What is your response to the phrase: Mercury is in retrograde?
If you’re like most, you’re probably at least familiar with this phrase.
In my experience the vast majority of people react one of three ways:
Roll your eyes, whatever.
OMG I am not booking any plane tickets or attending any meetings for the next few weeks.
What is that again???
None of these responses are bad, per se, however they lack a degree of nuance. In astrology, we need to develop a space somewhere in between taking things too seriously (#2 above), writing them off (#1 above), and total confusion (#3 above).
I’m writing this blog to bring a more nuanced perspective to Mercury in Retrograde so that you know how to be prepared this time around (Next Mercury Retrograde starts Nov 17).
What is happening exactly???
Mercury retrograde occurs when the movement of Mercury as seen from the earth appears to move backward. This is due to the geometric relationship among Mercury’s Orbit, Earth’s Orbit, and the Sun.
In Astrology, when planets are in retrograde motion, it indicates that the energy of that planet is moving more inward. In our outward, achievement-oriented society, this can seem scary, but I assure you, it’s not.
What does it mean???
In Astrology, Mercury is the planet that gives quickness to the intellect, communication, and even light travel. When you’ve done the work to integrate your Mercury, you’ll be able to communicate your thoughts with ease, accuracy, and an awareness for the affect your words have on others. To truly integrate Mercury is the first step toward having your needs met, your thoughts understood, and your ideas respected.
When Mercury is in retrograde, it’s a great time to reflect on how you’d like to communicate, what sorts of thoughts you allow in your head, and why different types of communication feel more or less authentic to your true nature.
Should I care at all?
You should both care and not care about Mercury Retrograde. It’s best to let go of allowing Mercury’s movement (or any planet’s movement) to dictate your actions. This is not what astrology was meant to do. Rather, you should take into account how Mercury’s retrograde energy is interacting with your chosen actions. Can you feel that it might be beneficial to think over the speech you’re giving one more time? Perhaps it would be useful to consider what could be the impact of that email you’re sending. Or this may be a good time to reflect more generally on how you communicate your deepest truths. Can you find a way of communicating that feels authentic to who you are and where you’d like to go?
What should I do?
Look within
Retrograde motion is a time for you to integrate the energy given by a planet, not necessarily a time to display your full mastery. Revisit your approach to communication: how you listen, think, and speak. A great way to do this is by journaling or by scheduling an astrology reading. If you’re particularly interested in just how Mercury Retrograde will affect you, schedule a mini reading with me! They’re affordable and will help point you in the right direction (within).
Go easy on yourself
We live in a society that appears to demand perfection, which by definition is IMPOSSIBLE. Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve not already mastered your communication skills. We all have things to work on and awareness is the key to growth.
Yoga
Do some AstroYoga that puts you in touch with these particular energies. If you have the time and interest, take an AstroYoga lesson with me, or if money and time are an issue—Sign up for Your Weekly AstroYoga Forecast (in sidebar). It’s free and will give you a weekly suggestion.