Be ready for three Mercury retrogrades in 2022. Mercury completes three full cycles and a fourth begins before we say Happy New Year to 2023!
By The AstroTwins
Ah, Mercury retrograde. These are the times when the cosmic trickster planet is full of surprises. Three-week cycles when the truth inevitably comes boiling to the surface, mysteries get revealed and skeletons tumble out of the closets. Or you’re more inclined to miss a flight, a deadline, or spill coffee on your keyboard.
So what do the Mercury retrogrades in 2022 have in store for us?
Mercury has three full retrograde cycles in 2022:
- January 14-February 3 Aquarius/Capricorn
- May 10-June 3 Gemini and Taurus
- September 9 to October 2 in Libra and Virgo
The other one begins at the very end and ends in 2023.
- December 29 – January 20, 2023 Capricorn
Additionally, the two weeks leading up to each Mercury retrograde cycle, and the two weeks following one, are known as the “shadow” period. Or, as we long-ago coined, “retroshade.”
You may feel the effects of Mercury during these weeks, as well as those following a Mercury retrograde. For tips on managing a Mercury retrograde cycle, see our post How to Survive Mercury Retrograde.
The 2022 Mercury retrogrades start in air signs, and go back into earth signs.
What does it mean that each of 2022’s Mercury retrogrades begins in an air sign and backs into an earth sign?
These moments can cause social interaction and collaboration to hit a snag, sending us back on the drawing board to revise plans. These forced pauses are not meant to discourage you. Mercury flips to reverse. This gives us an opportunity review, revise, and overhaul (and all of the other “re”) words.
Mercury retrograde, which reverses through air signs and tightens regulations around people or messaging, is also happening. Are they all doing their part? Are you all on the exact same page? Do you use up-to-date technology together? Have you stored and protected all your data correctly?
You can put on the project manager’s cap when Mercury crosses into earth signs in the second half of each retrograde. Reexamine timelines, budgets, and environmental impact. To ensure everyone is clear about their limits, create guidelines.
All Mercury retrogrades in 2021 were observed in air signs. Air signs rule the travel of ideas, information and cultural conversations. We are pointing out this signal-scrambling sign for disinformation that continues swirling around everything from vaccine facts and election results.
What the Mercury Retrogrades in 2022 mean for all of us
2022: The Mercury Retrograde is the first
January 14-25 in Aquarius, then Capricorn till February 3
Even the best-laid plans require more time at the drawing board over the coming three weeks. As strategic Mercury pivots into its first retrograde of the year, it reverses through innovative Aquarius (until January 25), then mission-oriented Capricorn.
It is important to backup all electronic data. Group interactions need more democracy and better-defined agreements. Are they all clear on what is expected of them? Do you have unspoken resentments about air? Allow yourself to observe and then correct.
The retrograde can confuse your message. Make sure to proof all emails and presentations prior to hitting send. You can use the “forced timeout”, to correct any project that hits a speed bump. Then you can unveil them following the retrograde.
Mercury’s retreat to Capricorn will continue until February 3. It could cause confusion within the professional realm if Mercury moves back into Capricorn. Workplace protocol should be followed with every precaution. Get clear on the chain of command, if only to navigate power dynamics like a pro. Looking for opportunities? Reconnect with former colleagues.
The Mercury retrograde, second in 2022
May 10-22 in Gemini then Taurus up to June 3
Mercury turns into its second year-end retrograde, sending signals crashing and systems crashing. Once again, the communication planet backs up through a pair of zodiac signs, bringing two distinct waves to its dramatic effects.
Mercury’s retreat through Gemini may cause us to feel double the communication chaos from May 22. Expect friction between peer partnerships, and avoid getting sucked into taking sides. Triple-check your words before posting, sending or signing anything.
Gemini rules transportation. You should delay buying any wheels until June, as Gemini is the sign of slowness. Are you still working on a manuscript, podcast, or workshop idea? Let go of the dust: This time is a great opportunity to take a deeper look at your project and make improvements.
May 22 will see the buzzy planet turn into Taurus, reality-checker Taurus. This will throw everyone’s senses security into disarray. Clarity and focus will be required for budgets, schedules, and relationships. Try to assume nothing and stay agile, even if everyone around is insistently digging in their heels.
For the rest of its retreat–until June 3–we’ll feel the plodding, stubborn slowdown of the Bull at play. Pro tip: If a string of green lights suddenly turns red, don’t charge ahead like a tempestuous toro. Instead, consider this forced timeout as an opportunity to learn. Review all your plans, budgets and timelines. Don’t rush to make money moves. Mercury’s erratic signals make it difficult to distinguish between luxury thefts and lemons.
2022 Mercury Retrograde 3
September 9-22 in Libra, then Virgo up to October 2
The margin of error is slim with Mercury, the communication planet, backing Libra (starting September 23) and Virgo, persnickety and critical Virgo.
Libra is involved in legal matters so make sure you review your contracts. This deep dive could save you future legal issues or set a healthier tone for your work environment. Knowledge is power–and on an emotional level, the path to feeling safe and secure. Between now, October 2 and October 2, even best relationships could become unstable. It will take patience to keep things on track. Exes will be especially prone to reminiscing–consider yourself warned!
The devil is always in the small details. Retrograde Mercury slips from Libra, a steady-eyed Libra, to keen-eyed Virgo. This backspin lasts until October 2.
When you travel on research or sourcing missions, be a true purist. Is there a greener way to save cash and do your part for the planet? Mercury in analytical Virgo makes it difficult to give constructive feedback. However, you should be careful about your judgments. You can buffer your pro tips by creating a “praise sandwich”, which starts and ends with the positives to empower people. Be mindful of your health and well-being. The mindful planet in this health sign can help you to create and maintain new habits. Keep it simple.
The fourth Mercury retrograde in 2022
December 29th to January 20th, 2023.
The year ends on an uncertain note, as Mercury goes into signal-jamming reverse just before New Year. Good luck getting aligned around NYE plans, 2023 goals, or whose traditions you’re going to honor.
You should travel if you can. Make sure to arrive early for your destination. Make sure you carefully consider your New Year’s guest list. You don’t want to create tension and division among your guests, which could disrupt the mood of your celebrations. If end-of-year plans have grown overly complex, don’t force it. Even if you do pull them off “perfectly,” you could be too resentful (and exhausted!) to enjoy the fun.
This three-week cycle can be used to your maximum potential effectiveness. You should start reviewing your career goals after the New Years. Take a look at LinkedIn and other social media. Is a former colleague crushing it? Do you see a chance for collaboration? Drop by to say hello or enjoy a cup of coffee. You will leave feeling inspired with new ideas that you can put into action in your own ambitions.
Feature image by Rosie Dienhart