That's the last of Mercury retrograde! 2022's final helping is right around the corner, just after the holidays.
Per usual, we tend to get worked up about the cosmic chaos and the Mercury retrograde effects we'll experience: tech glitches, miscommunication and, of course, the mere thought of breaking up during Mercury retrograde. (We don't even want to go there!)
The smallest planet in the solar system makes a big impact by forcing us to speak in new ways and challenge ourselves beyond the norm, but the final go-around—which will only take place in one sign, Capricorn—will seem easier than its predecessors.
"Now is the perfect time to reconsider the trajectory of where a comment or idea could take us by ensuring that there is a somewhat stable and flexible foundation in place to build upon," says astrologer Liz Simmons.
For the planet's final performance, she notes that we will likely hone in on status, reputation, restrictions, boundaries, responsibilities, timing and our relationship with karma. But as Simmons has told us before, emphasize the "re" in retrograde—reflect, review but don't react negatively. It's not the scary astrology event you've been led to believe it is—we promise.
Liz Simmons is a freelance writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. She views astrology and tarot as another tool in our arsenal to understand the cosmic interplay in our lives. Currently, Liz contributes astrological articles and horoscopes to StyleCaster, POPSUGAR and Astrology.com. She is also the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. Check out Liz’s Instagram @the__crone and her website, the-crone.com.
Mercury retrograde 2022: what to know
Mercury retrograde 2022 dates
Have your 2022 planners handy: the Mercury retrograde dates are below.
- January 14 to February 3, 2022
- May 10 to June 2, 2022
- September 9 to October 2, 2022
- December 29, 2022 to January 18, 2023
(Do keep in mind that the Mercury shadow period known as retroshade is the two weeks before and after the event itself. And no, this is no specific to Mercury—every planet experiences this!)
Mercury retrograde 2022 meaning
According to astrologer Lisa Stardust, author of The Astrology Deck: Your Guide to the Meanings and Myths of the Cosmos, each Mercury retrograde is responsible for something different.
- The January retrograde focused on how we share our thoughts
- The May to June retrograde will force us out of our comfort zones
- The fall retrograde strives for balance in our lives and the way in which we communicate
- The final Mercury retrograde of 2022 will force us to take a step back and examine the whole picture
Considering the fourth Mercury retrograde of 2022 is a combination of everything we've already experienced—and manageable by staying within one sign—you are already a pro.
Plus, there are opportunities here. (Yes, really.)
"Aside from the technical precautions, this would be a great time to reconsider your 2023 intentions and commitments. Use Mercury retrograde to review your upcoming obligations so that you can make adjustments as needed," Simmons suggests.
It is a bit ironic that the planet of communication decides to act up at the busiest time of the year, isn't it? Mercury is really putting us to the test, but since we're in tune with its behavior, we know how to handle what's being thrown our way.
First thing's first, you're likely to do a bit of traveling around the holiday season, so expect long lines, delays and glitches here and there. That just means you'll have to plan ahead, pack early and make sure all tickets are printed (or downloaded) accordingly.
Even though pesky relatives are not so easy to deal with during Christmas dinner—you know, when you'd rather eat than discuss your love life—you can make a clean break for it without getting upset and starting a problem with your family. As we've said many times this year when Mercury went retrograde: think before reacting—it'll be a lifesaver.
Author of The Astrology Deck: Your Guide to the Meanings and Myths of the Cosmos, Lisa Stardust is a New York-based astrologer available for classes and events like astrological readings and tarot readings.
Mercury retrograde and connections
If you're still feeling a little on edge about your connections and relationships, rest assured that some good comes out of Mercury retrograde. The planet provides an opportunity to be mindful of the way you use your words and how you respect other people's opinions.
"It’s a time to sit back and see how you’re expressing yourself to [your partner]. Can you communicate in a way that’s more understanding of their perspective," astrologer Noushpreviously told My Imperfect Life.
She added, "It's a time for us to really take a step back and slow right down and question our thoughts and our words by noticing the reality that we're living in and how can we realign to something that feels a little bit better."
An astrologer, creative and crystal enthusiast, Noush believes in the combination of energy healing and practical spirituality to bring meaning into our lives. You can learn more about your cosmic blueprint during an astrology reading with her or shop through an incredible collection of healing crystals @jooncrystals.
Mercury retrograde survival tips
Life might seemingly go a bit haywire during Mercury’s backward motion, so beat any fiascos to the punch, particularly those that are tech-related.
"[Buy] extra iCloud storage space, a USB drive or additional gigabytes," Simmons says. "Gotta start prepping to save all of your important work! Write down your passwords to easily get in and out of your logins."
Speaking of work, you'll want to make sure you're not tackling something new that can potentially throw your workflow off-kilter.
Mercury retrograde positives
Between miscommunication and notes of the past resurfacing, Mercury makes us a bit on edge. But when you start to reexamine its purpose, you'll realize it's not as scary as you might've imagined. In fact, it's actually—dare we say—beneficial! (Perhaps even an astrology gift from the universe!)
"This is a powerful opportunity to grow and expand, but in doing that you have to reevaluate things," says numerologist and astrologer Kaitlyn Kaerhart."A lot of things from the past come up in Mercury retrograde, and that will kind of freak people out, but it’s only the unhealed things that are holding you back."
Like Simmons, Kaehart notes that perspective is key.
"Once you can take a look at them through a different lens, you slingshot forward and you’re catapulted into a better timeline, a more healed place."
Kaitlyn is an intuitive numerologist, astrologer and the author of You Are Cosmic Code: Essential Numerology. She is also a singer-songwriter with a new track, "Wildfire," out now.
What's next for Mercury retrograde
Yes, it's true—Mercury retrograde 2023 isn't going to be all doom and gloom. (Yes, really. No this isn't a joke.)
Although we will also get four helpings this year, we can expect things to be fairly smooth given that the first three events take place in one sign. This year we jumped around quite a bit, which made things a little more difficult to handle.
The fourth and final Mercury retrograde of 2023 will be in two signs, but after three rounds we'll be prepared.
"Given that this last one switches from earthy Capricorn to fiery Sagittarius, it might be more jarring since the fiery Archer energy may spark anger, aggression, assertion, and poorly timed action," Simmons says.
Just make yourself aware and stop yourself before things get heated—literally!
Have a look at our 2022-2023 retrograde calendar to make sure you're in tune with all that the cosmos have in store for us. And, if you still find this troublemaker bothersome, allow our favorite Mercury retrograde memes to give you a little laugh. For the wellness gurus among us, there are plenty of crystals for Mercury retrograde that will make the planets ups and downs seem a whole lot easier.
Mercury, we accept your challenge.
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