Although Mercury retrograde is a genuine astronomical event, it is often associated with negative connotations due to astrological beliefs. During a retrograde period of the planet Mercury, those who follow astrology believe that communication, technology and agreements become challenging. Regardless of personal beliefs regarding astrology, it is increasingly common to find discussions about What does Mercury retrograde mean? and their perceived impact on daily life. In addition, we can explore more about the curiosities of Mercury to understand its nature.
In this article we are going to explain to you what Mercury retrograde means, its characteristics and much more.
What is it really?
Mercury retrograde is a phenomenon that occurs when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit around the sun. During this time, communication, technology, and travel may be disrupted or experience difficulties. It is a widely discussed topic in astrology and is believed to affect people differently depending on their astrological sign.
Mercury retrogrades about three or four times every twelve months. Currently we have experienced one of these events recently. This is because, according to astronomical calculations, The phenomenon was active from August 23 to September 14. For more details on upcoming dates and their influence, check out our article on Mercury retrograde 2025.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Mercury retrograde appears to be a change in the planet's motion when viewed from a scientific point of view. However, it is not a genuine change since the planet does not physically move back in its orbit. Instead, this illusion occurs due to the relative positions of the Earth and the planet and how they rotate around the Sun. In a heliocentric model, retrograde motion is explained as a result of One planet moves faster and overtakes another planet that moves slower than the first. This leads us to a better understanding of the heliocentric theory which explains this phenomenon.
The phenomenon known as retrograde motion is a visual deception resulting from the unique speeds of each planet in our solar system.
What does mercury retrograde mean?
The term "Mercury retrograde" is commonly used in astrology, but its meaning can be somewhat elusive. Essentially, this refers to a period of time when the planet Mercury appears to be receding in its orbit from our perspective from Earth. This phenomenon occurs three to four times a year and often associated with disruptions in communications, technology, and travel. Some believe that during Mercury retrograde, it is best to avoid making important decisions or signing contracts as things may not go as planned.
In the XNUMXth century BC. C., astronomers from Babylon could have been the first to record the phenomenon of Mercury appearing to move in reverse. These early residents of Mesopotamia tracked celestial events, although it is unclear whether they attributed any particular significance to this apparent alteration in the motion of the planet closest to the Sun.
While the concept of Mercury retrograde has significant importance in astrology, it has little or no relevance to scientists. The only noticeable effect of this phenomenon is the visual perception it creates for those who observe it. For a deeper analysis on this, you can read about the relationship between astronomy and astrology which clarifies many related concepts.
What is the method to observe this phenomenon?
Mercury retrograde occurs several times in a single year on Earth, and the next occurrence will take place from December 13 to January 1, 2024. For those interested in knowing more about the planet Mercury and its orbit, this is an interesting time.
For observation purposes, the observer must use the clear night sky as a reference point, identifying the stars and constellations it contains. Once the planet Mercury is located in relation to these celestial points, the observer must track its position each night. So it's evident that Mercury appears to gradually slow down as it traverses the sky, eventually reversing direction before continuing on.
How it affects astrology
Susan Miller, a renowned astrologer and founder of the popular website and app Astrology Zone, says: "Mercury retrograde is the only event that is felt universally." 'However, those born under Virgo and Gemini experience it more intensely as they are ruled by this planet. When Mercury retrogrades, there is a change in circumstances, but The direction of this change remains uncertain. During this period, the world is in a state of flux, giving rise to the chaos typically associated with this phenomenon.'
Although astronomy and astrology share a common origin dating back to the practices of our earliest ancestors, they have since become distinct fields. Nowadays, Astronomy focuses on studying the universe beyond our planet, while astrology is concerned with understanding and interpreting how the behaviors of the planets beyond Earth impact us.
Dr. Aderin-Pocock explains that many cultures observed the movement of celestial bodies in the night sky in the past. As the Earth rotates, objects appear to move from west to east, but some appear to move from east to west, as if moving backwards. These objects were known as “wandering stars,” celestial bodies that moved differently than others. However, it was eventually discovered that these objects were actually planets in the solar system orbiting the Sun.
When it comes to Mercury retrograde, there are certain actions that are best avoided. Whether as a matter of superstition or practicality, it is widely recognized that certain behaviors should be refrained from during this astrological period.
- It's advisable refrain from buying a computer, a car or a phone while Mercury is retrograde.
- It is advisable to refrain from signing contracts hastily. If you do, there's a good chance you've overlooked a crucial detail, which would lead to the need to renegotiate later.
- It is recommended to refrain from scheduling a first date on certain days, as communication may be affected, leading to the possibility of choosing an unsuitable partner.
According to Aderin-Pocock, there is some skepticism regarding the connection between Mercury's apparent retrograde motion and its influence on human behavior. He notes that many theories have been proposed to try to explain this phenomenon. Some suggest the explanation is Mercury's gravitational pull on the water inside our bodies, but Scientific evidence indicates that passing a car that is just a few meters away can exert a gravitational force stronger than Mercury, despite the planet's significantly greater mass and distance of 77 million kilometers.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what Mercury retrograde means and its characteristics.
