Until 7 April, the planet Mercury is in retrograde. Here’s what it may mean for you, and how you can cope with the astrological turmoil.
Mercury retrograde is the astrological event that has everyone double-checking their texts, side-eyeing their exes, and questioning every travel plan.
The term ‘Mercury retrograde’ might not mean much to you, but for a growing cohort of astrology enthusiasts and the more ‘spiritually inclined’, the phenomenon is believed to play havoc with our day-to-day lives.
But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do you navigate it without losing your mind?
L360 have got the lowdown on Mercury retrograde in 2025, from key dates to must-know survival tips.
Read more: Lucky 2025 horoscope: best and worst dates for each sign
What is ‘Mercury retrograde’?
If you’ve ever blamed Mercury retrograde for a misfired text or a tech meltdown, you’re not alone. But, as certified astrologer Mirjam Schneider explains, it’s actually an optical illusion.
“All of the planets in our solar system go retrograde at some point,” she says. “From our perspective on Earth, when a planet goes retrograde, it looks like it’s moving backwards, but in actual fact, it’s overtaking the earth. This happens three to four times a year, and this is the time where you’ll most feel a difference in your day-to-day life.”
Translation? Mercury isn’t actually moving backward, but it feels like it is—and that’s when the chaos kicks in.
When is Mercury in retrograde 2025?
In 2025, Mercury will go retrograde three times:
- 14 March – 7 April (In Aries and Pisces) – Expect fiery communication mishaps and emotional throwbacks.
- 17 July – 11 August (In Leo and Cancer) – Drama? Check. A nostalgic longing for the past? Double check.
- 9 November – 29 November (In Sagittarius and Scorpio) – Travel chaos and deep, reflective vibes incoming.
Read more: What nails you should get, according to your star sign
Why does Mercury in retrograde mess with everything?
In Roman mythology, Mercury (or Hermes in Greek mythology) was the messenger of the gods. He ruled over wealth, commerce, travel, communication, and delivery—areas of life that seem to go haywire during Mercury retrograde.
“Mercury is a planet that rules expression and communication,” says Julian Venables, aka The London Astrologer. “You can expect Mercury retrograde to manifest itself in a number of ways, including issues with travel plans and communication issues. This can mean anything from fallings out with friends to miscommunications in the workplace and other confusions and misfortune within your daily life.”
And it’s not just tech and travel issues—Mercury retrograde can even take a toll on your body. Many astrologers believe it can lead to increased anxiety, brain fog, tiredness, and even headaches. Basically, if you’re feeling off during these dates, Mercury could be the culprit.
How to survive Mercury in retrograde
So, do you need to crawl under a weighted blanket and wait it out? Not quite. According to Julian, avoiding life altogether isn’t the answer.
“The wrong way to do Mercury retrograde is to shy away from your usual activities,” he explains. “Mercury retrograde gives us new information that isn’t a part of our logical mind — for example, things we wouldn’t normally think about on a day-to-day basis.”
Read more: Star sign sleeping habits: What your zodiac says about you
Instead of panicking, try these retrograde-proof strategies:
- Double-check everything – Read that email twice, confirm your flight times, and maybe hold off on sending a risky text.
- Prepare for delays – Travel hiccups are common, so give yourself extra time and backup plans.
- Think before you speak – This is prime time for miscommunication, so choose your words wisely.
- Revisit the past (wisely) – Mercury retrograde can trigger nostalgia. It’s a great time to reconnect with old friends or pick up past projects—but maybe don’t text that ex.
- Embrace the shift – Instead of resisting the changes Mercury brings, use them as a chance to gain a fresh perspective. “I like to describe Mercury retrograde as the process of our outer world catching up with our inner world,” says Julian.
Mercury retrograde might be a rollercoaster, but with a little awareness and preparation, you can ride it like a pro. So, take a deep breath, stay flexible, and remember — this too shall pass.
Feature image credit: Freepik
