Mercury retrograde 2023 will begin again, but don't stress—it won't be so bad

Lovely news, astro enthusiasts: Mercury retrograde 2023 is not going to be the torturous event you envisioned. 

We typically anticipate trouble at the mere mention of "retrogrades," especially when the planet of communication comes into play. Given the notorious Mercury retrograde effects—difficult commutes, broken devices, fights with our S.O. and the cliché fear of breaking up during Mercury retrograde—we'd rather curl up with our crystals and block out the transit entirely.

But as astrologer Liz Simmons has told us many times before, this particular cosmic happening is a great learning tool, as we can take an opportunity to review and revise. What's more is that the planet is fairly cooperative during our next trip around the sun. Cheers to that!

Mercury retrograde 2023: what astrologers want you to know

Mercury retrograde 2023 dates

Typically, Mercury goes retrograde three to four times per year, and the transit usually averages about three weeks or so. After a brief retrograde hiatus in the winter, come spring, Mercury will kick things off for us. Here are the dates to note for late 2022, all of 2023 and the very beginning of 2024:

• December 29, 2022 to January 18, 2023
• April 21 to May 14, 2023
• August 23 to September 15, 2023
• December 13, 2023 to January 1, 2024

Do note that the Mercury shadow period takes place two weeks before and after the event itself. We'd like to think of it as a cosmic appetizer and dessert, with the main course sandwiched in between. 

During the "appetizer" we'll get a brief taste of what to expect during the event itself, and when our "dessert" course hits the table, we'll wrap up any loose ends from the planet's backwards motion—and find a resolution to any woes. Phew!

What to expect from Mercury retrograde 2023

Like Mercury retrograde 2022, the new year will also experience four helpings instead of the usual three. However, the fact that the first three are in one sign instead of two, unlike 2022, makes matters a lot simpler.

"These first three might be somewhat easier to go through since earth energy is stable, determined and rational," Simmons says. "So, it might be easier to work through the logistics of the craziness that Mercury retrograde could bring."

Since it'll take place in Taurus come April 21, expect the sign's popular themes to come into play. 

"For a start, the effects will take a laser focus on the areas of life ruled by the Taurus sign which include finances and money, materialistic goods and possessions, values, and your ‘basic’ needs," says Nebula's astrologer Patrick Price.

Meet the expert: Liz Simmons

Liz Simmons is a freelance writer, astrologer, and tarot reader based in Salem, MA. She views astrology and tarot as another tool in our arsenal to understand the cosmic interplay in our lives. Currently, Liz contributes astrological articles and horoscopes to StyleCaster, POPSUGAR and Astrology.com. She is also the resident astrologer at ASCEND Get Lifted. 

He continues, "The three most affected areas of our lives during Mercury Retrograde will be relationships, money and possessions."

We'll find ourselves not communicating efficiently with those around us—not just romantic partners—misplacing items and even struggling to budget. This may seem daunting, but the good news is that you have the power to make the most out of this curveball the planet has thrown your way. 

"If you work hard to keep an open heart and mind, you will find many blessings and positives throughout this time," Price says. "That being said, it is true that Mercury retrograde can be very challenging, [which] gives us scope to reflect and figure out who we are and what we want."

Price personally likes to mediate, jot down notes and burn his list of worries when Mercury becomes a bit overbearing. In order to manage it this season, you're going to have to remain grounded.

"The most important thing you can do to get through this retrograde unscathed is to be present," he says. "This may sound like an oversimplification but please do not doubt the power of having a present mind during Mercury retrograde in Taurus."

Things might be a little trickier come the end of the year, as Mercury goes retrograde in two signs, but let's be honest: you're a pro and can take it on easily.

"Given that this last one switches from earthy Capricorn to fiery Sagittarius, it might be more jarring since the fiery Archer energy may spark anger, aggression, assertion, and poorly timed action," Simmons adds. 

Meet the expert: Patrick Price

Patrick is Nebula: Horoscope and Astrology App’s expert specializing in tarot, angel readings and Western astrology. Patrick is a queer man who comes from a gypsy family. Tarot is deeply rooted in his family’s culture. He’s been doing tarot for the past eight years and astrological readings for the last three years. Patrick specializes in coaching through starts and finding purpose in life.

Mercury retrograde 2023 tips

While of course it's important to be mindful of the way we treat people and the way in which we handle important matters during Mercury retrograde, Price suggests that there's one tactic that makes the transit a lot smoother: practicing gratefulness, something that might be overlooked with the fear of a broken laptop or a huge fight looms over us. 

"Focusing on gratitude will keep you grounded at this time and also keep you aligned with the positivity in your own life," he says. Also, it is vital to remember that nothing is 'good' or 'bad'. It is all about our perspective and the energy and importance we choose to give things."

On a whole, use Mercury retrograde as a time to be kind to others—and yourself. Are you communicating effectively? Are you allowing time to decompress? Think of it as an excuse to right things that feel wrong so that you're operating more authentically moving forward. 

As far as fearing the astrology event, don't sweat it—you're going to be fine. Be sure to check out our 2023 guide to what planet is in retrograde so you can prepare accordingly!