Every few months, the phrase "Mercury Retrograde" pops up, causing a collective groan from those who swear it's behind their tech failures, travel delays, and miscommunications. But is it just a myth or is there some cosmic truth to Mercury’s supposed chaotic influence

In astrology, Mercury rules over communication, travel, and technology—basically all the things we rely on daily.When Mercury goes retrograde, it appears to be moving backward in its orbit (though, scientifically, it’s just an optical illusion caused by the Earth’s orbit). Astrologers believe this backward motion sends everything under Mercury’s domain into disarray. So, if your texts are misunderstood, your flights are delayed, or your laptop crashes, you might be tempted to blame this celestial phenomenon.

But does Mercury Retrograde really hold that much power, or is it just a convenient scapegoat for everyday frustrations

Why Communication Suffers During Mercury Retrograde

Astrologically speaking, when Mercury is retrograde, the planet’s energy is said to weaken, making communication less direct. This could mean more misinterpretations, forgotten meetings, and, yes, emails lost in the digital void. Since Mercury rules how we convey information, you may find yourself saying one thing while others hear something completely different. If your once-perfectly functioning smartphone suddenly feels possessed, it’s easy to see why Mercury Retrograde gets the blame.

However, sceptics argue that we often notice these hiccups more during Mercury Retrograde simply because we're looking for them. It's like confirmation bias—we expect things to go wrong, and when they do, we point fingers at the nearest celestial culprit.

How to Survive Mercury Retrograde (If You Believe)

If you're among those who believe Mercury Retrograde can throw life off track, there are a few steps to minimize its effects. Double-check your emails before hitting send, confirm appointments, and, if possible, avoid signing any major contracts until Mercury returns to its direct motion. Use this time to review, reflect, and revise—things astrologers say align with the retrogrades energy.

For the more sceptical crowd, Mercury Retrograde might just be another cycle to weather, like a rainy day. Sure, your plans might get a little soggy, but it’s probably not because a planet is "moving backward."

Whether Mercury Retrograde is a myth or reality, the belief in its effects certainly has people talking—and if communication is disrupted, perhaps that’s the ultimate irony.