Everyone's heard of Mercury retrograde—the infamous astrological scapegoat for every misplaced email, awkward text, and stalled travel plan. While the science-minded among us will point out that Mercury doesn’t actually move backward (it’s just an optical illusion), there’s no denying that this celestial spectacle seems to coincide with a special brand of chaos.
So, what’s really going on here? Is Mercury retrograde an inescapable curse, pseudoscientific drivel, or just an opportune moment to pause and withdraw?
In this guide, we’ll break down what Mercury retrograde actually is, why so many people swear by its powers, and whether there’s any truth to all the commotion. We’ll also cover how astrology views this phenomenon, and most importantly, how you can survive the retrograde period.
Whether you're a skeptic, a cynic, a die-hard astrology girly, or just along for the ride, we've got the tools, tips, and plant-powered remedies to help you feel grounded, clear-headed, and ready to face whatever comes your way.
In this article:
What Is Mercury Retrograde?
Photo by Michael Hull.
Three or four times a year, from our vantage point on Earth, Mercury appears to move backward through the sky: an optical illusion resulting from our planets orbiting the sun at different speeds. Every planet in our solar system retrogrades through Earth’s sky at some point in its orbit.
With just an 88 day-long orbit around the sun, Mercury is by far the fastest traveler in our solar system, running laps around the Earth about every three months—which explains why it retrogrades so frequently!
2025 Mercury Retrograde Dates
The final Mercury retrograde in 2024 is presently underway, lasting from November 26th through December 16. Each retrograde lasts about three weeks. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, Mercury will retrograde three times in 2025:
- March 14 through April 6
- July 17 through August 10
- November 9 through 29
What Does Mercury Retrograde Mean Astrologically?
Photo by Josh Rangel.
Mercury, named for the Greco-Roman messenger god, is fittingly associated with travel, communication, logic and reasoning, and technology, according to Western astrology. You can generally think of it as the planet of the mind.
A retrograde is considered a period of personal trial and self-reflection. The planet’s change in course can stall progress toward a goal or create obstacles and challenges within the planet’s sphere of influence—in Mercury’s case, think communication breakdowns, tech issues, foiled travel plans, et cetera.
A planet’s backward momentum is also said to dredge up the past: issues you thought were solved, people you’ve fallen out with. A classic bit of Mercury retrograde advice: Don’t text your ex.
Basically, a retrograde might feel like a series of personal attacks from the universe. However, retrogrades can be valuable times for constructive growth and clarity, too. Sometimes, an impromptu airing out of the skeletons in your closet is the nudge in the right direction you’ve been needing.
What Are the Effects of Mercury Retrograde?
Photo by Annie Spratt.
During a Mercury retrograde, you might experience an excessive amount of:
- Communication breakdowns (misunderstandings, arguments, unclear conversations, mixed signals, lost messages, wrong number texts)
- Tech trouble (software glitches, lost data, missed deadlines, general malfunctions)
- Travel mishaps (delays, missed connections, lost or forgotten items, logistical nightmares)
- Emotional overwhelm (unusual anxiety, frustration, irritability, or tendency to dwell on the past or revisit unresolved conflicts)
- Decision paralysis (commitment issues, second-guessing choices, difficulty signing contracts, unclear next steps)
- Energetic disruption (mental fog, increased sensitivity to external stressors, generally feeling “off” or ungrounded)
Is Mercury Retrograde Real?
Photo by Navi.
From a scientific perspective, Mercury retrograde is a natural and predictable astronomical phenomenon—there just isn't any empirical evidence that Mercury retrograde has any direct impact on human behavior, communication, or technology. Its impact on our lives is more a matter of interpretation than measurable fact.
At about 48 million miles away from Earth on average, Mercury’s gravitational influence on us is negligible, particularly when compared with that of the moon or the sun. Additionally, Mercury’s magnetosphere is remarkably weak, which means it likely isn’t emitting electromagnetic waves that could interfere with technology on Earth—making any tech failures during retrograde likely coincidences or confirmation bias.
That being said, astrology is a spiritual belief system that, like many others, does not need to abide by science in order to be a part of meaningful personal experiences.
However, it isn’t just science that objects to the retrograde craze: Sometimes, even seasoned witches discount the power of this event. “I have not personally found difficulty [in my life] or anything unusual happening during those 3-4 times a year when Mercury’s in retrograde,” says Gwyn of podcast 3 Pagans and a Cat (3PAAC).
“I think calling Mercury retrograde ‘unlucky’ is a mis-attribution of the situation,” explains co-host Ode. “What Mercury being in retrograde actually, astrologically, just means, is that the things Mercury rules over are not in prominence right now.” Their advice? “Focus on other things.”
Why Do So Many People Believe in Mercury Retrograde?
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out.
If Mercury retrograde isn’t “real”, or at the very least does not hold the weight it’s often given, why do so many people believe in and notice its effects in their daily lives?
A lot of this might have to do with the psychology of human nature. People are naturally drawn to finding patterns and assigning meaning to events. In fact, we’re so good at doing this that the human brain “still outperforms algorithms,” writes Robert C. Barkman, Ph.D. for Psychology Today. So, when something goes wrong during Mercury retrograde, it’s all too easy to attribute it to the planet’s perceived powers, even though similar issues still occur outside of the retrograde period.
Moreover, anticipating the "inescapable" effects of Mercury retrograde can create self-fulfilling prophecies. That is to say, knowing the event is happening might make you more likely to notice and stress over otherwise ordinary miscommunications or delays. “If people would just, like, reframe how they think about Mercury retrograde,” 3PAAC’s Ode continues, “they wouldn’t have so [many] issues.”
Especially with so many people getting their astrological information exclusively from memes or pop culture references, the panic surrounding Mercury retrograde is surface-level at best. Besides, there’s a lot more going on out there in time and space besides Mercury appearing to travel backwards through Earth’s sky.
Ultimately, whether you believe in the effects of Mercury retrograde is totally subjective. If nothing else, though, Mercury retrograde does offer a useful opportunity to check in, back up important documents, and spend a little more time in connection with yourself.
Mercury Retrograde Survival Tips
Photo by Debby Hudson.
Mercury retrograde might feel like the universe’s way of testing your patience, but with a little foresight and some grounding practices, you can feel prepared to ride the waves without going under.
- Slow down and double-check everything. Take your time with emails, texts, and important documents. Proofread twice, confirm appointments, and leave extra time for travel.
- Avoid big decisions, if possible. Any astrologer will tell you mercury retrograde isn’t ideal for signing contracts, launching projects, or making major commitments. If you can’t postpone, read the fine print carefully and have a backup plan.
- Back up your tech. It’s a good time to clean up your digital clutter and organize your devices. Save your files, double-check your passwords, and make physical copies of important documents.
- Lean on grounding practices. Meditate, journal, or spend time in nature to feel a sense of centeredness. Try incorporating grounding herbs like cedarwood, vetiver, or patchouli into your rituals.
- Embrace flexibility. Be patient with delays or misunderstandings, and focus on what can be resolved. Things may not go as planned—try to roll with it instead of resisting.
- Reflect and evaluate. Retrogrades are great for reviewing old projects, reconnecting with people, or revisiting unresolved issues. Use this time to reassess your goals and re-align with what truly matters to you.
- Cleanse and protect. Use simple protective rituals or charms to shield yourself from unnecessary stress and negativity. Burn cleansing herbs like rosemary, peppermint, or citrus to clear stagnant or chaotic energy.
- Think before you speak. Do your best to communicate clearly. Clarify your intentions to avoid misunderstandings. If conflicts arise, take a step back to collect yourself before responding.
- Focus on self-care. Retrogrades can feel emotionally heavy, so prioritize your rest! Nourish yourself with calming routines like baths, skin care rituals, or herbal teas.
- Take it with a grain of salt. Not everything that goes wrong is Mercury retrograde’s fault, so don’t let it become a scapegoat for every inconvenience. Keep perspective, stay flexible, and remember—it’s all temporary. A little humor and skepticism can go a long way in keeping you grounded.
The Bottom Line
Mercury retrograde is a real astronomical event, but its effects on daily life tend to be more about personal perception than scientific fact. That said, using it as a time to slow down, double-check your work, and reflect on past decisions can be a helpful mindset—whether or not you believe the planets are really involved.
Do you believe in the effects of Mercury retrograde? Drop your wildest retrograde stories or experiences in the comments below!
