Mercury in retrograde 2022 - hold on tight during FOUR retrogrades this year

Mercury in retrograde 2022 screams new year, new you! However, this year we will experience four Mercury retrograde periods (one more than in 2021), and most retrogrades will have the planet of communication traveling through two zodiac signs. 

Of all the astrological events in 2022, we're guessing there's one planet's movements you're concerned about. If you've checked out your 2022 horoscope, it's likely you're the kind of person who keeps abreast of planetary shifts.

We've already been catapulted into the new year with the combined efforts of  Venus in retrograde 2021 and Jupiter in Pisces 2021 - 2022. 

Each retrograde period offers us a chance to slow down and to review. If we do not revisit the past, we can’t learn from it. Retrogrades aren’t just here to encourage your ex to text you, they're here to inspire growth through revision and reflection. 

With the most infamous of the planetary retrogrades, you know the drill. Mercury retrogrades can cause miscommunication, misunderstandings, bring out people from your past, technical issues, and more.

By taking a closer look at each retrograde period this year, you’ll have some better insight on how to address the archetypal energies at play. So, open up your iCal and type in these Mercury retrograde dates so you can have a cosmic reminder while you’re on the go.

When is mercury in retrograde 2022?

• January 14—February 4, 2022.
• May 10—June 3, 2022.
• September 10—October 2, 2022.
• December 29, 2022—January 19, 2023.

Mercury retrograde will occur in Aquarius and Capricorn; Gemini and Taurus; Libra and Virgo; and will end with Capricorn in the final days of the year.

Here's what to expect during these retrogrades and don't forget to take the Mercury retrograde shadow period into account too.

Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn: January 14—February 4

Mercury in Aquarius asks us to develop a detached perspective. We’re better able to understand others if we distance ourselves from heightened emotions and triggers and try our best to understand others’ perspectives and motivations. 

Aquarius is an innovative zodiac sign that is forward-thinking and always pushing the envelope. With Saturn and Uranus as its ruling planets, Aquarius asks us to think outside the box and to reconsider structures within society. Who was this system built for–and does it deserve to last until the end of time? We may see shifts on a collective level when it comes to long-standing structures and systems in place.

This retrograde period may have us itching for change or dealing with unexpected events. On January 14, the day Mercury stations retrograde, it will form a tense aspect with Uranus, the planet of surprise and rebellion. 

Our personal retrograde stories will start off with a bang and this is a day to pay attention to what comes up, conversations you have, or themes that arise. Don’t be surprised if you have a sudden change of heart or thought–mental breakthroughs and ah-ha moments abound under this aspect.

On January 27, Mercury will re-enter Capricorn, creating a cosmic shift in energies. This shift will have us thinking back to the end of December, the last time Mercury traveled through Capricorn. Conversations, themes and people from this time period will likely resurface. 

There is more work or hashing out that needs to be done. Capricorn is a goal-oriented sign and is eager to create lasting change from a practical perspective. You may find yourself releasing yourself from people or situations that no longer serve you, especially as Mercury retrograde meets with Pluto, the planet of power and transformation, on January 30.

Mercury Retrograde in Gemini and Taurus: May 10—June 3

Our Spring retrograde kicks off in the sign of Gemini, one of the air signs, which is one of Mercury’s favorite signs to be in. 

When Mercury is in Gemini, it’s at home or has the natural resources to do all types of Mercurial things like communicate, learn, process information, and share with others. 

During this time, in particular, we often see more pronounced and cliche retrograde happenings from phones breaking, iCloud storage filling up, sending emails with typos, miscommunication, and loads of gossip. Travel issues also can crop up–if you have a trip planned, get to the airport early. If you have an important interview or meeting, make sure to build in extra time into your commute. 

On May 24, Mercury moves from playful Gemini into grounded Taurus. As a fixed sign in the zodiac, Taurus’ energy thrives on stability. Mercury’s backpedaling through Taurus may have us reviewing some of our values and beliefs. 

Taurus has firm and solid (some might say stubborn) opinions. This period of reflection asks us if our perspective is the only one to consider. What can be learned or gained by reviewing our values and beliefs? Financial matters may also become a focus.

It's time to budget accordingly and review your finances. Do you really need a subscription to five different streaming services? This is a time to reorient your relationship with money and the conversations and beliefs you hold around finances and abundance. 

Mercury Retrograde in Libra September 10—October 2, 2022

Next up, Mercury retrograde meets Libra, and our communication matters get personal. Mercury in Libra desires to keep the peace at all costs, but Mercury retrograde reminds us that stuffing issues under the rug means that we will just have to deal with them at a later date. 

While we may prefer to maintain a diplomatic edge when communicating with others, it will be hard to repress any issues within our closest partnerships. Libra is all about balance and partnerships. Keeping the peace so others’ feel comfortable and content won’t suffice any longer. 

This retrograde reminds you that your needs matter and discussing issues can lead to productive healing and a stronger foundation moving forward.

On September 19, Mercury retrograde in Libra will form an opposition with bold Jupiter in Aries. Jupiter is the planet of growth, luck, excess, and abundance. When these two planets sit opposite one another in the sky, our mental world–thoughts, opinions, and ideas–all expand. 

We may find ourselves fiercely defending our beliefs and doing so with a warrior’s mentality thanks to Jupiter in Aries. It can be hard to keep our thoughts to ourselves and it’s easy to over-promise or go over the top around this time. This energy can manifest as combative, so taking time to step away and process before reacting is key.

On September 24, Mercury retrograde re-enters Virgo. Mercury is also the natural ruling planet of Virgo, which means it performs at its peak potential in this zodiac sign. 

Mercury in Virgo is the editor of the zodiac and distills information. It can easily get caught up in perfectionist tendencies and has a knack for anxious thinking. Misunderstandings are natural during Mercury’s backspin in Virgo, and we may find ourselves readjusting our daily routine. 

Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn: December 29—January 19, 2023

At the tail end of the year we will have a chance to teleport back to the beginning of 2022 and the end of 2021. Mercury will go retrograde in Capricorn for the second time this year. 

Think back to the first week of February, more specifically February 1 to 3. This is the last time Mercury retrograde sat at 24 degrees Capricorn. On December 29, Mercury stations retrograde at exactly 24 degrees, picking up where we left off in our personal retrograde stories from earlier this year. 

What lessons have you not fully implemented from that time period? This is your chance to level up and make a lasting change, leaving behind patterns and people that don’t align with your highest good. 

Find 24 degrees Capricorn in your astrology birth chart to see where this energy will play out in your personal retrograde story.