The Quick Report

10 Things to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde

Here is a comprehensive list of things that you should not do while Mercury is in retrograde! May the odds be ever in your favor.

10. Don’t Freak Out

A parking meter with a don't panic sticker on it
Photo by Stephen Harlan

Satellites are not going to fall out of the sky. Your life is not going to be turned upside down. Facebook… may shut down if history is any indication. But don’t let the memes on social media scare you! Mercury in retrograde does not have to be a scary time. You may need to be a little cautious, but it is important to keep your wits about you. This is a time to reflect, recharge, and reevaluate. 

9. Don’t Start New Projects

a person drawing on a piece of paper
Photo by Nik

While this is a great time to finish projects that you have started, you should hold off on starting any new projects. During a planet’s retrograde, it appears to be moving backward as it orbits the sun. Even though this is an optical illusion we see from our perspective on Earth, it still feels very real. It is hard to move forward with a new project when the planet that governs our decision-making appears to move backward.

8. Don’t Lose Your Temper

smiling girl in black and white striped shirt
Photo by Julien L

It is important to keep your cool at this time. Mercury in retrograde can cause a breakdown in communication. If you let your anger get the best of you, you could end up saying something that you will later regret. People who have Leo in their sun or Mercury placements should especially heed this warning. You may feel a bit more testy than usual this retrograde season.

7. Don’t Jump To Conclusions

man jumping on the middle of the street during daytime
Photo by Andre Hunter

As mentioned earlier, when Mercury is in retrograde it can cause a breakdown in communication. At this time, misunderstandings can cause a rift in relationships. It is important not to read too much into things. Be sure to get clarification before jumping to conclusions. Calmly ask people to explain themselves before you worry yourself into a frenzy.

6. Don’t Neglect Your Vehicle

white Aston Martin convertible parked near trees
Photo by Andrew Pons

Mercury governs our communication and decision-making skills. But it also rules over travel. If your car is making a funny sound or the check engine light is on, you need to get it repaired sooner rather than later. And make sure your gas tank is always filled up. Especially if you are planning a road trip.

5. Don’t Overwork Yourself 

a man sitting at a desk with a laptop and papers
Photo by Vitaly Gariev

To reiterate an earlier point, when Mercury is in retrograde, it is a time to rest and recharge. This is a time to slow down. Above, I said that you need to take care of your motor vehicle. But you also have to take care of your human vehicle as well. You won’t be able to tackle your goals or make good decisions if you are mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. 

4. Don’t Overshare

man in black hoodie drinking from a bottle
Photo by Juliana Romão

It is important to speak clearly and concisely at this time. But it is also important not to overshare. If you end up rambling, you may reveal something that was not anyone else’s business. When Mercury is in retrograde it’s important to know what to say and what not to say.

3. Don’t Criticize Others

A couple of women standing next to each other
Photo by Jametlene Reskp

A little constructive criticism can be a good thing. But when Mercury is in retrograde, criticism can seem harsher than usual. Only offer advice or criticism when it is clearly asked for. Unwarranted advice can be rude and unhelpful.

Read More: 10 Money Myths Most Likely to Sabotage Your Finances

2. Don’t Criticize Yourself

woman sitting on floor near window
Photo by Anthony Tran

Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are doing the best you can. You can’t scold yourself into being the type of person you want to be. Forgive yourself and be gentle during this tumultuous time.

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1. Don’t Blame Everything On Mercury 

silhouette photo of two person watching stars
Photo by Ryan Jacobson

Cut the tiny planet some slack! Mercury in retrograde can be a stressful time. It can cause technological issues, rash decision-making, and a breakdown in communication. But that doesn’t mean you should blame every mistake, setback, or bit of bad luck on the stars and planets. Mercury is not ruining our lives. It’s just encouraging us to take a step back and reevaluate where we are.

Read More: 10 Things To Do When Mercury Is In RetrogradeÂ