We’re constantly fascinated by what our zodiac sign says about our love lives, whether it's which signs are most compatible, the best sex positions for each sign, or how each sign handles conflict in relationships. That's why Bustle has enlisted Mecca Woods, a New York City-based Astrologer to tell us all about how astrology is affecting our love lives each week. This week's topic: Mercury retrograde.
Yes, beloveds. Another Mercury retrograde is here. The bad news? Over the next few weeks sh*t might get cray, as the planet of communication powers down for its first nap of the year. That’s right, under a Mercury retrograde (which takes place about four times a year), something as simple as sending an email, tweeting, or rushing home to bingewatch becomes problematic for everyone. Unless, you were born during a Mercury retrograde; if you were, you’ll find that life seems to make more sense to you at time. However, the good news? You don’t have to let this common phenomenon ruin your life, especially your love life.
As knowledge of this planetary phenomenon continues to flood the mainstream, you might have seen dozens of articles, blogs, and social media posts from astrologers and astrology fans alike warning of the dangers of Mercury retrograde and relationships. Exes coming back from the dating dead, sudden breakups, and innocent texts that turn toxic are just some examples of the madness that goes down when this tiny planet spins backwards. However, there’s an upside to this time of year too.
Read below to find out what Mercury retro can do for your love life:
1. Deepen The Communication
As the planet in charge of speech, writing, and thought in astrology; Mercury’s job is to gather information, analyze it, and disseminate it to the rest of us. This is why those born under Gemini and Virgo tend to be some of the best writers, media personalities, and public relations people around. As such, when it comes to relationships, Mercury is your go-to planet when it comes to building a rapport with your partner. Since the goal of a Mercury retrograde is to slow down and review what we’ve been up to thus far, it’s a perfect time to make sure you and your significant other are on the same page. So, ditch the cell phone, pull up a chair and get to talking with your partner. Remember, a good relationship, needs good communication.
2. Remember The Time
I swear Mercury retrogrades are what anniversaries were made for—celebrations big and small in honor of a couple’s “firsts”; the first meeting, the first date, the first kiss, etc. (Since retrogrades handle the past, there’s a good chance your partner will finally remember these moments too. Ha!) Anyway, even if you don’t have an anniversary coming up, a retrograde is a good excuse to make one up…like the first time you both felt comfortable enough to take a #2 on a sleepover. Remember?
3. Revisit The Future
Has there been talk about a trip that you and your love have yet to take? Were you two thinking about moving to a new apartment, city, or state and haven’t so much looked at a listing? Are you two ever going to start that business you had ideas about? If there’s something exciting you and your mate have been talking about doing but haven’t gotten around to it yet, a Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to revisit plans. Then when Mercury moves forward again you two can actually take off and do them. Sharing new experiences together helps to deepen a couple’s bond, creating more anniversaries to celebrate!
4. Get Clear About Who You Want (And Don't)
Regardless of what your current relationship status happens to be, Mercury retro always has a knack for helping us to pick up details we may have missed before. In matters of love, this could mean 1) you finally see the person you’ve been with for who they really are and decide they aren’t for you, 2) you have an a-ha moment and finally figure out what you want out of a relationship or if you want one at all; or 3) after spending time apart, you and your beloved decide you two are really meant to be together and reconcile. That’s the way a Mercury retrograde works. It’s like having an edit button for your love life.
5. Netflix And Chill
This might be my favorite one of all. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take time out of their busy schedule to snuggle up with their honey, and watch about 6-10 minutes’ worth of Bob’s Burgers before getting it on? If there’s one message that Mercury retrograde wants to get across at this time, it’s to take a sec and chill. Why shouldn’t you get lucky in the process?
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