You’ve likely heard of Mercury retrograde, but there’s also the lesser-known celestial event that precedes and follows it: the Mercury retroshade shadow period. Here’s what to expect.
The infamous Mercury retrograde, which occurs a few times each year, is known for causing communication snafus galore and triggering all things technology to go on the fritz. So, during those chaotic few weeks, we collectively hold our breath and hope we get through it unscathed. But when Mercury resumes its usual speed, does that mean the coast is clear? Not quite. There’s also a lesser-known Mercury retrograde shadow period, often referred to as “Mercury retroshade,” that occurs before and after the retrograde period. In other words, you’ll feel the effects of Mercury retrograde a bit longer.
To help demystify the Mercury retrograde shadow period, DailyOM chatted with Lumi Pelinku, an intuitive astrologer and transformational life coach. Read on to learn what the Mercury shadow period is, when it’s happening in 2023, and how it will affect us all.
What Is the Mercury Retrograde Shadow Period?
For starters, here’s a little astrology 101 refresher: A retrograde period is when a planet—in this case, Mercury—appears to rotate backward as it orbits around the sun. However, don’t be fooled; this is just an optical illusion. In reality, the planet has slowed down but only appears to move backward from our viewpoint.
All planets—whether Venus, Mercury, or another occupant of the solar system—have retrogrades and therefore a shadow period, which is a two-week phase that occurs before the planet officially goes retrograde and a two-week phase after the retrograde itself, Pelinku explains. So even after Mercury retrograde ends, we’re still not entirely out of the woods in terms of communication-related mishaps and mayhem.
Take the Course: How to Communicate Like a Buddhist
When Is Mercury Retroshade 2023?
The latest Mercury retrograde, which is in the sign of Virgo, began on August 23, 2023, and runs through September 15, 2023.
Pelinku says the following periods are the Mercury retroshade dates to keep in mind for fall 2023:
- Pre-retrograde shadow period: August 3–22, 2023
- Post-retrograde shadow period: September 16–30, 2023
Also, just in time to ring in the new year, there is one last Mercury retrograde happening in 2023, Pelinku notes, which will take place from December 13, 2023, through January 1, 2024, in the sign of Sagittarius.
Here are the Mercury shadow period dates to note for the end of the year and the beginning of 2024:
- Pre-retrograde shadow period: November 25–December 12, 2023
- Post-retrograde shadow period: January 1–20, 2024
What Happens During the Shadow Period?
The Mercury retrograde and retroshade are a cosmic sandwich, if you will. Think of the two-week pre-retrograde shadow period as “an echo or hint of what needs attention,” Pelinku says. It’s the cosmos giving you clues as to what needs some TLC in your life.
Mercury retrograde then slows down the planet’s course, allowing you to pause and reflect on the changes you need to make. So, it’s a great time to pencil in some self-reflection time.
Then, once the post-retrograde shadow period rolls around as the planet picks up speed again, Pelinku says you’ll be better prepared to resolve or bring to a conclusion whatever situation was calling your attention during the pre-retrograde shadow period.
You’ve jotted down the Mercury retroshade dates in your Google calendar, but what does that mean for you? The short answer: It depends!
Rather than fearing the retrograde and retroshade periods, view them as an opportunity for inner reflection and betterment. While they may feel a bit bumpy at times, they’re worth it in the end.
That’s because Mercury retroshades will affect everyone differently, depending on their individual birth charts.
“For example, if Mercury is in its shadow phase in your seventh house [there are 12 houses in each birth chart] of committed relationships, there is a chance that you will feel a nudge in needing to listen to your partner or to re-establish a connection,” Pelinku says. “Or you can begin to experience what needs to change in your paradigm and/or thoughts toward partnerships.”
That’s just one example of how Mercury retroshade may shake things up in your life. Generally, though, Pelinku says that because Mercury is known as the planet of messages, the shadow period is a time for you to listen intently to messages you hear. For instance, you may receive new information about a work-related project or another issue in your life that needs resolving. Pay attention, and most importantly, use these messages to make necessary changes in your life. “Analyze and contemplate what needs clarification or attention in your waking life,” the expert says. “Digging for more information and analyzing your findings are key to success.”
Overall, the Mercury retroshade and retrograde periods are an opportunity to declutter your mental space, Pelinku says. For this reason, rather than fearing the retrograde and retroshade periods, she encourages viewing them as an opportunity for inner reflection and betterment. While they may feel a bit bumpy at times, they’re worth it in the end.
Who Is Most Impacted by Mercury Retroshade?
As mentioned, everyone will experience Mercury retroshade in different ways. However, folks who were born in the sign that Mercury retrograde is happening in are typically the ones who will experience the most valuable lessons during these periods.
Given that the last two Mercury retrograde periods of 2023 will be in the signs of Virgo and Sagittarius, people born in those signs will be the ones to feel the effects the most. But again, this isn’t anything to worry about.
“Mercury retroshade and retrograde phases are not meant to create fear or projection,” Pelinku says. “[They are] intended to create a space to review your priorities and to plan your next steps once the messenger planet picks up speed.”
