Every Single Thing You Need to Know About Mercury Retrograde

Even if you're not the most astrologically saavy, you know about Mercury Retrograde and its infamous reputation. For many, it's known as the one astrological thing that messes up your life and is to blame for every minor and major inconvenience. And while it definitely can be all of that, it's also a bit more complicated.

When we talk about a planet being “retrograde” (yeah, every planet is retrograde at some point, not just Mercury—case in point: Jupiter goes retrograde starting November 11), we’re essentially talking about an optical illusion. In reality, it’s when a faster planet starts to move past a slower-moving planet. From our perspective on Earth, it seems like Mercury is slowing down and moving backward in its orbit (even though, from the Sun’s POV, it’s obviously not).

In astrology, Mercury rules over things like communication, how we process information, local travel, planning your schedule, and your routine. Confusion and mishaps can occur when Mercury moves retrograde, but if you understand more about this common event, you can navigate your daily life with less stress.

So if you're here because you want to gear up against this current Mercury Retrograde—that goes from November 9 to 29—and all the others to come, then keep reading below for everything you need to know about what this astrological moment is really all about.

In astrology, Mercury is the planet of communication, short-distance travel, and thought. It rules the signs of Gemini and Virgo, and—fun fact—its movements affect these two signs the most.

Mercury Retrograde can cause miscommunications, lateness, and confusion in your day-to-day life. People or issues from the past can return in order for you to resolve them.

Yes, many will experience an ex or two coming back into their sphere during Mercury Retrograde. This also includes old acquaintances (ahem, hookups) and ex-friends as well as former romantic partners.

Take a pause before sending an email or check twice before you sign a contract. You should also plan some buffer room when traveling. If you’re able to reschedule important meetings like job interviews, it’s a good idea to do so (but if not, just make sure you arrive early and double-check your spam folder for any last-minute rescheduling).

Mercury Retrograde is a good time to revisit the past, so enjoy some nostalgia by seeing old friends or revisiting places you’ve enjoyed. You could even find something you once lost or take some time to revise and perfect an old project.

There are three Mercury Retrograde periods a year, and they often cover two signs at once but not always. So far, you've already survived the first two periods! Now, there's just one more to go through, and it's happening now until November 29.

• March 14 to April 6 (Pisces and Aries)
• July 17 to August 10 (Cancer and Leo)
• November 9 to 29 (Scorpio and Sagittarius)

Mark these dates in your calendar!

• February 26 to March 20 (Pisces)
• June 29 to July 23
• October 24 to November 13