what is mercury retrograde? and how to be mindful during this time.

Have you heard people talking about Mercury Retrograde?

Maybe someone you know is attributing something that is happening in their life to this planetary shift.

And perhaps they would be right.

In astrology, Mercury rules communication. And when it is in retrograde, areas of our lives used for communication can go a little crazy.

Flight delays and lost luggage on your recent trip?

A broken car, bike or scooter?

Laptop and smartphone doing random things?

An ex-lover reached out?

Or you felt the need to reach out to an ex?

 

What is happening when Mercury Retrogrades?

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. It takes 88 days for a full orbit, whereas the Earth takes 365 days. Therefore, we ‘crossover’ (both in line with the sun at the same time) 3 or 4 times a year.

A planet is classed as being in retrograde when it appears to move backwards, in an opposite direction to Earth.

Of course, planets do not move backward.

Just like two cars passing each other on the motorway, it creates the optical illusion that Mercury is going backward during this period, hence why it is called ‘Retrograde’

 

How to be mindful during Mercury Retrograde

During this 3-week period, it is advised to be mindful of any areas of life that are governed by communication.

Relationships

Having relationship issues? A desire to suddenly leave a long-term partner? Or a deep craving to reach out to an ex-lover?

Mercury can have all kinds of effects on our emotional body and our ability to communicate clearly. This is definitely a time of miscommunication.

Things can be taken the wrong way and misunderstood. Take extra care with your words and try not to react too quickly if you are provoked.

Take your time during this period; to think before you send that text, email or have ‘that conversation’.  

Travel

Delayed flights, buses and motor breakdowns is very common during retrograde, so its best to take extra time to get to that meeting/flight/coffee.

 And check your car before any long road trips. 

Contracts

 Mercury governs contracts, so it’s best to avoid verbal agreements or signing contracts in this time; especially for a new job or new home. 

Business negotiations will also be in a state of flux during Mercury retrograde. Some important details will not yet be available, and miscommunication in contracts may lead to later issues.  

Emails and Social Media 

Take extra care when sending important emails.

Triple review posts on IG & Facebook before hitting the send button, to avoid that NOOOOO head-plant moment.

Technology

Technology will be going crazy during this time.

Remember to save your work regularly and backup important files. I have already lost some important documents this month when my MacBook randomly died on me.

Avoid purchasing any expensive technology, and if you need to – be sure to keep hold of your receipt!

What to do to make Mercury Retrograde a breeze

Stay grounded and delay that ‘new exciting project’ for post retrograde.

Expect (and know that its normal) to dwell on things and reminisce about the past.

Mercury rules anything that begins with “re”: redo, reassess, repair, repeat, redesign, or revisit, so focusing on any activities that start with prefix ‘re’ can be helpful:

Redo (that project – perhaps a few times)

Re-asses (that email)

Renew your commitments (rather than making new ones)

Repeat yourself (more than normal)

Reunite (with old friends. Old lovers may also resurface, but this is not the time to rekindle an old flame)

This a really wonderful time to practise slowing down, observing what is happening without judging and being mindful in each moment.

 

What are your Mercury Retrograde coping mechanisms?