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I’ve survived many Mercury retrogrades in my twenty-nine years on Earth, but certain Mercury retrogrades *really* take your life for a spin. While many dedicated astrology enthusiasts are fierce in their belief in astrology, many of us doubt it’s really real. But once they find out, strange incidents always start adding up. It’s enough to make you wonder: is Mercury retrograde really real? Or is this astrological phenomenon completely blown out of proportion?
There was only one way I would find out – by comparing the story of my actual Mercury retrograde experience with what my Mercury retrograde horoscope predicted for the zodiac sign. If my own story matches what my zodiac sign should be experiencing, then it will confirm my long-held suspicion that astrology is always right.
This particular retrograde cycle began on September 9, 2022 and began its return journey at 8 degrees Libra, the constellation of harmony, friendship and romance. It also ended on October 2 at 24 degrees Virgo, a zodiac sign that loves to organize and plan. Mercury itself is the planet of technology, communication, brainpower and travel. In retrograde, all mental processes are known to be completely confused. Missed connections, missed appointments and the return of long lost people from the past are likely. I don’t know about you, but I have certainly felt the shocks in my personal life during this Mercury retrograde cycle.
It’s important to get through this period by taking it easy, double-checking any contracts or conversations you have, and maintaining flexibility. Putting things in order is the message! Reflecting, realizing and reassessing is the name of the game. While that’s easier said than done, here’s how I managed it during my Mercury retrograde experience:
Image: Adobe. Design: Sasha Purdy / StyleCaster
What my horoscope predicts
Mercury retrograde starts, stationing in 8 degrees Libra (ruling harmony, friendship, romance), meaning major misunderstandings in relationships are ashore. 8 degrees is the degree of Scorpio, which lies on intensity and passion.
What really happened
I had a stressful last week of August with some very emotionally charged moments. My boyfriend flew back to New York after we spent weeks together, so the first few days my separation anxiety kicked in. Meanwhile, my inner child was triggered by my mother in San Francisco, prompting me to drive back to Los Angeles two days earlier than intended from my childhood home. I also ended up at a last minute wedding where I really shouldn’t be (long story) because I was anxious and crying about it for a week. Protect your energy!
Meanwhile, my boyfriend was going through an extremely tiring work week and had little energy to communicate or even eat! Fortunately, I resolved my own selfish thoughts and ordered him a surprise dinner, which helped to ease temporary hard feelings.
What my horoscope predicts
The Harvest Full Moon in Pisces, a raw and spiritual sign and the last of the zodiac, arrives during Virgo season. There is an air of finality in events as the stars call on you to find a balance between the logical and dreamy parts of yourself.
What really happened
I’m rediscovering my rituals with all my solo time in LA, learning to integrate into the fun. My friends and I spontaneously decided at the last minute to see Lady Gaga on the 10th at Dodger Stadium and we had the time of my life singing and dancing along. When the 11th rolled around, I made sure to squeeze in an extra gentle and cozy self-care Sunday, complete with long hot girl walks, hydration, Pilates, and rest. It was the first Sunday I really had alone in almost two months! I move away from the stressors earlier in the week and declare myself anchored in my routines.
What my horoscope predicts
Mercury retrograde engages in a stalemate with screaming Jupiter in Aries, who can repeat old troubles and talk about the elephant in the room.
What really happened
Talk about fixing up old problems! While I’m currently in Los Angeles taking care of my business, my boyfriend is going to a production studio with a mutual friend in Manhattan on the 15th. As they left, this “creepy and weird guy” (to quote my friend) attacked one of the women in the group, so my gracious partner said hello to the other guy before grabbing the girl back to their original crew. Afterwards in a bar everyone agreed how strange the man was… who turned out to be my toxic ex-boyfriend.
That my current lovely boo meeting my ex while I’m on the other side of the country isn’t something I expected, but it looks like Mercury is testing my limits to see how I deal with my rough past in clash with my present. Fortunately, my boyfriend (despite feeling icky) was able to communicate this incident to me, and I ended up loving him even more than I did in the first place.
Oh and how could I forget? After a weekend of light fun and havoc for a friend’s birthday in Las Vegas, my Instagram gets hacked on the morning of the 19th as we checked out of the Venetian. If you ever want all the unsavory people in your past you forgot to contact to ask if it’s really you asking a hundred bucks through DMs… well, get your Instagram compromised by a bad scammer. Fortunately, StyleCaster helped me get my account back up and running within 24 hours.
What my horoscope predicts
Fall Equinox is here in Libra season. Libra is all about harmony, friendship and romance as it is ruled by Venus, so it’s time to romanticize your life in the fall.
What really happened
Yay fall, though it’s hard to get into the mindset while it’s still a blistering 90+ degrees in SoCal. I had an extremely enlightening therapy session, delving into my fear of being needy, my goals to solidify daily routines, and hone my communication skills on the 21st. In the end, I shared and discussed everything I learned with my boyfriend, who happily listened through everything and responded lovingly to any concerns I had for myself and for each other. Of course, this conversation happened while I was lighting my apartment with pumpkin scented candles.
Image: Adobe. Design: Sasha Purdy / StyleCaster
What my horoscope predicts
Mercury re-enters Virgo and exits Libra. Virgo is an Earth sign who has a tendency to over-analyze and devise strategies for control. You may feel unregulated at this point, but it’s important to remember to be versatile and adaptable.
What really happened
One of my good friends from New York that I met in my first real adult job now lives in San Diego, but she plans to return to New York soon, so she came to visit and stayed with me in Los Angeles . We had a heartwarming and peaceful weekend along with tasty meals, bubbly and filthy television.
What my horoscope predicts
The new moon in Libra is here! Turn over a new leaf with someone important to you and get on the same page.
What really happened
I aim for Sundays with no plans, so after my friend left in the morning to drive back to San Diego, I took the entire day to do personal errands at a snail’s pace. It feels luxurious to get your to-dos out of the way without haste. My boyfriend and I also caught up on FaceTime, where we gossiped about every lustful tea we heard about. Turns out, past harmful ghosts and hookups keep cropping up for both of our friend groups, helping us appreciate each other even more amid all the surrounding drama.
What my horoscope predicts
Mercury retrograde joins forces with Venus in Virgo, providing an opportunity to heal rifts, reconnect with old friends, and pursue creative projects.
What really happened
I had a wonderful day working from home with a semi-new girlfriend who in her own right is a tough businesswoman who runs a non-profit and artist management company. I also met one of the female artists she represents, who was visiting from New York. We had great conversations about our career paths, dealing with adult friendships and connecting artistic mutual interests.
What my horoscope predicts
Mercury is directly in Virgo at 24 degrees, giving you the promise of new beginnings. 24 degrees is the Pisces degree, which is associated with empathy and forgiveness. Meanwhile, Virgo likes practical plans and concrete tools. Love attracts more love, so your love life will heat up.
What really happened
At the time of writing this article, we are still at the end of September. Based on my plans for October 2 and beyond, I can tell you that my best friend, who I’ve known since high school, is visiting me in Los Angeles this weekend. I haven’t seen her since May and we have some discussions about her dating and personal life in the pipeline, I’m sure. The two of us have quite a few places in town to go to and check out.
Then on October 7th I will fly back to New York for about a month to reunite with my boyfriend! I guess love really attracts more love and my romantic life will heat up again while we are in the same city again.
Adobe. Design: Cierra Miller/STYLECASTER.
While Mercury’s nefarious reputation retrograde may seem terrifying on the surface, it’s more than possible to get to the other side better than before. Think of Mercury retrograde as a mandatory pause in major life decisions. It’s a good time to re-evaluate aspects of your lifestyle and renew what no longer serves you. After all, time takes time! Rushing everything can only make your process messier. It’s shocking how real this Mercury retrograde felt and how much of an impact it really had on my life this time around. However, to get through a retrograde cycle, I’ve cultivated the philosophy to sit back and laugh at every awkward moment. There is no need to take everything so seriously. Mercury certainly not!
