Mercury Retrograde ☿ Spring 2022

artist: Chantal Horeis

Mercury enters Taurus: Apr 10

Mercury enters Gemini: Apr 29

Mercury Retrograde in Gemini: May 10-22

Mercury Retrograde in Taurus: May 22 – June 3

Mercury direct in Taurus: June 3-13

Mercury direct in Gemini: June 13 – July 4

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.

Gemini season is one the busiest times of year, so it’s certainly not convenient having a Mercury Retrograde cycle right at the beginning of it. 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 12 days of Mercury Retrograde take place in Gemini, and the last in Taurus. Mercury has not been retrograde in Taurus since 2017 but was just retrograde in Gemini last year. Let’s first discuss Mercury (Retrograde) in Gemini:

Gemini is a mutable sign, operating always in duality, always in motion, and somehow always with perfect timing. To the untrained eye, Gemini appears calm, cool, and collected, but a bundle of nervous energy vibrates just beneath the surface. Despite a highly gregarious outer shell, Gemini is really a private soul, cloaked in secrecy. Geminis are infatuated with mystery, easily addicted to new people and ideas, and then, just as quickly, these obsessions are dropped with stupefying swiftness. Here we see the twins’ notorious aloofness. One twin wants to love and be loved; the other can’t wait to fly away and never come back.

The Gemini constellation is known as the twins, so sibling relations are up for review, but this retrograde will impact every kind of relationship. Gemini is a social butterfly with lots of tendrils reaching out to lots of different kinds of people. Shaky relationships in particular will be tested. At the same time, Gemini’s buzzing energy will attract more casual interactions.

We have an opportunity to gain some deep wisdom if we don’t get too distracted by external social theater. At its core, Mercury Retrograde is all about change and there is simply no escaping it. I like to think of Mercury in Gemini as a reset button. This is a very auspicious placement for Mercury because he rules Gemini. In astrology we say that this retrograde transit occurs “at home.”

Visualize a quick and witty wind blowing through the open door of your life, tickling the crannies of your mind. Gemini epitomizes the true essence of mercurial/mutable energy. If you resist changes (especially in your social/romantic life) – or your intuitive impulse to make changes – this transit will be difficult for you. Holding a lid on all this mutable energy is like trying to direct the wind: futile and exhausting.

And what about Mercury Rx in Taurus? This will feel like collapsing into a verdant garden to sleep for days after surviving the whirlwind of Gemini. Once we’re awake again, communication here is candid and matter-of-fact. The cow is at once complacent and argumentative. Taurus is not interested in small talk. She is pragmatic, assertive, and direct. Sometimes she is just udderly intransigent or judgmental. Taurus can also be impatient, despite expecting others to be infinitely patient with her. (I am Taurus hence the shade :p)

The bull lives in the basics. We should not feel guilty for indulging in the two main behaviors that Mercury in Taurus loves best: forthright speech and living slowly. When in doubt, keep it simple. My advice is to root in one place and just be there, like sleepy tortoise Taurus.

The sacred cow is so sensual and passionate, yet so averse to change and disruption. Taurus will not build anything on unstable or uncertain ground. This is Taurean suicide, to sacrifice or even risk your security. Taurus fears the unknown. She would rather sustain and maintain what is already known, or what already exists.

I know that Mercury Retrograde always feels interminable, and in Taurus it is soooo slowwwwwwwwww. It’s true that this energy can be a little too still or static. Mercury in Taurus can manifest as stagnation of the thoughts and mind. But the message is clear: it’s ok to take your time. Practice patience. Though it never comes to her quickly, inner peace is the sacred cow’s specialty. Feel it welling up from deep within the earth. May you sink into the wildflowers with a happy sigh.

If you were born with Mercury in Taurus or Gemini, you’re in for an interesting Mercury Return. To determine your Mercury sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.