If you were born during one of Mercury’s retrograde periods, it may have something to do with your astrological birth chart. As Mercury governs communication, travel, and technology, its apparent backward motion can create crossed wires and confusion.
For the uninitiated, Mercury retrograde refers to the optical illusion where the planet Mercury seems to be moving backward in the sky. Three or four times a year, for around three weeks at a time, Mercury enters this retrograde phase.
If you were born during one of these periods, you’re a “Mercury retrograde baby.” You likely approach the world a little differently than most. Being born during Mercury retrograde gives you the power to see what others miss.
How does being born during Mercury Retrograde impact your personality?
If you were born when Mercury was retrograde, your personality is influenced in some interesting ways.
You tend to be an independent thinker who questions the status quo. Rules and authority don’t impress you much. You like to figure things out for yourself and forge your own path. Some might see you as rebellious, but you just have an unconventional side.
Communication can sometimes be challenging for you. You may struggle to articulate your thoughts clearly or have moments of miscommunication. On the flip side, you’re capable of thinking in nonlinear ways and making unexpected mental connections that lead to flashes of insight.
Flexibility and adaptability are your strong suits. You don’t get too attached to plans or routines and can pivot quickly when needed. Sudden changes in direction don’t stress you out or throw you off. You actually thrive on a bit of uncertainty and spontaneity.
You tend to be restless and seek constant mental stimulation. Boredom is not an option, so you usually have multiple interests and pursuits on the go. New hobbies, adventures, and intellectual rabbit holes are always calling your name.
While your quirks may occasionally perplex others, that vibrant, inquisitive spirit of yours is a gift. Stay true to your retrograde roots: question everything, follow your intuition, and always keep exploring!
Negative effects of Mercury Rx in your birth chart
Mercury rules communication, the mind, and the way we think. When it is retrograde at the time of birth, it can indicate obstacles in expressing one’s true self and connecting with others on a deep level. You may feel frustrated or even isolated, like an “alien.”
Those born during Mercury Rx may have a strong desire to communicate, share ideas, and connect with others but often find it difficult to do so effectively. Others may not understand them or fail to listen closely. Miscommunications and misunderstandings can occur more frequently.
This placement can also indicate a very active and curious mind that thinks in unconventional or complex ways that others do not always follow. The originality of thought may not translate easily into spoken or written words that most people readily grasp.
With that being said, having Mercury retrograde at birth may present some hurdles for communication. But those people often cultivate abilities to get around those roadblocks. The thing is, it is not hat they can’t chat – they totally can. It’s just that not everybody gets where they’re coming from or wants to converse cause they see the world a bit differently in how they interact.
Only someone else born during Mercury’s backspin is gonna truly get them. But you know what? Embracing your differences is what it’s all about. At least they’ll always have each other to talk to.
Is it rare to be born during mercury retrograde?
No, being born during a Mercury retrograde period is not rare at all. Mercury goes retrograde for about three weeks, three times a year. Given that there are roughly 3.5 million births per year in the U.S. alone, that means hundreds of thousands of people are born during each Mercury retrograde.
How to tell I was born during Mercury retrograde?
The most definitive way is to look at your natal birth chart. If you see the symbol “Rx” next to Mercury, then you were indeed born during a Mercury retrograde cycle. The Rx symbol indicates Mercury was moving backward (retrograde) from an astrological standpoint at the time of your birth.
You can also check the dates of past Mercury retrograde cycles for the year you were born. On average, Mercury goes retrograde about three times per year for around three weeks each. So you would look at the Mercury retrograde dates for that year and see if your birthday falls within any of those retrograde windows.
Both of these methods can confirm if you were born during a Mercury retrograde, which can impact how Mercury influences certain traits and tendencies in your personality and life. But the symbol in your natal chart is the most definitive indicator.
Rather than cursing your cosmic timing, embrace the gifts of your Mercury retrograde birth. Who knows, you may just change the world with that brilliant and unconventional mind of yours. The stars can’t decide your destiny – you’re the one in control of your life’s direction.
