Mercury retrograde is a phenomenon that occurs about 3/4 times a year for three weeks each time, and is "feared" by people as it typically calls for a time of chaos and misunderstandings, making it the butt of many jokes/memes. Truthfully, a retrograde is when a planet appears to be spinning backwards from out point of view here on Earth, though it's not really; and this happens with every planet except the moon. A good example I saw was imagining you are on a train and looking out the window to find another train moving alongside yours, your brain can be tricked into thinking you're moving backwards for a second. Knowing the cycles of mercury retrograde can help you to be aware of these times when the world seems to be a little more chaotic than usual, but what is the reasoning behind this chaos?
In astrology, we always believe the following rule is true: “As above, so too below.” By that we mean there is "a fractal relationship between the orbits in the heavens and human activity down here on Earth." Since Mercury rules communication (listening, speaking, writing, negotiating, selling, buying, etc), agreements, transportation, documents and travel, these areas tend to spin out of control during a retrograde. Basically, as the planet travels backwards, its positive influence and how it would normally help us gets lost. Mercury in particular is a very important planet to watch retrogrades for, considering it is a planet that is widely involved in every person's everyday lives- from communicating to thinking. This leads people to blame the Mercury retrograde on anything stemming from a car accident, to a miscommunication in a relationship, to a lost document or homework assignment. Believers in the power of Mercury retrograde also advise against initiating important business deals during this time or signing any contracts until Mercury is on our side again. This is especially due to the fact that what is decided during Mercury retrograde is greatly subject to change once the planet moves normally again.
Before the Mercury Retrograde: Tips
Backup computer/ phone
Turn in any finished projects
Reach out to friends you'd like to maintain contact with
Triple check emails and texts
Clean out closets
Physically mail anything you need to - letters, bills, thank you notes, etc
Make any reservations for upcoming travels
Heed any big conversations until after the retrograde
Start any new projects as starting these during the retrograde may seem harder
Get you car inspected
During the Mercury Retrograde: Tips
Listen carefully to others and communicate clearly (choose words wisely)
Boost mindfulness with yoga/meditation
Beware of changes in plans and prepare for any delays
Do not make any life changing decisions if not necessary as your mind is subject to change, give yourself time and think things through
Write down any ideas that you can initiate after the retrograde with a clear mind
Do not sign any contracts or initiate new business deals
Take trips for pleasure
Practice self care
Beware of any forgetfulness / losing things - give everything a place
Please remember: Mercury retrograde is normal just like every astrological pattern in life, there is a cycle to which it occurs and it is inevitable. There is no need to curse Mercury or feel helpless to the chaos that everyone so greatly fears. Honor Mercury and utilize this retrograde pattern to reorganize, revisit, and reassess. Mercury's retrograde can help us make better decisions , catch our breath, see things from another perspective and slow ourselves down in this world that is so fast-paced. When we learn to honor Mercury’s retrograde pattern, we can succinctly tidy up our lives before diving head-first into our next chapter. During a Mercury retrograde, our intuition may be way stronger than normal since we are less in our minds, and we may also be presented with little issues that we didn't know were there, giving us an opportunity to attack them and assess our options. Remember, this phenomenon happens 3-4 times a year for THREE WEEKS EACH, if we were to live in fear of this, we would have 9-12 weeks per year filled with worry and stress- which is just unnecessary. We can be aware of Mercury's retrograde without fearing it. Welcome the unexpected, welcome the change of pace, welcome the ability to recenter/reconnect yourself, and welcome the "chaos".
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