What You Didn’t Know About Mercury Retrograde: The Pre-Shadow & Post-Shadow Periods

There are subtle effects before and after Mercury retrograde that, if we are aware of them, can help us manage our expectations of when things will move forward and when blocks will clear. It’s also a time to embrace our own psyche because our intuition is heightened, and we can see more clearly!

The minor mishaps that occur in our travel and communication when Mercury goes retrograde can help open us up to stronger interpersonal skills and more self-empowered ways of approaching life because we can shed our conditioned ways of behaving during these periods.

The pre-shadow period occurs before Mercury stations retrograde, and you might start to notice a shift in your consciousness. You might start thinking about the past or experiencing people from your past showing up or making plans to show up.

We can start to see the movement from a forward linear fashion to a less linear dimension, where we can notice how our past affects our present.

The post-shadow periods happen after Mercury stations direct, and we are not entirely out of the influence of Mercury retrograde. Some people may be waiting for the flood gates to open, so the paused items are back on track—yet we don’t see things go full speed ahead until the post shadow period is gone.

These periods can be tricky because there are a little bit of both energies, but it can certainly help us manage our expectations of the timing of events, as I’ve observed time and again like clockwork.

It’s nice that the change isn’t abrupt because it allows our energy to adapt to one grain and then another without lurching—gradual planetary movements that considerably shift the momentum can be prepared for, embraced, and realized because of their crescendos.

Here is some more in-depth information about how these periods will shift our psyche and how we can capitalize on this time to improve our lives.

When Does Mercury Retrograde Occur?

Mercury goes retrograde four times in 2022.

If you make note of these dates, especially when the full-blown retrograde is, you will have a better idea of what to expect to be on people’s minds and what events you can expect to start to see more of.

  1. In Aquarius from January 14th until February 3rd.
  2. In Gemini from May 10th to June 3rd.
  3. In Libra from September 9th to October 2nd.
  4. In Capricorn from December 29th, 2022 to January 18th, 2023.

As we get closer to Mercury stationing to begin its retrograde, the effects of the transit become more noticeable. Similarly, as we move away from Mercury stationing direct after its retrograde, the effects slowly taper off and become less noticeable.

In the pre-shadow phase, we might start noticing little hiccups in schedules, emails, messages, and travel arrangements, so double-check your plans and speak clearly enough that you know people are receiving what you intend to say.

For example, maybe call someone instead of texting, so the message is delivered directly.

If you want to know more specifically what area in our minds we will be having difficulty with, look on the calendar to see what sign Mercury retrograde will be in and then note which type of energy that sign has so we can be aware that the planet of communication has that distinct flavor.

Learn all about the 2022 retrogrades occuring this year and get your guide now!

How to Use the Shadow Period

True astrology buffs look forward to the changes brought on by Mercury retrograde because we have experienced how it helps us be more self-aware and improve on our own crunchy communication habits.

We can notice if we are guarded and closed off if we are reactive or where an experience such as a broken heart keeps us from opening ourselves to love.

In business, we can see if our resentment or laziness is taking its toll on our attitude. We can adjust that attitude to shape our words into more constructive masterpieces worthy of promotion!

As we wade through the waters of the past, we can finally resolve and let go of our pain. We can heal our wounds and be free of the fear and anger that come from memories that haven’t been dealt with. When we allow ourselves to recognize the emotion, even if it’s from twenty years ago, we no longer have to repeat the experience.

We can be free of it just by looking into the depths of our own emotional closet and shining a light into the corners. When we see that something someone said a long time ago shaped our belief systems and didn’t have to, we can finally get our power back.

Activate the Law of Attraction with Mercury

Retrogrades help us shed the layers of Maya—illusions created by the mind—that keep us from having an authentic connection to our true self, our soul. When we clear the debris, the layers start to come off, and we realize how simple and magical life truly is.

When we can finally let go of the lower vibrations we have been subconsciously carrying around just by recognizing them, we can eventually soar to higher states of consciousness, where we see the interconnection of our thoughts in creating reality.

As we start to see that we are not our body but a soul having a physical experience, we can more easily create positive emotions that activate the Law of Attraction and start honing our vision of a better future for everyone. If we didn’t have the time to reflect and regurgitate the past, we wouldn’t know if we were still digesting it.

The purging of our past is necessary for our own success in our relationships with others and ourselves, and it is a time to embrace much more than it is a time to be disgruntled about.

Make Sure Your Friends Know When Mercury Goes Retrograde, Too!

So this Mercury retrograde, make sure you share your perspectives about the value of this transit, the dates of the pre and post-shadow periods, and how to use it. It can be beneficial for the healing of our friends, family, community, and loved ones.

As we develop and experience the benefits of astrological timing, we can help others become more empowered to see the interconnectedness we are all experiencing, whether we are aware of it or not. Just saying your computer is malfunctioning because of retrograde could help alleviate stress—maybe your co-worker wasn’t aware this was a thing!

Or maybe your best friend’s ex came back into their life.

Mercury retroshade might just be telling them it’s time to let them go so they can finally make sense of the chaos they may perceive the world to be. You might just help empower them — a gift beyond value.

Don’t miss: Your Insider Guide to 2022 Retrogrades

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About The Author

Shannon Yrizarry

Shannon Yrizarry has taught metaphysical subjects since 2013 including the deeply esoteric lineage of kundalini yoga. She has worked as a healer, clairvoyant and card reader and been featured as a dream interpreter on Viceland’s Nuts + Bolts show as well as for Mercedes Benz and Refinery29. She has read Tarot for The Zoe Report, done readings for stars and aims to bring the empowering wisdom of astrology mainstream.With a bold voice, she wants to uplift consciousness to help us evolve to a healthier more spiritual society. Her classes can be found online at www.HOI.TV/authors/shannon and you can follow her daily inspirations on Instagram @shannonyrizarry. She also teaches kundalini yoga in Portland, Oregon. What gets her out of bed is helping people align with their soul purpose.Shannon is the author of two books published by Llewellyn Worldwide, Psychic Yoga and Modern Guide to Meditation Beads.
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