Mercury retrograde isn't an excuse — it's a prompt to review

Every few months, Mercury appears to move backward. It never actually does — the illusion comes from how Earth and Mercury move relative to each other.

But astrology was never about the astronomy. It's about how, during that window, our relationship with communication, information, and going-back-over-things gets a little tangled.

What this window favors

• Editing, not launching;
• Double-checking contracts, itineraries, payment details;
• Reaching back out to the person you've been meaning to contact.

What it doesn't

Rushed signatures, brand-new launches, hitting send while your emotions are running hot.

Retrograde isn't a place to put the blame — "it's just Mercury" is the laziest read there is. It's closer to a gentle nudge: slow down, and tie off the loose ends you left behind.