Mercury turns retrograde three or four times a year, for several weeks at a time.
This time, Mercury is retrograde in Aquarius from January 14th - January 25th, 2022.
It will continue its apparent backward motion into Capricorn where it will be retrograde until February 3rd, 2022. Mercury turns direct at 24 degrees Capricorn.
What actually is Mercury retrograde and how will this retrograde period affect your zodiac sign?
What is Mercury Retrograde?
Retrograde motion in astrology is a period of time when a planet, as seen from earth, appears to be moving backwards across the sky.
No planet ever does move backwards in its orbit, it’s just an optical illusion – but since symbolism is everything in astrology, this optical illusion matters.
All planets have periods of retrograde motion, although Mercury retrograde is the most commonly talked about.
Because Mercury rules our thinking and intellectual processes, as well as our modern communication devices, Mercury retrograde can appear to have quite a noticeable effect.
Not all zodiac signs will feel every Mercury retrograde period acutely, however – it depends on the sign in which Mercury is retrograding, and that sign’s status in your own birth chart, as to how keenly you will feel the effects.
What is the Astrological Significance of Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius?
When Mercury turns retrograde, the energy of the planet is turned backwards upon itself, or internally.
When Mercury retrograde happens in Aquarius, this means that the explorative, questioning nature of Mercury in Aquarius is turned inwards – in other words, we start to explore and to ask questions of our own nature.
Mercury retrograde in Aquarius is a very good time for examining our own intellectual thought processes, and the many unconscious biases or prejudices we all carry at various points in our lives.
Use this energy to uncover what your own prejudices might be, and to get rid of them.
Indulge your curiosity and be ready to change your mind if you discover that you have been wrong about something – that’s a very powerful skill to have, and one which is much undervalued.
How Does Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius Affect Each Zodiac Sign?
Each zodiac sign will experience Mercury retrograde in Aquarius differently, and not all signs will feel it strongly.
However, in general, all of us can potentially discover things about ourselves that we didn’t know or recognize before, and we can try to fix those where necessary.
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Aries Zodiac Sign (Aries Dates: March 20 – April 19) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
Think about your motives for interacting socially. If there’s any chance that you have a hero complex, or unconscious biases about who you choose to mix with, now is your chance to recognize these and to fix them.
It may feel uncomfortable, but this is also an opportunity to apologize to a friend.
Taurus Zodiac Sign (Taurus Dates: April 20 – May 20) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
Use this retrograde period to think about where you’re heading in your career. If you need further study or qualifications, research that now so that when this period ends, you can get going again.
This is also a good time to acknowledge your unconscious drives regarding your career, as well as any external influences on where you’re heading.
Gemini Zodiac Sign (Gemini Dates: May 21 – June 20) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
If your travel options are somewhat restricted during this Mercury retrograde period, you can escape instead through your imagination. Daydreams may be especially pleasurable at this time, although that does mean that concentration is difficult.
It’s a good time to practice the power of positive visualization or manifestation, however, as you have a strong mental image of what you want to achieve.
Cancer Zodiac Sign (Cancer Dates: June 21 – July 21) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
Processing unconscious or long-held trauma is a productive thing to do during this Mercury retrograde period, and you’ll find talking therapies of any kind to be valuable and useful.
It’s also a very positive time for self-analysis and for looking objectively at your bad habits or tricky personal qualities. Strive to be the best that you can be, armed with good psychological insight into your own self.
Leo Zodiac Sign (Leo Dates: July 22 – August 21) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
In this period, look at the messages you are sending to those you love – not just verbally, but nonverbally. Do your actions meet up with what you actually want to say? Do you treat family members and loved ones the way you really should?
Likewise, look at how others are treating you, and resolve to accept only respect and affection.
Virgo Zodiac Sign (Virgo Dates: August 22 – September 21) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
Getting organized could be difficult while Mercury retrograde transits Aquarius, Virgo, so you may have to be more spontaneous than you like to be. Go with the flow - you may even learn to like it.
This transit teaches you that not everything can be controlled; by extension, you may start to understand that some things should not be controlled, even when you have that option.
Libra Zodiac Sign (Libra Dates: September 22 – October 22) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
This Mercury retrograde likely inhibits your sense of fun somewhat, so you may feel a little bit tired and jaded. However, it’s a good time to get creative, using your imagination and your depth of feeling to express yourself on paper or through arts and crafts in some way.
Journaling is a good option at this time too, as it will help you to organize your thoughts and stay on track during a slightly fuzzy period.
Scorpio Zodiac Sign (Scorpio Dates: October 23 – November 21) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
This retrograde transit affects your family zone, so any existing family tensions may be magnified with frustration and bad tempers.
However, that in itself makes this a powerful and productive time for healing family rifts by being the first one to say sorry – even when it’s not really your fault. Do the right thing to relieve tension, because time is too short to hold grudges.
Sagittarius Zodiac Sign (Sagittarius Dates: November 22 – December 20) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
Since it falls in your communication zone, this is a difficult retrograde for you, Sagittarius. You may well find that your words get twisted or your devices let you down.
Resort to good, old-fashioned communication, preferably face-to-face. Say what you mean and mean what you say – and seek clarification from others if the message gets muddled along the way.
Capricorn Zodiac Sign (Capricorn Dates: December 21 – January 18) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
During this Mercury retrograde period, you’re learning something new about your attitude towards finances and your materialistic motivation. Don’t be surprised if your income takes a dip or if you’re forced to address uncomfortable financial issues.
Don’t panic either, Capricorn; this is a very short-lived influence, but it can be useful for re-setting your values and for helping you understand what matters most.
Aquarius Zodiac Sign (Aquarius Dates: January 19 – February 17) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
A Mercury retrograde in your own sign can lead to a slight loss of confidence, especially in public speaking or in social interaction. On the plus side, this is a very good time for self-analysis, or indeed for learning how to communicate better.
There is a danger of over-thinking everything, however, so keep talking and keep sharing your thoughts with those who love you the most.
Pisces Zodiac Sign (Pisces Dates: February 18 – March 19) During Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius
This Mercury retrograde falls in your spiritual zone and is a window into your higher consciousness, Pisces. Pay careful attention to signs or signals from your dreams, your daydreams, your doodles and others sudden flashes of insight.
Synchronicity is strong around you now too, so you may notice an increased incidence of songs, symbols or other objects which are meaningful to you as a Pisces.
