Is Mercury retrograde real, and should I avoid decisions during it?

Mercury Retrograde is one of the most widely discussed astrological phenomena in popular culture — and the evidence for its effects is more nuanced than either believers or sceptics admit. Western Astrology holds that when Mercury appears to move backwards from Earth's perspective (three times per year, for approximately three weeks each), communication, contracts, technology, and travel are more prone to misunderstandings, delays, and reversals. The practical guidance is not to avoid all decisions, but to avoid signing irreversible contracts, launching new projects, or making major purchases during this period. Reviewing, revising, and reconnecting with old contacts are actually favoured. Jyotish has a parallel concept in the Vakri (retrograde) state of Mercury, which is considered to intensify Mercury's energy in unpredictable ways. Ba Zi does not use planetary retrogrades but identifies Mercury-equivalent periods through the Water element's strength in the annual and monthly pillars.