Mercury retrograde breakups are incredibly common for a reason. When the trickster planet appears to move backward in the sky, communication mishaps and misunderstandings seem to multiply. Exes pop up out of the woodwork, and unresolved issues in relationships bubble up to the surface.
The good news is, once Mercury goes direct again, there’s a decent chance your ex will come back around wanting to revisit things. The bad news is, you’ll have to decide if you even want them back after that display. Here’s what you need to know about why Mercury retrograde breakups happen and whether they’re permanent.
Why Do Breakups Happen During Mercury Retrograde?
During Mercury retrograde, communications go haywire, and relationships often follow suit. Why do breakups seem so common during this astrological event?
When Mercury is retrograde, we tend to misinterpret others and jump to conclusions. Little arguments spiral out of control as we have trouble really hearing each other. Before you know it, small annoyances have turned into relationship-ending fights.
Retrograde periods also stir up the past and bring old issues to the surface. If there are underlying tensions or unaddressed problems in the relationship, they will come out into the open now. This can prove too much for the partnership to handle, especially if you’re unwilling to work through challenging conversations.
Remember that Mercury Retrograde isn’t actually causing any breakups on its own. It just makes everything more intense. So, if you and your partner call it quits during this astrological time, it usually means there was probably already some stuff going on between you. Mercury Retrograde is like pouring salt in an open wound if a relationship ends during it – the problems were there before, it just brought them to a head.
The Desire For Freedom Emerges
Some people experience a strong craving for liberation and independence during Mercury retrograde. If you’ve been feeling constrained or limited in the relationship, you may now have an irresistible urge to break free. The longing for autonomy and a fresh start can overpower your usual commitment to the partnership.
Mercury is the planet that rules over two of the zodiac signs – Gemini and Virgo. Both of these signs are big thinkers – they analyze everything to death and sometimes even overanalyze things. Geminis love to travel, have freedom, and really live it up. Virgos tend to be a bit more conservative, and they think and think and think about everything.
No wonder during Mercury retrograde, so many people are like, “God, I need more freedom! I can’t be tied down like this!” It gets you thinking that maybe your normal routine isn’t all that exciting and you could use some adventure in your life. It’s all that overthinking that gets us feeling cooped up and restless. Time to break out of our shells!
Are Mercury Retrograde Breakups Permanent?
So you broke up during Mercury retrograde. Now you’re wondering, is this split permanent or just temporary madness? The truth is, it depends.
Mercury retrograde breakups are notoriously messy and emotionally fraught. Communication mix-ups and misread signals abound, making tensions rise, and feelings get hurt. In the heat of the moment, ending things can seem like the only option.
Once Mercury goes direct again, you may start to regret that hasty decision. As thoughts become clearer and emotions calm down, you realize the issues that caused the breakup were surmountable or even silly.
The key is to have an open conversation with your ex or partner about what went wrong. Admit your mistakes, listen to their perspective with an open mind, and look for compromise. You may find that with cooler heads prevailing, you’re both willing to give the relationship another go.
However, some retrograde breakups reveal underlying problems that won’t magically disappear. If the same arguments keep resurfacing or trust has been irrevocably broken, the split is probably permanent. As hard as it is, take this as an opportunity to learn and grow.
How To Survive A Mercury Retrograde Breakup
Mercury retrograde breakups can feel devastating, but aren’t always permanent. Here are some tips to help you survive this difficult time:
Don’t React Impulsively
It’s normal to feel panicked and want to do anything to win your ex back. But avoid reacting impulsively by calling, texting, or showing up unannounced. This will likely only make you feel worse and push them further away. Take a step back and give yourself space to process the breakup.
Keep Your Emotions Under Control
If you have a tendency to be insecure or anxious in love, these feelings will intensify now, damaging the foundation of goodwill and trust in the partnership.
Even if you’re feeling insecure, try your best to just ride it out for now. Don’t make any big accusations or demands until Mercury goes direct again. Chances are, as soon as it does, those feelings will fade away, and you’ll wonder what you were ever so worked up about!
Reflect On The Relationship
Use this time to reflect on the relationship and lessons learned. Doing that can help you see things more clearly and get some closure on the whole thing. You may even realize the breakup was for the best. Journaling, talking to others or seeking professional help from a counselor or coach can help work through your feelings.
Focus On Self-Care
Take some time for yourself. Reach out to people who make you feel good – friends and family who are there for you. Make sure you move your body, too, whether it’s going to the gym or just taking a walk outside. I also really recommend meditating or doing something you enjoy, like a hobby, to distress. All of that self-care stuff will seriously lift your spirits.
The Door Isn’t Closed Forever
Even though Mercury retrograde breakups feel final, the door isn’t necessarily closed forever. Once Mercury goes direct, exes often come back around to revisit the relationship. But go in with realistic expectations.
Use this second chance to have an honest conversation about what went wrong and whether you’re both willing to make changes to make it work. If, after this, you feel the breakup should be permanent, you’ll at least have proper closure.
Wait Until Mercury Stations Direct
Mercury retrograde breakups are intense, but that doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the relationship. The key is not to make any rash decisions during this transit and give yourself space to process the emotions.
Once Mercury stations direct, you’ll gain clarity and perspective. Revisit the situation with your ex and see if the connection is still there. If it’s meant to be, retrograde or not, you’ll find your way back together. And if not, you’ve lost nothing by taking time to reflect. Either way, stay optimistic – the communication mishaps of Mercury retrograde will pass, and you’ll come out the other end knowing yourself and your relationships even better.
