If you're familiar with Mercury, it's likely because of those dreaded retrogrades!

But there's so much more to this planet than meets the eye. In Greek mythology, Mercury was considered the swift-footed messenger of the gods, bringing divine messages from above. As such, this planet controls all manner of communication and expression, determining how we process information and get our points across. Mercury is also responsible for logic and reason, dictating how we solve problems.

So when Mercury turns retrograde, naturally, we tend to see communication going haywire. This is why it's generally advised not to sign business deals, buy new technology, or make any life-altering decisions during a Mercury retrograde period.

In general, depending on which sign Mercury is in, ideas and communication within all types of relationships can differ dramatically. Thus, understanding how Mercury behaves in each sign can be an essential tool in making yourself heard, connecting with others, and getting your work done. (For all these guidelines, remember Mercury retrograde will have a significant destabilizing effect, so tread lightly during those times).

Meaning of the Symbol of Mercury

Mercury's glyph consists of the crescent above the circle above the cross, indicating how we use material tools (cross) to activate a spiritual connection (circle) that touches the soul (crescent). This is achieved through the transference of ideas, utilizing mediums like speech and writing. Mercury transmits messages, and the soul crescent here resembles broadcast antennae. Its glyph is a minimalist depiction of the Caduceus of Hermes, a staff with wings entwined by two snakes, a symbol of medicine, trade, and correspondence since the rise of Mesopotamian civilization.

Mercury Retrograde Calendar Dates

2019

Mar 6 - Mar 28

Jul 7 - Aug 1

Oct 31 - Nov 20

2020

Feb 16 - Mar 9

May 17 - Jun 11

Oct 13 - Nov 2

2021

Jan 30 - Feb 20

May 29 - Jun 22

Sep 26 - Oct 18

2022

Jan 14 - Feb 3

May 10 - Jun 3

Sep 9 - Oct 2

Dec 29 - Dec 31

2023

Jan 1 - Jan 18

Apr 21 - May 14

Aug 23 - Sep 15

Dec 12 - Dec 31

2024

Jan 1 - Jan 2

Apr 1 - Apr 25

Aug 4 - Aug 28

Nov 25 - Dec 15

2025

Mar 15 - Apr 7

Jul 17 - Aug 11

Nov 9 - Nov 29

2026

Feb 25 - Mar 20

May 29 - Jun 23

Oct 24 - Nov 13

2027

Feb 9 - Mar 3

Jun 10 - Jul 4

Oct 7 - Oct 28

2028

Jan 24 - Feb 14

May 21 - Jun 14

Sep 19 - Oct 11

2029

Jan 7 - Jan 27

May 1 - May 25

Sep 2 - Sep 25

Dec 22 - Dec 31

2030

Jan 1 - Jan 11

Apr 13 - May 6

Aug 16 - Sep 8

Dec 6 - Dec 25

To find out in which sign each one of these retrogrades happens, visit our Mercury Retrograde page