You'll Want to Beware of 2021's Powerful Mercury Retrograde Dates

When life seems a little off, relationships start to take a turn for the worse and technology begins to fail you, you can blame it on astrology – or more specifically, Mercury retrograde.

While the world doesn’t necessarily implode, this astrological event is known to bring a lot of disruption, miscommunication and chaos in the form of missed appointments, arguments, mental confusion and (a lot of) broken or missing phones. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Mercury retrograde and what’s in store for you when it occurs in 2021. 

What are the Mercury retrograde dates for 2021?

In 2021, Mercury will be in complete retrograde movements during the following date ranges:

• January 30 to February 21
• May 29 to June 22
• September 27 to October 23

What is Mercury retrograde?

Mercury is the quick-moving planet that governs communication, technology and travel. Named after the Roman deity who served as a messenger to the gods, Mercury helps us transmit messages by controlling what we say and how we process what we hear from others. 

The term ‘retrograde’ originates from the Latin word retrogradus, which literally means “backward step”. 

So, as the name implies, ‘Mercury retrograde’ periods are associated with confusion, delay and frustration as all things related to communication and transmission are thrown off balance. 

What zodiac signs will be affected by Mercury retrograde in 2021?

On Saturday January 30, Mercury entered its first retrograde of 2021 in Aquarius. This sign was further spotlighted by a large cluster of planets that were simultaneously lingering in Aquarius.

"In this case, Aquarian themes such as freedom, personal liberties and independence were screaming to be heard, especially for Aquarian Sun, Moon and Ascendant signs," astrologer Natasha Weber tells Bed Threads Journal. 

When Mercury retrograde hits for the second time this year in May, all eyes will be on Geminis as the planet of communication rewinds through the sign of the Twins. 

"I’d advise anyone with strong Gemini planetary placements to be especially cautious with anything tech-related," Weber warns. "Back-up your phones, double-check you’re sending emails to the correct address and most importantly, think before you speak."

As for the third and last retrograde event, Librans will be placed under the cosmic microscope. 

"Here, both Librans and Aries are in for a relationship revolution," Weber explains, adding that this can actually lead to a positive outcome. "Reassessing your and your partner’s needs will be a top priority at this time. The beauty of this Mercury retrograde is that it will allow these signs to work out what’s been previously swept under the carpet."

How to survive 2021’s Mercury retrogrades

Weber recommends to approach anything to do with communication, travel, technology and machinery with caution. Moreover, the Mercury retrogrades to occur this year are unlike any other as all three cosmic events are in air signs. 

"There’s been a massive focus on the air element recently, which basically boils down to the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. Air is highly cerebral; it’s an over-thinker."

Because of this, Weber’s top recommendation is to “stay in your heart centre”. 

"Sure, use your head, too, as cool logic will serve you well and help you navigate problems during these three Mercury retrogrades," Weber adds.

"But don’t lose touch with your intuition, either. Stay connected to your emotions and honour your feelings, too."

It’s something all zodiac signs need to prioritise this year. 

Natasha Weber is Australia's leading sun sign astrologer. Follow Natasha on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit her site here.

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Want more astrology advice? Here's the best bedtime routine for a perfect night's sleep, according to your star sign.