The Astronomy of Mercury Retrograde

It took me years of studying astrology before I learned what Mercury Retrograde (Rx) really is.

I understood the astrological implications. The planet of communication ‘appears to be moving backward in the sky’ therefore our communications become a bit backward as well.

But… how the heck does a planet change direction?

If you’d told me that planets literally do a loopy loop in the sky every so often, I would’ve believed you.

Apparent motion of a Retrograde

If planets all move in the same direction, all the time, how can they appear to move backward?

Watch Mercury’s path in the video below.

Sometimes Mercury moves to the left, and sometimes to the right.

Every time it moves to the right is when Retrogrades are occurring.

Mercury may appear to be moving in another direction, but it’s following the same path the whole time.

Stations

When Mercury turns a corner in its orbit, it moves slower through (our view of) the sky.

This moment is what astrologers call “stations”.

Where these stations occur in the sky give insight as to what that Retrograde will entail.

Astrology is Astronomy

Now that you understand the astronomy behind Mercury Rx, you can see it in a chart with fresh eyes.

Watch as Mercury does its ‘loopy loop’ just the same as in the sky.

Learning the astronomy behind the astrology charts I was reading brought them to life.

Astrology began with “sky watchers”, individuals who would track the motion of the stars and study them endlessly.

They didn’t have TV to pass the time with, light pollution to distract them from the stars, or computers to calculate these charts in seconds.

Knowing the “why” behind astrology is essential; it’s more than symbols on a piece of paper. It’s real life, happening directly above us at all times.

Omg you read the whole thing

I’ll assume you enjoyed the article. I’m glad. <3

You can read this article I wrote for a broader view of the astronomy of a birth chart.

Schedule a Reading

If you like my perspective on astrology and would like to hear my take on your chart, you can schedule a reading here.

The people I meet through my readings always feel so aligned — so if you’re inclined to book, please do!

Can’t wait to chat with you. :)

Actual motion of a Retrograde.