Because of the way our planet Earth orbits and interacts with the orbits of other planets, it may sometimes appear that individual planets are traveling backward through the night sky with respect to the zodiac constellations. However, this is only an illusion, but astrologers have called this apparent motion is retrograde.

Mercury travels backward in the sky three times a year. This period of retrograde motion is known as Mercury retrograde. There is a common consensus that this period brings about confusion, delay, and frustration. Think about those times when you had undelivered Amazon packages, love letters that never get sent, wrong email, and travel plans that go haywire. Pretty frustrating! However, a Mercury retrograde does come with a few perks. For one, it is an excellent time to review the past. It has been said that people’s intuition is leveled up during these periods, and synchronicities and coincidences are likelier.

Dates When Mercury Is in Retrograde in 2022

In 2022, Mercury will be in retrograde during the following dates:

  • January 14 – February 3, 2022
  • May 10 – June 3, 2022
  • September 9 – October 2, 2022
  • December 29, 2022 – January 18, 2023

Want to make sure Mercury Retrograde doesn’t get the best of you this time? Get your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal here.

Things to Keep in Mind During the Mercury Retrograde

The planet Mercury rules communication in all its forms, including listening, writing, reading, and speaking. It also rules activities related closely to communication, such as negotiations, deals, travel, vehicles, shipping, and mail.

Because of this, once Mercury is retrograde, it is crucial to be flexible. It is in your best interest to avoid signing new contracts you haven’t reviewed thoroughly. Make sure to double-check facts and information to makes sure it is correct.

If you have any projects and plans, it is crucial to review them during the Mercury retrograde. However, before you make your final decision, you must wait it out until Mercury turns direct. Although you cannot stop your life, spend the retrograde season planning ahead and having backup plans. Be prepared for miscommunications and people having a shorter fuse.

Pause for a Moment to Reflect

Many people blame a Mercury retrograde for all the frustration that happens in their life. However, it is an excellent time to sit back and rewind the tape to know where to invest your energy.

Check for imbalances in your life. If family and faith are crucial to you, ask yourself if you are putting enough time into them. Or, have you become overwhelmed by other areas such as your career or hobby? If you lose your balance, everything will suffer in your life. Review your life, especially during a Mercury retrograde, which will help you better understand how the process of balance works.

Keep in mind that during retrogrades, words that start with a RE are at the forefront. Reflect, reanalyze, and refrain. Take a step back and see where your life is going. But avoid making any drastic changes until Mercury retrograde has ended.

Calculating Your Life Path Number

The correct way to calculate the Life Path Number is to group the Month, Day, and Year, add them individually, reduce to a single number for each, and then reduce them to a single number.

For example:

Birth Date: May 4, 1977

May = 5

4 = 4

1977 = (1 + 9 + 7 + 7) = 24 = (2 + 4) = 6

Then add the totals from each above group.

(5 + 4 + 6) = 15 = (1 + 5) = 6

Life Path 6

Note:

Do not reduce the Master Numbers of 11 or 22 to single digits.

How Mercury Retrograde Impacts Your Life Path Number

Lifepath 1

If your life path is number 1, you have probably always felt that you are full of inspired ideas! This is no mystery since life path number 1 pushes you to have confidence and follow-through on your brilliant ideas. Because of this, a Mercury retrograde may not be the easiest for your energies. You always want to move forward with your plans. However, you can harness the number 1 life path number if you remember all the visions that come to you during the Mercury retrograde. Connect these ideas and inspiration with the calling of your heart to see which one should be put to action once the retrograde ends. You may likely have some secret dreams that are waiting to be realized.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 2

The number 2 is a twosome number, and it makes you an extra sensitive soul. As a life path 2 individual, you naturally feel things very deeply. In many cases, you’re so busy being a people pleaser and making sure everyone is happy. Because of this, you do not make your happiness a top priority. Jotting down your thoughts in a journal is a terrific way to express your emotions.

On this Mercury retrograde, it is helpful if you have a conversation with a loved one. Express what is on your mind and your heart. Allow your imagination to wander with the leveled-up intuition that the Mercury retrograde brings. It is an incredible time to tune in to your dreams and desires. Allow them to begin and take shape.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 3

As a life path number 3, you are a very expressive person. However, you tend to keep everything under wraps. Even when it is not a Mercury retrograde, you keep your feelings to yourself. Since you are an empathetic person, you try to avoid expressing how you truly feel. You keep everything secret to avoid rejection and disappointment. Because of this, your emotions get buried deeper and deeper.

It will help if you connect with those emotions you have been keeping secret during this Mercury retrograde. Share your thoughts and feelings with others. Have that conversation with that person you have been avoiding. You might also want to start a creative project that will soothe your soul and mind. It is time to show the world what you’re made of and express who you are.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 4

You are lucky since the number 4 is a solid and stable number. It is a number that is connected to the earth and all areas of the material world. Aspects such as home, family, career, and finances are top priorities for you. Even though you might be the spontaneous and adventurous type, you still have an intense craving for security, and you make the right choices every time.

Although you might rebel with systems and order, the life path of your soul has created rules to follow. Because of this, a Mercury retrograde is an excellent time to revisit those foundations in your life.

The main lesson to be learned during this period is to learn patience and the importance of processes. The tricky planet of Mercury is teaching you the importance of stability. If things aren’t manifesting as quickly as you like, perhaps it is time to revisit your steps and find innovations to make your goals happen.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 5

Making decisions is typically not the easiest for you since the number 5 is the freedom-loving and adventurous number that is hard to pin down. Since your mind is always spinning with wonderful ideas, it is impossible to choose only one. During the Mercury retrograde, the universe tells you to examine those fantastic ideas that you might have previously overlooked. Instead of doing it all, it is the perfect time to get in touch with your body and listen to the truth of your heart. Follow your emotions rather than right-brain thinking.

What are the ideas that truly resonate with you? What are the things that light up your inner realm? It is an excellent time to figure out what should be your next step. Although there are numerous things you want to do, you’ll figure out your life path’s journey when you are cautious and take one delightful step at a time.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 6

If you are a life path 6 number, you might have the wrong idea that you are superhuman. You’re such an extremely busy bee! You take on numerous responsibilities and sometimes forget your self-care. Your belief is if something is not done right, you would rather do it yourself. Everyone is in agreement that no one can do it as perfectly as you! However, during this Mercury retrograde, you need to let go and begin delegating.

Keep in mind that it is all right if things aren’t done perfectly. It is more crucial that you take care of your fabulous self. However, slowing down may not be the easiest thing for you since many people count on you. But deep inside, what is the universe telling you? You know that taking care of yourself is crucial. Learn to balance during this Mercury retrograde and apply its wise lessons even when it is over.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 7

As a life path number 7, you probably know that you are unique and different from the rest. You’ve got a highly intellectual head on your shoulders. Your keen mind is always picking up insights and information that other people ignore. You have super spider senses, making it effortless for your mind to go on hyperdrive.

However, one big obstacle in your life is learning to trust. You need to trust that inner voice of intuition. Mercury retrograde is helping you to reconnect with the higher realms of information you might have previously overlooked.

Rather than overthinking, consider feeling your way through your next choice or decision. It helps if you meditate and ground your energy every day and bring your energy back into your body and imagine that you have roots wedged and connected to the earth.

Once you are grounded, it is crucial to ask your heart for answers on what is best for you. Keep in mind that the best solutions are already inside you. Harness your spiritual and mystical side. You may want to utilize Oracle cards for more clarity. Jotting down thoughts and dreams in a journal also does wondrous things for your soul.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 8

With life path number 8, you may feel that you have so many plans and little time to accomplish them. It is especially true when everything slows down on a Mercury retrograde. Compared to others, you look at the big picture. Meaning you might be taking more than you can handle. Even though you are near-superhuman compared to anyone else, you must also factor in that you still live in the dimension of time and space. Mercury retrograde is reminding you to keep to your boundaries.

Although the number 8 is the infinity symbol, when you switch it to its side, do not assume you have unlimited resources. You need to check which are worthy investments of your time, money, and energy.

Analyze relationships in your life as well as all the commitments you have agreed to. Check which areas you need to say no. You must delegate responsibly and allow yourself to be supported by others. Although you can do everything yourself, it is more efficient to build a team to support your efforts.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 9

Life path number 9 is the number of the humanitarian. Without a doubt, you are such a sweet and beautiful soul! Because of this, you might be drawn to many directions because you want to be all things for all people. You take care of people as if their problems were your own. Keep in mind that you need to attend to your self-care. If you fill your cup, you have more to give to others. The Mercury retrograde phase is reminding you to take a break.

You also have deep intuitive knowledge about people and circumstances. Utilize this Mercury retrograde to get in touch with your inner wisdom. It will help if you meditate and jot down your thoughts in a journal. Relax and spend time with nature. Above all, acknowledge the truth within you rather than listen to other people’s opinions and criticisms. All the answers are already inside you and always remember that only you will know what is best for you.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 11

Life path 11 is a powerful master number. You have probably always felt that you have numerous inspired ideas. In many cases, it is a challenge to keep up with these ideas and fulfill them all.

As a master number 11, you are a natural healer. If you begin to express your incredible insight and intuition, your entire life will become joyful. Remember that you are a master number, meaning you have more significant challenges with the more immense opportunities that open for you.

One of your life lessons is to learn how to become comfortable with being the odd man out. The light within you is meant to shine brightly for others. If previously you have been hesitant to share your gifts or express your true nature, this period of Mercury retrograde offers you a chance to show who you really are.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 22

As a master number 22, there are so many things inside you that you want to share with others. Keep in mind that along with opportunities are significant challenges. The wisdom of your master number is meant to be communicated to others for the greater good. But perhaps previously, you were so caught up making sure your loved ones are safe and comfortable. In many cases, you have been making safe choices that you have surrendered your dreams.

However, Mercury retrograde is reminding you to keep a balance between work and play. It is also crucial to balance between the needs of other people and your own. You must receive support and allow others to help you. Delegate matters that are not of utmost importance. Learn to say no when something feels off. And most importantly, learn to have fun. If there is a hobby or activity that you have been missing but absolutely love, it is time to get started on it on this Mercury retrograde.

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Lifepath 33

As a life path number 33, your mantra should be, let it go. You take in so many responsibilities, and you should know that you cannot be all things for all people. You are not superhuman—yet. As a master number 33, you are a creative visionary. You can see what needs to be done for a system or process to become perfect. However, it can be exhausting to your resources.

Because of this, Mercury retrograde teaches you to let go of trying to control circumstances and your environment. Instead of doing everything for everyone, it is crucial to make your happiness a top priority. Learn to have fun. Be a child again and create and play. Relax and be with nature. Allow others to help you with your responsibilities. If you allow yourself to slow down and relax, you will feel that things will work for the better. You know that the universe supports you!

Get Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Journal & Thrive Through Mercury Retrogrades For The Next 12 Months!

Smile and Laugh and Make This Mercury Retrograde a Positive Experience!

Mercury by itself is a trickster planet, and when it backspins, it becomes even more unpredictable. However, the main lesson to be learned is having a sense of humor, especially when things go wrong. Instead of getting stressed or angry, laugh and remind yourself that things will turn out well in the end. Keep the energy light, and remember that the best strategy is to look at the bright side no matter what happens up there in the cosmos!