MERCURY RETROGRADE...Friend or Foe?

‘That’s not fog.  It’s dragon’s breath.  It’s magical.  When the dragon’s breath comes, when the fog appears, it is a magical time, a mysterious time. Things begin to change.’
~ The Lessons of Love by Melody Beattie ~

I’ve been working with the moon cycles and Mercury retrograde cycles for quite some time now and have found that life has become a bit easier because I am aware of, and continue to use the energy of these cycles for my personal growth and healing.

Let me say first off that I have a basic understanding of astrology, I am not an astrologer. I’m simply sharing my knowledge and personal experience for those of you who are interested in the unseen energies that move in and around us constantly. 

Mercury retrograde energy can feel at times, like a fog has set in over our lives. If we can understand and accept that change is in the air and magic is happening behind the scenes, we can move through the fog with more ease and patience. As there will be a time in the near future when the fog lifts and things are clear and flowing once again.

There are three to four Mercury retrograde cycles per year and they last approximately three weeks. The planet Mercury in general, rules thinking and perception, processing information, education, travel and communication. So when it goes retrograde, it often affects these areas of our lives. For instance, we might notice more than usual, missed messages, misunderstandings, text messages and emails sent to the wrong person, taken out of context, or not being received at all. As well there is often travel mix ups and delays, problems with computers, cell phones, televisions, and vehicles. You might also notice situations, people and issues from the past resurfacing. Especially notice what was happening in your life during the last Mercury retrograde because whatever was going on in your life at that time, will likely resurface in some form so you can face that part of yourself again and continue to clear old unhealthy patterns. Sometimes it is to give you an opportunity to see yourself in a new light and see how you've grown since the last retrograde.

It can be a frustrating time for some people, especially if you are not willing to be honest with yourself and make necessary changes in your life. Or if you are pushing and trying to make something happen when it's not time for it to happen. It could be that your flight gets delayed or cancelled, you buy a new cell phone and it’s a total dud, or your computer crashes. Basically it’s life not going according to your plans. Try to remember something bigger is happening behind the scenes and you are ultimately not in charge even though you’d like to think you are!

This is not a time to make firm decisions, move forward on projects or plans, or sign legal documents or contracts. It can feel at times like we are pushing against a strong wind, so why not wait until the planet moves forward again, and have the wind CARRY us instead? When we insist on pushing forward at this time, we will often find out later that the paperwork couldn’t be completed because of some unforeseen circumstances, the contract or deal falls through, or new information is revealed that might have been important in our decision making process. It is also not the ideal time to purchase a vehicle or electronic equipment of any kind as there are often issues that surface later with respect to that equipment or vehicle, or it could be we just get a lemon.

The best way to use this retrograde phase is to research a new project, or resurrect and complete an old unfinished project, renegotiate a deal, reflect on life and recent situations, revise, review, and relax.

New information is often revealed to us by the end of this cycle, as there is likely something more to learn or release before moving forward on our path. It’s a great practice to back up our computers before Mercury retrograde. Confirm travel itineraries prior to travelling and do be prepared to be patient should your travel end up cancelled or delayed. 

Personally I’ve come to love Mercury retrograde despite the fact I’m bound to have some frustrating days. I am simply aware of the energy this cycle brings and use it accordingly.

Mercury Retrograde, friend or foe?  You decide.

---