It’s that time again. Mercury, the planet of communication, stations retrograde on March 5th. While we are already feeling the effects of the pre-shadow phase {the time just before the retrograde when the energy starts going awry}, we won’t get a full dose of the transit until the 5th. But before we talk about more complicated astrology, our spiritual contributor Shawn of Witchy Wisdoms tells us just what it means when Mercury goes into retrograde.
Mercury Retrograde {symbolized as Mercury Rx} is a time when, from the Earth’s perspective, Mercury looks to be moving in a backward motion. Every planet {except Earth and the Sun, because they serve the purpose of perspective and a point of orbit, respectively} has the ability to do this. When a planet experiences a retrograde motion, the energy that it rules is put on a hiatus, forcing us to slow down, stop, and reflect, rather than move forward.
Because of this, there are a few things you should avoid. Named after the Roman, “fleet-footed messenger” god, Mercury, or Hermes if you prefer Greek mythology, the small, sun-scorched planet rules all of our day to day communications. This is why Mercury Rx can be blamed for tech breakdowns, the arrival of old flames, and misunderstood contracts. That being said, if any of those three things can be put on the backburner until after the transit, they should be. Remember, this is a time for reflection, not impulse.
And now moving on to Mercury in Pisces and what that means.
See More: Pisces Season is Officially Here: What That Means for the Zodiac
Simply put, from the Earth’s perspective, planets seem to sit in certain astrological constellations, meaning that they absorb the energy of said constellation. So, when Astrologers say “It’s Aquarius season,” we simply mean that, from Earth, the Sun looks like it is in the constellation Aquarius. Just as the Sun looks like it is changing positions in the daytime sky, it can also be said that it changes positions in the cosmos. So, accordingly, when Mercury is said to be in Pisces, it means that this little guy is moving through that constellation during its Rx transit.
That means that Mercury {remember, the messenger planet} is going to absorb some Piscean energy while it is retrograde. Pisces energy is very dreamy, ethereal, psychic, and deep. Since we’re in Pisces season as well, this energy is going to be amplified, especially in the way that we communicate. Expect conversations to have a thick fog, so if you need to get to the bottom of something, wait for the Rx season to be over.
In terms of which sun signs this will affect the most, we can almost always guarantee Virgo and Gemini will have it the roughest. Because they are both ruled by Mercury, whenever it is in retrograde periods, these signs can feel a little stunted. If you are a Virgo or Gemini, take this time to reflect on what you want out of your communications, rather than impulsively speaking.
Read More: The Astrological Houses: What They Are + How They Affect You
Further, since this Rx period is in Pisces, fellow water signs will also be greatly affected. Scorpios, Pisces, and Cancers will have a harder time communicating than others, but no worries. If you’re a water baby yourself, take this time to feel {a language you’re naturally fluent in} rather than talking it out. Finally, wherever you have Pisces or Mercury in your Natal chart will also be affected, so use this next month to really sit with your goals.
Life can’t be put on hold due to astrology, but if you can avoid big conversational topics, I’d suggest it. Make sure your computers and phones are all backed up, but most importantly, don’t sign a contract or hook up with an ex.
Have any tips to survive Mercury going into retrograde? Let us know in the comments!
