Mercury in Retrograde: What gives?
Written by Epifania Arriagada
I don’t know about you guys, but I have been feeling the changing of the guard as Mercury goes into retrograde.
Right after falling into a two‑week sickness stupor, I came out ready for action—only to find myself walking straight into Mercury in Retrograde. And in that time, I’ve noticed some old habits and patterns seeping back through.
For instance, I used to be, low key, agoraphobic. I would spend days not leaving the house, languishing in other people’s lives online, and feeling sorry for myself. I’ve since saved myself from that circle of disaster. But as we approached this new energy phase—and especially after my illness—I’ve felt some of those old habits creeping in again.
But what if this is happening because I need to re‑examine this pattern?
Maybe it’s time for me to slow down.
Maybe this is an invitation rather than a curse.
So instead of spiraling, I am observing. I’m using this as a stage of evaluation—to look honestly at what got me here. I’m using my time indoors to move inward and recalibrate. I’m also forming a new habit by simply forcing myself to go outdoors, instead of trying to edge myself back into it slowly.
This is also a time to reconnect—to reach out with honesty, to revisit old wounds with compassion, and to nurture bonds that truly matter.
In the days leading up to Mercury in Retrograde, I’ve been thinking about my relationship with my extended family—which is, frankly, non‑existent. And although I know it was healthier for me to disconnect rather than continue unhealthy patterns, I still sometimes blame myself for why those patterns exist.
In this time, I’m choosing to nurture myself. I’ll reach out to those who are still present in my life with honesty about my feelings. And the same goes for some old friendships. It’s time to let a few of those back in. I have a pattern of cutting people off and never looking back—and, for the most part, that’s actually been a good thing for me. But I believe some connections deserve a reevaluation.
Mercury in Retrograde is a time for self‑care, balance, and maybe even staying your asses at home for a bit—going inward and making sure those plans are coming from the right place. Mercury in Retrograde isn’t about undoing everything you’ve done. It’s here to help us do a little life refresh, not a full‑scale renovation.
Many of you see these buzzwords but don’t even know what it actually means for Mercury to be in retrograde. Like you, I am learning the phases of the planets, as the old ones did, so that I can grow and let my life align with the rhythm of the world around me.
So, what does it mean when Mercury is in Retrograde?
Mercury is the planet that rules communication, travel, and technology. When Mercury appears to move backward in the sky—an optical illusion called retrograde motion—astrology teaches that the things Mercury governs start to feel out of sync. Emails get lost. Plans shift. Old conversations or relationships resurface.
Astrologically, this “backward” motion creates reflective energy. Instead of racing forward, we’re asked to pause, review, and reassess. It’s known for delays, misunderstandings, and old patterns popping back up—but also for offering a chance to fix what’s been overlooked and rethink our path ahead.
Mercury in Retrograde isn’t here to ruin your life. It’s more like the universe tapping you on the shoulder and saying:
“Hey, take another look at this. Is it really working for you?”
So when you notice those old habits creeping back in—whether it’s staying indoors too long, replaying old relationships in your head, or second‑guessing your plans—consider it an invitation. Step back. Breathe. Use this period as a cosmic tune‑up.
We’re not here to rebuild our lives from scratch. We’re here to refresh—to reflect, reconnect, and realign.
About the Author
Epfania (Tiff) is an artist, writer, and founder of Bruja Magazine, where she blends spirituality, humor, personal storytelling, and creative exploration. A lifelong seeker, she weaves her own lived experiences—healing, growth, and a little Southern mysticism—into every piece she creates. Through her work, Tiff invites others to pause, reflect, and find connection in the rhythms of both art and life.
