Ah, Mercury retrograde — the astrology transit that we love to hate. Most of us have likely heard friends blaming it for their problems or done so ourselves. The printer’s broken at work? Mercury retrograde! Flight’s been delayed three hours? It’s Mercury retrograde, obviously. An ex resurfaced with a classic “Hey”? That’s thanks to Mercury retrograde, too.
But let’s take things a little deeper. What exactly is Mercury retrograde, how often does it happen, and why does it tend to wreak such havoc every time it occurs? DailyOM spoke with astrologers who shared key 2023 dates to know and offered advice on how to best handle the inevitable drama.
What Is Mercury Retrograde?
A little astronomy lesson: All of the planets in the solar system revolve around the sun in the same direction — but at different speeds. The retrograde effect occurs when one planet “laps” another around the sun, making our perception of that planet (and where it is in the sky) a little confusing. Our wider view of the solar system continually shifts against Mercury’s smaller orbit, which (for roughly four times out of the year) makes it appear as though Mercury is moving backward.
“In astrology, Mercury retrograde refers to a period when the planet Mercury appears to be moving in reverse in its orbit around the sun,” says Charlotte Bailey, UK-based astrologer and founder of Typically Topical.
The keyword here is “appears.” The planet itself doesn’t actually move backward, adds Bailey. Instead, the “retrograde” appearance is formed by our perception from Earth against the fixed star background.
Although each Mercury retrograde transit differs in length, dates, and the location in the sky (otherwise known as the “sign” it’s in), this transit occurs about four times a year, for three weeks at a time.
Interested in learning more? Check out Speak With Purpose, Not Impulse
What Does It Mean When Mercury Is Retrograde?
Apart from the sun and moon, every planet operates under retrograde transits. But how we experience each retrograde transit here on Earth is based on the astrological sign the planet occupies and the themes of the planet itself.
The effects that we feel from Mercury retrograde start with the sign it’s in. As you may know, astrological signs portray different qualities and characteristics. So if Mercury is in the sign of Cancer, for instance, we might be pausing to reflect on our emotional experience to our thoughts and words, says Ilona Pamplona, an astrologer based in Loxahatchee, Florida. “If Mercury is in Virgo,” she adds as another example, “we may be asked to reflect on whether we’re being perfectionistic and inflexible with how we are thinking about things.”
Mercury retrograde may throw you off a bit, but that doesn’t mean you’ll leave empty-handed. That’s the beauty of the retrograde.
When it comes to planetary themes, Bailey says, “Mercury is associated with communication, technology, travel, intellect, and mental processes.” So, for the upcoming Mercury retrograde on August 23, 2023, these areas of life will be approached through the lens of Virgo themes.
We’re often cautioned to be wary of signing contracts or traveling during Mercury retrograde due to its tendency to muddle our capacity to make clear decisions. “When Mercury retrogrades, we tend to experience a ‘brain fog’ of sorts, often finding ourselves more indecisive, forgetful, and confused,” says Bailey. “Our ability to root into mental clarity diminishes as our processing ability collapses slightly.”
Of course, the impact Mercury retrograde has on each individual is based on their birth chart. For instance, if Mercury retrograde is traveling through your tenth house of career (everyone’s birth chart has 12 houses and each represents a different area of your life), you might stumble through your words during an interview. A misunderstanding with your sister might indicate Mercury retrograde is traveling through the third house of siblings. But in general, a Mercury retrograde might make us question information given to us, process things more slowly, experience communication issues with others, and generally operate in a fog-minded state in day-to-day life.
But according to Bailey, Mercury retrograde isn’t all about causing havoc. It also presents a wonderful opportunity to turn inward. It’s similar to driving a car at a capped speed of 35 miles per hour. You’re still moving forward, but because you’re not able to move as fast, you notice more while you drive.
So, yes, Mercury retrograde may throw you off a bit, but that doesn’t mean you’ll leave empty-handed. That’s the beauty of the retrograde — and why Pamplona calls it a “pause and reflect season.” It’s the revelation after reflection that makes it all worth it in the end.
Mercury Retrograde Themes
Here are a few themes that you might experience during a Mercury retrograde (no matter what sign it’s in), according to Bailey:
- Communication challenges: miscommunication, misunderstandings, speech issues, grammar problems
- Technology glitches: Wi-Fi problems, cracked cell phone screens
- Travel issues: plane delays, logistical problems
- Revisiting the past: unfinished business may resurface, old connections may appear
- Enhanced intuition
Mercury Retrograde 2023 Dates to Know
Here are the four Mercury retrograde periods of 2023, two of which are upcoming:
- December 29, 2022–January 18, 2023: Capricorn
- April 21–May 15, 2023: Taurus
- August 23–September 15, 2023: Virgo
- December 13, 2023–January 1, 2024: Capricorn and Sagittarius
With this knowledge, we’ll look at the last two retrogrades of the year based on the sign they’re in, and share which signs will be most affected by each retrograde.
Note: You may want to read your sun sign (identity, ego) and rising sign (perception of the world) for the most accurate description.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo (August 23–September 15, 2023)
As noted, each Mercury retrograde will identify with the nature of the sign that it’s in. Astrologers say Virgo is detail-oriented, analytical, productive, and practical. But with those qualities come the darker traits of Virgo, which might include being cynical, judgmental, overanalyzing, overthinking, perfectionistic, and overly structured.
Now, take all the confusion and “fogginess” of a Mercury retrograde and apply it to Virgo’s perfectionistic tendencies, and we might see a focus on the themes below:
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo Themes
- Self-improvement: introspection, self-awareness
- Perfectionism: overcriticize, overanalyze
- Productivity: modifying or changing daily methods or routines
- Self-acceptance: embracing imperfection
- Health: reflect on or change nutrition, exercise, or body routines
The Astrological Signs Most Affected by Mercury Retrograde in Virgo
Virgo
This one’s obvious, right? Not only is Mercury traveling through the sign of Virgo, but Mercury also rules Virgo (every sign is ruled by a planet). So, it’s likely that this sign will be hit with a double portion of Mercury retrograde antics.
“As Mercury transits into your first house, you’ll feel some major frustration in relation to getting your point across, especially in workplace settings,” says Bailey. “This transit is really highlighting your need to be in control of every situation all the time; it encourages you to go with the flow and surrender the idea of perfectionism.”
Gemini
“Anyone who has their sun or rising in Gemini or Virgo will always be affected by Mercury retrograde because they are ruled by this planet,” Pamplona says.
Since Gemini is exceptionally thoughtful (sometimes to a borderline anxious degree), this retrograde is forcing Gemini natives to breathe, slow down, and smell the roses — giving them an unmatched opportunity for clarity.
Aries
“Falling exactly square to Aries’ seventh house — the house of partnerships — there’s huge potential for an ex to return and make a scene,” Bailey says. While this retrograde offers opportunity to develop relationships, too, be careful in doing so, she says. Connections made during Mercury retrograde aren’t always meant to last.
Horoscopes for Mercury Retrograde in Virgo
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
“You might find yourself drawn to nurturing your inner self and spending more time at home,” says Pamplona. While fire signs are more active by nature, this Virgo Mercury’s mental slowdown can make motivation or intention foggy for even the spiciest signs, she says.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
“Communication, relationships, and friendships will take center stage,” according to Pamplona. She urges these signs to embrace their community for support and to speak empathetically when sharing feelings.
Air Signs (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini)
Priorities and values are in the hot seat during this retrograde. “You may especially want to reevaluate career goals and align them with your true purpose,” Pamplona says.
Earth Signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo)
This Mercury retrograde is opening up your world perspective, so you’re able to see and capitalize on new horizons, says Pamplona. “Focus on self-discovery and personal growth during this period.”
Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn and Sagittarius (December 13, 2023–January 1, 2024)
From December 13 until December 22, Mercury retrograde will travel through diligent and practical Capricorn. According to Bailey, the differences between this Earth sign retrograde and that of the previous Virgo retrograde are night and day. Being a highly mental sign, Virgo is extraordinarily hyperaware of the self. On the other hand, Capricorn is a highly physical sign, which makes it hyperaware of the outside world: the practicalities, the to-dos, and the everyday. Essentially, Virgo is contained in the mind while Capricorn is rooted in the here and now.
Because of this, Mercury retrograde in Capricorn is likely to dish up the most current — and practical — issues onto our plate, but it’s not about planning; it’s about doing. “We’ll find ourselves grappling with managing our responsibilities, dealing with authority figures, and restructuring our goals and ambitions,” says Bailey.
The energy of the retrograde changes once Mercury dips into Sagittarius on December 23, 2023. “When Mercury is in retrograde in a fire sign, the challenges usually relate to impulsivity, passion, and dynamic energy that characterizes these signs,” Pamplona explains.
She notes that Sagittarius is known for drive, enthusiasm, and a desire for knowledge (i.e., philosophical pursuits). Thus, the issues surrounding Mercury retrograde might have us asking more philosophical questions about what we’re doing and why, based on our personal passions.
Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn Themes
- Career: challenging career path, reassessing professional strategies, questioning authority
- Long-term: revisiting goals and long-term plans
- Responsibility: confronting issues regarding responsibility and structure
Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius Themes
- Belief systems: reevaluating or restructuring personal ideas
- Freedom: travel challenges (flight delays, for example)
- Optimism: finding a silver lining or feeling overly optimistic or enthusiastic
- Impulsivity: spontaneous decisions, unplanned adventures
The Astrological Signs Most Affected by Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn and Sagittarius
Capricorn and Sagittarius
Whatever sign Mercury is traveling in during its retrograde will affect that particular sign quite heavily on a communal level. While Mercury is traveling in Capricorn (December 13–22), Capricorn sun and rising natives will feel its effects the most. As Mercury retrograde dips back into Sagittarius (December 23–January 1), Sagittarius sun and rising natives will feel its effects heavily.
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Mercury will be traveling through Sagittarius for the majority of this retrograde. In addition to Sagittarius, the other fire signs will feel a hard stop on movement forward during this retrograde — which may feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. “Fellow fire signs of Aries and Leo will also feel the need to pause from the passion and fire of their thoughts and words in this season,” Pamplona says.
Scorpio
Since this Mercury retrograde is traveling through your third house of communication, misunderstandings are likely to happen in everyday conversation — particularly as important topics arise, Bailey says. “You’re being encouraged to broach difficult topics, and that means discussing what is and isn’t working in your personal and career life, too,” she says.
Horoscopes for Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn and Sagittarius
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
Even more than normal, this Mercury retrograde is prompting you to look inward and embark on a journey toward self-discovery. Pamplona encourages you to embrace the stillness that Mercury retrograde provides so that you can finally align with your true passions and beliefs.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)
“Emotional exploration, transformation, and spiritual connections are the focus for you this season,” says Pamplona. If you dive in without fear, you might actually uncover some hidden feelings that need healing.
Air Signs (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini)
Friends, partners, and communities are likely to bring challenges and make you rethink the kind of company you keep. “Leading with curiosity over judgment can make your sense of connection to others feel stronger than ever,” says Pamplona.
Earth Signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo)
It’s the practical stuff that’s going to be highlighted during this Mercury retrograde: finances, career, and daily duties. In this case, Pamplona encourages you to align your goals with your core values. Doing so might introduce a new perspective at work or it may bring the possibility for a completely new career path.
The Takeaway
As you prepare for the upcoming 2023 Mercury retrogrades, Pamplona provides a few simple pieces of advice that will take anyone far: “Practice patience, reflect before speaking, and make sure you’re communicating with clarity.”
Many people get the impression that Mercury retrograde is something to be feared. But in reality, it’s a blessing.
“Mercury retrograde is a chance for greater self-discovery and reinvention,” Pamplona says. “When we’re all-systems-go, all the time, Mercury retrograde provides a welcome release for many of us to reconnect with what matters most: ourselves.”
