How Mercury Retrograde Affects Your Zodiac Sign

Maybe your ex has reached out to you or you have been feeling a little extra chaotic as of late and you have no idea why: chances are it's because Mercury retrograde has arrived. Although it seems like everything is in disarray, Mercury retrograde is not as scary as it may seem if you know what is coming.

According to Shape, retrograde happens when the planet Mercury looks to be rotating backward from our point of view on Earth due to an optical illusion stemming from the speed of Mercury's rotation and its location. This phenomenon happens three to four times a year when Mercury and Earth align and lasts for almost three weeks at a time. Because Mercury is the planet that rules communication, retrograde is usually the time when all types of communication start to go a bit off the rails. Although we can all expect to have some type of trouble when it comes to communicating with others — or ourselves — each zodiac sign gets affected by mercury retrograde in a special way.

The zodiac's fire signs take the shape of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. These signs are known for being impulsive and outgoing. For Aries in particular, Mercury retrograde can be a turbulent time. As Aries is known to be the communicator of all the zodiac signs, Mercury retrograde means they will have to be extra careful to not cross the line in what they say (via Horoscope.com)

Leo could see an emergence of new relationships and contacts as this window of communication favors their outgoing personalities. However, in turn, this could also bring about new conflicts and unnecessary drama. 

Finally, Sagittarius signs get a bit of the good and bad during Mercury retrograde. This time brings them the opportunity to resolve any issues in their personal lives. On the flip side, this could allow ex-relationships and ex-friendships to come back unexpectedly (via The Times of India).

Earth signs are meant to be the balanced ones of the zodiac. They are the ones with their feet firmly planted on the ground instead of their heads in the clouds. These signs include Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. 

According to Well + Good, Taurus may suffer from retrogrades as it disturbs the peace they find in routines. As the chaos revolves around them, they find themselves having to navigate sudden changes and disturbances in their comfort zone. Virgo, on the other hand, may have their hands full when it comes to decisions. This is because Virgos will find that they will start to have doubts when it comes to their journeys and their connections with others. 

The other sign seeing their comfortable routine tossed aside is Capricorn. People of this sign will tend to see increases in their workload and societal expectations during this season, which will mean they're pulled in many directions at all times (via Yahoo!).

According to Astrology.com, air signs — Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius — are the practical ones of the zodiac. These signs thrive on using their smart and logistical minds to succeed. As they tend to be more intellectual, they love to be on the receiving end of communications. 

Gemini during retrograde might feel the struggle of the chaos as they start to feel a bit antsy and nervous about how fast-changing everything seems during this period of time. Libra, on the other hand, need to also watch their health and how all of the uncertainty affects them in other areas of life, including finances. 

For Aquarius, the uncertainty of the Mercury retrograde will test their abilities to stay firm and stable. It is the time for Aquarius to practice stability and plant themselves firmly in all aspects of their lives even if it seems like everything is falling down around them (via The Times of India).

The water signs are the emotionally astute signs; these are the signs we can count on to look within for their answers. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are experts in being empathetic and nurturing to others even if they need some love as well. 

Cancer will feel retrogrades intensely as they feed on the chaotic energy around them. They will have to struggle to keep going despite a lack of visual progress and believe in their own strength to do so (via Horoscope.com). Meanwhile, during retrogrades, Scorpio get the chance to look within and practice their communications with themselves. As opposed to showing their emotions outwardly, they use this time to really get to know themselves and where they are going. 

Pisces will also get the chance to practice a bit of clarity for themselves. In this time where communication will be tested, Pisces will look towards asking within for the answers to questions they have (via Well + Good).