Mercury retrograde ends this week, but the party's not over yet

Have you noticed the celebration? That's because Mercury retrograde ends this week. 

The celestial troublemaker will go direct on June 3, and the astrologically attuned are reveling in their June horoscope and looking forward to all that's ahead, without the pesky planet to send them into panic mode. 

But don't whip out the balloons and streamers just yet. Before anyone gets too excited, let's not forget about the Mercury shadow period—aka retroshade—which takes place for the next two weeks following the retrograde itself. 

Though it might seem a little discouraging, it's actually a good time to regroup.

"Mercury retrograde may be over, but we need to review our final lessons as direct Mercury works its way back through Taurus then Gemini," says astrologer Liz Simmons. "Sometimes the post and pre periods can be more stressful because they encourage us to consider and apply Mercury retrograde’s lessons."

So...what now? Allow us to fill you in on the lil' mini Mercury event, a gift astrology fans will come to appreciate...eventually. 

Mercury retrograde ends: what happens next?

The planet of communication tends to send things a bit haywire when it goes retrograde. Now that it's direct once more, the retroshade is an opportune time to asses what might've gone wrong with our acquaintances and loved ones and what we can do to improve our behavior. 

"I would suggest being accountable for your actions or lack thereof," Simmons says. "Use this time to own your part to play to make the transition smoother within your connections and conversations."

Now that the planet is almost ready to cooperate, it's likely you will be, too. Now, you might feel more inclined to take on that big project at work our the next step in your relationship.

Since Venus will be in Taurus by the time Mercury is direct, we may feel more confident in our ability to create long-lasting commitments and agreements," Simmons says. "Plus, the new moon in Gemini occurred shortly before Mercury stations direct, so we may feel more clear-minded and focused about the various paths we could entertain once Mercury stations direct in Gemini."

Mercury retrograde 2022: round three

As you're well aware, Mercury retrograde 2022 has decided to give us an extra helping. This year, we'll experience four retrogrades instead of the usual three. 

However, we're going to be approaching the third towards the end of the summer from September 9 to October 2. We can expect the usual themes of communication to come into play come September 9, but Simmons insists things will feel a tad different. 

"Virgo’s Mercurial influence will likely turn the details of the next retrograde inside out, causing us to consider our organization and thoroughness," she says. "Libra’s Venusian energy may encourage us to consider the reciprocity of our commitments during the next retrograde."

So, yes, Mercury gets a bad rep, but overall, it's a good time to reevaluate how we do things. Perhaps our keys will go MIA in the process, but we don't necessarily have to fear the dreaded transit. But do feel free to have a look at our favorite crystals for Mercury retrograde just in case...