January 2022 Mercury Retrograde [Survival Guide For Each Sign]

January 2022 Mercury Retrograde 

[Survival Guide For Each Sign]

The first Mercury Retrograde of 2022 is January 14th- January 25th, with a shadow period until February 3rd. Mercury Retrograde occurs in Aquarius until it moves into Capricorn on Feb. 3rd–bringing very different energies and outcomes. Here is a mini-manual to help you navigate the miscommunication madness of Mercury Retrograde.

Predictions for the Collective

Overall, this Mercury Retrograde will be a bit of a pain in the a*s. Occurring in Aquarius is perhaps the most challenging to deal with as Aquarius rules our technology, innovations, humanitarian, social progress. And then in Capricorn, who represents responsibility, professionalism, and planning. 

This could mean reforms around travel, quarantine, and other pandemic-related regulations could be pushed back or deferred. Some things could be left in limbo as miscommunication will be a major theme. There will be a sense of urgency and perhaps chaos as Mercury Rx shakes us up and challenges our ability to make things happen when it seems we’re all on different pages. Aquarius also likes freedom, so don’t be surprised if we’re hit with unexpected lockdown requirements and severe travel limitations.

Aries

Little arguments among friends are more likely to escalate during your Mercury retrograde. Practice biting your tongue unless it’s absolutely urgent for you to bring something up. And if you do decide to air any grievances, make sure you’ve calmed yourself beforehand. Remember, you’re trying to find a solution or be heard, not end a friendship.

Taurus

This is going to be a challenging time for you to get the words out. There seems to be a disconnect between heart, mind, and mouth, and messages are getting mixed up. When you have something important to say (or type), write it out first and read it back to yourself. Make sure you can hone in on what it is you want to say before you say it. Delivering an unfiltered stream of consciousness could mess things up during your retrograde period.

Gemini

Mercury is your ruling planet, so you’ll have to be on your toes in the coming weeks. Your thoughts already work 100 miles per minute; you don’t want to get those busy wires crossed. Practice deep breathing and slowing down. If you notice documents or emails getting lost, don’t lose your mind. Just be patient in re-delivering important communications. This will also be a time of reflection. You’ve become curious about how other people perceive you, and be open to what you discover.

Cancer

Your specialty is reading people. You can tell how someone’s feeling as soon as they walk into the room or open their mouth. But don’t be so sure during retrograde. Your hunches may feel off-kilter, so don’t go making assumptions. This is a good time to practice asking people what they’re thinking or feeling instead of being a psychic.

Leo

Your patience is running thin as it seems the entire zodiac goes mad during retrograde, and you feel like you have to bear it. This is an opportune time to use your leadership skills and keep the ship from sinking. Even if communication feels wonky, your perception is still razor-sharp. Just be sure you’re recharging at the end of each day. This retrograde can destabilize your physical energy.

Virgo

Routine and predictability are your shticks, so pretty much everything about Mercury retrograde is going to annoy you. What’s outside of your control isn’t your concern. Once you enter your home and safe space, the days will feel easier. Practice releasing control. It’s okay to be shaken up a bit. Being uncomfortable is great for your character.

Libra

You are all about self-expression, so the misunderstandings that come with a Mercury retrograde might hurt your feelings a bit. You want so badly to get people and for them to get you. This is a good time to practice active listening and patience. Also, to connect with others on an emotional level. Words are only one of many ways we can communicate with each other.

Scorpio

You’re not as tough as people think you are, and this Mercury retrograde will have your emotions bubbling to the surface more than usual. It’s okay to feel vulnerable. The people in your life will love it. A word of caution, don’t get involved in family drama during retrograde. You could only make things worse. Wait until the post-shadow season to see what role you play in resolving family feuds.

Sagittarius

You’ll be having serious travel withdrawals during this Mercury retrograde. You are naturally prone to wander, and the pandemic has already leashed you as much as possible. Even if you didn’t have escape plans, expect to feel boxed in. To ease the discomfort, thoroughly plan your next getaway. Pinterest boards, prices, links, images–the whole shebang! This will get you revved up for what’s to come in the middle of the year.

Capricorn

Mercury retrograde will make its way into your sign in a couple of weeks. This is going to feel like a wrench in your plans. You’ll notice the need to jump through a lot of hoops to achieve what would otherwise be a straightforward process. Expect delay, and don’t sign for anything if you can avoid it (especially property deals, leases, loans, etc.).

Aquarius

Mercury is retrograde in your sign, but fortunately, the Sun is here too (which is almost 300 times larger than Mercury!). This is going to show up in your social circle. You’re going to stick out like a sore thumb. Fortunately, it’s in your nature to embrace being the oddball. You’re a trendsetter and pioneer. Everyone else just has to catch up to you.

Pisces

You’re already keen to read between the lines, but trying to do that during a Mercury retrograde will have your head spinning. Take things for face value–most people don’t know what they mean to say during this time anyway. To get through this retrograde, pick up your journal again. Spill your words out to a page instead of a person for the next few weeks. This way, your secrets are safe.

What Venus Retrograde Means for Your Sign

Everyone talks about Mercury retrograde. But Venus retrograde packs a very powerful planetary punch. We call it retrograde because, from Earth, it appears as though Venus begins to spin in the opposite direction and thus shifting our perspectives and magnifying certain experiences and lessons. 

What is Venus in Retrograde?

On December 19th, 2021 Venus goes retrograde and stations right next to Pluto in the sign of Capricorn and will be in retrograde for 40 days and 40 nights.

Venus represents relationships, pleasure, indulgence, connection, sensuality, luxury, money, values, and expression. Capricorn, the sign where Venus will be in retrograde, isn’t as prone to these Venusian tendencies. So immediately, there is a level of friction. But it’s not all bad news bears. Discover what the planet of love has in store for you depending on your sun sign.

Aries - Be Playful

The temptation to ruminate about your past career choices and financial decisions will be at an all-time high as the ruler of finances goes retrograde. Overcome overthinking by staying in the present moment. Dig into your hobbies or pick up a new interest. There isn’t much you can do about the past, so just let it go. Money will come and go so don’t lose your sanity over it. Stay focused on what inspires you. Not all good investments are monetary.

Taurus- Honor Your Self-Care

Venus rules Taurus, so you’ll feel this retrograde a little more intensely than others. You may sense you’re not at home in your own skin. An urge for a drastic makeover could quickly spiral into an identity crisis. Rather than reacting to these feelings, take time to sit with them and practice extra self-love. Prime your home for a cozy 6-week retrograde and do things that make you appreciate your body like yoga, tapping therapy, acupuncture, or massages.

Gemini- Don’t Get Caught Up

You run the risk of getting caught up in friendship drama this Venus retrograde. But you’ve got a lot of things brewing for the year ahead so it’s important to be aware of where you’re spending your energy. Try to play Switzerland if your friends attempt to triangulate you into their issues.

Cancer- Spend Some Time Alone

Relationships will feel extra draining when the planet of love moves backward. Turn your need for connection inward and tap into the ultimate source of love. You may feel pulled between spending time with others and being alone. Opt for whichever is giving you more energy. Either way, connect to something that fills our cup.

Leo- Celebrate Friendships

Your someone special doesn’t seem to be swooning over you as they usually do. It’s a little rough on that ego of yours. But don’t worry, your besties are here to save the day. Your relationship isn’t going anywhere so consider this a season to celebrate platonic and professional connections. You can rekindle your romance once Venus goes direct.

Virgo- Embrace Change

Your routine and structure may feel a little shaken up during this time. But a break from the norm creates the perfect environment for you to explore other creative outlets. You might even think of ways to expand your streams of income. Now is a good time to explore these options but don’t sign off on anything until the end of Venus retrograde.

Libra- Heal Your Heart

The ultimate Venution, Libra you’re heart may feel extra heavy this Venus retrograde. Memories of lost love could have you swept away down memory lane. You might even hear from an ex (probably one you don’t care for). Now’s a good time to heal from any emotional wounds you’ve left unattended. Practice staying in the present moment and looking forward to the future.

Scorpio- Slow Down

It’s not hard for you to keep yourself busy, but Venus is bound to slow you down. With a little extra time on your hands, you may notice some repressed emotions come to the surface. Resist the urge to distract yourself from what needs to be healed. Is there anyone you need to forgive–possibly yourself?

Sagittarius- Spend Wisely

While all the other signs are in emotional uproar, you’re more likely to burn through your life’s savings during Venus retrograde. In search of the next big dopamine hit, you may be tempted to gun for some serious retail therapy. But the things you own are draining your energy. Clear out some space for something new, beautiful, and completely non-material. Your soul is craving a substance that shopping can’t offer.

Capricorn- Evaluate Your Direction

It’s important for you Capricorn, to feel like you know where you’re headed. As the planet of passion and pleasure goes retrograde in your sign, you may feel lost or the interest you once had in certain areas of your life has diminished. This could pass once Venus is direct, but in the meantime, audit your trajectory. Are you the same person you were when you made the goals you currently pursue? Have you outgrown a career, relationship, or project? Use this time to evaluate whether or not the things you’re doing today are creating a tomorrow that you can look forward to.

Aquarius- Spiritual Lessons

Introspection has always been important to you, but Venus is causing you to have a double-take. You may feel a bit more reclusive but don't feel guilty about being antisocial. You’ve got some inner work to do and Venus refuses to let you distract your way out of it. Use this time to sink below the surface of your consciousness and discover the fantastical spiritual realm within. Spiritual awakenings during a retrograde are profound, albeit a little rocky.

Pisces- Invest Wisely

Your time, your emotions, your money, your energy must all be invested wisely during Venus retrograde. It’s time to reassess the people, places, and things that hold lasting value. Everything else is a distraction. Venus invites you to become more discerning in who you love. Are there individuals who take advantage of your caring nature? Be sure others are investing in you the way you invest in them.

Venus retrograde is known for its tough love and it comes just in time for the new year to show us just what we’re made of.