Mercury Retrograde: What It Actually Means

Mercury retrograde happens three to four times per year, lasting about three weeks each time. During this period, Mercury appears to move backward in the sky — though this is an optical illusion caused by the relative speeds of Earth and Mercury orbiting the Sun.

Astrologers associate Mercury with communication, technology, travel, and contracts. When it retrogrades, these areas can feel scrambled, delayed, or revisited.

Practical advice: back up your devices, double-check travel plans, avoid signing major contracts if possible, and don't start new projects — but do review, revise, and reconnect with the past.