the joys of mercury retrograde
(and some tips for working with it)
Those of you who know a thing or two about astrology may have some knowledge of Mercury retrograde. Basically, this is a time when the planet closest to the sun appears to 'reverse' its motion and go backward, alledgedly causing all manner of upheaval in the communication sector. Mercury is the planet of communication. It rules, among other things, automobiles and short trips, all electronic devices, writing and the written word. Most astrologers emphasize the negatives of this time period: the missed messages and delayed flights, computer problems, car trouble, the list goes on.
However, relatively little attention is given to the positive aspects of this planetary event. Here are a few things Mercury’s retrograde actually supports:
1) Redoing just about anything. Projects of any sort that need revision are highlighted when Mercury goes retrograde. Also, any activity that is concerned with the past, such as tracing your family’s genealogy or creating a scrapbook would be favorable during this period. A Mercury retrograde rule of thumb is: any word beginning with re- is deserving of your attention during this time.
2) Inner and spiritual activity such as meditation, dreamwork, visualization, psychic exploration and journalling.
3) Study and research. Learn as much as you can during this period, especially if you’re researching a new opportunity on which you will take action when Mercury goes direct. Of course, the best way to study (always, but especially during this time) is to alternate right-brain (meditative, physical, creative) activity with the left-brain information-gathering (reading, listening, taking notes).
4) Creative work. More original thought and creative problem-solving ideas are likely to surface during this time. Writers and artists experience breakthroughs. Shelved projects are opened up again and viewed with new eyes. It’s also a wonderful time to enjoy the creative arts. Go to a concert or a play.
5) Cleaning and space clearing. It’s the perfect time to take all of those old clothes to the charity thrift store and recycle those old newspapers that have been piling up.
6) Fun, leisure and relaxation. Lighten up when Mercury take it’s quarterly 'vacation.' (Perhaps it can be a reminder that we also need some down-time.)
7) Connecting with people from the past. Ex-boyfriends and girlfriends have a way of resurfacing during this time. Or you may feel nostalgic for someone from the past. Spend quality time with others (or your inner child) and decide not to take things too personally, as Mercury has been known to cause people to speak first and think later.
Above all, don’t take Mercury retrograde too seriously. Being a normal human functioning in a left-brained world, you will most likely find it necessary to do something like sign a contract or buy software, that is generally said to be unadvisable during this time. Most regrettable things that are done, said or purchased during this time are fully reversible and returnable (just make sure you keep your receipts). I actually signed loan papers once during a retrograde several years ago. Of course, the loan took a ridiculously long time to process, but during the time I was forced to wait, interest rates went down considerably. So maybe it’s not such a horrible thing after all.
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