Mercury Retrograde Effects by Zodiac Sign. Guide and Tips
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Aries
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Taurus
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Gemini
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Cancer
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Leo
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Virgo
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Libra
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Scorpio
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Sagittarius
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Capricorn
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Aquarius
- Mercury Retrogrades Influence on Pisces
- Planet Mercurys Significance in Astrology

The notion of Mercury retrograde has planted itself so firmly into people’s consciousness that even those who know nothing about astrology use this phenomenon as a punchline. Why wouldn’t they? After all, this peculiar occurrence is the scapegoat for all communication hiccups, technology mishaps, and cognitive confusion.
Yet, the deeper one digs into this whole phenomenon, the sooner one understands that symptoms of Mercury retrograde might vary from person to person. While they all understandably revolve around certain life domains, they still seem to have a different flavor.
The reason why some people’s Mercury retrograde “mileage” varies lies in their horoscope. That’s right, people of different zodiac signs tend to have challenging periods that affect them in unique ways. How unique, you ask? Well, let’s find out. Let’s now see how Mercury retrograde changes its influence based on people’s signs.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Aries (March 21 – April 19)

The action-oriented Rams might find this period particularly frustrating. People ruled by Mars are all about direct communication and forward movement. You don’t have to be an astrologist to understand what the confusion caused by Mercury in its retrograde motion does to Aries people. That’s right - when robbed of the ability to communicate clearly and directly, the Rams’ impulsivity is cranked up to 11.
This is what Arieses might be subject to, come the retrograde period:
- – A surge of impatience, especially when faced with delays
- – Technological issues plaguing their professional projects
- – Unnecessary conflicts stemming from the inability to express themselves clearly
- – Travel plans becoming exceedingly complicated
The easiest way to diffuse the tiny planet’s influence is to take a deep breath before responding to frustrating situations. A reasonable amount of exercise will help channel the restless energy.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Oh, the celestial bulls and their reliance on reliability. The tiny planet’s retrograde is all too willing to shake its foundation from under them. Any Mercury retrograde for Taurus people is a fight for their financial stability.
This is what they should expect during those dire times:
- – Unexpected expenses will haunt them
- – Financial transactions and payments are likely to be inexplicably delayed
- – There might be misunderstanding regarding their possessions or even values
- – Decisions about buying something will not come easily
There is a way for the Taurus people to make Mercury retrograde a bit more bearable. First off, postpone any major purchases till things get back to normal. Then, comfort yourself with simple pleasure if things do go south.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

So how does Mercury in retrograde affect Gemini, a sign governed by the tiny planet itself? Sadly, the airy twins feel the turbulent times more acutely than any other sign.
Here are the many ways they suffer:
- – They struggle with words and get misunderstood a lot
- – They allow themselves to be overloaded with information. It all leads to confusion
- – They struggle to keep their focus on projects or even conversations
- – Devices fail them at the most inappropriate moments
Still, it doesn’t imply that Gemini and Mercury retrograde are incompatible. The ways to bypass all the confusion hide in plain sight - do not rely on your memory all that much. Write things down instead. Practice meditation to slow down your thoughts. Do not respond immediately - take time to ponder.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

So how do the overly emotional Cancer people feel when Mercury is in retrograde? Well, they get hit right where it hurts the most - their home and family. Besides, the confusion caused by the trickster planet also does quite a number on their infamous sensitivity.
This is what the home-loving crustaceans have to get ready for:
- – Constant misunderstandings with family members and housemates
- – Water and communication systems in their homes will require repair
- – It will be hard for them to express their emotions clearly
- – Old emotions might resurface much to their discontent
Luckily, there is a chance for any Cancer to get out of Mercury retrograde unscathed. For instance, they'd be wise to create a peaceful, technology-free sanctuary at home where they’d go to decompress. If words don't come easily, try writing them. Cancerians should also use this challenging time to reconnect with estranged family members.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Proud, charismatic, and creative. They simply seem untouchable. Still, Mercury in the retrograde period is just as tiring for Leos as it is for all of us. Their self-expression is hampered, and their verbal communication becomes a word salad.
Any other reasons for them to get frustrated? These:
- – Leos suffer from creative blocks and cannot express their artistic vision
- – Public presentations often go south
- – Misunderstandings create friction with loved ones
- – Their social media posts might be taken out of context and their meanings twisted
Like any other regal person, a Leo has some privileges, including foolproof ways to lessen the Mercury retrograde impact. First off, they should be willing to practice some self-irony if things do not go as planned. Then, they should use this time to revise their creative projects as opposed to forcing them out of sheer desperation.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Here is another sign closely associated with the messenger planet. Just like Gemini, the detail-oriented perfectionism endorsers are likely to suffer more than others.
This is what Virgos might expect during Mercury retrograde:
- – Their anxiety about making mistakes will skyrocket
- – Work projects will suddenly become too complicated to handle
- – Their health routines are likely to be disrupted
- – They will be unable to produce clear instructions
Still, there are ways to make Virgos’ lives more manageable during Mercury retrograde. The first thing might be the hardest - they need to embrace imperfections in themselves and the world. Then, they need to double-check their schedule daily. Stress-management techniques might help with anxiety.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Oh, the delicate, harmony-seeking Libras. They will have their desire for balance thrown out of the window. And this is not the only challenge the retrograde has prepared for Libra.
Here is a fuller list of offenses:
- – They will have a hard time coming up with decisions regarding partnerships
- – Relationships will be in a constant state of enmity
- – Past relationship issues might resurface to haunt them
- – Some of their agreements might need to be revised right here and now
But does Mercury in retrograde have to be this harsh of a period for Libra? Not at all. First of all, they need to take enough time to truly comprehend what the other person tries to communicate to them. Then, they’d be wise to postpone signing any serious documents.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Here is a battle of two intense forces to write home about! Mercury in retrograde for Scorpios is marked by hidden information coming to light. Sure, the information might be uncomfortable, but it will inevitably lead to profound revelations.
What are the other “gifts” this challenging time comes with?
- – Some skeletons might be uncovered in closets
- – Life-altering insights might come out of nowhere
- – Shared financial matters might become confusing
- – Communication revolving around intimacy can be challenging
Like any other sign, Scorpios have what it takes to make Mercury in retrograde less of a nuisance. First off, this time should be used for deep personal reflection and research. Finally, they should refrain from making any serious decisions.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Well, since any retrograde period is some sort of an adventure, shouldn’t the Sagittarius people love it? Well, turns out they don't - there are just too many travel disruptions and philosophical confusion to their taste.
What other issues do Sagittarius people run into come Mercury retrograde?
- – They struggle to communicate with individuals from different cultural backgrounds
- – Educational pursuits might be stopped dead in their tracks
- – Important messages tend to be misunderstood
- – Travel plans might face delays or even cancellations
Still, a retrograde period doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck for Sagittariuses. They’d be wise to build flexibility into their travel plans. Besides, any delays during travel mean more room for adventure. What’s more, the celestial archers might benefit from revising philosophical concepts that have intrigued them for years.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Well, if any sign had the authority to tell Mercury retrograde “You shall not pass!”, it would be the celestial goats. Yet, this challenging period fears no one and has no favorites. Capricorns will have to deal with a lot during Mercury retrograde: professional communication issues, delays in achievements, and the list goes on.
How far, though? Let’s see:
- – Career progress might stall temporarily
- – Technological issues will affect professional projects
- – Some business contracts might be subject to revision
- – Workplace communication might be compromised
Luckily, there is a way for Mercury retrograde and Capricorns to get off each other’s throats. The goats should use this time to refine their career plans. Double-checking all the professional communications wouldn’t hurt. Practicing patience will work wonders.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Even the unconventional-thinking water-bearers aren’t likely to enjoy the chaos brought by the tiny planet. Mercury retrograde for Aquariuses will be a time ripe with technological mishaps and backward progress.
What else will the tiny planet throw at them? Here’s what:
- – Technology will fail them at crucial moments
- – Group projects are likely to face communication challenges
- – Their innovative ideas might meet inexplicable resistance
- – Communication within social networks will become a nightmare
Like all other signs, the Aquarius people have a way to turn their frown upside down during Mercury retrograde. Any technology breakdowns should be viewed as an opportunity to connect to people in more traditional ways. All information should be backed up, with no exceptions. Besides, some of their innovative ideas beg to be revisited and perhaps even implemented.
Mercury Retrograde’s Influence on Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

More often than not, harsh times take the biggest toll on the most gentle of souls. That being said, what does Mercury in retrograde mean for Pisces do you reckon? Interestingly enough, these dreamy individuals might feel a surge of intuitive powers. And a downfall of logical thinking.
Any other frustrating issues? Let’s see:
- – Important messages might come through dreams
- – Intuitive insights won’t be easy to express verbally
- – Practical matters (like schedules and directions) might be confusing
- – Creative inspiration will be a torture to implement
Again, just like for any other sign, Mercury in retrograde shouldn’t mean the end of the world for Pisces. First of all, keeping a dream journal might be a good idea. Then, trusting your intuition is in order. Finally, do not rely on your memory - even the dullest pencil is better than the sharpest memory.
Planet Mercury’s Significance in Astrology

Now that you are familiar with how Mercury in retrograde motion affects us, it would be fair to take a look at the planet in question in more detail. Why does one tiny planet impact our lives in such profound ways?
The answer is simple and lies right within the duties Mercury has taken upon itself. You see, according to astrology, the messenger planet governs quite a few crucial facets of our lives.
First off, it is associated with all forms of communication: spoken, written, and even non-verbal. Next comes the processing of information. The tiny planet is mighty enough to govern learning and researching, rational thinking, and reasoning.
Think the swift-footed Roman god is done? Not quite. The planet that is named after him is also in charge of commerce (selling, buying, and negotiating) and travel (usually short-distance). As if it wasn’t enough, this tiny trickster also governs technology and communication devices.
Now you see why it is a big deal wherever the tiny planet goes retrograde. Still, just like we’ve said numerous times, Mercury retrograde doesn’t have to be all that challenging, regardless of your zodiac sign. That is why we encourage you to remember the areas of your life that are most likely to be affected by the retrograde period and take precautions before the next chaotic spell hits.