Mercury Retrograde

Mercury Retrograde

When the planet Mercury enters apparent retrograde motion that indicates the beginning of a span of misfortune events. You may have heard people say or read a tweet that says “oh sh*t, Mercury is about to retrograde again!” If you’re not spiritual or familiar with astrology then you probably may have wondered what they were talking about and why is it so important.

The term “retrograde” comes from the Latin word retrogradus, which means “backward step.” Living up to it’s definition, retrograde is when a planet appears to go backward in its orbit, as viewed from Earth. The opposite of retrograde is direct or prograde motion. Mercury rules all types of communication, including listening, speaking, learning, reading, editing, researching, negotiating, selling, and buying. Mercury also rules all formal contracts and agreements, as well as important documents such as book manuscripts or term papers, agreements, deeds, contracts, leases, wills, and so forth. When Mercury is in retrograde, technology, communication, travel, logic, and information all get disrupted. For those who are well aware, Mercury retrograde can feel like it's shaking up your entire balance and world.

So why the big fuss about retrograde?

This occurrence is one of the few that affects everyone in a fairly common way and the effects are always obvious or in plain sight. Once you begin to tap in and pay attention to how events in your life change during these phases; keeping track of Mercury retrograde periods can allow you to avoid some of the frustrations they can bring.

Mercury Retrograde & The Elements

If Mercury retrogrades in a fire signs that tells us we need to apply completely new, visionary, and innovative solutions to the problem that arise.

If Mercury retrogrades in an earth sign be very practical about finding a solution and strictly stick to limits when it comes to time or budget. Money often plays a big part of both the problem.

If Mercury retrogrades in an air sign, lots of discussion will need to take place, as air signs are highly communicative. Talk to a lot of people and poll their responses. Do a great deal of research, too. Air signs are analytical and modern – you may hear of a solution that is so new, you may not even have known it was possible. Use the answer that seems best for you after going through this process, and make sure you are objective and not emotional in choosing your answer.

If Mercury retrogrades in a water sign, use your intuition. Intellect can only get us so far; often our emotional intelligence is more accurate. If Mercury retrogrades in a water sign, it’s an instant signal to start listening to that small voice within.

Mercury rules anything that begins with “re”: redo, reassess, repair, repeat, redesign, or revisit. It’s always human nature to want to hear that new opportunities are coming our way, but we really do need to focus on the quality of our work and improve it to the best it can be. Reorganize your files or closets. Pack up any clothes that no longer fit or you haven’t worn in a while and donate them. Decide which electronics or appliances need to be repaired or tuned up as well. Often this is a better use of our time than continually chasing the newest idea. Mercury retrograde allows you to be thorough and to perfect your performance.

Don’t assume everything goes wrong during Mercury retrograde – sometimes things work in your favor.

Do's & Don'ts of Mercury Retrograde

DO:

Brainstorm. Think of every available and accessible solution to the problems you're facing.

Be adaptable, capable, flexible and patient. Step outside of your comfort zone.

Think broad. Sometimes the bigger and farther reaching the solution is the more likely it is to work.

Stay updated on delays and cancellations while traveling.

Keep an eye on warning lights on your car's dash.

Back up your phone, computer and any other electric devices.

Revisit any persistent issues from the past. That one thing that's really been on your mind lately? Mercury Retrograde is the perfect time to address AND solve it.

DON'T:

Fall into a negative thinking cycle.

Exaggerate.

Rely only on technology. Write down or print out info you know you'll need.

Rush.

Have unrealistic expectations.

Set unrealistic timelines.