what does it mean when mercury is in retrograde

When Mercury is in retrograde, it means that from the perspective of Earth, the planets motion across the sky appears to go backward compared to its usual direction for a period of time. This happens when Earth overtakes a slower-moving planet in its orbit around the Sun, or is overtaken by a faster-moving planet. In astrology, retrograde motion has negative connotations, and because Mercury is the planet said to rule communication, those who are astrologically inclined expect frequent misunderstandings, scheduling problems, and disagreements with friends during this period. Astrologers believe that during this perceived backward motion, technology and communication could get disrupted, putting a damper on anyone's mood. However, it is important to note that the inauspicious connotations of Mercury retrograde are actually quite old, evidenced in an ancient branch of astrology known as horary astrology.