Mercury Retrogrades 2022
In 2022, the New Year starts off with a bang and with a Mercury retrograde! We’ll be no stranger to retrograde energy as we finish off 2021 with a Venus retrograde and begin the year with that energy continuing. But buckle up for a double dose as Mercury—our beloved planet of communication, information, commerce, and travel—hits the rewind button and stations retrograde in January, too.
This year’s retrogrades arrive with a special treat: Each retrograde will travel through two zodiac signs, lending a combination of archetypal energies for us to sort through. In 2022, Mercury retrograde will occur in Aquarius and Capricorn, Gemini and Taurus, and end with Libra and Virgo.
What can you expect from these upcoming Mercury retrogrades? Communication blunders, misunderstandings, missed calendar dates, and possibly exes showing up out of seemingly nowhere are surely potential contenders. It’s important to remember that although Mercury retrograde can bring about some awkward encounters, it’s also here to provide fertile ground for re-evaluation. It’s the process of slowing down and reviewing that will provide us with the ability to reintegrate needed lessons and transform specific aspects of our lives.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your 2022 calendar and jot down these upcoming Mercury retrograde dates!
January 14 – February 4
Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius & Capricorn
Keywords: avant-garde ideas, technology issues, logically minded, future-oriented
When Mercury travels through the zodiac sign of Aquarius, it’s operating from an innovative place that desires a better future for all. Aquarius is the humanitarian in the zodiac, and ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, which incites forward-thinking structures that serve the betterment of humanity. Mercury’s backspin through this sign might have us rethinking some of these structures and their sustainability. Are the systems and structures we have in place actually beneficial for all? Can they last the test of time?
Aquarius’ Uranian influence craves sudden change and even a dose of rebellion. On a personal level, you might find yourself itching to radically shift or change a certain area of your life. Locate where Aquarius is in your birth chart for clues on the themes that could come up for you during this time. This retrograde launches with a heavy, erratic energy on January 14 because Mercury will be forming a square with Uranus in Taurus the day it stations retrograde. Uranus is the planet of change, shock, and liberation. We might experience a sudden and radical mind shift or have unexpected mental breakthroughs.
On January 27, the vibe shifts: Mercury re-enters Capricorn, as it’s traveling backward through the zodiac. Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn and brings a much more somber and serious tone with it. Capricorn looks to legacy, the past structures and systems put in place by our elders, our ambition, and our long-term goals. Even though it’s a new year, and we have new goals, we might have to slow down before charging full speed ahead on some of our desires. This is a period for revision.
The energy will intensify on January 30 when Mercury retrograde in Capricorn meets with Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto is the planet of death, intensity, transformation, pain, and rebirth. With Mercury retracing Venus retrograde in Capricorn’s steps, we’re likely to have themes from the tail end of December 2021 resurface. Pluto’s influence can cause us to have obsessive thinking, repetitive thoughts, jealousy, power struggles, or even manipulation come up. It’s a serious time to do a deep dive on what you’ve been hiding beneath the surface. This specific transit can also speak to releasing or admitting secrets. It’s time to confront and speak up about what’s been on your mind.
May 10 – June 3
Mercury Retrograde in Gemini & Taurus
Keywords: communication snafus, travel issues, delays in money matters, revision of values
Our mid-year Mercury retrograde begins in the zodiac sign of Gemini. Mercury is at home when in Gemini, as it’s Gemini’s natural ruling planet in astrology. This means, in general and retrograde aside, Mercury typically performs at its peak potential when moving through this sign. It’s better able to assert Mercurial functions like communicating, writing, listening, teaching, and learning. Let’s not get too excited here because, although it enjoys its position in Gemini, it still will be retrograde.
Mercury retrograde in Gemini can speak to increased communication mishaps, increased gossip (look both ways before talking s*** about a co-worker), and even issues related to travel. Issues with your car or transportation are incredibly common during this period. It’s important to build in a little extra time into all of your travel plans: arrive at airports early, account for possible delays in public transportation, and even consider the possibility of minor traffic incidents or car accidents. Drive slowly and safely!
On May 24, the energy shifts drastically as Mercury re-enters the sign of Taurus. As a fixed sign, Taurus’ energy is slower moving, stubborn, and steady. Taurus craves predictability and stability, two things that Mercury retrograde periods are not known for. Mercury retrograde in Taurus can have us reviewing some of our stubborn beliefs and even cause delays related to our finances. Budget accordingly during this time. A few days later on May 26, Mercury retrograde in Taurus will form a soft trine with Pluto in Capricorn. This planetary contact offers a deep integration and healing of whatever mental gymnastics we’ve been processing through this retrograde phase. Pluto’s intensity here is met with a supportive planetary conversation and can bring a profound shift in our values or viewpoint.
September 10 – October 2
Mercury Retrograde in Libra & Virgo
Keywords: conflicts, relationship issues, contract problems, disruption of daily routine
And before you know it, it’s our Mercury retrograde grand finale in the sign of Libra. As an air sign, Libra is naturally attuned to the art of communication and diplomacy. It’s a sign that’s known for keeping the peace and, even at times, putting its needs on the back burner in order to maintain harmony. Mercury retrograde in this zodiac sign brings a counter effect—disruption and discord in our closest partnerships (friends, family, lovers, or co-workers) are more likely to appear during this time. Sure, it doesn’t sound like a rosy and lovely experience, but this period of reflection allows us to rebalance some of our core relationships by addressing issues we’ve been avoiding.
On September 19, Mercury retrograde in Libra will form an opposition with very, very extra Jupiter in Aries. Jupiter is the planet of excess, abundance, growth, and opportunity. When Mercury sits opposite Jupiter in the sky, our ideas, thoughts, and opinions become grander, and we have a more acute desire to express them. In the sign of Aries, Jupiter takes on a warrior’s perspective. We are fighting for our beliefs and will do so at all costs. This can be a slightly combative energy, and it might be hard to keep your feelings to yourself. Whatever comes up will need to be sorted out to recalibrate and move forward.
On September 24, Mercury retrograde re-enters the zodiac sign of Virgo. Mercury is also the natural ruling planet of Virgo, meaning typically Mercury performs at its best in this sign, similar to Gemini. Virgo’s need for order and perfectionism can incite a bit of anxiety. We could find ourselves overthinking easily and leaning into anxious tendencies. Our daily routine might be disrupted and an adjustment will be needed moving forward.
On September 27, Mercury retrograde in Virgo will form a supportive trine with Pluto in Capricorn. This energy speaks of mental integration. We are recognizing our shadow behaviors and patterns and considering alternative ways to operate. This is a profound aspect for shifting our behavior, releasing what no longer serves us, and moving into healthier thought patterns.