As we journey from 2022 into 2023, Mercury, the planet that rules over our mind and voice, enters retrograde. This runs from December 29, 2022, until January 18, 2023.
Ancient astrologers believed that when a planet went retrograde, it traveled through the underworld, collecting hidden and lost messages and bringing them from the shadows into the light.
Our Relationships are Highlighted
Just before Mercury enters the underworld, it aligns with Venus, the planet of love, beauty, money, and relationships. This parting kiss from Venus before Mercury descends into the underworld will color our experience of this retrograde energy.
We may find many of Mercury’s messages centered around our finances and relationships, not just with our loved ones but also with ourselves.
In the quiet times we get during this retrograde period, it may extra healing to focus on the relationship you have with yourself. You can do this through self-care practices and thinking of ways to make yourself feel beautiful in your own skin.
Mercury and Mars Retrograde in the Underworld Together
Another influence on this 2022-2023 Mercury Retrograde is Mars, the planet of action, energy, and motivation, which is also currently touring through the underworld until January 12, 2023.
Having Mars and Mercury Retrograde at the same time is definitely going to enhance the overall retrograde effects we experience.
So, what can we expect?
Whenever a planet enters retrograde, it is always a sign from the Universe to reflect, go back over things, and pay attention to messages, intuitive whispers, and information we may have glossed over the first time.
As both these planets journey through the underworld, we may feel a little sluggish or find ourselves playing the game of one step forward, two steps back.
Mars and Mercury in retrograde together may also create some fogginess around what action to take and how we should best use our energy. It may be hard to think clearly and to make decisions from a place of calm rationality.
As Mercury is the planet of communication and our thought processes, we may have to be extra mindful at this time about what we say and how we choose to express ourselves.
Mars is the planet that rules over our heated emotions, so with Mercury and Mars in retrograde together, it may be easier to lash out or say something you regret.
You may find it beneficial to make the effort to get in touch with how you feel about something, away from all the noise and chatter of other people’s opinions.
Mercury Retrograde and the Holidays
With many celebrating the holidays with their families around this time of year, it may be wise to think before you speak.
If you are faced with having a difficult conversation around this time, try not to make assumptions or assume you know how the person is thinking and feeling. Ask questions, stay curious, and try to remain open-minded.
If you take on too much around this time, you may find yourself feeling quickly burnt out.
With all this retrograde energy, make it a point to take it slow and give yourself permission to rest. Carve out some downtime and be firm with your boundaries. You don’t have to say yes to every event or gathering if you don’t want to.
The holidays can also be a hard time for those experiencing grief, and with Mars and Mercury both in retrograde, you may feel extra reflective.
Taking a walk down memory lane may feel therapeutic at this time. Finding ways to honor loved ones during your holiday festivities can also help, such as leaving out a plate of their favorite food, lighting a candle, or even buying them a little gift and placing it on an altar.
If you are traveling around this time, double-check reservations, covid restrictions, and flight details, and have a backup plan in case of delays. It also helps to remember that you are always where you need to be, so trust the Universe if you are met with delays or last-minute changes.
One thing that Mercury can help us to achieve is a more open mind, so keep your mind open to the possibilities that the Universe brings your way, and you will find it easier to navigate whatever comes your way.
As we are starting 2023 with Mercury and Mars in Retrograde, it is not exactly a power time for making new year’s resolutions, but it is a good time to wrap up loose ends and revisit projects, dreams, and tasks you would like to tackle.
Mercury Retrograde and your Intuition
Mercury Retrograde is a natural rhythm and cycle of the cosmic skies, so it is nothing to fear. When we learn to work with this energy, we can actually find it empowering and a time when our intuition is heightened.
As Mercury travels through the underworld, it helps us to unlock hidden messages and insights from the world around us, but also from our spirit guides and higher self.
With Mercury in the underworld, our ability to connect with our subconscious mind, magic realms, and psychic insights can be enhanced, so use this to your advantage!
If things don’t make sense in the outside world, go within. Mercury is the messenger of the gods after all, and it is always helping us to connect with our own inner “god.”
Curious about what 2023 has in store? Check out your 2023 Astrology Forecast.
