Mercury Is in Retrograde: Here’s What You Need to Know

It's enough to just be existing in 2023 without having to deal with Mercury in retrograde, but here we are. Mercury enters retrograde motion again on December 13th and will do its apparent change in movement until January 2nd. According to astrology, it will affect everyone, even if you claim not to read your horoscope every day.

So if you're feeling a little off, more so than usual, then you've come to the right place. But before we go through some ways to get through to the other side in one piece, let's recap what the planet of Mercury being "in retrograde" actually means according to the zodiac.

What is "Mercury in retrograde"?

When Mercury goes into retrograde (which is roughly every 88 days as opposed to Earth's 365 days), the planet slows down, which makes it look like it's moving away from Earth. Retrograde motion is when a planet appears – when observed from Earth – to reverse direction. This happens due to an optical illusion caused by differences in orbit.

While it might not sound like a big deal, Mercury, which rules communication and two signs Gemini and Virgo, sends Earth into a spin, making it harder to converse, travel (due to delays and cancellations) or sleep during this period.

When is Mercury in Retrograde in 2023

There are three Mercury in retrograde dates for 2023. The pre-retrograde shadow will begin on April 7 and the post-retrograde shadow ends on May 31, but the official retrograde takes place between April 21 and May 14. This first retrograde will be going reverse in the sign of Taurus – during this time there will be a cosmic 'double earth energy', which emphasises the physical, material world.

The following retrograde motion will take place between August 23 - 15 September in the sign of Virgo.

The final retrograde motion will take place between December 13 - 1 January 2024 and is a little different to the previous two. This is because Mercury moves from Capricorn to Sagittarius during its backwards dance.

What are the effects of Mercury being in retrograde?

What this means is that we might start to feel a little stressed and sleep-deprived and generally out of whack. The type of influence you will personally feel depends on which of the twelve zodiac signs Earth is in when Mercury goes into retrograde, however, Mercury rules everyone's nervous system, which means you might feel more emotional and wound up than usual, which, of course, could impact your required eight hours of sleep.

And if that's not enough, many also report an increase in vivid sleep episodes, which means your dreams will feel so real, you'll believe you're awake.

So, how can you prepare yourself for this rollercoaster of a retrograde?

Keep reading for five self-care tips for the tumultuous 88-day period that is Mercury in retrograde.

Mercury retrograde self-care tips

1. Nap like you mean it

While sleeping under your desk at work is considered unfavourable, using your weekends wisely by fitting in a mid-afternoon nap will help combat possible sleep deprivation at night.

2. Digitally detox

If you've started to experience uninterrupted snoozes as of late, leave your mobile phone on flight mode (and in the next room), so you can totally switch off when it's time to.

3. Brew it

A hot cup of tea tells your body it's time to get some rest. Pair it with a shower, using a lavender or chamomile body wash, for ultimate relaxation before bedtime.

4. Meditate

While it may have been on your list of things to do for a while, meditating during Mercury retrograde will help slow you, and your thoughts down (so you don't make any crazy decisions in a retrograde haze).

5. Be kind (to yourself)

Make yourself the number one priority until Mercury retrograde has passed. Light a candle, take a bath or listen to soothing music or a podcast before you get some shut-eye.

Last but not least, try not to worry – these feelings only last for three weeks, which means you'll be back to normal in no time.