Libra, you’re in for an interesting Mercury Return. To see your Mercury sign and whether this planet was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.