Mercury retrograde is in Cancer: Here's what it means for you

If something is feeling a little off, your tech has started acting up, or someone from your past has suddenly popped back into your life... no, you’re not losing it - Mercury retrograde has arrived.

Mercury retrograde officially kicked off on June 29 and will stick around until July 23, with the post-retrograde shadow lingering into the first week of August.

Whether you're an astrology-lover or just like blaming life’s inconveniences on Mercury retrograde, we’ve got the rundown on how this one is playing out.

What is Mercury retrograde?

According to Astrology.com, Mercury shifts in relation to the other planets it comes into closest contact with.

Roughly three to four times a year, Mercury goes into retrograde for around 22 days. But there are also about 10-20 days on either side where Mercury appears to move more slowly and isn’t considered at its best - that’s known as the ‘shadow’ period.

In astrology, Mercury is linked to communication, travel, technology and thinking, which is why retrograde periods are often associated with crossed wires, delays, and old issues resurfacing.

This retrograde is happening in Cancer, a sign associated with home, family, emotions and nostalgia.

What does Mercury retrograde in Cancer mean for you?

Cancer is a water sign, one that our resident spiritual guide Ashlee Williams (@iallowabundance) says is ruled by emotion:

“Mercury retrograde is a time where we’re asked to slow down and focus our attention inwards. They occur three times a year and are known to astrologers as times when miscommunications are common.

“Travel can be delayed, technology can mess up, and logic is completely out the window. But there’s a reason the logic disappears: this retrograde is bringing up deep emotional themes that need to be cleared. If people don’t actually deal with that emotional baggage, it’s bound to bleed into everyday life, causing all the classic miscommunication chaos. 

“Since people are in a reflective state, it’s common for old friends and exes to slide back into the DMs. Think of it as the universe testing you to see if you’ve truly learned your lesson! 

“If this vibe feels intensely familiar, it’s because it is. This is the exact same cosmic energy we dealt with back in the middle of 2020, right when Kiwis were emerging from that first major Level 1 lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Just like back then, when we were all forced to process a massive shift and face our inner worlds, the universe is encouraging us to look at our oldest emotional patterns, our relationships, and our past. It's a total nostalgia trip, but if we don't clear out the old baggage now, we're bound to repeat the same old drama.

“Before you blame the universe for a messed-up text or a driving mishap, let’s look inward! Avoid any impulsive makeovers, leave your ex on read, and use this transit to clear your head. Your peace of mind is worth a lot more than a trip down memory lane. You've got this!”

What does your zodiac sign need to focus on this Mercury retrograde in Cancer?

Cancer (June 22 - July 22): Reassess personal identity, self-expression and what you truly want

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Rest, recharge, and deal with what’s been pushed aside

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Rethink friendships and long-term goals

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Career direction and public reputation might feel off

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Travel and future plans may need adjusting

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Shared finances and dynamics around trust should be looked at

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Focus on your relationships and communication within them - don’t let old habits repeat

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Daily routines, workflow, and health habits need to be improved

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Romance, creativity, and self-expression are under review

Aries (March 21 - April 19): Handle your stress before it leaks into other areas of your life

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Conversations, messages, and communication get a bit messy - double-check everything.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21): Money moves and spending habits need to be reviewed

Well, there you have it - some answers as to why you might feel a shift over the next few weeks.

Now, go and thrive (or at the very least survive) x