December 29 – January 18, 2023
(24°21′ Capricorn to 8°08′ Capricorn)
Pre-shadow period occurs December 12 – December 28, 2022
Mercury turns Retrograde on December 29 at 1:32 a.m.* (24°21′ Capricorn)
Mercury Stations Direct on January 18, 2023, at 5:12 a.m. (8°08′ Capricorn)
Post-shadow occurs from January 18 – February 6
In general, Mercury is the planet that astrologically represents travel, communication, and our thought processes. Known as the Messenger of the Gods, Mercury’s role is to speedily deliver clear and precise information. Retrograding 3–4 times a year, when the planetary trickster strikes, many of our daily activities go haywire.
Mercury rules electronics and is often blamed for all types of technical mishaps with cell phones, electric devices, and computers — warranting an important time to backup your computer files. In general terms, machines of all kinds tend to act strangely and take on a Murphy’s Law theme.
Remain flexible and prepare for delays and miscommunications of all kinds. It is best to avoid signing any contractual agreements as matters begun during Mercury retrograde periods tend to take unexpected twists and turns in the future. During Mercury retrograde periods we often find ourselves revisiting past projects or situations that, once again, need our attention. It is also a time period, however, when we often hear from, or feel compelled to reach out to old friends or lovers whom we haven’t spoken to in some time.
Although Mercury retrograde periods can seem frustrating, they often provide opportunities to review or finish up old projects, contact old friends, or clean out the closet and garage. Mercury retrograde periods are an opportune time for introspection and deep thought, especially a couple of days directly before and after the exact retrograde day occurs.
Note: Planets do not actually move backwards (retrograde). A retrograding planet is the result of an optical illusion per its orbital relative speed from our point of view on Earth.
*Pacific time used throughout
Previous 2022 Retrograde Periods
January 15 – February 3
(10°14′ Aquarius to 24°23′ Capricorn)
Pre-shadow period occurs Dec. 29, 2021 – Jan. 14, 202
Stations Retrograde on January 15 at 3:42 a.m.* (10°14′ Aquarius)
Stations Direct on February 3 at 8:13 p.m.
Post-shadow occurs from February 3 – 23
~~~
May 9 – June 3
(4°48′ Gemini to 26°05′ Taurus)
Pre-shadow period occurs April 25 – May 9
Mercury turns Retrograde on May 9 at 4:48 a.m.* (4°48′ Gemini)
Mercury Stations Direct on June 3 at 1:01 a.m. (26°05′ Taurus)
Post-shadow occurs from June 3 – June 18
~~~
September 9 – October 2
(8°52′ Libra to 24°11′ Virgo)
Pre-shadow period occurs August 20 – September 9
Mercury turns Retrograde on September 9 at 8:37 p.m.* (8°55′ Libra)
Mercury Stations Direct on October 2 at 2:08 a.m. (24°11′ Virgo)
Post-shadow occurs from October 2 – October 16
Copyright 2022 by Linda Kaye
Follow Linda Kaye Astrology
