What to Expect for the First Mercury Retrograde of 2022
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2022 is coming in hot with its first Mercury retrograde of the year! On January 14, at around 6:41 am EST, Mercury, the busybody planet of thought, communication, sound, and movement will officially begin its 3-week backspin through the cosmos until February 3.
Now before you freak out, Mercury retrograde is not breaking news. This astronomical phenomenon happens around three times every year. So this means you’ve been around the Mercury retrograde block a couple of times. You know how to work this energy. You know how it typically plays out.
However, like the previous two years have shown us, expect the unexpected in 2022. This year, Mercury will retrograde four times instead of its annual three. Yes, you heard me! MERCURY will retrograde four times! The January 2022 retrograde cycle is only the first of four Mercury retreats this year.
What does Mercury mean in Astrology?
Mercury is the smallest, fastest, and innermost planet in relation to the Sun. It is named after the Roman deity Mercury, the messenger of the Gods.
In astrology, Mercury generally represents travel, communications, information, and thought. It governs how we send, receive, and process information. Mercury influences how we interact and connect with others.
What is Mercury retrograde?
retrograde brings many interpretations from the astrological community. But before we talk about what this cycle means and how things are most likely going to shift, let’s make one thing clear, Mercury retrograde is not a bad thing. In fact, if you use it to your advantage, you may look back and say wow, that was actually one of my most clarifying periods all year.
From a scientific perspective, it’s important to note that Mercury moves faster than Earth. Because of its swift nature, Mercury passes Earth three times per year in orbit. When Mercury passes Earth (which lasts about three weeks) it appears to be moving in a backward (looped) motion. This astronomical phenomenon is what the astrology community refers to as Mercury Retrograde.
From an astrological perspective, Mercury retrograde is a time of slowdowns and refinements related to the objects, processes, and behaviors that Mercury traditionally rules. For example, computer systems, email, traffic, airplanes, physical mail, scheduling, planning, workflow, work environments, delivery – shipping times, etc. (these are all Mercury-ruled)
Why is Mercury Retrograde Important?
Slowdowns are frustrating. As a multi-dimensional being, you live a fast-paced and interconnected life. It’s inconvenient when you experience traffic, a breakup, or a plan falls apart, but it’s not the end of the world.
Instead of rushing through life and resisting the current lessons you are here to learn, Mercury retrograde is a quarterly reminder to lean into stillness.
Yes, you may experience technology breakdowns, travel delays, and relationship drama, but you will survive. Think of the next three weeks as unique opportunities to review, reflect, release, and reconnect. Use this cosmic reset to refine your long-term goals.
What should I expect from the January - February 2022 Mercury Retrograde?
For the January 2022 retrograde cycle, Mercury will backpedal through two signs, fixed air sign Aquarius and cardinal earth sign Capricorn.
From January 14 until January 26, Mercury will retrograde through the first ten degrees of Aquarius. This team-focused transit brings intense review to unfinished group projects, website developments, digital products (especially ebooks), and community updates. If you’ve been wanting to do a technology or social media refresh, you will be more inclined to do so now. Although this may be a daunting task (tech can be so confusing), it’s important that you do the hard work before Mercury moves back into Capricorn on January 26th.
2022 Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius Themes + Predictions:
Issues and unexpected opportunities with the internet, collective or community networks, platforms, learning systems, social media infrastructures
Changes to creative partnerships, softwares, structures, collaborations, and group/team dynamics (may see new mergers and acquisitions)
Mindset shifts around authenticity and individuality (more focus on differentiation and identifying one’s competitive advantage)
Tech upgrades and transitioning to automation (establishing time freedom)
Re-emergence of old internet features, customs, and aesthetics
Redefining conscious and community-based business ethics (Do for me as I do for you type vibes)
Reconnecting with or releasing distant friends and extended family members (how do you align with my future? Is this connection authentic?)
Once Mercury moves back into Capricorn from January 26 until February 3, there will be a stronger focus on your public image and reputation (more people may be googling you or digging into your past). This responsibility-oriented transit encourages you to analyze your professional portfolios, resumes, relationships, and profiles. Make sure your foundation and backend systems are secure and in tact. Mercury retrograde in Capricorn is also a favorable time to rethink your long-term goals, especially regarding legacy, retirement, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth.
2022 Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn Themes + Predictions:
Restarting and completing unfinished projects, home/building renovations, and neglected business proceedings.
Renegotiating contracts, salaries, public policies, and relationships
Issues with building/housing permits, traffic tickets, court litigations, and public officials (especially in cases or subjects regarding mothers and women)
Crackdown on digital currencies, online businesses, and financial infrastructures
Converting to community-based savings, business entities, and economics
Establishing or continuing new rituals, traditions, and boundaries with distant friends, mentors, and extended relatives.
Making refinements to business strategies, communication systems, and brand messaging.
Redefining responsibility. Joyously taking accountability and patiently building towards your goals. (How can I better manage my time?)
How will Mercury retrograde affect me?'
Where the planets are in the cosmos and how they interact with each other influences the collective in similar ways, but each person experiences these effects differently.
One of the best ways to explore how Mercury will influence you personally depends on where Mercury is currently retrograde in your natal chart. For the January 2022 retrograde cycle, identify what house(s) Aquarius and Capricorn rule in your natal chart. This is where you will experience the effects of Mercury retrograde the most.
If you would like a personalized reading for the January 2022 Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn, join us on the Insights club.
Click here for your complete Mercury Retrograde Reading (personalized for all 12 signs), plus access to over 30 beginner, intermediate, and advanced astrology lessons, weekly live workshops, guided meditations, and exclusive horoscopes.
Final Thoughts:
The January 2022 Mercury retrograde won’t be easy. But when is life ever easy? Does uncertainty not make life more fun?
Think of all the moments you thought you had something planned to the final detail and life did its thing and completely disrupted your perfect plans. So why stress over what’s inevitable? Why fear change?
If you take anything away from this retrograde season, my prayer, dear reader (ya’ll know i love to write and talk), is that you learn how to breathe lighter and allow yourself to make progress fun.
As Mercury pushes, prods, and pokes at your tender spots over the next three weeks – as Mercury helps you question and conquer the fears and self-limitations that restrict you from living a grounded life that is whole — remember to take things one day at a time.
Remember that you may not always be in charge of the circumstances; you may not always properly predict or gracefully manage the outcome, but you are in charge of your reaction; you are in control of your breath; you are in control of your pace.
2022 consultations are open. Book your professional Astrology reading with Morgan now.
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If you want more of your girl, and all the astrological magic on the January 2022 Mercury retrograde in Aquarius and Capricorn, I highly suggest you slide into my exclusive astrology community, the Insighters Club.
Thank you for reading.
Always,
Morgan
