Whether you're a crystal-charging, horoscope-reading astrology queen, or you barely remember your own star sign, we're sure the term 'Mercury retrograde' will send a shiver down your spine.
The dreaded three-week period, that can strike up to four times a year, is typically associated with communication problems, cancelled plans, and technology going rogue.
The third of four Mercury retrogrades this year will start on 9 September and last until 2 October. So before that comes around, here's what you need to know.
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What is Mercury Retrograde?
The cosmic event of Mercury going into retrograde is pretty common. At one point or another during the year, all of the planets in our solar system go into retrograde, but Mercury happens to be the most frequent – which is why we talk about it so much.
All it means is that Mercury is suddenly overtaking Earth in its orbit around the sun. During that time, it appears to be moving backwards, hence the title.
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What does Mercury Retrograde affect?
According to the laws of astrology, Mercury is associated with communication, intellect, technology, transport, and routine.
When it goes into retrograde, all these sections of our lives can feel like they've gone rogue. That could be anything from relationship difficulties to traffic jams to phone malfunctions. The effects could be minor, like a butt-dial, or major, like a break-up.
Because Mercury rules across such a wide range of areas in our lives, it's pretty easy to blame even the most minor inconvenience on the retrograde.
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How will the September retrograde affect me?
Broadly speaking, a lot of the disruption in this September retrograde will affect intellect and communication, some star signs will be hit harder than others.
While Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Capricorn don't have too much to worry about, Aries, Gemini, Cancer, and Pisces might need to prepare a little bit more.
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If you're an Aries, you might find that this retrograde will affect your typical charm. Hot takes and sharp wit might accidentally come across as offensive or rude. So be careful to think before you speak!
Geminis could struggle with stability for the first half of the retrograde. Worries could cloud your thought process this month and whatever progress you've been making recently could slow down to a halt. Use this time to structure your plans. Don't worry, though, you'll be back to your old self in no time.
Cancers might have a little more on their plates to worry about this retrograde. Be prepared for technology to misbehave, minor family difficulties, and plans to fall through. If you identify with the classic Cancer trait of being heavily organised and prepared for anything, you might want to hone in on this for the next three weeks.
As for the emotional Pisces among us, a period of communication issues could be just the ticket to bring on the waterworks. Watch out for text messages sent to the wrong person, difficulty communicating your thoughts and feelings, and overthinking. Whatever happens, the key is to remind yourself that it's not the end of the world.
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Mercury retrograde positives
Mercury being retrograde isn't always a bad thing. In fact, if you know your stuff, you can use it to your advantage.
While miscommunication will run rampant this month, it's actually the perfect time to reflect, review, and reevaluate.
Slow down, take a break from the screens, and focus on yourself. Think about the recent situations, relationships, and opportunities that have cropped up in your life, and how you'd like to move forward with them.
Then, when the retrograde passes on 2 October, you'll be raring to go again.
Ali Condon