The third Mercury retrograde of 2022 is here (eek!) and the stars are asking us to get ready for some major shifts! Our cosmic messenger, Mercury, has officially ended its pre-shadow period (also known as Mercury retroshade), and is now in its third out of four retrogrades in 2022, between September 9 and October 2.
On the surface level, Mercury retrograde will bring tech issues and the classic confusion and delays in all things communication, creating situations that will get us to pay attention (that's what the meaning of Mercury retrograde is, after all). At a deeper level, Mercury’s backtrack journey in the sky is about focusing on two different areas of our lives that are due for a deep transformation. This Mercury retrograde will have two very different flavors, as it will activate two zodiac signs and two other planets that are currently also in retrograde motion.
From September 9 to September 22, Mercury will be retrograde in Libra, the sign of relationships, contracts, and business partnerships. We will be asked to take a cold, hard look at the balance—or lack thereof—within our most important bonds. If a relationship seems off-kilter, Mercury will expose these imbalances in the form of discussions and even drama (here's what it means if you break up during Mercury retrograde). Whatever comes up for us will have to be discussed, as Libra is a sign that often hides from expression in favor of keeping harmony. But because Mercury will be clashing with retrograde Jupiter in Aries, we must be careful that the discussions don’t get blown out of proportion. Focusing on having healthy, honest dialogue will ensure we air our grievances, leading to personal growth down the road.
Narayana Montúfar is My Imperfect Life's resident astrologer. She's also the author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power and was featured in Medium.com’s Authority Magazine 2020’s Strong Female Leaders and one of Vogue’s 13 Astrologers to Follow in 2021.
Then from September 23 to October 2, Mercury enters Virgo in retrograde motion, activating the discerning influence of this sign. As Mercury unearths previously hidden information, we will become hyperaware of the processes that are not currently working properly in our lives. Since Mercury rules Virgo, this second part of the retrograde could be more manageable, as well as useful. Mercury will be forming a trine with retrograde Pluto, bringing the perfect energy for us to begin switching our old processes for new ones. Use this second part of the retrograde to pull out the magnifying class and see how you can improve your mind, body, and spirit connection.
So, are you ready? Get your Mercury retrograde crystals out and read your horoscope for this period below for both your sun and your rising zodiac signs...
How the third Mercury retrograde of 2022 will affect your sign
Aries Mercury retrograde 2022
For you, Aries, the first part of the retrograde of Mercury (September 9 to September 22) will be more challenging, as it will expose the need to revise a contract or the boundaries in an important relationship. Speak up, but do so with intention, as Jupiter in your sign could drive you to say things that you can’t take back! The second part of the retrograde (September 23 to October 2) activates your wellness sector, bringing an ideal time to look at your routines and strengthen your mind-body connection.
Taurus Mercury retrograde 2022
Put order to chaos, Taurus. From September 9 to September 22, Mercury retrograde activates your sixth house of daily routines, bringing deep changes to your schedule. You might have to switch things around in order for life to flow more easily. Then from September 23 to October 2, your creativity comes under focus. Picking an old project back up is the ideal way to release tension. If an old flame comes back into your life at this time, it might be better to focus the energy on closure and not on getting back together.
Gemini Mercury retrograde 2022
You always feel Mercury retrogrades intensely, Gemini, as Mercury rules your sign. For the next three weeks, see yourself as a detective, discovering crucial information, and things could be more fun! From September 9 to September 22, Mercury brings transformation to your sector of creativity, romance, and children. The second part of the retrograde will most likely be more intense and will unearth underlying issues around home and family dynamics. Healing your inner child could be a major theme, as it could also lead to making your home the sanctuary that you need it to be.
Cancer Mercury retrograde 2022
You might absolutely love the first part of Mercury retrograde, Cancer, as it activates your sector of home, family, and ancestry. Issues from the past could come back to bring you closure and healing. Alternatively, you could be focusing on fixing things at home and re-decorating. The second part of the retrograde, from September 23 to October 2, is all about changing the way you process information and express yourself. You could learn to be less impulsive when expressing yourself, but also more mindful when listening to another’s point of view.
Leo Mercury retrograde 2022
Mercury begins its retrograde in your third house of communication, so it helps to take a look at all the devices that you rely on. Your car, computer, and home appliances fit into this category. Pay attention to what comes up for you on September 22, as you could be in for an epiphany when Mercury meets with the Sun, your ruler. The focus shifts on September 23, when Mercury will have you take a cold, hard look at your finances, until October 2. If summer fun ruined your budget, come up with a new one at this time.
Virgo Mercury retrograde 2022
Go within, Virgo! Mercury rules your sign, always bringing transformation through deep introspection. The first part of the retrograde, September 9 to September 22, activates your sector of money and finances, seeing you pulling out the calculator and some spreadsheets to get ahead of tax season! The second part of the retrograde, from September 23 to October 2, will turn your attention to your physical body and appearance. If you’ve been wanting to get a makeover, use this period to do research and perform the actual change around October 5.
Libra Mercury retrograde 2022
Mercury will be retrograde in your sign, from September 9 to September 22, turning your attention to the way you carry yourself. Your relationships play a role here, functioning as mirrors, so pay attention to what people show you about yourself. Then from September 23 to October 2, you will be asked to take a look at your finances and what you really value in life. Because of lucky Jupiter being involved, an unexpected amount of money could suddenly fall on your lap. But don’t expect it, however, as this also means a payment could be delayed.
Scorpio Mercury retrograde 2022
Mercury begins its retrograde in your 12th house of the subconscious mind, Scorpio, calling you to retreat between September 9 and September 22. As you connect with the non-tangible side of life, pay attention to your dreams and the messages you receive, as they will bring crucial information for your growth. This is especially true on September 22. Then from September 23 to October 2, Mercury retrogrades in your sector of networking and friendships, exposing the people (or groups of people) that no longer resonate with you.
Sagittarius Mercury retrograde 2022
For you, Sagittarius, the beginning of the Mercury retrograde means some friendships might end, but you might also reconnect with old friends. So, from September 9 to September 22, use this retrograde by aligning with people who are on your wavelength. The second part of the retrograde, from September 23 to October 2, will most likely be more intense, as it will activate your career sector. Be prepared to re-do or re-vise certain projects. But at a deeper level, this transit is about figuring out if your career is in line with your life’s mission—no pressure!
Capricorn Mercury retrograde 2022
Embrace a slower pace of life, Capricorn, as Mercury will begin its retrograde in your career sector. Productivity will take a toll between September 9 and September 22, so don’t waste your time rushing things. Go with the flow as much as possible. Then from September 23 to October 2, Mercury retrogrades in your ninth house of philosophy. You’re up for an overall revamp in the way you see life, so don’t be afraid to re-examine your beliefs by exploring anything that opens your mind to new and exciting things.
Aquarius Mercury retrograde 2022
Mercury begins its retrograde in your ninth house of philosophy, which could bring situations that make you reflect on your principles and morals about life. Open your mind to change, even if it means having a crisis of faith, Aquarius! Then from September 23 to October 2, Mercury will have you deeply inspect the give and take within a romantic partnership. Intimacy issues could be discussed, which could pave the way for both of you to open up. Dealing with the hard stuff will bring you closer together.
Pisces Mercury retrograde 2022
For you, Pisces, this Mercury retrograde is all about relationships! From September 9 to September 22, a very close relationship comes as a secret or previously hidden information comes to light. If you are in a serious partnership, deep conversations will take place. Then from September 23 to October 2, the focus moves into another relationship, perhaps concerning business, a mentor, or a contract you previously signed. If something ends, trust that it wasn’t meant to be in the first place. Mercury retrogrades are classic for clearing out people, deals, and situations that would become problematic, so keep that in mind!
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