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How This Mercury Retrograde Will Affect Your Dating Life, Based On Your Zodiac Sign
With so many great opportunities to get out and meet new people during this time of the year, the holidays in general are a great time to be single and dating. But we're also in the middle of a Mercury Retrograde, so if things feel a little weird right now, that could be why. So what does this Mercury Retrograde mean for your dating life this holiday season?
"The first thing to understand about Mercury Retrograde is that it's not all bad," astrologer and psychic medium, Suzie Kerr Wright tells Bustle. "When the planet of communication appears to be moving in reverse (which is only an illusion, it doesn't actually go backwards), the energy it creates is one of slowing down, taking another look at things, and completing projects or cycles."
Mercury is the planet of communication. Because of that, people typically dread the planet going retrograde due to a number of related problems. "I always tell people to hold onto receipts for things they buy during this time because often we make impulsive purchases that we just don't really care about later," Wright says. "Mechanical and electronic things get out of whack too, and you may find that when you purchase them during a retrograde period they just never quite work right. This is a time when your car will make that funny noise, but then a couple of weeks later it's gone. We lose and drop things, too."
Clearly, a lot of things can get confusing during this time. Your love life can be the same way. "Our thinking can be skewed," Wright says. "If we're still running full speed ahead energetically, but our thoughts are stuck in the past, or not quite as quick, we're likely to make mistakes. Mercury going retrograde during the holiday season can be a fun energy when it comes to love. However, you want to make sure you're not involved with the wrong type of person by overlooking some serious red flags."
According to Wright, Mercury generally enters a different sign every retrograde period and cycles around — and it's in Sagittarius. "Whatever sign it's in is likely to be impacted the most as well as anything that is in a 'hard' aspect to that sign (squares or oppositions)," she says. So, what does that mean for you? Here's how this Mercury Retrograde will affect your dating life during the holiday season, based on your zodiac sign:
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Your Passionate Nature Might Get Taken The Wrong Way
Mercury Retrograde can have Aries feeling a little too passionate about certain issues, Wright says. So you may want to be a little careful about "getting too preachy" on “taboo” first-date conversations like politics or religion. Of course that doesn't mean to avoid these topics if they're important to you, but just know that getting heated during this time could be taken the wrong way.
"During this time you might feel justified," she says. "But it might scare someone off who's on the same page as you, just not as dogmatic."
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): You'll Be A Little More Anxious Than Usual
Dating this holiday season might bring a lot of anxiety to many Taureans. Because of that, Wright suggests holding off on putting yourself out there too much until after the retrograde period passes.
But if you've been dating someone for a while and think it might be going somewhere, get in touch with any fears you might have about taking it to the next level. Just wait until after the retrograde before making a commitment.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): You're More Prone To Making Mistakes
Mercury going retrograde can either work for or against you at this time. Geminis will either be "positively eloquent, able to sweep a new interest right off their feet with just the right words" or become completely tongue-tied and frustrated, Wright says.
"Geminis are ruled by Mercury so they need to double-check every detail too," Wright says. "You're the ones who show up at the wrong coffee shop for the first date and think you've been stood up."
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): You'll Stick To What's Comfortable
Dating at this time might have you feeling a bit self-conscious or even bothered. So like Taurus, you find yourself wanting to take a break from dating. But if you do have a new special someone you've been somewhat seeing, Wright suggests to do what you're most comfortable with.
"I know everyone connects Cancers with food, but go to your favorite restaurant during this time. Get some comfort food," she says. "Cooking might get wonky (following instructions is Mercury ruled), so that might be too stressful." Sitting at home watching movies with a new love interest would also be good. "That's generally Cancer's favorite anyway, but it's also safest during a retrograde period."
Leo (July 23 - August 22): You'll Want To Express Yourself In More Creative Ways
When Mercury goes retrograde, it's typically not a good time to make any drastic changes. But according to Wright, any creative pursuits will work for you now. "You might be tempted to revamp your look or express yourself in new ways," she says. "You may even revisit a style that you loved and let go."
So if you want to find new ways to express yourself before a date — or even just in general — the universe is on your side at this time. But just know, "your typical Leo-mojo" may be off, so be sure to leave plenty of time to get to your date to overcome any annoying delays.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22): You'll Push Yourself Out Of Your Comfort Zone
"It may be time to push yourself out of your comfort zone by letting a friend introduce you to a potential mate," Wright says. Virgos tend to be very grounded, so they don't usually get swept up in romance. But this is the one time to let go a little.
Since you're so committed to knowing exactly what you want, you tend to be the date planner. But for once, relinquish some control. It's a great time to let someone else make the plans. "Switch it up a bit and live on the edge."
Libra (September 23 - October 22): You'll Need To Double-Check Everything
For Libras, dating during a retrograde can be tricky. You need to double check all your plans. If you're dating multiple people at once, make sure you don't accidentally send a text to someone you didn't intend for it to go to.
"Since Libra has a hard time making decisions, what to wear could also be absolutely paralyzing," Wright says. "The best thing to do is have a friend come by and help you get ready [for a date]. Have someone you trust to tell you what looks good or not. Don't overthink stuff."
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): You'll Opt For Fun, Cheaper Date Nights
Antiquing, treasure hunting, or tackling an escape room would all make great dates for you at this time. "Even if your brain isn't firing on all cylinders to solve puzzles, you'll have fun," Wright says. Mercury is also giving you a second look at your spending, so during this time you'll want to do things that don't cost as much.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): You'll Need To Choose Your Words Carefully
You're typically known for being blunt, but this Mercury Retrograde, that can back fire in dating. "Think twice — no make that three times — before getting into any touchy conversations," Wright says. "Don't start a date by giving an accidental backhanded compliment and be sure to watch the little things. Also, if your heart is pitter-pattering for someone already, don't blurt out an, 'I love you,' unless you've been sure about that for a while."
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): You'll Be More Introspective Than Usual
"Mercury Retrograde at this time shows up in your house of secrets," Wright says. "So you might be more introspective than usual." You're another sign who could easily take this time off from dating anyone new.
On the other hand, someone new you meet could remind you of a past relationship. "Reaching out to that person from your past and talking through how and why it ended would be a good thing to do," Wright says. But if that's a total no-go, journaling can also help you see what happened and how you can learn from that.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): You'll Make New Friends And Enjoy Yourself
"You'll be making lots of new friends, not necessarily long-term romance material," Wright says. "So date freely, have fun, and don't try to make anything into something yet."
Also, any traveling you're planning to do at this time can run into issues, so make sure to double-check reservations before embarking on an adventure.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Work May Affect Your Dating Life
Talking too much about work will shut down any date, Wright says, so keep the focus on you and your other interests. But if you happen to be traveling for work purposes at this time, keep your eyes open for a possible love interest on the road. You never know where it could lead.
During this time, some signs may have it easier than others. But aside from double checking everything, what's the best dating advice for everyone during this retrograde period? Anything with a "re-" in front of it (i.e. reorganize, rethink, or reconnect). "A reconnection can be wonderful and long-lasting at this time as it may be the conclusion of a much longer cycle," she says. So anyone new who enters into the picture at this time might give you an opportunity to "rethink" your views on relationships and give you a different perspective.
But above all, take it slow. "Our brains can get foggy during these times. We have a lot of planets in optimistic Sagittarius leading up to the holidays, which can cause some people to rush into things," she says. "Get to know the person and be sure you still feel the same once Mercury has moved into direct motion."
