Mercury now turns retrograde at 4° Gemini 52′.

Mercury is retrograde from May 10, 2022, at 4° Gemini 52′, until June 3, 2022, at 26° Taurus 05′. While Mercucry begins its retrograde in the sign of Gemini, it returns to Taurus on May 22nd.

Mercury Retrograde Cycle from May 10 to June 3, 2022:

• April 26, 2022, Mercury enters the Retrograde Zone at 26° Taurus 05′
• May 10, 2022, Mercury stations and turns retrograde at 4° Gemini 52’Rx
• June 3, 2022, Mercury stations and turns direct at 26° Taurus 05′
• June 18, 2022, Mercury leaves the Retrograde Zone at 4° Gemini 52′

The year 2022’s second retrograde Mercury cycle occurs from May 10th to June 3rd. Mercury’s shadow period begins on April 26th and ends on June 18th. Note that the shadow period begins before Mercury turns retrograde–when Mercury first passes over the degree that Mercury later returns to in retrograde motion. The shadow period ends when Mercury again passes over the degree at which it first turned retrograde. The shadow period is different than Mercury’s storm period in astrology, which refers to the period when Mercury is moving especially slowly.

Note that Mercury’s post-retrograde shadow is generally better for new long-term endeavors than the pre-retrogrades shadow. For new enterprises in the pre-retrograde shadow, the venture’s secondary progressed Mercury will turn direction (retrograde) in the coming years, which may not be ideal.

Also note that things are most wonky on and around the days of the stations whether Mercury is turning retrograde OR direct (the start and end dates of the retrograde cycle) as the shifts occur, after which we grow more accustomed to the energy.

Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time).

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.

Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly.

While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering. In Gemini and Taurus this time, we’re reviewing our projects, personal interests, communication systems, studies, finances, and systems of comfort and security.