How to manage Mercury retrograde working from home
Imagery: Mathew Coyte //@mathewcoyte
Words: Emma Vidgen // @emma_vee
What not to do during Mercury retrograde: Rogue extension cords and a full glass of water by your computer.
Mercury retrograde can be a pain in the ass at the best of times, but when you’re working from home or splitting time between the office and your WFH set-up, the opportunity for drama is major.
Here we explain what this one means, why it could be especially tricky and how to mitigate the mess of Mercury retrograde in Cancer when you work from home.
Why is Mercury retrograde worse when you’re working from home?
Because we’re all relying on technology more than ever before, the stakes are much higher. When tech goes haywire or our devices fail – as they’re prone to do during a Mercury retrograde – the fallout is much more annoying because you’re less set up at home to deal with tech problems. For instance, if your computer packs it in, you may not have the luxury of just moving to another desk the way you would if you were in an office.
It’s also retrograde in Cancer, the sign synonymous with home and family. This could highlight practical issues around the house like a leaky roof or emotional stuff like tensions with your partner or family members.
WHEN IS THIS MERCURY RETROGRADE in june/july 2020?
Mercury begins its apparent crawl backwards (of course it doesn’t literally really reverse – you can read about all about that in our beginner’s guide to Merc RX) 18 June until 12 July.
It entered its shadow on 2 June, which means themes, issues and stories from between 2 and 18 June will resurface for reassessment during the retrograde period. Once it goes direct on 12 July, it will retrace its steps, giving you some closure to the stories (or drama) that have been unfolding between 12 – 26 July.
What’s different about Mercury retrograde in cancer specifically?
In addition to having a general homebody feel, this retrograde will highlight the part of your chart where ever Cancer falls (yes, no matter what your star sign, you have Cancer somewhere in your chart). Check out your June horoscope to get an idea of the area of life that will be in focus for your sign specifically.
There is also an eclipse on 21 June which will amplify the intensity and heighten the energy. Expect to feel emotional, sensitive and maybe a little teary. Eclipses often trigger beginnings and endings, as well as bringing new facts or circumstances to light. This is the final eclipse in a series that has been unfolding since July 2018. Expect big finales. This is definitely a weekend to go slow, look after yourself and pay attention to what unfolds in your own life and on a macro level.
How do I avoid a work from home Mercury retrograde fail?
Like all retrogrades, this is a time to slow down and lean in to all the “re” words – reassess, reconsider, review, revise, recalibrate. Give yourself permission to take it easy.
Watch out for water around your electronics. The possibility for unexpected spills is high as Mercury is moving through a water sign.
Expect people to be a little harder to lock in to social activities than usual. Cancer energy loves to stay home and nest, so you may find everyone is feeling unmotivated to get out and socialise.
Expect things to take longer than usual. Allow yourself extra time to complete tasks (you may find it harder to concentrate than usual) and be patient when you’re waiting on a response from other people.
If you can, avoid launching any major projects. Use the time to reflect on what need to feel secure (Cancer), review your processes and think about how you could approach things differently.
If you do have to present work or release something major out into the world, set aside extra time to review and proof read it with a little more diligence than usual.