*Editor Update: Mercury is now in its post-retrograde phase, when "some of the funkiest things can happen" according to  Celebrity Astrologer Lisa Stardust .

When a planet appears to be going backwards it is said to be in "retrograde." While it's an optical illusion (it's not truly moving backwards), the pull of the planets and the power they exert can have many feeling like this cosmic chaos is also stirring up some internal stuff for them.  

Photo: Lisa Stardust

Celebrity Astrologer Lisa Stardust is the resident astrologer at Oprah Daily, a tarot reader for 15+ years and the creator of a book called “The Astrology Deck,” a 70-card deck for novices who can discover how retrogrades, moon phases, and sun signs impact love, friendship, career, and personality. According to Stardust,  Mercury, the smallest, fastest planet in our solar system, and the one closest to earth, can have come oversized influence.

"Mercury retrograde in 2022 is going to affect everyone," Stardust says. "No one is immune from the planetary moonwalks that are occurring in 2022. The signs that will feel it the most will be the earth and air signs — which means it will be tough for Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, and Aquarius. Water and fire signs will feel the cosmic punch as well, but not on such a hard level — that makes Aries, Pisces, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, and Sagittarius are more in the clear than the other signs even though it’ll create havoc in their lives too but not on a grand scale." 

What Might We Expect with Mercury Retrograde  

· When does the first mercury retrograde of 2022 begin?

January 14

· What are some positive things we should expect to see during this mercury retrograde?

It’s a time of reflection. Look to the past to embrace the present and future.

· What are some negative things we should expect to see during this mercury retrograde?

 Old arguments may come back, causing issues with those you haven’t spoken to in a while.

· Do you have any recommendations on how our viewers can survive the Venus and Mercury rx while they happen simultaneously?

Embrace self-care. Take a healing bath with rose quartz and Epsom salt to melt away stresses, take time away from the computer when not working, and create boundaries.

· Is there anything people should avoid doing during this mercury retrograde?

I am a firm believer that life has to go on even if we are dealing with mercury retrograde. Therefore, it’s the time in which you should proceed with caution rather than stop dealing with your life.

· Can you define your term, “mercury retroshade”?

The two week period before any retrograde and the two week period after the retrograde is called Retroshade because we are still dealing with the degrees of planets are traveling through.

At this time, some of the funkiest things can happen as we trot through them for a third time and have another chance to deal with the circumstances.

· What are your thoughts on dealing with exes who may plan to return during this time?

 I always suggest saying hi to old Coast. If you feel like connecting with someone from the past, don’t hesitate in doing so. It could be a very healing time if you let it.

· Are there any new trends that we should know about during the mercury rx?

Not so much new trends, but embracing the old and vintage looks.

· Can you please give us an overall scope of all 4 mercury retrogrades this year?

Mercury Rx 1:Mercury enters the pre-retrograde shadow on December 29, 2021 in the hours of 1:29 AM PST, at 24° Capricorn 23′. Mercury turns retrograde on January 14, 2022, at 3:37 AM PST, in the degrees of 10°20′. Mercury turns direct on February 3, 2022 at 8:07 PM PST, at 24° Capricorn 23′. Mercury leaves the post-retrograde shadow on February 23, 2022, at 10 PM PST  10° Aquarius 20′.

Mercury Rx 2:Mercury enters the pre-retrograde shadow on April 25, 2022 at 10:47 PM PST at 26° Taurus 05′. Mercury turns retrograde on May 10, 2022 at 3:42 AM PST, at 4° Gemini 52′. Mercury turns direct on June 2, 2022 at 11:56 PM PST, at 26° Taurus 05’. Mercury leaves the post-retrograde shadow on June 18, 2022 at 2:46 PM PST, at 4°52′.

Mercury Rx 3: On August 20, 2022, at 1:09 PM PST Mercury enters the pre-retrograde shadow at 24° Virgo 12′. On September 9, 2022 at 7:32 PM PST, Mercury turns retrograde at 8°55′. On October 2, 2022 at 12:58 AM PST, Mercury turns direct at 24°12′. On October 16, 2022 at 8:40 PM PST, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone at 8°55′

Mercury Rx 4: On December 12, 2022 at 3:26 AM PDT, Mercury enters the pre-retrograde shadow at 8° Capricorn 08′. On December 29, 2022 at 1:25 AM PDT, Mercury turns retrograde at 24° Capricorn 21′. On January 18, 2023 at 5:08 AM PDT, turns direct at 8° Capricorn 08’. On February 6, 2023 at 9:29 PM PDT, Mercury leaves the post-retrograde zone at 24° Capricorn 21′. 

· Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share about the mercury retrograde?

Relax and take care of yourself. Give yourself time to chill and decompress. Sleep is a good thing at this time.