Mercury Retrograde


All planets appear at times to "move backwards" or "retrograde" from the point of view of Earth. However, only one seems to strike fear in those of us familiar with the term - the Mercury Retrograde. Mercury goes retrograde three to four times a year for a three-week period.

Mercury corresponds to communications, travel, contracts, how we learn, and our immediate surroundings. During a Mercury Retrograde, it seems like breakdowns of tools, machines, routines, and relationships that facilitate those things listed happen much more often than at other times. In today's day of cellphones, computers, tablets, and other tools that keep us connected to both voice and data, a Mercury Retrograde heralds a time of coming chaos if we're not prepared.

The types of things that can happen during a Mercury Retrograde include:

  • Jumbled, lost, or misunderstood communications (including mail, email, voice messages)

  • Computer, phone, or other electronic devices breaking down, losing data, or otherwise acting strangely.

  • Travel delays or other bothersome issues with travel

  • Delays or missed appointments

  • Problems with legal issues and/or contracts

  • Decisions and judgements are often faulty

  • New projects may be delayed, cancelled, or experience numerous other difficulties, especially where people are concerned.

  • Even things that work out tend to be much more difficult than anticipated.

Using a little planning, you can protect yourself as much as possible from the snafu's that happen during a Mercury Retrograde. As much as possible, make sure you sign anything vital or important (such as legal papers) either before or after a Mercury Retrograde period. Keep your electronic devices in good working order by running diagnostics on the hardware and software often. Keep your anti-virus program up-to-date, and check often for malware.

Avoid traveling during the retrograde, whenever possible. If it's not possible, simply realize there will probably be delays and bring a book or anything else that will help you keep calm and occupied. The intent is to keep the frustration level as low as possible during this time.

Don't start new projects or make major purchases. If there's no way around this, expect problems and try to plan for contingencies, should issues arise.

Cut everybody from the guy down the street to your boss (including all your relatives!) a lot of slack. Count on whatever they attempt to communicate to you either getting lost, lost in translation, or just not coming out correctly. Keep calm, ask for clarification, and try not to let anyone "push your buttons."

The best thing you can do in a Mercury Retrograde (besides keep your sense of humor) is to work with the flow of energy. Retrogrades are periods where energy is more focused internally. Instead of trying to communicate with others during this time, take time to meditate to communicate with yourself. Set aside some time before bed to journal. Most of all, take a hint from the word "retrograde," itself. The first two letters, "re" are a good symbol for what you should do during this three or four week period: reassess, review, reanalyze, revisit, rethink, re-edit, and recommunicate.

Below is a list of things to do during a Mercury Retrograde which, hopefully, will make you feel a bit more in control of your life, and less in the clutches of chaos.

  • Tie up loose ends on current projects.

  • Continue with projects started during a more favorable time.

  • Hand deliver important documents when possible.

  • Double check plans for anything you absolutely have to do during this time frame.

  • Maintain and organize your life. File papers, clean the house, unclutter closets, finish photoalbums, etc.

  • If you're interested in moving your household, now's the time to do the research.

  • Research a job, career, or other interest which you can begin once Mercury has gone Direct again.

  • Research major purchases to make at a later date.

  • Be understanding of the people around you.

  • Use this time to meditate, contemplate, regroup, and refocus.

  • Reflect on the past to understand it and to see how it can have a positive influence on your future.

  • Review your life plan, goals and dreams to be sure you are on track.

  • Journal


— Lady Shyra