If there’s one thing gen Zers excel at, it’s deflection. We all pick our own poison—carefully selecting that one excuse, justification or ploy to divert attention away from the actual problem we’re facing. For me, it’s always been in association with my astrological inclinations. Feeling tired? I’m an Aries. Ignoring important deadlines? I have a Sagittarius moon. And the pièce de résistance when it comes to deflection? Mercury is in retrograde.

Now, as we come to a close on the current cycle—let’s take a moment to reflect on why this time can be so important but also how we’ve allowed it to dictate our every move.

Wrapping up in only two days, this year’s retrograde lasts from 29 December 2022 to 18 January 2023. Within this time, a number of netizens took to TikTok to share their best tips, tricks and tantrums about the cycle. For all our astrology novices, here are the most important things to remember.

Firstly, it’s important to remember that Mercury retrograde occurs three to four times a year and is supposedly designed to allow individuals to practise greater introspection and potentially revisit previous mistakes and decisions. Retrograde refers directly to the act of going backwards and so when Mercury is in retrograde, it corresponds to the act of the planet moving backwards in orbit (although scientifically it’s not moving backwards but simply slowing down).

However, because astrology is complex, each retrograde will mean something different for each person. For example, the current 2022 to 2023 Mercury retrograde is occurring in Capricorn. So, while overall the cycle relates to the general theme of authority—particularly in relation to any achievements and career aspirations—the retrograde will affect every individual differently depending on where Capricorn is in your houses.

@astrobabe1234

#mercuryretrograde2022 #mercuryretrogradeincapricorn #astrologytransitsexplained #astrologyforentrepreneurship #astrologyforentrepreneurs #astrologybusinesscoach #astrologyforbusiness #spiritualbusinessmentor

♬ original sound - jacquelyn son 🦋

Ok, bear with me here. Houses are the cosmic version of a crystal ball. There are 12 houses and each represent a key part of life, from health and money to relationships and everything in between. So, when you’re born, each planet would’ve been in a certain house—this can then inform you on what your sun, rising and moon signs are. I always keep mine jotted down in my notes app, just in case anyone questions my emotional stability.

@aintastrologyfunny

How Mercury in retrograde affects each sign. #mercuryretrograde #CODSquadUp #astrologychartexplained #ReasonForBooking #astrologytiktok #astrologyobservations #spiritualastrology

♬ original sound - What’s your sign

Thankfully, hoards of astrology creators on TikTok took it upon themselves to warn those signs most at risk of having a rough three weeks. So, if you’re feeling lost, anxious, stressed and you’re a Taurus—don’t fret, it’ll all be over soon enough.

One of the most entertaining things about TikTok has always been its ability to bring out the most dramatic sides of people. Combine short-form videos that are easy to edit and upload with a cohort of emotionally unhinged internet obsessives and what do you get? An online temper tantrum with over 836 million views.

@astrobellaluna

Just easing into 2023 during this Mercury/ Mars Rx period 😎 #astro #2023 #mercuryretrograde #marsretrograde

♬ Elevator Music - Bohoman

@aliodriscoll_

When is mercury out of the microwave #fyp #foryou #funny #jokes #relatable #work #wfh #corporate #9to5

♬ original sound - skinny

Football fans have their World Cup, astrologists have Mercury retrograde.

@nowayitsray

#greenscreen #fyp #EndlessJourney #MadeWithKeurigContest #astrology #zodiac #mercuryretrograde #funny

♬ Horror, suspense strange sound - DN.FACTORY

Now, if you receive any late night texts for your ex-partner begging for a second chance, do not fall for it. It may appear as though the stars have aligned but in reality, it’s the retrograde out to get you! Of course, meaningful relationships can occur coincidentally as the earth moves backwards. Still, it’s always best to keep an eye out for any suspicious sneaky links.

@amydemure

The pre shadow period begins early to mid December. #astrology #horoscope #zodiacsigns #zodiac #mercuryretrograde

♬ original sound - Amy Demure

Also, according to Tarot, first dates during Mercury retrograde are never a good idea because it’s not easy to communicate, and there are too many opportunities for things to go wrong. So, if at all possible, save any exploratory online dating ventures for February.

I had to conclude with this one simply because it makes so much sense that Barbie would be an astrology girly. The Barbie TikTok account has dominated our FYPs over the past two years and it’s no surprise that it’s also now one of the pioneers of the horoscope community. Captioning the clip: “Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimised by #Mercuryretrograde,” the recent video—which was posted during the 2022 October cycle—has already amassed over 880,000 views.

@barbie

Raise your hand if you've been personally victimized by #MercuryRetrograde ✋ #Barbie #Astrology

♬ original sound - barbie

Some of the best comments beneath the video include, “I peed when Barbie Glitched,” and “Barbie is just so relatable.”

And remember, if anyone makes fun of you for your keen astrological insight or understanding, it’s probably just because they’re a Virgo.