The Myths Of Mercury Retrograde

As a practicing psychic, I have on many occasions spoken to clients who were concerned about the planet Mercury going retrograde. They typically fear that this recurring planetary event might wreak havoc in their lives. While astrologers agree that it can at times be a more challenging time, many of the fears about retrogrades are often unfounded, and based on myth and misinformation. Its potential effect on our daily lives can actually be highly positive and beneficial.

Reputable astrologers quite rightly point out that by truly understanding Mercury Retrograde and how to manage its influence in our life, we can actually turn it into a positive experience, rather than a negative one. For my part, should you have been worried about the Mercury Retrograde in the past, I hope to ease at least some of your concerns here, as to what role this phenomenon can, and cannot play in your daily life.

The Spinning Backwards Myth

The most prevalent myth about Mercury Retrograde is that the planet is ‘spinning backwards’ at this time. The truth of the matter, as any astronomer would tell you, is that Mercury is not actually moving backwards during a retrograde. It only appears to be receding.

The planet Mercury is closer to the Sun than any other planet and therefore circles around it in as little 88 days. The Earth, on the other hand, takes much longer, i.e. a whole year to complete this trip. During a retrograde, Mercury appears to slow down, while Earth seems to move at a faster rate. This creates an optical illusion in the heavens which makes it seem that Mercury is spinning backwards in its orbit. However, Mercury is merely moving more slowly around the Sun, compared to planet Earth.

One can liken this to Mercury being a race car on the inside track, while Earth is on the outside of the track and overtaking Mercury. While doing so, as Earth appears to go faster, it would seem that the Mercury is slowing down or, in fact, going backwards, even though this is not the case.

Mercury retrograde is like anything else in life: we must know how to use it wisely and understand why it exists. Then, suddenly, it’s not negative, it’s helpful ~ Linda Joyce

The Relationship Disaster Myth

Mercury Retrograde will not ruin your relationship, or cause a break-up or divorce. Astrology teaches that Mercury is the ruler of communication and truth. However, when going through a retrograde, these aspects of your relationship life can become somewhat challenging. Nevertheless, by being prepared for Mercury ‘moving backwards,’ you should be able to keep your relationship stable and healthy, by being more patient and compassionate with your partner, and by giving them time and space where necessary.

While this in itself should have a positive knock-on effect on your relationship, it is essential to also remember that retrogrades only last for a few weeks. Therefore, as frustrating and annoying as they can be, their effects are not permanent. It may be wise to postpone challenging conversations, communication issues, or discussions about the truth, to a later time when Mercury has gone direct. If managed correctly, you and your partner can potentially be in an even happier and more empowered place after the retrograde.

Another popular dating fallacy is that it is unlikely you will meet someone new during a retrograde. And, if you were to meet someone, there is no way it could last. However, at the beginning of any new romantic connection, it is always wise to go with the flow and not make any hasty decisions.

Sure, during a retrograde, committing oneself to a new partner is not recommended. However, any lack of longevity in the relationship cannot be blamed on the retrograde itself, but is more often than not due to lack of compatibility between the two individuals concerned. This will not be the case if you proceed with caution and take it one day at a time. Most people move too fast in new relationships anyway.

The Lifestyle Chaos Myth

Mercury Retrograde is not simply a ‘chaotic’ time of year when anything and everything will go wrong! While astrologers agree that a Mercury Retrograde can at times be both frustrating and annoying, it certainly does not necessarily predict any negative events, particularly not permanently. Retrograde periods should rather be a time for reflection, reassessment, and reorganization.

It is an ideal period in which you can get certain things done. It is, for example, a great time to clean out your closet and rearrange your hectic schedule. It is also a wonderful opportunity to deal with those things you have been putting off due to the constant, daily use of technology. Turn off your devices for a change, and feel fantastic for doing so!

Listen, we know that Mercury retrograde can give us a hard time, astrologically speaking. But there are quite a few misconceptions (aka myths) about this transit that make it seem much scarier than it actually is. After all, everything – including planetary transits – happens for a reason ~ Rhiannon Gessaman

The Crashing Technology Myth

It is simply not true that all electronic equipment will stop working during a Mercury Retrograde! There is a widespread misconception that your computer may crash or your smart phone fail, and all communication break down as a result. However, actual statistics show that this very rarely happens.

Furthermore, ask yourself how many times you have been through a retrograde with all of your electrical equipment functioning perfectly well! The answer is more than likely to be most of the time. And if your laptop were to die, it is because it was due to do so. After all, equipment will break down at some point. See it as an opportunity for you to let go of the old and embrace the new.

The Birth Immunity Myth

There exists a superstition that people born during a Mercury Retrograde will never experience any of its negative effects in their lifetime. If you have heard that being born during a Mercury Retrograde makes you invulnerable to its effects, then it is time to think again – albeit in a non-worrying way, of course.

If your natal chart reveals that you were born in such particular period, it could mean that you process your thoughts, feelings and emotions differently from others. Again, this would be nothing to worry about. It is just an indicator of your uniqueness as an individual. You could, therefore, for example, find yourself to be more cautious and usually thinking twice about any decisions you have to make, before acting upon them. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing!

The first Mercury Retrograde of this year came to an end recently, on March 10^th. The dates for the next two retrogrades will be from June 18^th until July 12^th, as well as October 14^th until November 3^rd.  I genuinely hope that the above information helps to alleviate some of the reservations you may have about Mercury Retrograde, whatever time of year it happens. Next time it comes, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey around the Sun.