Please note that dates reflect Eastern Time U.S., not Universal Time. In 2022, Mercury will be in apparent retrograde motion during the following ranges of dates: This is why we call the phenomenon apparent retrograde motion, as it only looks like the planet is moving backward (“retrograde motion”)! When Is Mercury in Retrograde in 2022? This is, of course, an illusion caused by the position of Earth in relation to that of the planet, since a planet in orbit always travels in one set direction and can’t suddenly reverse course. Sometimes, it can appear (from our perspective) that a planet has abruptly switched directions and has started to move in reverse across the sky. While we orbit the Sun ourselves, we can observe the other planets moving across our sky, following their own paths.

The astronomical explanation for retrograde motion starts with understanding that the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun at different distances and speeds. Think undelivered love letters, email blunders, and frazzled travel plans! This is an excellent time to reflect on the past, however, and it’s said that intuition is high during these periods. We refer to these periods as times when Mercury is in apparent retrograde motion, or simply ” Mercury retrograde.” To those who practice astrology, these times in particular were traditionally associated with confusion, delay, and frustration. Three times a year, the planet Mercury appears to travel backward across the sky. Advertisement What Is “Mercury Retrograde”?

Murcury retrograde 2020