Worried about this inevitable event? A bit of knowledge on the Mercury retrograde 2021 will surely ease the nagging uneasiness in your mind. Since knowledge is indeed power, elucidating your mind on this upcoming astrological twist will surely guard you against unwanted and unnecessary troubles.
With that, come join us, and let’s unravel the mystery of this infamous astrology buzz word!
What is Mercury Retrograde, anyway?
For those of you who aren’t familiar with this notorious event, Mercury retrograde pertains to the reversal of Mercury in its planetary movement. Appearing to move backwards, such reversal affects Zodiac signs and their particular houses. Implicating sudden change, this astrological event is something that both beginners and advanced practitioners watch out for.
Take note though, since this movement is only in appearance. Planets don’t really move backwards, but may appear to do so depending on which point of view you’re coming from. Particularly from the point of view of Earth, Mercury will appear to move backwards on specific dates. Even then, Mercury retrograde effects are present and will manifest as it moves along.
What to expect during Mercury Retrograde:
Conflict and Confusion.
During the Mercury retrograde 2021, expect that things will get nasty. The Mercury retrograde effects are so trivial and devastating that those who are aware of it will probably not leave their homes during its duration. After all, the universe is practically going against your way, so trying out new things is generally a no-no for the said dates. But why so?
Since the planetary movements do affect the trajectory of our lives, taking into account Mercury’s backward motion is crucial in preventing unnecessary troubles. Generally, this motion affects the areas of life that are directly linked to Mercury: communication and intellect.
When these aspects of our existence are entering a disruption, it is likely for miscommunications and mishaps to unexpectedly happen. For instance, a single reaction to your friend’s Facebook post can cause a lifetime of conflict, thanks to Mercury retrograde 2021. In the same way, appearing uneventfully at a party can cause confusion, prompting possible conflict even between the closest of friends.
Add to that, Mercury retrograde is also laced next mercury retrograde with misfortune. Your iPhone, which has been fine for the last 2 or 3 years, will suddenly have green lines in it. Similarly, your driving prowess can even be challenged by improbable collisions along the road. Heck, Mercury retrograde 2021 can even cause you to lose money in some investment scheme, vanishing your stimulus paycheck in an instant!
As such, Mercury retrograde is the time to be prudent. This is the time to divert your focus on reflection and self-introspection. Instead of going out there and taking unnecessary risks, staying at home, and evaluating your life is probably a better course of action. In fact, it is the best time to think about how you’ve been expressing your thoughts and ideas, prompting you to be mindful as you move forward.
When is the next Mercury Retrograde, then?
For 2021, Mercury is going retrograde on Aquarius, particularly from January 30th to February 30th. Generally, this backward motion lasts for 3 weeks, so you should mark your calendar for these particular dates. Here’s a quick schedule of its movement for the said dates:
- January 15: Mercury enters the retrograde zone
- January 30: Mercury begins the retrograde
- February 20: Mercury reverts back to prograde (direct motion)
- February 30: Mercury leaves the retrograde zone
Other specific dates following a similar pattern (next Mercury retrograde):
- May 29 to June 22
- September 27 to October 23
And for the purposes of this article, we’ll center on the first Mercury retrograde for 2021. So as you read through, remember that the interpretations below apply to the above mentioned set of dates.
How Mercury Retrograde affects each sign in 2021
Here are some of the Mercury retrograde 2021 effects and how it manifests on each Zodiac sign:
Aries
Affected Houses
- 3rd Housed
- 6th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 11th House
Distorting the 3rd house of communication, Mercury retrograde 2021 will cause unprecedented conflict. Particularly between you and your siblings, this backward movement will bring forth miscommunication and misunderstanding. Be careful, especially when you’re dealing with land disputes. This is not the time to do so. Be prudent, and try to delay such talks as irreversible damage may happen before you know it.
Also, a little mindfulness on your diet and health will go a long way for you. Since the retrograde will affect your 6th house of health and wellness, being prepared couldn’t be stressed enough. Avoid sleeping late and consuming food with high amounts of preservatives. Reflect on your health practices, as doing so can turn this retrograde into something that can positively transform your life.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 11th house of friendships and organizations. This signals an opportune time to re-assess and evaluate your current network, as failure to cut-off those rotten friends will do more harm than good. Expect as well that there will be miscommunications along the way. While you may not fully prevent it, being aware of its increased probability will make you ready.
Taurus
Affected Houses
- 2nd House
- 5th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 10th House
The 2nd house is all about money. As the pot that stores your fortune, be mindful of your finances since the Mercury retrograde 2021 may bring a sudden downfall. Pull yourself away from unnecessary spending and rash investments. Remember that money saved is also money gained.
Furthermore, make sure to pay attention to your 5th house. Now is a good time to re-examine your passions and your relationships with your children. Perhaps, you’ve been pouring a little bit too much on your hobbies and neglecting the emotional needs of your kids. Or, maybe your kids are going through a tough time, and this retrograde will elucidate their problems.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 10th house of career and public life. Be careful, and make sure to guard your own turf. A small mistake is bound to occur, but its effects might be drastic. Thus, when you enjoy some time with co-workers, make sure to establish moral limits. Similarly, pay attention to the way you talk to your boss, as this is a bad time to commit mistakes on that end.
Gemini
Affected Houses
- 1st House
- 4th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 9th House
While it is common for Gemini to have those identity struggles, the Mercury retrograde amplifies such doubts and anxieties. Expect that you’ll be having those inner bouts of questioning your self-worth and purpose. While it is good to welcome such doubts, make sure that you are resilient enough to handle them.
Similarly, issues will arise within your own abode. As the Mercury retrograde affects your familial relationships, conflict will inevitably happen. Make sure that you are prepared for this transitory period, as it is also an opportunity to strengthen ties with the ones you share your household with.
Lastly, Mercury will transit on your 9th house of long-distance travel. While our situation most likely prohibits you from doing so, your spontaneity might push you to just book a flight to nowhere. We suggest that if you haven’t booked one yet, don’t do it. You might run into troubles like losing your luggage or encounter some sort of hotel mishap.
Cancer
Affected Houses
- 3rd House
- 12th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 8th House
Distorting the 3rd house of communication, Mercury retrograde 2021 will cause misunderstandings. Pay attention to how you deliver your messages to your friends and siblings since there’s a good chance that it might rub in the wrong way. Be prudent, since less words can also mean less mistakes.
More importantly, this retrograde affects your 12th house of spirituality and secrets. As a water sign, you share an intuitively strong connection with your higher self. But with this retrograde at hand, don’t be surprised if you feel disconnected to that higher self within. Instead, focus on restoring the connection by doing meditation and perhaps, chakra healing. Healing stones will also help!
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 8th house of related finances. While not your own, this might pertain to the finances of your parents, siblings, or spouse. Their financial decisions may impact you, one way or another. If they owe you money, don’t expect that they’ll be able to pay it. Just let it be for now, since it’s not a good time to press the issue.
Leo
Affected Houses
- 2nd House
- 11th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 7th House
Since the 2nd house hosts your personal finances, there’s a good chance that overspending is right around the corner. And as a royalty yourself, you might indulge a bit too much if you’re not careful. This can cause an imbalance and might leave you in debt before you even know it. Be prudent, stay at home, and avoid online shopping.
Also, a little mindfulness on how you communicate your ideas will go a long way for you. Since the 11th house of friendships and organizations are also affected, paying attention to your current ties will do good for you. Avoid tricky and sketchy getaways, as this might cause irreversible conflict between you and your peers.
Lastly, Mercury will transit on your 7th house of partnerships. If you have a significant other, expect that unresolved issues will inevitably pop up. Digging the pains of the past, your partner will bring up those supposedly resolved conflicts. Be patient, and understand that this too shall pass.
Virgo
Affected Houses
- 1st House
- 10th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 6th House
Distorting the 1st house of self-identity, this retrograde will surface your inner doubts. You probably have been clinging to some unresolved issues and now is a good time to look at yourself in the mirror. It will be a bumpy road, but conquering such anxieties will reinforce the unity between who you are and who you want to be.
Also, avoid making rash decisions on your career and public life. As the retrograde will affect your 10th house, quitting your current job for some other job offer might not be worth it at this moment. Instead, try to be prudent and protect what you already have. While pursuing greener pastures is good, there’s no telling if it will end up as a dried wasteland.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 6th house of health and service. Signaling an opportunity for reflection, try to assess your current health practices. Start with what you eat. Go to your fridge and probably take out most of the things that don’t rot. While retrogrades aren’t really a good time for change, improving your diet will always be an exception.
Libra
Affected Houses
- 9th House
- 12th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 5th House
The Mercury retrograde 2021 will cause problems on your 9th house of foreign affairs and long journeys. Obviously, this is not a good time to plan a trip abroad, as you may run into unusual problems. Without you knowing it, this disastrous time might make you lose your luggage. Or perhaps, you might even miss your plane ticket due to some monstrous traffic going to the airport.
Add to that, this retrograde will also cause some introspection. As the 12th house of the subconscious is affected, some inferiority issues might be brought up. Face them forward, as these shadows from within will help you establish a stronger sense of self. Otherwise, letting these inner shadows be can lead to more bouts of self-doubt.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 5th house of recreation and children. Literally, avoid any forms of gambling. This retrograde might help develop possibly unproductive and addictive hobbies of Blackjack and slots. Instead, focus on your children, as they’re likely to be dealing with an issue of some sort. Try to be patient, though, cause they’ll likely fool around.
Scorpio
Affected Houses
- 8th House
- 11th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 4th House
Distorting the 8th house of other’s finances, the Mercury retrograde can pull you into someone’s financial trouble. While you’ve been cautious in managing your money, an unfrugal in-law or spouse might have squandered a little too much. This will prompt you to dole out, but don’t overdo it. You might be promoting parasitic habits before you know it.
Pay attention to your peers. As the retrograde affects the 11th house of friendships and organizations, misunderstandings may happen for no valid reason. Be careful and prudent when dealing with your peers, as this time is prone to unnecessary conflict. Keep in mind this awareness, and you’ll probably avoid pushing someone off the boat.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 4th house of home and family life. For now, avoid some drastic changes such as a major renovation. Avoid moving out or changing abodes, as these sudden shifts may not sit well with Mercury’s mood. Just let these 3 weeks pass before you start ripping off those old wallpapers.
Sagittarius
Affected Houses
- 7th House
- 10th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 3rd House
Distorting the 7th house of partnerships, Mercury retrograde will cause misunderstandings between you and your significant other. Since Mercury relates to communication, try to be more mindful of how you communicate with them. Exercising a bit more carefulness will save you from unnecessary conflict.
Similarly, minding your words when communicating with your boss or your co-workers does the trick. Given how Mercury retrograde also affects your 10th house of career and public domain, careless gestures in the workplace can cause strife. Thus, pay attention to how you speak, especially your tone of voice.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 3rd house of communication and siblings. Expect some disconnection to the world such as having issues with your phone signal or your car randomly breaking down. Mind your siblings as well, since disconnection towards them is on its way.
Capricorn
Affected Houses
- 6th House
- 9th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 11th House
Affecting the 6th house of health and service, this Mercury retrograde will challenge any legal matters at hand. On top of that, it will probably cause some anxiety from within, so make sure to keep your health well-monitored. As the most vigilant sign, now is the perfect time to set yourself apart from others.
And speaking of distancing, avoid going on long journeys as well. Since this is the time of mishaps, being prudent, and staying at home is the best option for you. Given how the retrograde affects your 9th house of long journeys, opting for that new Netflix series will do you good.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 2nd house of personal finances. The rainy days are coming, so make sure to keep your funds in-tact. Avoid unnecessary purchases (and even upgrades of your phones, hobbies, etc.,) since there’s no telling what will happen within these 3 weeks of Mercury retrograde.
Aquarius
Affected Houses
- 5th House
- 8th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 1st House
The 5th house of recreation and children will be plagued with issues during this Mercury retrograde. New unhealthy hobbies like gambling or smoking may emerge, and you mustn’t allow yourself to be caught by them. If you have children, this period may become a hard time but just bear with it.
Apart from that, irresponsible in-laws may start seeking financial help. As the 8th house of others’ finances is afflicted by the retrograde, prepare to deal with swarming issues on borrowing money. If you decide to lend some of it, make sure to expect that they won’t pay on time. This will save you from a lot of disappointment.
Interestingly, Mercury will transit on your 1st house of self-identity. Being a transformative sign, this challenges your ability to reinvent yourself. Identify some old habits that you want to do away with, and this retrograde will help you get rid of them. Make sure to face these shadows of yourself head-on, as they will make you realize what needs to be done.
Pisces
Affected Houses
- 4th House
- 7th House
Mercury transiting on:
- 11th House
Distorting the 4th house of home and domestic life, this Mercury retrograde 2021 will highlight some issues within your abode. Particularly between you and your family members, this backward movement will bring forth miscommunication and misunderstanding. Unresolved issues like sibling jealousy or your spouse’s insecurities will inevitably emerge. Thus, try to remain calm and collected, as most of these are just caused by the craziness of this whole retrograde.
Also, issues with how you relate to your significant other may suddenly emerge. As this retrograde affects the 7th house, the way you communicate with them can be compromised. Thus, even small non-verbal cues can cause a lot of misunderstanding. Though you love to do things intuitively, make sure to express your thoughts verbally in a clear and concise manner.
Finally, Mercury will transit on your 12th house of subconsciousness and secrets. And although you are the most spiritual sign out there, some past scars may emerge and get out of hand. Add to that, guard yourself from unwelcome visitors, as people with ulterior motives may unwittingly knock on your doorstep.
Final Word
While the Mercury retrograde 2021 can cause a plethora of problems to your life, make sure to remain calm and collected. During these trying times, your ability to dodge conflict and confusion will serve you best. Although you can’t control the stars and the paths that the universe has laid out, you can at least restrain yourself from doing the undesirable.
And remember, the key in dealing with the retrograde is prudence. By temporarily limiting your actions on the above mentioned aspects of your life, it is likelier for you to breeze through these 3 weeks of mishaps. Just don’t cross the line, and surely you’ll be fine!