"Uh-oh, Here Comes Mercury Retrograde!"
March, 2008
Just a reminder that Mercury will be going Retrograde this Monday in the sign of Gemini. Mercury the trickster will be retrograde until it goes direct on June 20th. The first signs of Mercury going retrograde are already visible in the American media with Hillary Clinton’s Kennedy assassination speech gaff. So what does this mean for us? Well, let’s take a look. Mercury has domain over how people think, communicate, travel, perceive and process information. It also has domain over electronics, machinery that is used for transportation, and communication systems. Likewise, Mercury rules careers that work with these areas, such as airplane pilots, truck drivers, and travel agents. It rules people who rely heavily on communicating mental processes in their career also, such as writers, editors, teachers, and diplomats. So these are areas that can expect to be specifically effected.
Mercury retrograde is a time when there are many misunderstandings. Communications, business transactions and contracts can become flawed, disrupted, or delayed. Likewise we can expect more than the usual breakdowns with phones, computers, cars and airplanes. When traveling there are often times of delays and irritations while this trickster planet is retrograde. Try not to become angry or frustrated by this, rather, expect it and take it as a time to relax. Mercury retrograde is definitely a time when we get to perfect our practice of patience.
If you must do business during Mercury retrograde be sure read the fine print and do not sign any important contracts unless you are sure of the details, and how they are going to affect you. In particular, matters connected with literature, media, sales, draftsmanship, linguistics and music are inclined to be blocked in some way. Writers and salespeople can experience significant blocks to their creativity, so if this happens give yourself the space and kindness to be ok with it and think about the lesson Mercury is teaching here.
So what is Mercury asking of us when it goes retrograde? It is suggesting that we slow down and pay attention. In our modern world, who wants to do that? Yet that is exactly what is being asked of us. This is a great time to take our lives more slowly and go inside our thoughts and examine our minds. It is a time when we are meant to be more yin and contemplative, to dream about future possibilities and delve into our inner creativity and psyche. So, take a long walk in the evening. Spend time sitting alone contemplating your life. Take up a creative art. All of these things will go fine during mercury retrograde. Also, be patient with others, understanding that everyone is being affected by this movement to some degree.
If you have Mercury retrograde in your natal chart, then Mercury retrograde can actually be a time of prosperity, similar to the experience of actually being “the home team” for once. Suddenly, it may seem as if everything is going well for you because you are in your “native environment.” Decisions, plans, and contracts made before Mercury goes retrograde should work out fine. Note that projects and plans that involve “re” doing things, such as remodeling, renegotiating, repairing, or reconnecting, tend to work out very well at this time. This is a good opportunity to engage in those types of activities.
So no need to panic, just take it slow and enjoy watching everyone else around you go crazy as their schedules, appointments and electronic equipment go haywire at the wrong moment without knowing why. But please, refrain from saying “Oh, it is just Mercury retrograde!” at the wrong time, as no one wants to hear that when their car just broke down and their daughter just spilled a beer on their computer.
Best Wishes,
Dorje Kirsten