Mercury Retrograde is believed to cause havoc with people’s lives (Picture: buradaki via Getty Images)
From merely feeling a little off to suddenly falling out with friends or encountering exes, Mercury Retrograde is believed to cause chaos in our lives.
Despite the phenomenon having scientific roots, it is widely thought that it can disrupt elements like our emotions and communication skills.
Thankfully, for those who believe in the theories behind Mercury Retrograde, the astrological event is soon coming to an end soon. Though, there will be two more this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about it and when the retrograde motion will be over.
What does Mercury in retrograde mean?
Scientifically, Mercury retrograde is the optical illusion whereby the planet appears to be moving backwards in the sky for varied periods of time.
It is not actually moving backwards, but it can appear to be due to Earth’s positioning three or four times a year.
While Earth takes 365 days to complete its orbit around the sun, Mercury orbits the sun in just 88 days, which is why the perception of the planet changing direction occurs.
In astrological terms, Mercury retrograde is a significant event that can cause upheaval, confusion, issues with communication and changes in your energy.
It supposedly affects three crucial areas of your life, which are relationships, friendships and work.
While Mercury is associated with the Gemini zodiac sign, the retrograde phases are said to affect different signs at different times of the year.
When Mercury is in retrograde it appears to be moving backwards (Picture: buradaki via Getty Images)
The current period sees Mercury moving from Gemini to Taurus.
Astrologers urge people to use the periods as a time for reflection and transforming bad habits and patterns.
When does the May 2022 Mercury Retrograde end?
Despite having started on May 10, 2022, Mercury will be in retrograde until June 3, 2022.
That’s right, the planet will be causing chaos for over three weeks.
Mercury Retrograde is believed to cause issues in communication, leading to potential upheaval during the period (Picture: Jamie Grill via Getty Images)
And, if you have struggled to navigate the period or encountered major life changes during the period, brace yourself.
There are two more phases of Mercury retrograde ahead of us in 2022, both of which will last for several weeks each.
When is the next Mercury Retrograde in 2022?
The next time Mercury will be in retrograde in 2022 is on September 9 and this will last for just under a month with it ending on October 2.
On December 29, we’ll encounter the final Mercury Retrograde period of 2022, but it will carry over into 2023 and end on January 18.
So, prepare for a turbulent end to this year and a potentially rocky start to 2023.
Thankfully, next year we’ll encounter just three retrograde periods in comparison to four this year. They’ll fall from April to May, August to September and December to January, 2024.
MORE : This horoscope app uses NASA data and real astrologers to give you personalised messages from the stars
MORE : Your star sign’s planetary return is like another birthday – here’s what each one means for you
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Share your views in the comments below
