Mercury Retrograde: After All, It’s Not the Villain We Think
By Rafaela Simões
July 15, 2025
For years, Mercury Retrograde has been feared, associated with technological glitches, misunderstandings, and delays. But is it really a period to avoid? Portuguese astrologer Ana Tavares, with over 15 years of experience, says no — and explains why in her new book The Power of Mercury Retrograde, published by Albatroz.
The scapegoat of modern times
According to Ana Tavares, we have been associating this phenomenon with everything that goes wrong. "Fear is born when we don't understand what is happening. Mercury Retrograde doesn't create problems — it reveals them," she explains.
In a world that values haste and control, this retrograde cycle acts as a symbolic brake, inviting us to stop, review, and reorganize. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a time of chaos, but of reorientation.
An invitation to reflect
This period challenges us to revisit decisions, re-evaluate routines, reopen conversations, and listen to our own inner voice. For Ana Tavares, Mercury Retrograde is a "portal between who we were and who we may become." And what seems like a delay can be an opportunity for fine-tuning.
How each sign can benefit
Each sign experiences this cycle differently:
- Aries: Revisit impulses and act with more awareness.
- Taurus: Re-evaluate routines and rediscover comfort.
- Gemini: Slow down the mind and listen more.
- Cancer: Heal emotions and family patterns.
- Leo: Align expression with authenticity.
- Virgo: Refine details and release self-criticism.
- Libra: Rebirth in relationships and renegotiate balances.
- Scorpio: Communicate hidden internal truths.
- Sagittarius: Question beliefs and chosen paths.
- Capricorn: Redefine priorities and responsibilities.
- Aquarius: Balance innovation with empathy.
- Pisces: Clarify intuitions and diffuse emotions.
Strategies to live this cycle with wisdom
1. Review before reacting: Calmness prevents misunderstandings.
2. Confirm the “obvious”: Dates, times, and details should be verified.
3. Finish before starting: Ideal for completing pending projects.
These simple practices help to live through Mercury Retrograde with more clarity and less resistance.
Demystifying is empowering
The biggest myth? Believing that “everything goes wrong” in this cycle. According to Ana Tavares, this alarmism blocks our personal power. Instead, her book offers knowledge, clarity, and practical tools to deal with the challenges.
"This is not a time to stop living, it is a time to live with more awareness," stresses the astrologer.
