The winter retrograde starts February 16 and goes on until March 9. Mercury is a planet of timing, communication, and thinking, and these are the exact areas this period mostly affects.
Most of this year’s first retrograde takes place in emotional Pisces. It will be a period of emotional confusion and confusion in thoughts and communication.
Even though it sounds like it, the retrograde doesn’t happen in order to destroy your life. It has a purpose in making us reevaluate our decisions and choices, making way for future success.
It helps people identify any issues they might be having and move on from them. If you walk the path this retrograde pushes you to, you’ll probably walk out a wiser, healthier person on the other side.
There are differences in how retrograde affects each sign and we’ve listed them all here.
Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
This retrograde will most likely make you dig a bit deeper and try to reach your subconscious thoughts and feelings.
You have a tendency to make life seem superficial and now is the time to change that.
This period will be marked by soul-searching for you. It will be beneficial to you to accept that your emotions are more intense then you make them out to be.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Taurus will be analyzing the people in their life in this retrograde. You’ve chosen who surrounds you and now it’s time to go a bit deeper into your choices.
You need to reevaluate your relationships.
Also, your old habits are stopping you from seeing your world for what it really is. Some people and some decisions no longer work for you. Be strong enough to quit both.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
This retrograde might get you all confused. After all, Mercury is your ruling planet. For you, this period will be marked by looking back at your latest accomplishments.
You need to accept everything that you’ve learned lately and really work on becoming fully aware of the lessons in order to move forward and set yourself new goals.
Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
Cancer will be trying to form deeper relationships with people and places that are already a part of their life.
It can be beneficial to travel somewhere familiar or visit someone you have a strong connection with.
In this retrograde, Cancer needs to put all their nurturing skills to the benefit of their own souls.
Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
As for Leo, you will be questioning who you are during this Mercury retrograde. Are you happy with what you’ve done? Are you content with the person you’ve become?
Pat yourself on the back if you decide that both these questions can be answered in the affirmative, but if not, this is the time to start working on yourself.
Now is the time to work on improvements that can be made in any direction you think is needed.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You will be questioning your social life during this period. There are some problems in your relationships with other people.
This Mercury retrograde will give you a chance to go deeper into this issue and analyze whether it’s you or the people around you that are the cause of this problem.
Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
This Mercury retrograde will make you reevaluate the way you’re (not) taking care of yourself.
Taking care of your health and fitness needs to become a priority in your life at this time. Instead of constantly accommodating others, learn how to take care of yourself.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
There are some things blocking you from enjoying your life. In this Mercury retrograde, you will be pushed to discover what those things are and slowly move on from them.
You will be pushed in the direction of deciding on your priorities and starting to take care of yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Getting rid of emotional clutter will be a mark of this Mercury retrograde. Even though Sag is not one to look into the past, this time you will glance back in order to sort things out in your mind.
This can help you stop repeating your mistakes and start afresh.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Take a step back and reflect on your values. Analyze if and why you’re passionate about certain paths you’ve chosen.
This retrograde is an opportunity to slow down and reevaluate your choices.
If you decide to stick with them, devote yourself and don’t stop until you reach your goals.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Being unique is one of your most amazing traits, but you can’t seem to grasp what it means for you.
This retrograde will put an emphasis on all sorts of issues you have with your own identity.
This is the time to delve deep into yourself and realize who you are.
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
The biggest part of this retrograde takes place in Pisces. This will reflect on you. You need to get back in touch with your spiritual side.
Getting better acquainted with whatever lies in your subconscious mind will be a massive step forward.
Meditating or starting another relaxing, inspiring activity would be highly beneficial.