Mercury Retrograde 2023 Dates & Effects

Mercury Retrograde 2023 occurs 4 times, one extra time than it does every year. During these days, it slows down and appears to transit in retrograde motion when compared to speed of earth and also gets combust due to close proximity with Sun.
Before Mercury Retrograde happens, it enters into stationary mode for few days. Mercury represents our mental and communicative life processes. It governs communication in all its forms, whether spoken or written, paper document or internet data transmission.
Mercury Retrograde 2023 Dates Vedic Astrology

First Mercury Retrograde 2023 actually started in late 2022 on 29 December and ended on 18 January 2023.
Mercury represents the reasoning and logical mind, the analytical mind, the ability to perceive relationships and connections between things, and the gathering and sorting of all facts and figures. It oversees trade and commerce, and it represents short journeys of all kinds.
Retrograde Mercury can make a person act very intelligently at one time and also foolishly at other time.
Sometimes, they can talk so much nonsense that they lose respect and realize later.
This year Mercury Retrograde 2023 occurs in Fire Signs of Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, making those days vulnerable to heated arguments, disputes that show long lasting effects and separations.
Speech is signified by Mercury in Vedic Astrology.
Intuition is high during mercury retrograde periods, and coincidences can be extraordinary.
When Mercury is retrograde, remain flexible, allow time for extra travel, and avoid signing contracts. Review projects and plans at these times, but wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions.
About a week or two before Mercury retrogrades, finish any tasks or projects at hand. You cannot stop your life, but plan ahead, have back-up plans, and be prepared for angrier people and miscommunication.

Mercury Retrograde 2023 Dates and Effects

Mercury (Budha Graha) appears to transit in retrograde motion 4 times in 2023.

  • Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn-Sagittarius 29 December 2022 – 18 January 2023

    This transit ended by creating some confusion as Mars also was stationary-retrograde during that time.
    Most of this retrogression happened in Sagittarius and 3rd round of Mercury Retrograde 2023 which happens in same sign will have similar effects.

  • Mercury Retrograde in Aries 21 April – 15 May 2023

    This mercury retrograde 2023 is in conjunction with Sun, Jupiter and Rahu, also aspect by Saturn and Ketu.
    Jupiter remains combust till 26 April and Mercury combustion happens between 24 April – 21 May 2023.
    During this time, do NOT sign any contracts, stay away from fights, do not make any major purchases and do not start new projects now just continue what you already started.
    Even better go back to something you did not finish and take care of it now.
    Mercury retrograde in fire sign Aries ignites unnecessary arguments which can lead to physical fights or verbal abuses and long term damage to relationships.
    Saturn and Rahu influence leads to lies, cheating and treachery.
    Before this retrogression, on April 3rd – Mercury square Pluto : These are argumentative aspects leading to expanded negative conversations. Wait a few days to have those serious talks.
    April 5th – Mercury sextiles Saturn : Serious conversations and business dealings, but be extra careful with the details.

  • Mercury Retrograde in Leo 24 August – 16 September 2023

    This transit also has Venus and Saturn combust, both influencing Mercury.
    LEO is all about dramatization, and Saturn + Mercury causes some lies, cheating, hidden truths etc.
    Do NOT sign on any document or agreement without reading ‘Terms and Conditions‘ completely.
    Hidden rules or policies in small font can cause damage later.
    Positive aspect of Jupiter can save Leo born natives to some extent.
    Mars can still lead to some arguments and disputes.

  • Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius 13 December 2023 – 02 January 2024

    One more fire sign and this mercury retrograde is under aspect of Jupiter retrograde till end of 2023. This is also sextile Saturn.
    Both planets controlling money flow, finance business in retrograde motion and trine to each other is not a good sign for economy.
    Sagittarius is more balanced when compared to other 2 fire signs but it is advisable to go slow in speculation and while investing.
    There will be temptations to buy stock, properties, gold etc but it is better to postpone till early 2024.
    This period is good for travel, pilgrimage and noble deeds like charities.