Mercury retrograde occurs 3 to 4 times per year and appears to be a time when communications, travel plans and electronic devices become fouled. But that’s just one part of its phase and each one is different. We’ve created our Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide to help you be more aware of potential conditions.
It’s kind of thrilling to see a term from the lexicon of astrology become mainstream. Just ten years ago very few people had even heard of Mercury Retrograde but the term now falls casually off the tongues of comedians and reporters in all media. Like most things comedians make fun of and the media exaggerates, their comments are interesting because it shows how commonplace the term has become as astrology once again has become the “in” thing.
Many people today have learned of Mercury retrograde’s association with communication and electronic breakdowns. What is less known is that during this period you get a chance to do some things over or respond in a different way in an effort to get it done the right way. Sometimes this optical illusion of Mercury travelling backwards is a period when you can grow and move forward; but not during the actual retrograde phase, that comes once it stations direct and moves out of its shadow phase.
How Can the Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide Help?
Mercury retrograde is explained fully in this article here. Unfortunately, as mainstream media and entertainers do, they highlight the most attention-getting quality of the astrological event which is that things can be rather frustrating during Mercury’s retrograde cycle. But Mercury retrograde doesn’t have to be scary and the weirdness can be managed.
In essence, the cycles give everyone an opportunity to review the areas of life where Mercury touches for you and to fix them or hit the reset button. After enduring the last year plus of misery perhaps we could all do with a positive reset in our lives.
Fortunately, our Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide is intended to help you reset 2021 in a more positive way in the year ahead. For each Mercury retrograde this year we’re going to give each sun sign some advice on how to not only survive it, but to also increase your awareness of the areas of your life affected by it.
Astrologers can through reading your personal horoscope show you how to work with Mercury retrograde cycles and potentially improve your life; which is always the ultimate goal of understanding every planetary cycle. Check out our Horoscopes page to find the variety of horoscope readings offered by Rob Shaw.
Here’s How Mercury Retrograde May Affect Your Sun Sign
Second Mercury Retrograde of 2021
May 29 to June 22, 2021 – Retrograde in Gemini
Aries
A Gemini Mercury retrograde for the Rams may point to mishaps in communication and delays or problems while travelling. It’s best to not be in too much of a rush and to focus on what’s immediately in front of you. Multi-task if you must but not while driving or when otherwise needing to pay attention. Sometimes you give people and things short shrift in your constant hurry but that may be an issue this cycle. Problems in relationships are possible if you’re spending too much time together as your need for some alone time may be thwarted. The first two weeks of June may be more stress-filled but you may also begin to realise a dream or make progress with a project close to your heart by the end of the month. Wear gloves while working to protect your hands.
Taurus
Financial problems may become known during this time but be glad at least that you became aware of the issue as now you can fix it. Whether it’s due to an appliance or device breakdown or just rising costs your cash liquidity may not be as healthy as usual now. Like Capricorn you can be aware of status as you seek to acquire wealth but you’re more concerned with sustaining yourself and loved ones. This Mercury retro highlights where money is being drained and it’s time to plug the leak. The lack of supplies can be troublesome but it will encourage your resourceful side as you economise and challenge yourself with DIY projects. Be as creative and artful as you can especially in early June as an antidote to the stress due to some people getting on your nerves.
Gemini
While Mercury is retrograde in its own sign this puts it in your solar 1st house so take care you don’t bite off more than you can chew and bring harm to yourself. Like Aries, wear gloves when working during this cycle and expect some drama as you work through this period. Your work place may be a bit melodramatic now and make sure your own anxiety isn’t adding to it. More than any other sign the Twins have the ability to work with Mercury backtracking and maybe never more so than when in Gemini the sign it rules. Early on, when Neptune squares Mercury watch your tendency to exaggerate or fib as it may get you in a spot of trouble. If you can manage to slow down and take more care during this retrograde you may be able to positively change your near future considerably.
Cancer
Mercury in Gemini retrograde appears in your solar 12th house of hidden matters. You may feel like hiding out most of this month but never fear, when the Sun moves into Cancer on the 21st you’ll feel like coming out of the shadows. The retrograde Mercury ends on the 22nd and your scrabbling approach to life can be reasserted. Until then, tread carefully but take advantage of Mars in Cancer in early June and you can accomplish much. Avoid new beginnings or signing contracts until the 22nd as the last week of the month brings a better guide to what’s coming and how to deal with it. Mercury retro is great for cleaning out closets, garages, attics, storage bins, etc. and admit it, you keep way too much stuff so get purging and declutter your life to invite in some fresh new energy arriving by July.
Leo
This retrograde of Mercury in your 11th house of community, charity and social life may spotlight you in a positive way if you step up to help where it’s needed. Stay real with people and this retro cycle can bring positive changes for you but not without some bumps along the road. Long term and joint finances may be an area of focus and more care in spending is highly recommended. Avoid making long term decisions due to short term events like a Mercury retrograde. Working out a plan for the future is a great idea now as you’re able to see things more deeply and understand how the components fit into a system. Managing the process instead of other people now is a better solution and a good outlet for your need to control. Let the bizarre world untie a few knots while you watch and learn.
Virgo
Mercury retro in Gemini may be a bit much for you especially while it’s squaring Neptune in Pisces until the 9th of June. This may create a T-square with any Virgo planets including your Sun which can indicate a fair amount of stress due to potential system breakdowns. Both equipment and people may be acting up now and your essential services may be in very high demand. If you don’t find time to rest and recuperate you could make yourself sick. Stop eating on the run and pay closer attention to your diet. There may be a better and unusual solution to travel plans that must be changed or cancelled instead of you reacting by being critical, anxious or angry. Work demands may also be high now but know that financial or some other reward has more potential when the work is done.
Libra
Your sign and Aquarius may benefit the most from this Mercury retrograde cycle. Along with Mercury’s backwards two-step through Gemini is the potential for longer lasting aspects which are harmonic for the Scales and Water-bearers. You may have to take a few steps backwards somewhere in your life but this will help you to achieve a better balance eventually. Remember to take greater care while travelling now and allow more time to get there, especially if making connections. As you are the sign of contractual agreement it is best to just negotiate during this cycle and try not to sign any dotted lines until after the 22nd of June. Seeking or sharing higher knowledge can be positively highlighted and you may consider adopting a new philosophy or lifestyle to put into practice what you’ve learned.
Scorpio
Luckily for you the planets Mars (in Cancer) and Neptune (in Pisces) in early June may form a grand trine in your horoscope. This can greatly boost your potential to move in positive new directions. The retro Mercury in Gemini however is asking you to take greater care with your finances. Investments and especially joint finances may need to be reviewed and possibly reworked after the retrograde for your greater benefit. Current economic conditions have made things a bit haywire and you could be challenged to adjust to higher costs, the instability of the economy, or supply and demand. You’re very good at manoeuvring through difficult periods and my vote is with you making great strides in recovery this month despite Mercury retrograde. A holistic approach of caring for mind, body and spirit now would greatly help you.
Sagittarius
Mercury retrograde in Gemini is in your 7th house of relationships. This house axis includes the first house where a recent full moon lunar eclipse also occurred. I believe this Mercury retro cycle is especially important to Archers. You like to care for others but you also have needs that need to be met and the time to speak up is now. Be sure there is mutual understanding when discussing what should be beneficial to both of you to avoid mistakes. Huge changes may have just occurred, or soon will perhaps as a pandemic reaction. Changing societal conditions probably helped you focus on what was most important. Now, the Mercury retro has you go back over a few ideas or plans and make corrections where necessary. Focus more on the people in your present than your past and by July you’re in the swim of things.
Capricorn
With Mercury retrograde now in your solar 6th house of work and health one or both of these areas may be highlighted, and maybe not in a good way. Your sign tends to resist change until forced to do so leading to your complaints about how terrible life is. Yet you may have left matters until they were outworn or nearly destroyed. You can blame Saturn or the past but you are challenged to take the new information these Gemini planets are giving you in the present and integrate the knowledge into your new life in the near future. Yes, even the Sea-Goats need to transform and change over time and once you’ve adjusted you may really like the new you. Stop fighting progress or change because if you sit still and take a good look around, you may see solutions instead of problems. Make minor adjustments during this cycle and you can initiate huge steps forward soon.
Aquarius
This Mercury retrograde in Gemini may be advantageous for you especially once the cycle finishes. Old friends and maybe an EX will show up now but they may bring back old problems. You get a chance to do some things over again and this can be good. Not when the cell phone or another gadget acts up but good in how you respond now. In fact, taking a break from technology may be a better use of this time than heavy involvement with electronics. There is a lot of fake news as we know and constant consumption of real news is just depressing. Sign off for a while and enjoy nature and take a much deserved rest. Staying offline and avoiding e-stores will help your finances. Although you handle bizarre situations well the present conditions may even surprise unshockable Aquarians. Your antidote to stress is fun!
Pisces
Matters of home and family may take centre stage during this cycle of Mercury retrograde. Take care that mutual understanding occurs now as messages can be lost or misunderstood. There may be a planned reno or sudden desire to spruce up the home but watch your budget as overspending is more likely now. Disagreements with others occur if one or both of you are not facing things realistically. Make sure it’s not you as everyone knows you love your mystical world and you like to hide out when life is stressful. Committing to more realistic expectations and dealings with others would be helpful. Still, in spite of the usual Mercury retrograde warnings you may find some dreams can come true. If you’ve been working hard then take a break from that reality and enjoy a little fantasy for awhile.
First Mercury Retrograde of 2021
January 30 to February 20, 2021 – Retrograde in Aquarius
Aries
While retrograde in Aquarius communication difficulties can occur when dealing with people in local government, friends or community associations. Try to avoid miscommunications and frustration by being more prepared when interacting with any group or person. Have all paperwork/data, passwords and codes ready before you contact businesses. If filling out forms or negotiating verbally for any services aim to be extra calm and patient during Mercury retrograde and record calls or make copies instead of being aggressive. The usual rule of thumb is to not sign on the dotted line during Mercury retrograde if you can help it but ongoing negotiation can serve both parties. Take extra care mutual understanding is achieved before going forward. Don’t rush things especially while Jupiter squares Mercury retrograde in the last week of the retrograde Feb 13 to 20!
Taurus
Your sign may have a more difficult time for this first retrograde due to Mars and Uranus being in your sign, planets already stressed by Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius. There is a great possibility of the straw that breaks the Bull’s back during this time so watch you don’t explode. Even your famous patience has been far stretched during a pandemic year that has seriously affected national and personal economies. You especially need to avoid any more stress or conflict now so don’t be shy about making yourself scarce for awhile. Some of you may be so overloaded with work that it may form a bit of escape for you IF too much work isn’t at the heart of the problem! Get more physical exercise now to release some of your stress if you have a desk job and if your work is physically taxing take some down time and rest! Consider meditation and prayer as treatment for acute and chronic frustration.
Gemini
A general rule of thumb during any Mercury retrograde is to take care when travelling and expect potential delays. While retrograde in Aquarius this period that is especially true for you. You tend to leave everything to the last minute enjoying spontaneity but being spontaneous is antithetical to Mercury retrograde. Instead, you need to take extra care when making plans and it’s best to not travel now if you can help it no matter the weather conditions. Follow pandemic travel restrictions for foreign travel in particular. If your vehicle is due for servicing get it done but don’t be surprised if another problem is found. Get it fixed too to ensure your safety, and any other electronics that may need it but it’s best to not buy new electronics during Mercury retrograde. Shop around for anything electronic or travel-related but don’t click BUY NOW until March.
Cancer
Hopefully you took care of financial situations at the end of last year or early January. Mercury retrograde in Aquarius may cost you money. Depending on how these planets are affecting you personally, sometimes while Jupiter and Saturn are also here this is a time you are seeking a loan or making investments for the future. However, right now isn’t the best time while these planets have been squaring Taurus there may be special hurdles to overcome. Likely, complications due to the pandemic economy. If you had previously saved or invested money now is the time it may need to be used. It’s best to live a bit frugally now to be cautious and to wait for major purchases. With investments or joint finances be sure to read the fine print and delay signing financial contracts until March. Avoid “questionable” places, activities and “get rich quick” schemes especially now to avoid being conned.
Leo
Mercury retrograde in Aquarius occurs in your 7th house of relationships where Jupiter and Saturn already are. If their squares to Mars and Uranus have challenged you the last couple months then this cycle is likely to as well. However, by resolving issues brought up by Mercury retrograde here, better communication may result in a reset cycle that may assist business or your closest relationships. Generally, miscommunications rule during Mercury’s backtracking yet in opposition to your Leo sun and other potential Leo planets there is opportunity to build bridges. Remember, conflict can help reset relationships with new boundaries that may lead to stronger bonds. Any relationship issues now need closer attention. It is also possible that one particular relationship comes to an ending as the best resolution. If that’s the case, let it go as Uranus and Mars are urging you to leave the past behind.
Virgo
This new year of 2021 brings a lot of hope but there is still much improvement ahead. You may feel like it’s “two steps back” during a Mercury retrograde and get frustrated but this one in Aquarius can be helpful. If Mars or Uranus in Taurus is in positive aspect to your Virgo planets the retrograde Mercury in Aquarius may help you squeeze through an impasse. You are great at problem-solving so the misunderstandings and breakdowns now once resolved can assist you in moving forward. You may have to get entirely through the cycle into March for this to occur but progress may be made. Your work environment is the area that may endure the most problems and you’ll be challenged to keep it together. Instead of getting angry or upset, why not take a different attitude and view the wrench in the works as kinks that must be worked out and take the time to review protocols and procedures.
Libra
This Mercury retrograde cycle is going to test your ability to maintain balance while enduring changes that involve your love life, kids or friends. Misunderstandings can occur more often during a Mercury retrograde and this one will square Mars in Taurus around the 10th of February creating potential for a serious dispute. There may be disagreement between you and a friend, lover/spouse or with your children that may require some time apart for a bit to give each other better perspective. In quarantine that may be difficult but establishing or renegotiating boundaries will help. You dislike confrontation but sometimes clearing the air is a good thing. If your work involves creative endeavours as it often does for the Scales missed communications can be especially problematic now. The best advice is to step carefully during this cycle and to double-check and triple-check your work for errors.
Scorpio
When Mercury is retrograde in Aquarius this may indicate misunderstandings in the family around the 10th of February. Sometimes the squabbles don’t involve you directly but you are still affected due to your strong family connections. It’s also possible that the usual Aquarius austerity combined with a quarantine is just too much detachment even for a Scorpion. You may be feeling isolated or alone. Fortunately, you are a sign that likes to keep busy so you could challenge yourself with a room or home renovation or be considering a move. Try not to buy or move to a new home during the retrograde but investigating upgrades to your home or a move to a new neighbourhood later is fine. Getting your home ready for sale is okay because a retrograde Mercury cycle is the perfect time to clean out the closet, attic or basement. And maybe you’ll rediscover a hidden treasure.
Sagittarius
This Mercury retrograde cycle may not be as unkind to you as it will for other signs. It will make softer aspects to Sagittarius generally and a preponderance of Aquarius planets mid-month may foretell a lucky break for you. The very challenging Sun-Mars square in the first week of February may kick up the work deadlines some but your energy level is equal to the task. Some people may respond negatively to the stress of Mercury retrograde and try to pick a fight but you prefer to discuss philosophies than argue. If you are pushing your point of view a little too strongly expect to be upbraided for it this month. Misunderstandings are more possible now and even after the retrograde in the last week of February there could still be a fair amount of mess to clean up. A quick skiing trip or other fun outdoor adventure is possible from the 9th to 15th.
Capricorn
Unfortunately Mercury retrograde this month hits you in the house of finances and how you make your money and may indicate increased financial demands. There is a lot going on in government, the stock market and the economy that are all stretched to the limit and some financial news early in the month is not good. You have been tight with your budget already and this is going to be necessary for some time yet. It’s possible you are looking for new financial investments or a new career. Go ahead and investigate these areas but it’s best to not make any moves until mid-March and after for best results. When Mars moves on and conjuncts Pluto from the 19th on there is opportunity for you to establish some new roots or have some other new start that may prove very fruitful in the future. Give it time as you are only planting the seedling right now in February. But nurture your ideas this year and watch them grow.
Aquarius
Mercury retrograde in your sign is pretty unpredictable but provides opportunities for you to take a second or third stab at something to finely tune it and get it right. You get very attached to your ideas and your ideals but now is a time when you are being asked to detach from your old ways of doing things. It’s likely that you can identify some area of life that is not working to your satisfaction. This month, if you tackle it with the goal of expediency, renovation or repair as a solution progress can be made in a long-term but previously unresolved problem. Your new viewpoint on things is taken into account and a Eureka moment may be discovered between the 9th and 15th of the month. Great, sweeping and creative change may be initiated now but don’t expect immediate completion. In fact, it’s best you do more research this month, analyse where you’re at so far and what is yet to be done. Planning is a good thing in February; acting on new plans is not so much.
Pisces
This cycle of Mercury retrograde occurs in your own 12th house of hidden matters. You may be encouraged now to take devious means to accomplish a goal but if you do there is a great possibility you will be found out and humiliated or worse. Try to keep things on the table now as you are easily swayed to take an easy way out if you are anxious, frustrated or in despair. The first three weeks of February are very stressful, especially the first and third weeks. It’s best to avoid disputes and new endeavours during these times but it’s a perfect time for planning or creating a new schedule of activities for later. Just try not to initiate any of them until the retrograde is finished on February 21st or after.
Check back with us at the next retrograde cycle in late September when we will update this article.
