Retrogrades don’t have to be crazy, they can often be a time to review, reflect, and rejuvenate. If we are prepared when they come, we can handle it better. Of course, do be cautious and avoid buying new electronics or signing contracts during this time if possible. Certainly, make sure to double check all written communications, maybe have a native Merc. Rx friend or family member help out if needed. Be more aware of other drivers on the roads when out and about. And if you have a snafu, check the calendar below and know that things shift quickly and this energy does not last forever.
You may have heard that we usually have 3 Mercury Retrograde periods each year. In recent years, including this year, we have 4. That is because the periods overlap the previous and the coming year, which happen in December and January respectively. We begin the pre-shadow period for the 1st Mercury Retrograde for the year 2023 in December of 2022, on the 29th as I’ve indicated on the schedule below. The last retrograde period for the year will begin on the 12/13th of December, 2023 and extends into the following year of 2024, with Mercury stationing direct on January 1st and the shadow period ending January 20th. Be prepared and there’s never a reason to fear, act accordingly.
Mercury Retrograde Schedule 2023
Rx at 24`21 Capricorn
December 29, 2022 Thursday (Jupiter day)
1:31am LA
4:31am NYC
Direct at 08`09 Capricorn
January 18, 2023 Wednesday (Mercury day)
5:13am LA
8:13am NYC
Rx at 15`37 Taurus
April 21, Friday (Venus day)
1:35am LA
4:35am NYC
Direct at 05’51 Taurus
May 14, Sunday (Sun day)
8:17pm LA
11:17pm NYC
Rx at 21`51 Virgo
August 23, Wednesday (Mercury day)
12:59pm LA
3:59pm NYC
Direct at 08`00 Virgo
September 15, Friday (Venus day)
1:21pm LA
4:21pm NYC
Rx at 08`29 Capricorn
December 12, Tuesday (Mars day)
11:09pm LA
December 13, Wednesday (Mercury day)
2:09am NYC
Direct at 22`11 Sagittarius
January 1, 2024 Monday (Moon day)
7:07pm LA
10:07pm NYC
Here’s a chart I made for you (and me too, I have this on my wall next to my calendar). Adjust the time or day according to your location.
Light Orange – shadow period (before & after retrograde)
Yellow-Orange – Mercury station day (Retrograde is the first one, and Direct is the second one)
Dark Orange – Mercury Retrograde period
May we all face life’s challenges and tests with preparedness, patience, a spirit of humility and openness to learn & adjust.
Bliss and Abundance!!!
Hope Grace Roe 🙂
Image: Ptolemaic system of planetary paths (including sacred geometry flower mandalas created by retrograde motion) from James Ferguson’s book Astronomy Explained