What Is Mercury Retroshade? All About Mercury Retrograde's Shadow Period and What It Means For Your Sign

We are all familiar with how Mercury retrograde can turn even the simplest conversations, meetings, phone calls or any form of communication upside down.

However, the drastic changes felt during Mercury retrograde aren't just for the couple of weeks the planet of communication is seemingly moving backward. Mercury retroshade — the periods before or after Mercury retrograde — also impacts us.

Having been born a week before Mercury retrograde began, I always wondered why I felt the significant effects of the planet in retrograde motion on a soulful level. Throughout my celestial studies and journey into being a professional astrologer, I believe I was the one to first coin the term “retroshade” after observing things become the most intense, wonky, dizzy and dramatic weeks before and after the official Mercury planetary moonwalk commences.

The pre-shadow or pre-retrograde period is when the planet begins to disclose the story that we will be dealing with during the retrograde. Post-shadow or post-retrograde is when we go through the path we traced during the pre-shadow and retrograde for a third time.

It’s our third chance to deal with matters and make final decisions about how we want to move forward with our lives. Therefore, it is the shadiest time ever.

What is retroshade?

Retroshade refers to the two weeks before and after a planet's retrograde commences and ends, and the planet is moving slower than usual.

The retroshade happens before the retrograde, when the planet isn’t moving at its average speed and we get a first pass of the degrees of the sign affected by the retrograde. After that, retrograde begins and moves backward over the same degrees as the pre-shadow.

When the retrograde is finished and the planet is moving forward again, it will be at the same degrees as the pre-shadow for a third time. This is the post-retrograde/retroshade.  

What is the difference between Mercury retrograde and the retroshade?

Mercury is retrograde when the trickster planet moves backward by a degree; retroshade is when it moves forward in a slower motion.

Mercury retroshade can make us more aware of problems since we tend to overthink as Mercury prepares to go on strike and moonwalk. However, the post-retrograde retroshade can enable us to make final choices on things we’ve been waffling back and forth over during the retrograde. 

When is Mercury retroshade occurring in 2024?

The first Mercury Retrograde happened in Aries from April 1 to April 25. The pre-retrograde/retroshade for that one took place from March 18 to April 1 and then post-retrograde was from April 25 to May 13.

Mercury retrograde will go retrograde again in Virgo and Leo starting on Aug. 4 to Aug. 28. The pre-retrograde/retroshade period will be from July 16 to Aug. 4 and post-retrograde/retroshade begins Aug. 28 to Sept. 11.

To wrap up the year, Mercury will retrograde in Sagittarius from Nov. 25 to Dec. 15. The pre-retrograde/retroshade period will be from Nov. 7 to Nov. 25 and the post-retrograde period will be from Dec. 15 to Jan. 2.

How can you make the most of Mercury retroshade?

This period is when exes or former friends might come back into our lives, or we may be thinking about them the most. If you feel you have unfinished business with someone, have heartfelt conversations and get the closure you need. 

Projects put on the back burner may also be of interest at this time. This is an excellent opportunity to rethink and reassess the direction of the endeavor.

Rest and chill! Schedule a spa day or massage to help you decompress and relax. The world is stressful as it is, but when the planet Mercury begins to slow down, we can get anxious because we are overthinking. This is all the more reason why self-care is critical.

Lavender's scent is very soothing, which makes it a great flower or essence to have in the home and apply to the body. It helps us connect with our thoughts and hearts.  

Don’t let the retroshade ruin your day. Double-check emails and texts before sending them out to avoid miscommunication — especially regarding work and relationships. Also, watch out for tonality. 

How this summer's retroshade will affect each sign:

Aries (March 21-April 19)

It's time for you to make more time for fun and play during the summer. Instead of working yourself to the bone, make sure that you have a moment to cut loose as well. After all, youre always trying to advance yourself to be first place in everything that you do, so it will benefit you to have a release.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Always being the belle of the ball and life of the party means that you also need time to find a balance to rest. Take a moment to reconnect with yourself and find comfort in your home. You may find that R&R is just what you need to be effervescent for the next celebration you attend.

Gemini (May 21- June 20)

Although you've been a homebody for the past couple of weeks, the retroshade is urging you to get out of your comfort zone and to be more social. Be careful not to overcommit to plans with friends in order to ensure that you have time to recenter yourself in case you need a temporary respite from all the activities.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You need to reevaluate your finances; however, you're finding that it's hard to stick to a budget because you're in the mood to spend. Make sure that you don't go on a shopping spree that wipes out your bank account, but if you overspend, remember to keep the receipts in case you change your mind. Sales are your friend now.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

It may be hard to motivate yourself. Saying positive affirmations every morning and adhering to a routine will make it easier to get things done, rather than just winging it. Do not let the retroshade shake up your life so much that you can't keep up with your daily routines. Also, remember that you shouldn’t put pressure on yourself either.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take a break from the mundane and reconnect with your body, mind and spirit to find peace. Embrace the joy of missing out and find solace at home. You may decide to Netflix and chill or want to go on solo nature walks in order to enjoy the days with your greatest love of all — yourself. This is your moment.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You're finding out who your best friends are. As a result, you’ll give them more space and energy in your life. This process will allow you to cut the cord on relationships that are past expiration date because you'll be able to see who your ride or die pals are. Your crew will be smaller, but full of quality people. 

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

There is a possibility that you are up for a promotion or a raise, but you shouldn’t boast about it. Be careful not to let too many of your colleagues know about this. They might try to do shady things behind your back in order to advance themselves to attain the same position. Tell them after the paperwork is signed.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You are due for a vacation, but aren't sure you'll be able to be given the time off from work. Before you put your request for time off, have a conversation with HR and your boss to ensure you'll be given the time that you need to go on your trip. Then, there will be no miscommunications about the matter.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

If you’ve been looking to consolidate your debt, this is the best opportunity to do so. You’ll find that you're able to make deals and negotiate terms that are beneficial to you and others. Not only that, but you might even be able to strike a deal that works in your favor and helps your finances evolve down the road.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

You might feel blindsided by an ex who’s trying to make their way back into your good graces. Before you begin to feel romantic vibes for them again, remember how things ended before and that you have to be weary to make sure that they've changed before you recommit. Protect your heart to ensure you don’t get hurt by them.

Pisces (Feb. 19- March 20)

Your partner or crush is being a little coy and shy about their feelings for you. Don’t push them into expressing their innermost sentiments if they're not ready. They care about you, but they're not giving you the TLC you deserve because they're dealing with other important situations.