For those of us that follow the flows of the moon it’s hard to ignore the influence of the planets. Astrology is a complex subject, and even though many of us are not experts at reading a natal chart we’re still wise enough to acknowledge that the movements in space have an effect on the energy here on earth. We are all influenced by the effect of Mercury in retrograde, but the power attributed to the event of Mercury in Retrograde has become so overblown that today it's blamed for everything from digestive problems to car troubles.
HISTORY OF MERCURY RETROGRADE
Because the Roman god Mercury was said to govern travel, commerce, financial wealth, and communication, in astrological circles, Mercury the planet became linked to those matters as well. Now we know Mercury to be the planet strongly associated with communication.
Due to the way our own orbit interacts with those of the other planets, they might sometimes appear to be traveling backward through the night sky with respect to the zodiac. This apparent reversal in Mercury's orbit is an illusion to the people viewing it from Earth.
When the planets are next to one another on the same side of the Sun, Mercury looks like it's moving east to those of us on Earth. But when Mercury overtakes Earth and continues its orbit, its straight trajectory seems to change course.
Earth's orbit isn't identical to that of any other planet in the solar system, which means that all the planets appear to move backwards at varying points in time. Planets farther from the Sun than Earth have even more noticeable retrograde patterns because they're visible at night. But thanks to astrology, it's Mercury's retrograde motion that incites dread every few months.
- March 23 to April 15
- July 26 to August 19
- November 17 to December 6
WHAT TO DO WHEN MERCURY IS RETROGRADE
The planet Mercury rules communication, travel, contracts, automobiles, and such. So, how to not have a anxiety driven freakout when Mercury is retrograde? Remain flexible, allow time for extra travel. Review projects and plans at these times, but you may want to wait until Mercury is direct again to make any final decisions.
About a week or two before Mercury retrogrades, finish any tasks or projects at hand. You can’t stop your life, but plan ahead, have back-up plans, and be prepared for angrier people and miscommunication.
Some people blame Mercury retrograde for “bad” things that happen in their lives. Instead, take this time to sit back and review where you put your energy in your life. Mercury retrograde can be an excellent time to take a step back and reanalyze who you are and what you are doing—but do refrain from making any drastic changes until after retrograde has ended.
Meditation can be a huge savior for you during this time. If you feel quick to snap, or are get annoyed at the minor inconveniences it’s especially important for you to take a step back and relax. Stop scrolling your feeds getting upset over what other people are doing/posting and unplug. Meditate, read an uplifting book, take a bath, channel this unpredictable energy somewhere where it can be productive.
If you were born during a Mercury retrograde you may actually become sharper, clearer or more productive during this time. You won’t be immune to Mercury’s global impact, but you could also thrive in areas where others are flailing. Times like these may even make you more psychic or dialed-in.
Wishing you a calm & collected retrograde and many Full Moon blessings 🌕💖
