Mercury retrograde... what's the deal?

And what about Venus retrograde? What's happening in the skies right now?

Have you ever heard anyone say, "Don't do it! It's Mercury retrograde!" or some such thing? Yes, it's a thing. And it's something that has become so deeply embedded into popular culture that every time it happens (about 3-4 times a year), social media gets flooded with memes and cautions about computers glitching, flights being canceled, and communication errors of every sort imaginable. Warnings to not sign contracts or initiate new projects while Mercury is retrograde abound.

To be fair, these things do happen - in fact, they happen all the time! However, it appears as though they occur at a greater frequency during Mercury's retrograde than while he is in direct motion. The warnings are based on lived experiences, of contracts ending up nul and void, travel nightmares and technological glitches of every imaginable kind. To get a better understanding of this phenomenon, let's start with the basics:

What is a Mercury retrograde?

As the planets revolve around the Sun, from our Earthly perspective, we can see them moving, at least the ones that are visible to us: Mercury through Saturn. Because the Earth is also revolving around the Sun, their paths can seem to appear to slow down and stop for a while - this is known as a station. After the station, they appear to move backwards, and this is known as a retrograde, which happens with all of the planets (except

the Sun and Moon). After a certain amount of time, anywhere from a few weeks (for Mercury) to several months (Jupiter, Saturn and the outer planets), the planet stations again and moves direct.

Retrograde periods have symbolic meaning, just like any other astrological event. They can be interpreted as the redirection of the planet's energies that are being focused inwardly instead of towards the exterior, or beyond the Self. Depending on our birth chart placements and the current transits, these retrograde periods may be barely noticed, or they can affect us greatly.

Mercury symbolizes the linear, logical mind, communication, information and data. When Mercury is retrograde, our mental focus moves inwardly, which can take our attention away from the events happening outside of the domain of Self. We can find ourselves easily distracted by an unconscious pull inward, that draws our attention away from our immediate environment. Have you ever been walking or perhaps driving, and after some time you realize that you've arrived at your destination without noticing the trajectory? This is what Mercury retrograde does: it pulls you into your Innerverse.

General Themes of Mercury Retrograde:

• Communication issues. Misunderstandings, arguments and confusion in conversations may be more prevalent.

• Technological glitches. Increased instances of phone malfunctions, computer crashes and other technological problems are often reported,

• Travel delays. Travel plans may come up against unexpected changes or complications.

• Revisiting past events or relationships. This is actually a very good time to re-member anything or anyone with whom there may be some unfinished business, especially when it comes to written contracts or verbal agreements.

I was asked recently, "Should important conversations be avoided during Mercury retrograde?" This was my response: "Not necessarily. If you are able to resonate with the person and feel into their energy without judgement, the conversation should be fine. It gets tricky when we are focused on our own needs more than theirs, because since our vision is turned inward, we can easily mistake our needs for theirs."

Interestingly, Venus is also retrograde at this time! Since Venus is retrograde less often and for a longer period of time than Mercury, the themes that she brings into focus can have a stronger or more lasting effect, especially for those of us with relevant transits (current positions of planets and houses).

General Themes of Venus Retrograde

• Love & Relationships Reassessment – Past relationships may resurface, and current ones may undergo deep reflection or challenges.

• Self-Worth & Inner Values – A time to re-evaluate what truly matters in love, finances, and self-care.

• Financial & Material Review – Not the best time for big luxury purchases, as values and desires may shift post-retrograde.

• Creativity & Aesthetic Preferences Shift – Artistic inspiration may take a turn, or past creative projects may call for attention.

• Healing Old Heart Wounds – Emotional patterns related to love and intimacy may surface for resolution.

• Exes & Old Connections – Past lovers or friends may reappear, offering closure or a second chance.

• Delayed or Confusing Romantic Decisions – Avoid rushing into new commitments, as clarity comes post-retrograde.

• Beauty & Cosmetic Caution – Not the best time for drastic makeovers, as tastes may change afterward.

  
  

What NOT to Do During Venus Retrograde

• Start a new relationship impulsively

• Make major financial investments or big purchases

• Undergo drastic beauty treatments (tattoos, cosmetic surgery, etc.)

• Plan a wedding or engagement

• Ignore relationship issues—unresolved patterns will resurface later

What You SHOULD Do During Venus Retrograde

• Reflect on your relationships and personal values

• Reconnect with past loves or heal emotional wounds

• Refine creative projects and rediscover old passions

• Practice self-love and self-care rituals

• Declutter finances and reassess spending habits

Mercury will station and move direct on April 7th, and Venus will do the same on April 13th. Just remember that there is a period of a week or two before the planets reach their normal speed, where we are wrapping up our involvement with the retrograde period. Think of a train pulling out of the train station, gathering momentum until it reaches its optimum - this period is known as the "shadow".

Are you ready to find out how these retrogrades are affecting your ability to be present to yourself and others? I am offering a special "Retrogrades" reading 20% off, for only $144! Be sure to get yours today!

Many Blessings,

Sarah Songbird