Whether you care about moon phases or not, you’ll definitely have heard about Mercury being in retrograde — even just from colleagues as an excuse for acting absolutely batsh*t.

Beginning on 5 March and ending on 28 March, it’s one of three times it happens annually.

BUT WHAT DOES MERCURY IN RETROGRADE ACTUALLY MEAN? 

It’s the name for when Mercury is the closest planet to the sun; appearing from earth to slow and move backwards across the sky, from east to west.

It’s happening again 7 to 31 July and 31 October to 20 November (so be warned, in advance).

WHAT IS THE EFFECT ON US MERE HUMANS? 

It’s not good news. The shift of movement is said to trigger bad luck, causing general chaos and stresses like car, relationship, sleep, work and basically all life problems.

As Mercury is the planet of communication and cognitive function, it knocks our brains sideways too. Internally it can set off issues, like sensitivity, instability self-doubt and what feels like irrational thinking — which is why it’s not generally recommended to make big decisions or when you need your full-functioning, grounded brain.

It’s a particularly cruel time for those suffering from anxiety as it can trigger feelings they usually struggle with.

This one will probably feel especially full-on as it’s in Pisces, which is known to be a spiritual sign focused on connection, romance, art and a lot of pretty emotionally-focused stuff.

But it will all be worth it come 28 March as, when Mercury returns to normal, you’ll be on eazay street.

(Of course, you can just ignore all this if you think it’s millennial-fuelled mumbo jumbo.)

Read more: What the F is a super worm equinox?