Mercury in retrograde refers to a period, occurring about three to four times a year for roughly three weeks each time, when the planet Mercury appears to move backward across the sky from Earth's perspective. This apparent backward motion is an optical illusion caused by the relative positions and speeds of Earth and Mercury in their orbits around the Sun, not an actual reversal of Mercury's orbit
. Astrologically, Mercury governs communication, travel, and technology. When Mercury is in retrograde, astrologers believe its usual functions are disrupted, leading to increased misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, travel delays, and technological glitches. This period is often associated with confusion, frustration, and revisiting past issues or relationships. People are often advised to be cautious about making major decisions, signing contracts, or starting new projects during this time
. In summary, Mercury retrograde is an astronomical event with a significant astrological interpretation that highlights challenges in communication and decision-making, as well as opportunities for reflection and revisiting the past.
