Mercury retrograde 2022 begins on September 9 at 8° Libra and ends on October 2 at 24° Virgo.

Generally, Mercury retrograde is associated with communication and technology breakdowns, nervous anxiety, travel delays, and lost items. Mercury retrograde September 2022 gives quick thinking but impulsiveness, hastiness, and a tendency to say too much.

See Mercury Retrograde Meaning for more information about Mercury retrograde in transit and in the natal chart. If you have Mercury retrograde in your birth chart, see Natal Mercury Retrograde.

Mercury Retrograde September 2022

The three phases of Mercury retrograde 2022 last from August 20 to October 17, between 24° Virgo and 8° Libra

1. First shadow phase – August 20 to September 9 – 24° Virgo to 8° Libra.
2. Retrograde phase – September 9 to October 2 – 8° Libra to 24° Virgo.
3. Second shadow phase – October 2 to 17 – 24° Virgo to 8° Libra.

Mercury enters the retrograde zone on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 24°11′ Virgo [see chart]. During the first shadow period, you will understand the thinking, communication, or transport issues that may arise during the retrograde phase.

Mercury Stationary Retrograde

Mercury stations retrograde on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 08°55′ Libra. It makes two planetary aspects, as shown in the chart below. A favorable trine to Mars and challenging opposition to Jupiter.

Mercury trine Mars is applying. Mercury stations retrograde before it makes the trine aspect to Mars. It is not until after the retrograde phase on October 26 that Mercury trine Mars is exact.

But Mercury opposite Jupiter is separating. Three exact oppositions occurs on September 2, September 18, and October 12. It stays with a 3°30′ orb from August 29 to September 22. This means Mercury opposite Jupiter has a more significant influence on Mercury retrograde 2022 than Mercury trine Mars.

The Aspects

Mercury trine Mars brings quick thinking and reflexes and a sense of adventure that are ideal for making on-the-spot decisions, taking risks and making bold plans for the future. Confidence in your thoughts or ideas and a persuasive communication style are great for debating, asking for favors, public speaking, and sharing thoughts you might otherwise keep to yourself.

The assertive and exact nature of your thinking and communication means this is the perfect time to defend yourself, your loved ones, or an issue you care about. This is also a good influence for sharing your passionate thoughts, telling someone how attractive they are, and asking them on a date.

Mercury opposite Jupiter brings big ideas and grand plans; you should feel optimistic and sociable. You may have many ideas and cover a lot of ground but may need to narrow your view or take on fewer projects. Take care not to skip over the details or believe you can handle more than you can.

This aspect can bring opportunities for success, but greed or overconfidence would lead to loss, scandal or embarrassment. This is an excellent time to question your plans, ideas, and beliefs. Others may question or challenge you, forcing you to examine any weak points in your arguments. Any beliefs or opinions too far from the social norm may cause controversy.

The Fixed Stars

Mercury stations retrograde in the Sign of Libra on September 9, 2022. But as the star map below shows, it is actually in the Constellation of Virgo. This discrepancy is due to the precession of the equinoxes. It has moved the Sun Signs almost a whole Sign out of alignment with the Constellations from which they were named over 2000 years ago. The Signs were invented initially only as a measuring device. Astrologers had always used the visible constellation and their stars for astrological interpretation.

Mercury’s stationary retrograde aligns with two major fixed stars in the constellation Virgo. Vindemiatrix is the closer of the two, and its influence will predominate.

• 08♎55 – Mercury Retrograde 2022
• 10♎14 – Vindemiatrix
• 10♎26 – Porrima

Mercury conjunct Vindemiatrix: Impulsive, too hasty, loss through writings and business. ^[1] Nervous irritability if poorly aspected. ^[2]

Vindemiatrix gives falsity, disgrace, stealing, and wanton folly and often causes its natives to become widows. It is of the nature of Saturn and Mercury. ^[1]

Vindemiatrix figures strongly and regularly in deaths that are in some way dramatic, newsworthy or resented in much more than the usual degree by those left behind (assassinations, common criminal murders, executions, airline disasters etc.) Many do indeed feel a strong religious calling. ^[3]

Vindemiatrix rules the center of the right kidney. When any planet energizes this degree, especially the Moon, there is a fear within these individuals that they will lose their partner. Through their own fear, they project the loss. They are given the opportunity to work with this fear and release it. If not released from the subconscious level, the fear they carry will materialize, and they become widowed. ^[3]

Summary

The challenging influence of Mercury opposite Jupiter is stronger than the favorable influence of Mercury trine Mars. So while Mercury trine Mars gives quick thinking and a sharp tongue, Mercury opposite Jupiter gives a tendency to say too much and offer too much.

Fixed star Vindimatrix gives impulsiveness, hastiness, nervous irritability and loss through writing and business.

It is essential, therefore, to think twice before making bold statements. There is an increased risk of gossiping, boasting, offending people and promising too much. Try to be more conservative, considerate and modest. In this way, you can take advantage of the opportunities for success that these combined aspects bring.

• Mercury stations direct on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 24°11′ Virgo [see chart].
• Mercury leaves the retrograde zone on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 08°55′ Libra [see chart].
• For more detail on how Mercury retrograde September 2022 aspects your birth chart, see Mercury Transits.

Mercury Retrograde 2022 Dates

• May 10 to June 3, 2022 – 4° Gemini to 26° Taurus.
• September 9 to October 2, 2022 – 8° Libra to 24° Virgo.
• December 29, 2022, to January 18, 2023 – 24° to 8° Capricorn.

References

1. Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923, p.214.
2. Fixed Stars and Their Interpretation, Elsbeth Ebertin, 1928, p.54.
3. The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, 1988, p.70.
4. The Fixed Star Health and Behavior Imbalance, Ted George and Barbara Parker, 1985, p.78.