Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

Haven’t we been here before? Didn’t this happen last month? That’s the illusion of Mercury Retrograde. Mercury is the Trixter of the Zodiac. It feels like a de-ja-vu or something you encountered before. It’s when “command central” takes a time out to re-evaluate old thought patterns so you can operate more efficiently.

What is it? When is it?
Approximately three or four times a year for three weeks, Mercury, the ruler of communication, speeds past the earth and appears to be moving in a backward motion. If you’re wondering if it’s happening at any given moment you can go to www.ismercuryinretrograde.com and check. You might want to mark these upcoming dates on your calendar:

  • April 1, 2024 - April 25, 2024

  • August 5, 2024 - August 28, 2024

  • November 25, 2024 - December 15, 2024

What Should I Expect?
During these weeks, life will be more challenging in the realms of speech, technology, and transportation. This includes hiccups involving daily activities, travel plans, and day-to-day affairs. Not only does it impact your clarity of thinking, but others may misunderstand you altogether.

How do I Best Survive this Time?

Rule of thumb: Don't sign anything, make any big decisions, major purchases, trips, or plans. If you do, be prepared that some part of your plans will likely change or get re-worked in some way. 

However, If you've already set something in motion, it’s okay to proceed — just make sure to double-check everything.

The best way to get through this time is to focus on things that start with the letters RE:

  • Research

  • Reflect

  • Re-work

  • Re-think

  • Re-visit

  • Repair 

If you’re like me, you find that Mercury retrograde comes along at the most annoying time, right around when you’re about to make a big decision or book that much-needed vacation.

To be fair, I have done big things during Mercury retrograde that have worked out okay— I just find it’s a lot harder, with unanticipated roadblocks and fuzzy thoughts around the whole situation.

So, if you can wait on making those big life decisions until after Mercury goes direct it will be a lot easier.

By Kristen Bala, Astrologer, Writer and Founder of The Deep End.

Kristen Bala