Keywords: conflicts, relationship issues, contract problems, disruption of daily routine

We are currently in the pre-shadow phase of the next Mercury Retrograde. Before you know it, it’s a 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.

Mercury Retrograde 2022 Effects:

Intense for air signs (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini): Last year with the Mercury retrograde periods in your element of air, you received inner promptings to embrace your flexible and changeable nature. Since 2022 will be a bridge between air and earth years, you will experience an intense process of adapting the fluidity of your inner transmutations into practical forms and containers, adapting your personal boundaries as needed. Be ready for deeper layers of your identity to metamorphosize, as Mercury delivers insights previously hidden from your awareness.

Challenging for water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):  Mercury shifting retrograde in each of the three air signs during 2022 will be challenging for you in terms of material that has been previously hidden from your awareness emerging into your consciousness for understanding. This process may feel uncomfortable at times but can ultimately revitalize relational patterns and ways in which you have felt stuck within your relationships. As Mercury will end its retrograde phase in each of the three earth signs during 2022, by the end of the process you will be able to cultivate more authentic boundaries and containers to express yourself through.

For fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): The three periods of Mercury being retrograde in air and earth signs during 2022 can bring about significant changes within your work, aspirations, and community. Be willing to seek guidance and new perspectives from others when needed, letting yourself gather insight through relating rather than keeping everything to yourself. You will have opportunities to form new alliances with those who share your passions and values, gaining clarity for the collaborations most resonant with your purpose. With Mercury ending its retrograde phase in each of the three earth signs, you will also need to slow down and make time for needed rest and restoration to fully integrate the revelations you receive.

For earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo): Last year, with the Mercury retrograde periods in air signs, you were challenged to be more flexible and changeable. Since 2022 will be a bridge between air and earth elemental years for Mercury, you will be able to gain a better sense of the ways in which your own boundaries need to shift in alignment with the dismantling and innovations occurring within societal structures. Be open to ways in which old thought patterns need to change so you may discover new practices that will help you build the skills needed to help bring stability amidst the changes you will be experiencing.

Key Dates for Mercury Retrograde

August 20: Mercury enters retrograde shadow zone (8°55’ Libra – 24°11’ Virgo)

August 27: Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to slow down)

September 9: Mercury stations retrograde at 8°55’ Libra

September 22: Mercury conjunct the sun at 00°14’ Libra (closest to Earth)

September 23: Mercury enters Virgo

October 2: Mercury stations direct at 24°12’ Virgo

October 8: Mercury at maximum elongation (begins to speed up)

October 16: Mercury leaves retrograde shadow zone