Mercury Retrograde in 2023: The Story of Your Life
The story included in this essay is based on my work with teens in foster care, but is a fictionalized version of many conversations and not constructed from any one youth’s story. The excerpt included here is, in part, from my Young Adult manuscript A PART-TIME LIFE, which is told from multiple perspectives and is fiction.*
“Sometimes, stepping back can help us move forward. That’s why I want to create a life book with you,” I said to 15-year-old Jamie.
Jamie sighed. She’d been in the foster care system for six years, didn’t have a life book yet, and didn’t really want one. In fact, she didn’t really want an adoptive family, either, if we’re being honest – so I had my work cut out for me.
“I don’t get it. What’s so important about a life book? I don’t see the point.”
“Well first of all, I’m hoping you’ll find value in collecting some of the stories from your life and putting them all in one place. It could be meaningful, even…”
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Sherlock, but my life has sucked. So you can keep the life book idea. Maybe we should just eat this pizza and call it good.”
The server was approaching with our pie. He set it on the table, asked if we needed anything else, and stepped away.
“Sherlock…?” I asked.
“…Holmes,” Jamie finished.
“And here I was, just about to forgive you for ordering pineapple on this pizza. But now you’re calling me names,” I joked.
Jamie tried to conceal her grin as I continued, “A life book doesn’t have to be all the hard stuff. It can be fun, too. It can be whatever you want – we can figure that out together.”
“So what’s second?”
I raised an eyebrow at her, not understanding.
“You said, ‘first of all,’ which means there must be a ‘second of all.’ What’s second?” Jamie asked.
“Keeping me on track? Okay, okay.... So second, when I try to recruit an adoptive family for you, the stuff we’d gather for a life book would be helpful, because I look at family connections, your history, where you’ve lived, important people in your life, and activities that you love to do. Stuff like that. I won’t keep you in the dark about what I’m doing, and some of that can go in the book, too.”
I also knew that working on a life book might help Jamie invest in her story and take ownership in her own life planning. “Make sense?”
“I guess,” Jamie replied.
“That’s the type of thing that helps create a good life book, and helps me get to know you better so I can find you an adoptive family. We’ll get a copy of your birth certificate and put that in the book. Maybe photos and other info about your past and what you hope for your future. And we can also add stuff about where you’ve lived… we could do an Old Homes Tour together.”
“Old Homes Tour?”
“Yeah, I’ll take you to the places you’ve lived. We can take a picture of each place and add that to the book.”
Jamie looked out the window and offered, “I wonder if that big tree is still in the yard at the house in Saint Paul.”
“We could go find out,” I gently suggest.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing that tree again,” Jamie mumbled.
“What do you remember about it?”
“Scotty and Mickey used to swing on that tree. I’d push them, higher and higher. They’d laugh…” She trailed off.
Her brothers. The ones she hadn’t seen in ages. The ones I silently vowed would be in her life again at some point.
“Jamie, here’s the thing: Sometimes, in order to know where you’re going, it’s helpful to know where you’ve been.”
“Huh,” Jamie looked out the window as she pondered that. “So we go into the past in order to move into the future?”
“Exactly,” I said.
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“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”
- Soren Kierkegaard
Often, ringing in a New Year has us thinking about our goals and resolutions for the upcoming 12 months. But as 2023 arrives, we may be glancing over our shoulder more than usual, because both communicator Mercury and action-oriented Mars are retrograde.
When a planet is retrograde, it appears to be moving backwards. This is an optical illusion – of course, the planet doesn’t actually do the moonwalk! But from our perspective on Earth, when a planet turns retrograde, it tends to be a time when we turn inward. It’s a time of slowing down, reflection, and inner processing.
Mercury retrograde times are not uncommon – they happen three or four times a year, for about three weeks at a time. Therefore, it’s helpful to think about what the symbolism is and what it means, in order to make the best use of these contemplative periods.
Let’s go over what retrogrades are, what Mercury retrogrades specifically mean, and how Mercury is going to be busting backward moves in the upcoming year!
RETROGRADES IN GENERAL
There are three parts to any planetary retrograde: The “shadow period,” when the planet is treading over ground it will cover during the retrograde and themes begin to emerge (or dissipate, if it’s the end of the cycle); the “station,” when the planet appears to not be moving at all and the energy is considered strongest; and the actual retrograde, or backwards motion.
Of course, a planet typically moves “direct,” or forward. Then, when a retrograde period occurs, the sequence goes like this: direct motion, shadow, station, retrograde motion, station, shadow, direct motion.
The most helpful analogy I’ve ever heard to describe a retrograde planet comes from astrologer Anne Ortelee: Think about driving on the highway, zipping along as you’re about to pass a car. The other car is moving forward, but as you approach it, it appears to slow down, and there’s actually a point – when you’re both side-by-side – that the other car looks like it’s not moving. This is the point that represents the “station” – the still point. Then, as you pull forward and pass, it appears that the other car is moving backwards… which, of course, it’s not. But it appears that way. It’s an optical illusion.
And that’s how retrogrades work: As the Earth journeys around the Sun, we’re doing so in concert with all the other planets also moving around the Sun. And each planet is like a car on the highway, moving at different speeds. We pass each other, we catch up to each other, and so on. This is such a wonderful analogy for how retrograde planets work: We’re all a bit like passing cars on the highway!
In astrology, all the planets except the luminaries – the Sun and the Moon – experience being retrograde at some point, and in fact the outer planets are retrograde for about half the year. The stations, though – when the planet appears still – are when the planetary energy is thought to be most noticeable.
As you probably know, Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun – and it’s also the one that turns retrograde most often.
MERCURY RETROGRADE
There’s a purpose to Mercury retrograde times, if we’re willing to open our eyes to it. Often, we dash through our lives, pushing forward and trying to make the next thing happen… to cross items off our checklist, and get things done. Move, move, move. Not much time for introspection.
Mercury represents the way we think and communicate; it also represents travel and business. So when the speedy messenger planet of thinking, speaking, listening, processing, making sense of things, driving and traveling, buying and selling, routines, neighbors, siblings, and local surroundings slows down, we tend to notice it – especially if Mercury is passing over an important planet or point in our own birth chart.
Mercury retrograde periods are best meant for review, clean up, treading over old ground, and reconsideration of past events and people. They’re a nuisance, people say, because Mercury rules communication and travel… so tech tends to get glitchy, trips can take longer with more snafus, people are inclined to misunderstand one another more frequently, and electronic items may break down – because Mercury rules all these things.
But what’s really happening is that we’re being encouraged to decelerate, to take time to mull over what’s transpired, and to rework and redo all of the big and little things that need attention – whether it’s cleaning out your sock drawer, repairing a broken computer or relationship, or sweeping off the metaphorical dust that has collected on your life.
The common astrological advice for retrograde times is to take part in activities that begin with the letters “RE”: reflect, review, reorganize, reassess, repeat, reconsider, recollect, rebuild, and renew. What “RE” words can you add to this list?
Astrologer Elisabeth Grace reminds us, “When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double-check important details, like whether the restaurant you’ve chosen for a meet-up is still in business. Or whether it is booked for a commercial shoot or a private party — all of which has happened to me during Mercury retrogrades.”
Do prepare for the retrograde periods as best you can: For example, back up your computers, make sure your car is in good working order, and try to sign new contracts or purchase technical or electrical equipment before or after the stations.
But life doesn’t come to a standstill during Mercury’s retrogrades, of course, so waiting to do all manner of Mercurial activities isn’t practical or realistic.
So if you need to – for example – buy a car, try to do it in the middle of the retrograde period, because Mercury will be moving at its swiftest then. (In the middle of each retrograde period, there’s a point where Mercury joins the Sun – that would be the best day to tackle such items.) If you must purchase a new refrigerator, make sure to buy the warranty. If you have to sign a contract, triple-check the details and have a lawyer or a friend look it over, too.
In other words, don’t trust what you think you know – it’s very possible you’re off the mark. And be aware that projects you initiate during Mercury retrograde times may not turn out how you expect.
Take time to slow down, as much as you’re able. We still need to live our lives of course, but generally the best use of Mercury retrograde is to go over that which needs reassessment, to restore that which is fractured, and to consider what has worked and what has not. How would you like to move forward? What has been the story of your life, and how would you like to shift that story?
If you’re familiar with your birth chart, the house that Mercury is moving through also gives important information about what area of your life may be impacted – so do take a look at that as well!
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN EARTH SIGNS
The sign that Mercury will moonwalk in also gives us information about what the emphasis and themes will be during that period. And in 2023, Mercury will retrograde in earth signs.
Each of the twelve zodiac signs represent the element of fire, earth, air, or water. As it retrogrades, Mercury rotates though these various elements.
In 2021, for example, Mercury backtracked through the air signs, which put an emphasis on technology and communication. In 2022 a shift started, in which Mercury began the retrogrades in air, and ended in earth. And in 2023, Mercury’s retrogrades will occur solely in earth. (Although in December 2023, the fourth one will end in fire – beginning a cycle of Mercury retrograding in fire signs. See how that works?)
Earth signs are focused on the practicalities of life – on sensible plans and realistic, grounded goals. What helps you feel stable and secure?
With Mercury retrograde in earth signs, we’re being asked to consider: What structures support your path forward? What weighs you down? What material items do you need to build your life? It’s a great time to clean your literal closet, to organize your daily schedule in a way that brings you more fulfillment, and to generally Marie Kondo your way forward. What brings you meaning?
How can you recalibrate and realign to that which is congruent with your values, your goals, and your day-to-day life? What can you let go of? What’s no longer working? This is a wonderful time to review your plans, your aspirations, your values, your physical stuff, and how you structure your days.
Now, let’s look at the upcoming Mercury retrograde periods in 2023. Keep in mind that there’s a shadow period of about ten days on either side of the station – a time when we start to notice the themes of that particular retrograde, and a time when we’ll be gifted a hint and called to answer: What from the past needs review?
Or, as Jamie from the story above observes: How can you go into the past in order to move into the future?
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN CAPRICORN: December 29, 2022 – January 18, 2023
We begin 2023 with Mercury having turned retrograde at 24° Capricorn, offering a chance to ring in the New Year with a look back. It then stations direct at 8° Capricorn in mid-January.
The sensible sign of Capricorn reminds us to be mature, work hard, and persist. I always think of Cap as the school principal’s office in the zodiac: In this sign, we are asked to do our homework, be responsible, have practical goals, and put structures and plans in place to support our calling.
As you reflect on these themes, consider: What’s your personal mountain? What scaffolding can you put in place in pursuit of your goals? What structures in your life are working, and which are inadequate?
The sign of Capricorn is represented by the Seagoat: Sure, it can climb the highest mountain, but keep in mind that it can also dive into the waters of creation with its fish tail. Where are you overachieving at the expense of health and wellness? Where can you dive in?
This Mercury retrograde period is ruled by serious Saturn in community-minded Aquarius: What long-term plans are up for review? What communities have helped you achieve your goals, and how can you help them in return?
At this time, let’s-get-it-done Mars is also retrograde in Gemini – a sign that Mercury rules. In other words, we may find that we’re doing a lot of things twice (Gemini is the sign of the Twins), as our cosmic gas pedal spins in reverse. As the planet of will and the planet of communication review and recalibrate, they’re asking: Do your words, actions, and goals align with your values?
Finally, although Capricorn is an outward-directed, high-reaching, initiating sign, we end 2022 with a look back and an echo from New Year’s Eve 2021: Mercury is joined by relationship-focused Venus and intense Pluto – all in Capricorn, and all near each other. Interestingly, we also began 2022 in a similar way: with Venus and Pluto in Capricorn, and Mercury nearby and about to backtrack into Cap.
Translation: Is there a continuation of a story from the end of 2021 that calls to you, offering a theme based on an important relationship or financial story? The mind and heart are together right now, and the planet of transformation and healing is standing by.
Perhaps the looking-over-our-shoulders Capricorn story won’t finish up just yet: We began 2022 with Mercury backtracking into Capricorn in mid-January. We’re beginning 2023 with Mercury backtracking in Capricorn. And we will begin 2024 with Mercury having just backtracked in Capricorn. The messenger planet is dispatching a persistent memo for us: What will endure?
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN TAURUS: April 21, 2023 – May 14, 2023
Mercury’s second retrograde period happens in mid-April, stationing at 16° Taurus and backing to 6° Taurus by mid-May.
Grounded Taurus offers a focus on money and resources: What do we have and what do we own? This would be a perfect retrograde period to go through your stuff, declutter, and downsize! Do that shredding. Clean the gunk from your fridge and toss what’s expired. What possessions have you outgrown?
Steady Taurus is represented by the patient Bull – dependable but occasionally stubborn. How can you bend without breaking?
The sign is ruled by light-hearted Venus in chatty Gemini. Mercury and Venus have a good connection to one another in this chart, because they’re in mutual reception and house-sitting for each other. What are your values, and which ones still feel aligned with who you are now? What are you worth? How do you silently speak to yourself, and how do you treat others?
Mercury is joined by the sensitive Moon in this chart, as well as unpredictable Uranus. What feeds your soul? In the past, how have you been able to hold steady and ground yourself during unpredictable times? Who or what makes you feel safe?
Finally, this is the first Mercury retrograde that will occur after both Saturn (in Pisces) and Pluto (in Aquarius) have changed signs. This is a big deal, because when the outer planets change signs, it tends to herald generational and societal shifts. (I’ll be writing more about Saturn and Pluto in coming weeks, so stay tuned for that.)
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN VIRGO: August 23, 2023 – September 15, 2023
Mercury reverses once again from mid-August to mid-September, beginning at 22° Virgo and backpedaling to 8° Virgo.
Discerning Virgo is great at breaking something big into bite-sized pieces and analyzing how to get from A to Z. What day-to-day systems in your life are working well, and which need adjustment? If you were to act as an observer of your life to dissect how you spend your days: Are you happy with the results? If not, how can you course correct?
Virgo is represented by the Maiden, a symbol of strength unto oneself and wholeness, placing an emphasis on health. What day-to-day habits have helped improve how you feel? And which have hindered you on your path to healing and wellness?
Mercury rules this sign of service to others, and therefore has a strong presence here. Where have you given at the expense of your own well-being? Or, if you’re someone who tends to sit back while others do the work, how can you contribute, in service of the whole?
How do you spend your days? And if you’re not satisfied with your answer, what can you do to change that?
Mercury will station retrograde near Mars (also in Virgo), and oppose dreamy Neptune in Pisces: What has worked in the past to bridge the spiritual with the mundane for you?
Also, there are several connections of ease that the courier Mercury makes with the Moon in deep Scorpio, Uranus in Taurus, and Pluto in Capricorn: How can you live your life in a way that feels authentic to you? What has worked in the past? The answer, if you dig, might surprise you.
Finally, Venus will also be retrograde in expressive Leo during this time: Relationships, finances, and worth are up for review, at the same time Mercury is treading over old ground. Hold your heart with care during this time, and others’ too.
MERCURY RETROGRADE IN SAGITTARIUS & CAPRICORN: December 13, 2023 – January 1, 2024
The final Mercury retrograde of 2023 happens in mid-December and carries us into 2024. Mercury begins at 8° Capricorn and ends its backward journey at 22° Sagittarius. This will initiate us into a series of upcoming retrogrades in fire, bringing an emphasis on inspiration and creation.
Again, you can consider your goals and life calling while Mercury is backtracking through the sign of the Seagoat in the first half of this retrograde cycle. Here, there is the flavor of a slightly softer Saturn in compassionate Pisces – if we can ever call steely Saturn softened – reminding us that we’re all part of a great whole. Do your aspirations help more than just you?
In the second half of this retrograde cycle, Mercury will be in fiery Sagittarius, offering for review such topics as: broadening your horizons, having an adventure, sharing something you have extensive knowledge of, or diving into something unfamiliar.
But more on Mercury retrograde in fire signs in a future post!
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“Jamie, here’s the thing: Sometimes, in order to know where you’re going, it’s helpful to know where you’ve been.”
“Huh,” Jamie looked out the window as she pondered that. “So we go into the past in order to move into the future?”
“Exactly,” I said. “Without consideration of the past, there’s no moving forward, and there’s no learning.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve learned enough about foster care to know I want to get out. Here…” she dug in her backpack and came up with a crumpled piece of paper that she placed on the table.
“What’s this?”
“A poem I wrote, about what I’ve learned from foster care.”
I smoothed the paper out and began reading.
THE LESSON OF FOSTER CARE by Jamie
Once encircled, then a line,
The hands of time keep clicking by.
Once embraced, then dropped flat,
The mystery of life keeps trailing back.
Once a kid, now just wizened,
There goes hope; you were blinded.
Once a sound, a drop, a whir,
The tree grows tall, stained but pure.
“This is a great poem, Jamie – we could add it to your life book if you want. And can I ask: Are you the tree?”
Jamie looked out the window and swiped a finger under her leaky black eye makeup. “It’s just allergies,” she insisted.
I waited as she wiped her eyes.
“It’s stupid. Life is stupid. I can’t change the past, so why bother going back? Why bother putting it in a dumb book?”
“Jamie, we can’t always control what happens to us, but we can choose our response. What happened to you wasn’t your fault – I want you to hear that loud and clear. And to move forward, sometimes we need to pick up the scattered pieces of something, reflect on how things got that way, and then determine how we want to move forward.”
“I know, I know… Some things we have control over, and some things we don’t.”
“Right. And we can always try to learn from the past, if we keep our eyes, hearts, and minds open.”
“‘Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose,’” Jamie commented.
“Wait… You know Friday Night Lights? That’s so cool!” I exclaimed.
“Coooool,” she said, using the word to tease me.
I laughed, “Look, you don’t have to decide about the life book today. But maybe when you’re ready, we could go see if that tree is still there?”
A nod. I got a nod.
And I thought, I’ll take it.
Essay ©2023 Jen Braun, JJ Boots Productions LLC
Artwork ©Carol Braun
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*I hope to have more news about my YA novel in coming months – stay tuned for that! In the meantime, if you’re curious, here’s the description for A PART-TIME LIFE:
Like most teenage girls, fifteen-year-old Jamie Riggins just wants to belong. Shuffled through the foster care system for years, Jamie longs to see her younger brothers and dreams of the day she will turn eighteen, when she can leave the system behind. Jamie's plan for freedom is disrupted by an uninvited social worker tasked with finding her an adoptive family.
But Kendall Brooks is not like other social workers, and Jamie has met a lot of Helpers of the Downtrodden. For one thing, Kendall doesn’t seem like an asshat, though Jamie’s been wrong before. (Would she be stuck in foster care otherwise? Hell to the no!) So when Kendall explains why Jamie deserves an adoptive family, maybe Jamie will listen – but that means allowing herself to trust. And after everything Jamie has been through – the fists and the yelling and the unspeakable acts – she’s not sure she’s up for that.
A PART-TIME LIFE is Jamie’s three-year journey of love, loss, regret, and promise – a story of a young adult in search of answers that can’t always be found, especially when the best in life can only be lived “part-time.”
To learn more about my past work with teens in foster care, visit my About page.
You can also tap the tag below, “WorkingWithTeens,” which will bring you to more essays featuring stories of teens in foster care.
And if you happen to be a literary agent or publisher and would like to learn more about A PART-TIME LIFE, contact me and let’s connect.
