MERCURY is in retrograde, meaning it is moving backward in the sky for the second time so far this year, and it may impact your zodiac sign.
Because the planet dictates communication, travel, and technology, all of the signs can experience some chaos during a planetary retrograde.
Mercury’s complete retrograde movement started on May 10 and will continue until June 3.
When it comes to relationships, this movement happens to fall in the signs of Gemini and Taurus, meaning communication with an ex may be likely during this time. But that doesn’t mean you should give in to the temptation.
Astrologers advise against doing several things during this period, including signing any contracts, going on big trips, or entering situations that could cause miscommunication or toxicity — including reaching out to your ex.
“Planetary retrogrades are moments of collective pause and reflection. When Mercury retrograde occurs, we are being asked to slow down and double-check the details,” astrologer Ellen Bowles told the media outlet Well and Good.
Zodiac signs have changed
In 2019, it was revealed that the stars have shifted, so our zodiac signs have changed too.
The constellation named Ophiuchus was not included in the original zodiac.
How horoscopes work
Horoscopes are based on the 12 signs of the zodiac.
Zodiac is the term used to describe the circle of 12 divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the path of the sun.
The 12 divisions share the names we know as our star signs, which are based on our birth month.
Throughout history, the zodiac has been used to predict or echo characteristics of personality.
Dating in the retrograde: Water signs
While taking time for yourself is always a good thing, it’s also a good idea to consider why you suddenly need alone time for Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
If you want to maintain your relationship stable while Mercury is in retrograde, you’ll need to make an extra effort to communicate so your spouse knows where your mind is at, according to Vogue.
You may not readily let others in, but once you do, they become your everything, providing more possibilities for disappointment and heartbreak if your sentiments aren’t reciprocated.
Take advantage of the leisure during the retrograde to cultivate meaningful relationships between opposites.
Dating in the retrograde: Fire signs
Those born under the signs of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius are noted for being outspoken and ambitious in the pursuit of their goals.
However, because the retrograde is throwing communication into disarray, don’t be surprised if your efforts don’t yield the typical results, Vogue advises.
During the weeks when Mercury backpedals in its orbit, it would be simpler to swallow your pride as a fire sign and be the first to confess that you were mistaken in order to avoid falling into the same patterns with your significant other.
All in all, now is the moment to avoid sending out confusing messages that can lead to disappointment.
Dating in the retrograde: Air signs
It might be all too tempting to reignite an old flame from the past when the retrograde throws a wrench in the typical flow of communication for Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.
But it is important to think about whether you’re reaching out because the relationship still has potential or because it seems safe and familiar in the face of uncertainty, Vogue says.
Disagreements are inevitable in any healthy relationship, but if you’ve had a history of sticking in relationships that haven’t worked out, the retrograde might be a good time to reflect on where you see things heading and tell your partner where you stand.
To get through retrograde safely, make sure you spend as much time as possible developing your relationships.
Dating in the retrograde: Earth signs
For Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn signs, the retrograde may be particularly difficult since it might appear like maintaining a relationship is a one-sided effort, per Vogue.
It may be tempting to issue an ultimatum, but the retrograde is an excellent time to take a step back and put yourself first, rather than expecting a partnership to meet all of your emotional requirements.
The need for stability might lead to an endless stream of overthinking and nitpicking, but remember to give yourself some leeway until the planets return to their proper alignment.
And to prevent missing out on anything excellent, make sure you spend time conveying how you feel.
Water signs
Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are all water signs.
Water signs tend to live somewhere in between fantasy and reality.
They feel things very deeply and can make wonderful artists because of their intense outlook on life. They are very reliable and sympathetic.
The trouble with their sensitive side is that water signs can get easily hurt and may take things too personally.
Fire signs
Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are all fire signs.
People born under these zodiacs tend to be impulsive, passionate and spontaneous.
Fire signs are charming and charismatic while also creative and confident. It’s little wonder that these signs are often drawn into the entertainment industry to satisfy their craving for adoration.
Fire signs usually need to be the center of attention and love to be praised. However, they can often have a quick temper.
Air signs
Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are all air signs.
Air signs are great communicators and think with their heads rather than with their hearts.
On the flip side, they can come across as a bit stand-offish and cold.
Earth signs
Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are all earth signs.
Earth signs are grounded, loyal and no stranger to a bit of bling. They tend to enjoy the finer things in life.
Deeply sensual, earth signs can be, however, willful and unadaptable.
The four elements explained
Each of the 12 horoscope signs belongs to one of the four elements – Air, Water, Fire and Earth.
Knowing which element rules your sign can help you understand more about why you do the things you do.
The elements can also provide insight into who you get along with best.
According to Mystic Meg, the astrological elements represent an essential type of energy that acts in each of us.
The star signs explained
There are 12 astrological signs, also known as signs of the zodiac.
In order, they are – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.
Some people believe that the signs of the zodiac reveal a person’s different characteristics and talents.
To determine which star sign you are, you need to find the zodiac that falls on your birthday.
International Astrology Day
Astrologers around the world celebrate their love of the stars on March 20 which is considered the start of the astrological year.
Former president of the International Society of Astrological Research Gisele Terry told Astrology Hub:
“Astrology is truly a global language.
“We are all under the same sky. Sharing both our common and diverse perspectives on how we relate to the stars is the gift of International Astrology Day.”
The Zodiac’s origin
The Zodiac is the term used to describe the circle of 12 divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the path of the sun.
The 12 divisions share the names we know as our star signs.
The term zodiac derives from Latin zōdiacus – meaning “circle of animals”.
Throughout history, the zodiac has been used to predict or echo characteristics of personality.
Other Mercury facts
Here are some other facts about the planet:
- Mercury is named after the Roman god of commerce
- It has the smallest tilt of any planet in the Solar System
- The surface is heavily cratered
- Two spacecraft have visited Mercury: Mariner 10 and Messenger
- The BepiColombo is due to visit Mercury in 2025
- The planet is 70 percent metallic and 30 percent silicate
Mercury’s distance from sun
The average distance between Mercury and the Sun is 36million miles, but it depends on where Mercury is in its orbit.
Mercury has an egg-shaped orbit and can get as close as 29million miles to the Sun.
Its maximum distance away from the solar surface is 43million miles.
In comparison, Earth’s average distance from the Sun is 93million miles.
How many moons Mercury has explained
Planet Mercury actually has no moons.
The only other planet in our Solar System with no moons is Venus.
Earth has one, Mars has two and Saturn could have a staggering 82 moons.
What to avoid during retrograde
Astrologers advise against several things during this period, including:
- Submitting important documents
- Taking trips
- Buying electronic goods or cars
- Renewing your passport or applying for a visa
- Changing your PINs and passwords
- Getting married
As Mercury dictates communication, travel, and technology, things can go a bit awry during a planetary retrograde.
It is advised to double-check everything, keep back-ups of important information or documents, and make sure to be clear in conversations with others.
Mercury dictates communication
Mercury is known as the planet of communication, travel, and technology.
Mercury Retrograde can cause frequent misunderstandings, scheduling problems, and disagreements with friends and family.
Mercury’s retrograde in 2022
In 2022, the planet will be in complete retrograde movements during the following dates:
- January 14 to February 3
- May 10 to June 3
- September 9 to October 2
- December 29 to January 18, 2023
Mercury’s retrograde explained
Mercury completes its orbit around the Sun in about 88 days, while the Earth takes 365 days.
Since Mercury moves faster, it circles past the Earth around three to four times each year.
As the planet nears Earth, it appears to slow down, stop, move backward, stop again, and then move forward.
When Mercury is in retrograde, it appears to move backward in the sky.
