Articles & Insights
Mercury Retrograde and Your Quarterly Earnings
A disappointing quarter deserves an explanation that accounts for forces beyond the sales department.
By Billi Jene Taylor ยท November 3, 2026
The planetary dimension of forecasting
Most financial models consider revenue, operating expenses, and market demand. Few reserve a column for Mercury. This omission may explain why executives are so often surprised by the numbers their own teams have been reporting for months.
Identify the exposure
Review contracts signed during Mercury retrograde, especially those involving fax machines, confusing attachments, or a person named Dennis. Mark each transaction with a small circle in the margin. This creates a visual inventory of possible planetary interference without changing the accounting records.
Prepare a balanced explanation
When presenting quarterly results, distinguish between operational decisions and celestial circumstances. A decline in revenue should still be reported accurately, but it may be helpful to note whether Mercury appeared to be conducting business in reverse.
Protect future agreements
Mercury Retrograde and Small Business Liability provides a framework for documenting the cosmic circumstances surrounding business commitments. It is particularly appropriate for anyone who has ever signed a contract and immediately regretted it.