Here's What Mercury Retrograde Means, and Why It Causes Such Chaos

Blame it on the retrograde. 

It's normal for life to spiral out of control from time to time. After all, there's countless factors that can have a major impact on our daily routines. But in saying that, have you recently been experiencing the overwhelming sense that things simply aren't going to go your way?

Well, it could be because the first Mercury retrograde of 2020 is upon us. 

Okay, but what is Mercury retrograde? 

Retrograde, which means "backward step" in Latin, is when a planet appears to go backward in its orbit, as viewed from Earth. Basically, it's an optical illusion. 

It occurs when Mercury is orbiting at its furthest point away from the sun, when the planet's orbit slows down and Earth continues to move at the same speed. Because Mercury is moving slower than usual, it makes it look like it's moving backward. 

The phenomenon occurs a few times a year. In 2020, the Mercury retrograde dates are 16 February to 9 March, 18 June to 12 July and 13 October to 13 November. 

That means we're in the midst of one right now, and you might want to mark down the dates of the others. 

Okay, so why do people dread it?

Considering Mercury is known by astrologers as the planet that rules expression and communication, experts believe that during Mercury retrograde, technology and communication could get disrupted.

That means you could experience fights with friends, misunderstandings, flights being delayed, emails getting lost or essentially any other type of misfortune. 

Plus, you might find yourself feeling more stressed or anxious than usual as well. 

How good!

How can I stay calm during Mercury retrograde?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can deal with the chaotic energy Mercury retrograde brings.

Incorporating just a few minutes of meditation into your daily routine can make a massive difference. Not only will it give you time to reflect, but it'll help you switch off from any external stressors. 

It's also important to make sure you take care of yourself. Try making a soothing cup of chamomile tea, or running a bath to help you unwind. 

Sure, but does it actually affect us?

Mercury retrograde is undoubtedly a real thing. However, you shouldn't feel like it'll stop you from accomplishing your goals, or that your current relationships will completely fall apart. In fact, we should all use it as a helpful reminder to ensure we're on top of things in our life.

No one is ever super prepared for things to go wrong, but Mercury retrograde is a subtle reminder to consider alternatives, and to establish a new routine.

Another option: tell somebody to wake you up when it ends on 9 March.

Header Image: FOX