When Mercury goes retrograde, it can feel like the Jaws theme song becomes the soundtrack of your life. You’re consumed with waiting for the “dun dun… dun dun… dun dun dun dun dun,” signaling that a shark-sized catastrophe is going to emerge from the depths and eat you alive. (Even if you don’t follow astrology, you’ve probably seen enough memes about Mercury retrograde that you at least know people tend to panic during this time.) Mercury retrograde is often blamed for creating chaos, but your life isn’t going to fall apart each time this astrological phenomenon happens. It could, however, cause a bit of a shake-up.
Well, ready or not, this planet is going to “take it back now y’all” à la “Cha Cha Slide” three times in 2023.
Each Mercury retrograde is synced to a particular astrological sign, infusing them all with a specific and unique ~vibe~, explains Donna Page, a certified astrologer in Atlanta.
While Mercury retrograde may throw you for a loop—or, well, three—you can start preparing yourself now. (Trust, you’ll be glad you did.) Here’s everything your zodiac sign can expect every time Mercury goes retrograde in 2023.
What is Mercury in retrograde, again?
Retrograde isn’t just a Mercury thing—all planets do it. In astrology, something goes “retrograde” when it looks like it’s moving backward in the sky. (Think of it as every planet’s opportunity to show off their moonwalking skills.) When Mercury goes retrograde, it looks like it’s moving from east to west instead of its usual west to east.
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When does Mercury go retrograde in 2023?
There are three Mercury retrogrades in 2023:
April 21, 2023 in Taurus
August 23, 2023 in Virgo
December 13, 2023 in Capricorn and Sagittarius
Worth noting: Each retrograde lasts about three weeks, and 2023 actually starts off with Mercury in retrograde, says Page. This year, the retrogrades are really focused on your career and general knowledge base, so no need to stress that your love life will go up in flames or anything. Look, there’s already a bright side!
How will April 2023’s Mercury in retrograde impact your zodiac sign?
Mark your calendar for April 21, 2023 when Mercury goes retrograde in Taurus. This astrological event will have you thinking about your security on several levels.
Do you feel financially secure? Like, sure, it never hurts to have a bigger cash flow, but do you have enough to live the lifestyle you want, or is it time to look for a more lucrative gig? At the same time, are you living in a place that makes you feel safe? If not, it’s time start looking into other options…
Meanwhile, you’ll also feel an urge to spend your hard-earned cash in ways that bring you joy. Think: Splashing out on that Hawaiian vacation you’ve been wanting to take for ages vs. a new pair of heels you really don’t need.
This Mercury in retrograde will impact all astrological signs, but Page says that Taurus and Gemini will feel it the most.
How will August 2023’s Mercury in retrograde impact your zodiac sign?
On August 23, 2023, Mercury goes retrograde in the sign of Virgo. During this time, you’ll take a beat to think about what you know and what you want to learn to achieve the life you want. That could mean taking those free courses your work keeps offering up to try to snag new knowledge and earn a promotion or even going back to school.
It’s not just a work thing, though. You may feel an urge to learn more for your personal growth, like reading Anna Karenina because you never did in school or finally taking those guitar lessons. If it helps you add to your personal knowledge bank, you’re all about it.
Virgo and Pisces will be impacted the most during this Mercury retrograde, Page says.
How will December 2023’s Mercury in retrograde impact your zodiac sign?
This Mercury retrograde starts on December 13, 2023 in Capricorn and then moves into Sagittarius. “Whenever a retrograde moves from one sign into another, there’s a dual energy,” Page says.
You’ll start out this retrograde wondering if you’re on the right career path. Is your boss giving you the acknowledgement you deserve, or do you feel like you’re just busting your butt on the regular for next to zero reason? At the same time, you’ll wonder about your job security. Do you feel like a valued member of your team, or does it seem like you could be replaced any time? If it’s the latter, it may not be the worst idea to look for a new gig.
Speaking of new gigs…when Mercury retrograde shifts into Sagittarius on December 23, you’ll feel the urge to take a risk. Yeah, you’ll apply for that job that seems a little out of reach, because why not? Heck, you may even start your own company because you can. You’ll feel super confident in yourself and your abilities, pushing you to make bold choices that could have a serious impact on the future of your career. But no pressure!
This dual Mercury retrograde will impact all zodiac signs, but Capricorn and Sagittarius will feel its impact the most, Page says.
Overall, each Mercury retrograde coming your way in 2023 is nothing to fear or stress over. They’re just little nudges from the universe, encouraging you to learn more and further your career.
