Mercury In Retrograde 2016-17: What It Means And How Astrology Could Affect Your Christmas And New Years

If the placement of the stars and the celestial bodies has anything to say, then everyone is going to be a bit crazy over the next several weeks as Mercury is in retrograde. The phenomenon, which will end between January 8th and 9th of the new year and began Monday, is known to make communication a bit tricky for folks-- to put it lightly.

Retrograde planet phenomena occur when a celestial body appears to be moving backward in the sky. It is caused by the special relationship between Earth’s orbit and that of another planet — in this case, Mercury. The seemingly backward movement is evaluated differently by astrologers compared to when they appear to be moving forward through the sky.

Mercury is going to mess up communication because the planet rules over all types of intercourse. That includes articles like this one, as well as writing — including the comment section below — speaking, social media use, texting — blame the holiday drunk texts on Mercury — and reading. During the retrograde period, noticeable complications, break downs in communication and errors often occur. At least it will end before inauguration day, right?

The period, though, is not without its opportunities for growth. It’s a wonderful time to revisit old issues and reconnect with people, according to Collective Evolution. For those who see Mercury in retrograde as an opportunity for growth and reflection, tuning into what is happening around them will yield less complications and slipups in communication.

This is the fourth Mercury in retrograde phenomenon in a series that will end in September of next year. It is also the second time in that series that it has occurred in Capricorn. Since Capricorn represents ambition, career, plans and responsibilities, it is a great time to try and hammer out some good life goals.

Mercury was most recently in retrograde at the end of August into September.