What causes Mercury to retrograde?
- Kundliguru
- Dec 29, 2025
- 2 min read
According to Vedic astrology, Mercury retrogrades when it comes too close to the Sun. This happens when Mercury and the Sun occupy the same zodiac sign and house and reach a specific degree of proximity.
The Sun represents authority, power, and ego, while Mercury represents intellect and communication. When Mercury moves very close to the Sun, it becomes combust, and soon after, it appears to move backward in the zodiac, which is known as Mercury retrograde.
This proximity weakens Mercury’s natural qualities, causing confusion, miscommunication, and instability in areas governed by Mercury.
How Often Does Mercury Retrograde?
Mercury retrogrades about three times every year, and each retrograde period lasts for approximately 20 to 21 days.
Since Mercury governs daily activities such as communication, travel, business, and decision-making, its retrograde motion is often noticed very clearly in practical life.
Effects of Mercury Retrograde
During Mercury retrograde, individuals may experience:
Increased conflicts and misunderstandings with people around them
Mental stress, overthinking, and anxiety related to work or relationships
Problems in communication, documentation, and business dealings
Delays, confusion, and wrong decisions
Health issues, especially related to the nervous system, skin, or digestion
People whose Mercury is weak or unfavourable in their birth chart feel the effects more strongly during this period.
Remedy for Mercury Retrograde
A simple and effective remedy during Mercury retrograde is:
Donate food to the poor, especially green vegetables, grains, or cooked meals
Pray to Lord Vishnu or Budh Dev and seek relief from the negative effects of Mercury
Charity and prayer help balance Mercury’s energy and reduce mental stress, confusion, and obstacles during retrograde periods.
Conclusion
Mercury retrograde occurs due to its close conjunction with the Sun, which weakens its natural strength. Since Mercury governs crucial aspects of daily life, its retrograde motion often brings challenges related to communication, mental peace, and health. By staying mindful, avoiding impulsive decisions, and following simple remedies, one can significantly reduce the adverse effects of Mercury retrograde.
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