Tackle Mercury retrograde right now with astrologers' help

woman silhouette sunset, Mercury retrograde right now

(Image credit: Future)

published 7 September 2022

Mercury retrograde, right now, is about to deliver its third spin of the year. (We know, we know...)

Although we're soon about to be three-quarters of the way through the notorious astrological event, plenty of us are still worried that our phones will start malfunctioning and we'll be breaking up during Mercury retrograde, the most dreaded outcome of them all.

The furthest planet from the sun has garnered quite the reputation, but astrologers don't want you to fear the transit. In fact, they want you to embrace it and think about Mercury retrograde 2022 as an opportunity rather than a hindrance.

"No matter the planet, a retrograde is a time to rethink, review, then revise how we choose to handle something in our life," says astrologer Liz Simmons (opens in new tab).

Are you really going to let pop culture taint your view over the planet of communication? Nah, we didn't think you would, either.

Meet the expert: Liz Simmons

Liz is a self-taught astrologer and tarot reader who blends Hellenistic and modern techniques that utilizes the tropical zodiac, Placidus House system and Whole House system. You can book Liz (opens in new tab) for live astrology readings, tarot readings and written readings, among other services.

How to deal with Mercury retrograde right now

When: September 9 to October 2, 2022

Since our September cosmic calendar indicates we're going to be hyper-focused on relationships, romantic and otherwise, that'll be the main concern during this transit.

The first half of the retrograde in Libra will cause us to reexamine what's working in our interactions and calls on us to ask for what we need. When Mercury goes retrograde in Virgo, we'll have to watch what we say because things will feel impulsive. Don't rush to do or say anything, no matter how tempted you might be.

"I think it's’ a really good time to open your ears and try not to let your mouth run a million words a minute and just hear what somebody is trying to tell you," astrologer Noush (opens in new tab) previously told My Imperfect Life of 2022's third Mercury retrograde. "If you are involved in any type of contract, it would be an important time to make sure you’re negotiating. You want to to find a middle ground that works for you rather than giving in."

Meet the expert: Noush

An astrologer, creative and crystal enthusiast, Noush believes in the combination of energy healing and practical spirituality to bring meaning into our lives. You can learn more about your cosmic blueprint during an astrology reading with her (opens in new tab) or shop through an incredible collection of healing crystals @jooncrystals (opens in new tab).

If you ask astrologer Lisa Stardust, author of The Astrology Deck: Your Guide to the Meanings and Myths of the Cosmos (opens in new tab), each Mercury retrograde this year is responsible for something different.

While the first and second events of the year focused on how we share our thoughts and how we move out of our comfort zones, the third will ask us to find a balance in our lives (much like Virgo season and the autumnal equinox). The fourth and final Mercury retrograde of the year (thankfully) will combine all of these notions together in order to help people move forward on the correct path.

Meet the expert: Lisa Stardust

Author of The Astrology Deck: Your Guide to the Meanings and Myths of the Cosmos (opens in new tab), Lisa Stardust is a New York-based astrologer available for classes and events like astrological readings and tarot readings.

Making a case for Mercury retrograde

Rather than woefully plan for disaster, Noush insists that Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to make adjustments, not flip out.

"It's a time for us to really take a step back and slow right down and question our thoughts and our words by noticing the reality that we're living in and how can we realign to something that feels a little bit better," she says.

It doesn't have to be frightening—and that's the trick to surviving it. Your mindset will affect how you deal with this specific time, so why not think that a little shakeup is intended for your benefit?

"It doesn’t have to be that scary thing if you just move with it and understand that these things happen, and it’s OK," Noush says.

So yes, the thought of a malfunctioning laptop or disagreement with an S.O. might seem off-putting, but there's no reason to think the world is coming to an end. The best way to deal with Mercury retrograde effects is to stay positive, take things slow and examine why some changes are coming your way.

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Danielle is a writer for woman&home and My Imperfect Life, covering all-things news, lifestyle and entertainment.

The heart of her time at Future has been devoted to My Imperfect Life, where she's been attuned to the cosmos, new TV shows and relationship trends.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids and a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, amNewYork and Newsday, among other outlets.

When Danielle is not working, you can usually find her reading a book, coffee at hand, or attempting a new recipe. (Recommendations always welcome!)