Mercury’s first period of retrograde motion in 2021 lasts from January 30 to February 20! According to the age-old practice of astrology, we are all influenced by the effect of Mercury in retrograde. What exactly does it mean for each of us, though? Read on to find out.
What Is “Mercury Retrograde”?
Three times a year, the planet Mercury appears to travel backward across the sky. We refer to these periods as times when Mercury is in apparent retrograde motion, or simply ”Mercury retrograde.” To those who practice astrology, these times in particular were traditionally associated with confusion, delay, and frustration. Think undelivered love letters, email blunders, and frazzled travel plans! This is an excellent time to reflect on the past, however, and it’s said that intuition is high during these periods. Coincidences can be extraordinary.
What Is Retrograde Motion?
The astronomical explanation for retrograde motion starts with understanding that the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun at different distances and speeds. While we orbit the Sun ourselves, we can observe the other planets moving across our sky, following their own paths.
Sometimes, it can appear (from our perspective) that a planet has abruptly switched directions and has started to move in reverse across the sky. This is, of course, an illusion caused by the position of Earth in relation to that of the planet, since a planet in orbit always travels in one set direction and can’t suddenly reverse course. This is why we call the phenomenon apparent retrograde motion, as it only looks like the planet is moving backward (“retrograde motion”)!
When Is Mercury in Retrograde in 2021?
In 2021, Mercury will be in apparent retrograde motion during the folowing ranges of dates:
- January 30 to February 20
- May 29 to June 22
- September 27 to October 17
Please note that dates reflect Eastern Time U.S., not Universal Time.
What You Should Do When Mercury is Retrograde
The planet Mercury rules communication in all forms—listening, writing, reading, speaking, and so on—as well as activities closely related to communication, like negotiations and contracts. It also rules travel, automobiles, shipping, and mail.
So, when Mercury is retrograde, try to remain flexible, patient, and understanding, allow extra time for travel, and avoid signing onto any new contracts that you’re unsure of. Double check your email responses and check in with reservations before you take that trip.
Review projects and plans at these times, but wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions. You can’t stop your life, but plan ahead, have back-up plans, and be prepared for people’s shorter fuses and miscommunication.
Take a Moment to Reflect
Some blame Mercury retrograde for all chaos that happens in their lives. However, this is a good time to sit back and review what you put your energy toward.
For example, if family and faith are important to you, are you putting enough of your energy into them or have you become overextended in other areas such as your career or a hobby? Losing the balance between different parts of your life can cause all of them to suffer, so being aware of the connections between them—especially during Mercury retrograde—can help you to maintain or at least better understand how that balance works.
Take a moment to reflect. Mercury retrograde can be an excellent time to take a step back and reanalyze who you are and what you are doing—but do refrain from making any drastic changes until after retrograde has ended.
Mercury and the Zodiac
The type of influence you feel also depends on which of the 12 zodiac signs Earth is in when Mercury goes retrograde.
What’s your Zodiac Sign? See here: “Mercury Retrograde and Zodiac Signs.”
Learn more about zodiac sign profiles in general and check out our monthly horoscopes. Make sure that your gardening does not go awry when Mercury is in retrograde by reading your zodiac profile for gardening.
Reader Comments
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Be careful how you judge.
Be careful how you judge. It's doubtful that you have all of the information and those that are 'superior' are quite frequently the next to fall. Consider this your warning....
Firstly he's MARRIED!!! Love
Firstly he's MARRIED!!! Love him all you want but he's using you. MR has nothing to go with your stupidity. Dont play second fiddle to a man who took vows. Why do women steal other women's men, fall in love and then the men use it as leverage in using you. And hurting another person or family.
Um, my dear..my grandmother
Um, my dear..my grandmother gave me this advise long ago.
If he will cheat with you, he will cheat on you. What makes you so special that you would change the nature of a man ?
Cancer men often cheat and
Cancer men often cheat and NEVER leave their wives.
It took me sooo long to get
It took me sooo long to get on the blush bandwagon, too, Tricia!
I have met a guy during MR.
I have met a guy during MR. At the time I was not interested, but after the date changed my mind, but it was too late. He replied that he wasn't interested. I can't stop thinking about him. Can he change his mind if he made that decision during MR? Should I contact him again when Mercury is retrogate (as it brings people from the past) or should I contact him when Mercury is direct, so there is no further problem in communication. Meeting him during MR was the worst timing ever, we didn't communicate very well... And it left a bad impression. Or should I just forget about him and move on?
The meeting chart steers the
The meeting chart steers the relationship. If this is meant to be you can look at the natal synastry, I don't put everything based on a simple mercury retrograde there are many more complicated factors.
If he's not interested, not
If he's not interested, not much any planetary influences can do about this. Find someone who IS interested! If the synastry is good it's good. It's obviously not good if he's not interested. Allow a universe-arranged relationship.
Folks, do not post personal
Folks, do not post personal details (emails, phone numbers, websites) on this Web site. They will be deleted for your privacy. Also, we do NOT accept spam (selling your products and services) and the users will be deleted and blocked.
I broke uo with my ex-gf 3
I broke uo with my ex-gf 3 months ago for the 2nd time. I realize I made a mistake both times. I attempted to reconcile during the first day of retrograde 6/26. She didn't want to. We were together for over a year & thought we were soul mates. There was even akashik record stuff on both ends, separately before we got together. There's a lot more to this. Anyway, she said she's not dating & neither am I while we both work on ourselves. She said that she doesn't think she wants to reconcile ever in the future but she said she's not completely sure. Is there a chance for us to reconcile when I'm done working on myself (in 4-6 months or so)? I'm recently divorced 2 months ago.
A lot of problems with
A lot of problems with Mercury in retro are misattributed. That tiny mud ball has very little influence on human beings. And while in retro, intuition is high during these periods, and coincidences can be extraordinary.
No, solar flares are the current issue and geomagnetic interference caused by these unpredictable flares. I am afraid there is at least another year before things settle down. Be patient.
Hey Tim , If you only
Hey Tim , If you only divorced 2 mos. ago? I'd say you still have alot of issues to work out. Divorce is like death and many of us tend to cling to others to help us over the hurdles of a break up. No matter how much you and your ex-wife may have agreed it was best. I would say give yourself at least a full year before you plan to be serious with someone else. You don't want them to feel the residue of your past relationship. You're already bringing in someone and breaking up with them..that is totally unacceptable and just because the 2 of you feel a spiritual connection, doesn't mean you should be in a committed relationship. I have a soul mate and even though we thought of being each others loves, we knew our friendship and bond was more important than the intimacy that involves sex and family. Just let her be and not confuse her. Also you don't know that 4-6 mos of working on yourself is enough time. If you need companionship then have dates and be platonic. Learn to be someones friend first and not think only of your needs to have someone by your side.
Thats so sad. I hope you can
Thats so sad. I hope you can work it out. Because true love is had to come by. I know this awesome Spiritual Advisor Scarlet. She really help me with my situation.If your into that type of thing here is hersite:www.scarletblossom.org.I will tell you this shes so amazing and caring:).You will not regret it!!!!
you divorced 2 months ago and
you divorced 2 months ago and were dating your gf as recently as 3 months ago. astrology has nothing to do with your problems. work on yourself for a few years and stop acting like a fool.
your last sentence needed to
your last sentence needed to be your first. with the emotional upheaval of a divorve, a new realtionship so soon is hardly doable. you may try to justify it in your present state of mind but given yourself a significant emotional rest to regroup and recover. explore other ways for now to disract youself from relationships. spend time with a hobby, travel, visit new places closer to home. D!o volunteer work. There are so many community initiatives that could use a little help. above all, rest your emotions and give your heart a chance to recharge.
Hi it's been nearly two
Hi it's been nearly two months I just can't stop thinking of someone I knew 22 years ago it driving me mad it has taken over my life please why this happening he's settle down and so have I
What is it with the person
What is it with the person from 22yrs ago? What do you feel your missing?
No he's married to another
No he's married to another woman,but for now im here in china to work and he is in philippines...thanks for replying my msg.
Im a Gemini . I broke up with
Im a Gemini . I broke up with a man I am very in love with at the beginning of retrograde .i was under stress but it really did make a lot of since .we are not really communacating now even though I said I was sorry as he is hurt and angry at me. Hoping to make some head way when mercury turns direct .
Darlin as a gemini you always
Darlin as a gemini you always need to keep an eye on your twin brother or sister. Watch for crazy making when merc goes rx in oct-nov. Accept what happened under the covers. It is what it is. Kathi
Identifying with certain
Identifying with certain blogs and interested to reach out.
This blog shined a brighter
This blog shined a brighter light on my life. Me always having to keep a an eye on my twin sister. Be the voice of reason. Curious about the sheet situation.... we'll certainly see soon enough.
Intuition is high during
Intuition is high during these retro periods, and coincidences can be extraordinary, but it is the Sun which is the problem. It is sending out incredible flares. These will mess with life here on Earth far more then the tiny mud ball millions of miles from Earth and just a wee bit larger than our Moon. One more year in this cycle. Have fun.
February 23–March 17: Went
February 23–March 17: Went back to Nebraska to visit my 80 year old grandma. The 2nd day of my visit we rushed her to the ER with abdominal pain and, a few days later, learned that she had pancreatic cancer.
June 26–July 20: After taking care of my grandma during her first round of chemo, I returned to Arizona for a breather. My cat jumped at the window to swat at a bird, landed funny, and within minutes had a terribly swollen hind leg. After taking Xrays and performing other diagnostic tests we found that she had landed on a malignant tumor and it had burst, causing the swelling. Had she not landed funny we may never have known about the cancer until she was too sick and weak to go on. Coincidence? As they could not remove the cancer, we had to put our girl to sleep.
I look forward to things evening out for awhile.
My wife left me during all of
My wife left me during all of this mercury retrogade and I was reading that because we may get back together. can you tell me if this is happening do to the retrograde?
You are smart to question the
You are smart to question the atmosphere now! Only the spirit and soul knows the outcome. You two will sort this out once mercury rx leaves the dead zone. You and your wife may have trust issues for now. She is unhappy with herself. Not you! Her stability needs to be in question.
I'd look into transits more
I'd look into transits more than retrograde. Most disputes or no communications is due to the transits in someone's astrological chart.
My ex and I hadn't been on
My ex and I hadn't been on talking terms since february. I started talking to him on june 1st, but he was hardly responsive and dismiSive until recently- late june! The communication is great now and we - actually I won't jinx anythig by talking :) this one retrogade has worked out for me!
He's pisces and I'm a gemini
i am a taurus woman im with a
i am a taurus woman im with a capricorn man he is married...weve been together since 2005,now i am planning to buy a house this year...is this the good time to buy...
So, your having an affair
So, your having an affair with a married man and you want to know if it's a good time to buy a house? I think you should be asking some very different questions IMO..
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