We have entered the first Mercury Retrograde of 2021, it began on January 30th and will end on February 20th and this is the first of 3 Mercury Retrogrades for 2021.
Mercury the communication planet will be retrograde in Aquarius, the fixed (also known as most resolute or stubborn) air sign. Known for being progressive, futuristic, humanitarian, friends with literally everyone, and quirky to the max, Aquarius is ruled by electrifying Uranus, the planet of rebellion, revolution, and change… often of the sudden variety.
For the last few years, Mercury has predominantly been retrograding in water signs, but all through 2021 Mercury predominantly retrogrades in air signs.
Mercury is ruled by the element of air and earth, so having it retrograde in one of its ruling elements may intensify the experience.
We may feel mentally foggy, confused, or lack the clarity that is needed to make decisions. Whenever Mercury enters retrograde, especially in an air sign, we have to work a little harder to quiet our minds and be sure we are not spiraling into a loop of overthinking.
While Mercury retrograde in air signs can cloud our mental energy, it doesn’t bring thoughts up for no reason.
If we do find ourselves pondering on something, it may be a sign that we need to pay attention. This is a bit of a fine line though.
On one hand, we don’t want to ignore any nagging thoughts and feelings, but on the other, we also don’t want to get stuck going over things again and again.
Our main lessons during this Mercury Retrograde season, and the ones to come, will be to acknowledge any mental chatter, observe what needs to be looked at, and learn how to release and let go of the rest.
We can also think of these air-sign Mercury Retrogrades as an opportunity to sharpen our intuition and learn how to refine what is fear and insecurity, and what is our intuition.
Yes, Yes, Mercury the planet of communications likes to mess with communications of all kinds during a Retrograde phase and is renowned as a time to back up our data, double check all dealings and look closely before signing contracts ect.
This is something we need to consider doing during any Mercury retrograde. But because Aquarius is ruled by Uranus and is particularly obsessed with all things science and tech, the next three weeks could present an even more urgent opportunity to get our tech in order.
Consider what needs wrangling, whether it’s organising all those files in the cloud, attending to ongoing issues like lost passwords or unanswered emails, or backing up every last bit of info… it’s all worth it in an effort to preempt any Mercury retrograde nightmares.
But while Mercury loves to mess with all of the technology we’re endlessly addicted to, screw up travel plans, and set the stage for plenty of interpersonal confusion, the astrological occurrence, like most others, is not entirely negative.
It’s also an opportunity to look backward, to reflect, revise, review, and tie up loose ends before moving forward confidently and decisively. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how much we wish we could push forward 24/7 every day of the year life wasn’t designed to be lived with our foot on the pedal every day. In fact, by slowing down and checking in with ourselves, we might ultimately get even further.
Mercury, the planet of communications is also the messenger of the Gods, and when it enters retrograde, or the underworld as the ancients would say, it is a time for us to unearth thoughts and feelings that are buried in our subconscious.
This can be incredibly powerful and can help us to understand the underlying cause of any beliefs or behavior patterns we are playing out. It can also allow us to understand ourselves on a deeper level.
There is a strong focus on love and relationships under this Mercury Retrograde due to the position of Venus. Venus will be very active at this time, as will the planet Uranus.
Uranus is the planet of surprise and whenever its energy is present, things can catch us off guard.
Some new information may be revealed, requiring a certain level of change or instability. This may feel unsettling at first, but it can also guide us to awaken into a deeper understanding of who we are choosing to surround ourselves with and the type of partnerships that we are leaning towards.
Life is tough, which is why we humans gravitate towards family, community, and partnership with others. We can achieve so much on our own, but we can achieve so much more when we team up with others and receive support from them too.
This first Mercury Retrograde of 2021 will shine a spotlight on our closest relationships. It may trigger things from our past, reignite heart wounds that we need to clear, and cloud the waters. But it also offers a deeper understanding, new clarity, and awakening into how we can create positive change.
This is also a time to embrace our own quirkiness. Influenced by rebellious Uranus, which urges us to be free-spirited and strike out on our own, Aquarians tend to reject convention and the status quo, preferring to write their own script on everything.
Mercury retrograde in Aquarius was made for exploring different ways to own and showcase the strengths, dreams, and perspective that makes us distinctive, unique, and yes, sometimes, a complete weirdo. Finding the fun and being our unique selves will brighten our first Mercury Retrograde of the year.
Love and Blessings ♥♥♥