Never Do These Things During Mercury Retrograde
Phones break, checks get lost, contracts are misread, meetings are double-booked, and confusion swirls in almost all conversations. Welcome to Mercury retrograde. Last year was a whirlwind, but 2021 is not lost to Mercury’s retrograde antics.
Mercury retrograde 2021 dates are:
- January 30 – February 20, 2021 (Aquarius)
- May 29 – June 22, 2021 (Gemini)
- September 27 – October 18, 2021 (Libra)
The good news is: Everyone, no matter their sign, will experience shakeups. The bad news is: No one is immune to the disruptive forces of this infamous transit.
So, what are you supposed to do these next three weeks? First off, don’t panic. With a little foresight (and some items from our Mercury retrograde survival kit!), you can avoid some major missteps, and actually thrive during this season. Here, we list what to do—and what not to do—during Mercury retrograde, so you can come out on top!
Read This: The Worst Mercury Retrograde Stories
3 Things NOT to Do While Mercury Is Retrograde
1) Sign Contracts
Don’t sign contracts without triple-checking the fine print. Mercury wreaks havoc on communication, so make sure you know exactly what you’re signing or agreeing to before you do it. If something seems off, ask questions. And make sure to have plenty of backup material corroborating your actions.
2) Buy Electronics
Just don’t. If you can avoid it, go after a flatscreen or smartphone upgrade once Mercury moves to its next phase. Electronics are likely to go haywire anyway, so you might as well hang on to what you have until the planets have sorted themselves out.
3) Gossip
Don’t talk behind people’s backs. Ideally, you shouldn’t be doing this anyway! But you can pretty much be guaranteed that the person you’re talking about will hear you (or read the text, or see the email) in the next few weeks. Until retrograde season has passed, assume anything you say will be heard by everyone in your circle.
5 Things to Do While Mercury Is Retrograde
1) Just Say No
One benefit of Mercury in retrograde is that it brings back the past. In other words, it’s a great time to tie up loose ends with a past relationship, project, or idea. Since communication is affected by Mercury retrograde, it’s also a great time to figure out exactly what you want to say, including what you stand for. Wishy-washy language won’t be tolerated. Instead of saying “maybe,” just say no!
2) Back Up Important Documents
Do this, ideally, before Mercury turns retrograde. Make sure all important documents, photos, and other information is backed up. It’s also a good time to make sure that all your finances are in order and address any discrepancies.
3) Finish Lingering Projects
Do tie up loose ends. Whether it’s finally doing a home improvement project or tackling a task you’ve been putting off at work, Mercury in retrograde is a great time to finally get to it. In fact, these few weeks are a bad time to start any new projects, so you may as well finish what you already have on your plate.
4) Try a New Workout
Channel your energy into something new (and not tech-related!). It may not stick, but if it does, this could be a passion for life!
5) Enjoy Your Downtime
Have fun! One great thing about Mercury in retrograde is that it asks you to go with the flow . The universe wants you to have some downtime, so if things are frustrating, why not hold off and get to them in a few weeks? This is an optimal time to focus on health, friends, family, and people you love.
Lead photo courtesy of @bambashkart
