2023 promises to be an interesting year for Mercury’s retrograde periods, of which there are 4:
In astrology, Mercury is the planet that rules the everyday mind, commutes, our siblings and neighbors, communication, logic; the shoulders, lungs, arms, and hands.
Mercury retrograde is an astronomical phenomenon where, due to differences in Mercury’s and the Earth’s orbits, Mercury appears to be moving backwards through the sky relative to the Earth. These retrograde periods are approximately three weeks long. An additional two weeks on either side is considered to be a “Shadow Period,” when Mercury is moving through the degrees of the zodiac that will be visited a total of three times as a result of the retrograde.
Astrologically, Mercury retrograde periods are associated with failures in logic and discernment, poor decision making, miscommunication and failures of the tools of communication (emails, computers, phones, etc), issues with siblings and neighbors, discomfort in the region of the throat chakra (neck and shoulders in particular). It’s not unusual to feel like you’re thinking through mud, can’t say the right word to save your life (my Hatha Yoga teaching during these times is always a good illustration of this!), or drop the same pen 5 times in a row. Over the years, I’ve observed an increase in stiff necks by the third week of a retrograde period as well.
However, retrograde periods are excellent opportunities to see things differently, to slow down and pay extra care to what we’re saying and how. It is wise during retrograde periods to double check your math, re-read important contracts before signing them, and give others the benefit of the doubt if miscommunications occur. Very often, the inconveniences that come with the time are winged messengers to look around and question what’s going on in your head.
In 2023, all but the very tail end of the Mercury retrograde periods are in Earth signs. Earth signs rule concrete, material things, the stuff of daily life that we might tend to overlook for its mundanity. I expect this year will give us all opportunities to think differently about our daily lives and the way we think about them.
The 29 December 2022-17 January 2023 retrograde period in Capricorn may bring lessons to do with your father or fathering, self-discipline, career, reputation, or employer. Possible examples might include accidentally cc’ing your entire company on a private email; miscommunicating with your sibling about your father’s care; making a new year’s resolution and later questioning its wisdom. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn can bring some uncomfortable karmic lessons with longer lasting effects than a Mercury would inspire otherwise. Be sure to slow yourself down as you get back in the saddle at work this new year.
The 4 April-13 May retrograde period in Taurus may bring lessons about money and financial standing, your possessions, and your values. You may make poor financial decisions during this time or realize that a conflict with your neighbor is rooted in a difference in values. You may, conversely, have opportunities to clarify your own values and elucidate them to others. Taurus also rules the throat in astrology, and with Mercury ruling the energy body in that region, take extra care to speak clearly and honestly. In esoteric astrology, our most precious possession is our memory tract; you may find yourself forgetful or filled with surprising memories during this period.
The 8 August-14 September retrograde period in Virgo may have strong energy, as Mercury is the ruling planet of Virgo. Virgo rules the digestive system and general health as an expression of the integration of the nervous system and the body—how nervous energy can make you sick or well. Mind the contents of your thoughts during this time. If you find that they’re dwelling on a particular subject, take it as a sign that there’s emotional energy that needs expression and get physical with it before the energy gets physical with you. Especially anywhere in your life where you give service to others or others give service to you, paid or unpaid. Consider extra service to yourself in authentic boundaries and other forms of self care during this time.
Our final retrograde period of the year, 13-31 December, revisits the themes of Capricorn, with a little Sagittarius thrown in toward the tail end. Sagittarius rules the higher mind, travel, education, religion, and life philosophy. Holiday season travel could get spicy, though Mercury is a small, fast moving planet, and is more likely to cause inconveniences (flight delays or easily resolved cancellations) than outright disaster. Family or religious gatherings could create uncomfortable opportunities for miscommunication, so remember to exercise patience and give the benefit of the doubt.
Please note that making general astrological statements like these is difficult, as good astrological prediction relies on the high degree of specificity provided by comparing events like retrograde periods to individual astrological charts. If you would like more personal detail or are experiencing challenges during any of these retrograde periods, please reach out for an appointment. We will certainly be touching on these themes in class, especially my Hatha Yoga classes. See you there!