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All you need to keep calm and carry on during the final Mercury Retrograde of 2021

The final of 2021's three Mercury retrograde is happening from 27 September to 18 October. Whether you're well versed in astronomy or someone just passing by, if there's one event you need to know, it's THE Mercury Retrograde, known notoriously as a time when miscommunications and technological failures abound.

According to modern astrological beliefs, Mercury is the planet that represents communications. When it goes retrograde, the theory is that anything related to communications can go wrong. Technology, communications between interpersonal relationships, and even how you handle your own emotions and headspace are supposedly prone to breakdown during this period. I've even had freelancers tell me that they cannot submit their articles in time because of Mercury retrograde.

So yes, grim times indeed.

But hey, let's not focus on the negativity and refocus instead on what exactly we are dealing with, why it has such bad associations and how to deal with it.

What exactly is a Mercury retrograde?

From a scientific point of view, Mercury retrograde is an optical illusion. Mercury’s orbit around the sun is shorter than the Earth’s, which means that when Earth passes Mercury in orbit, there is a moment when it appears to move backwards.

Here's a helpful video that explains clearly the optical effect below.

Science aside, what does pseudoscience says?

When a huge planet representing communication appears to go backwards, it seems like everything that allows you to communicate efficiently will also suddenly go in a direction you did not mean for it to go.

In a nutshell, everything that's related to communications that can go wrong, will go wrong. Just imagine, what great excuses it will make for everything!

"Sorry I lashed out at you, Mercury retrograde, y'know..."

Forgot to send out an email. "Oops sorry I was so sure I sent it out, must be Mercury Retrograde blocking it!"

"Urgh! My iPhone 12 is not working! Time to get myself a new iPhone 13."

(Additional note: While typing this article, I spilt water over my laptop, the first time it has happened in years. The mind is a powerful thing. Make of it what you will.)

Jokes aside, you might feel out of sorts or want to lock yourself in to avoid anyone during this particular time, but it's not exactly a realistic way to cope with the disruptions. How about some items and gag gifts to make yourself feel more confident about tackling the weeks ahead?

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Not Now Mercury Is In Retrograde Shirt (Photo: Etsy)
Not Now Mercury Is In Retrograde Shirt (Photo: Etsy)

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Mercury retrograde healing crystal stud earring (Photo: Etsy)
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Crystals For Mercury Retrograde (Photo: Etsy)
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Mercury Retrograde Crystal Bracelet (Photo: Etsy)
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Mercury Retrograde Tealights (Photo: Etsy)

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I Can't Mercury is in Retrograde Mug (Photo: Etsy)
I Can't Mercury is in Retrograde Mug (Photo: Etsy)
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