Mercury Retrograde 3:17am EDT

It’s that time of year again. Mercury retrograde. What does it mean, exactly? In its retrograde phase, it appears as if the planet is traveling backwards (from Earth’s vantage point). Mercury is the planet that rules all forms of communication, be they oral, aural, written, electronic or postal. Mercury also rules your mental processes and thought patterns. When Mercury is retrograde, all of the above functions are affected by delays, misunderstandings, or unanticipated changes.

All planets have periods where they are in retrograde, but none as often as Mercury. And no other planetary retrograde produces such collective moaning or dire forecasts as Mercury retrograde. It’s a bit of a scapegoat, really. When a planet retrogrades, it signals an instinctive time to internalize that planet’s energy and focus on how effectively we work with it. There are many useful ways to work with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time to review your communication style and see if it needs a makeover. Ditto for thought patterns. Bearing in mind the teachings of quantum physics, thoughts are things. So whatever you habitually think about eventually becomes manifest, whether in this dimension or another. How are your thoughts contributing to the greatest ‘you’ you can possibly imagine? And how do your thoughts undermine you? The next three weeks are ideal for chewing on those questions.

Currently, Mercury is in Libra. That puts relationships front-stage centre, just the way that Libra likes it. So Mercury retrograde may coincide with you re-evaluating where your relationships are at – including your relationship with yourself and Source. How you relate to yourself colours every other relationship. Libra energy can undermine itself by focusing solely on others’ needs or perceptions, to the neglect of Self. On another level, if you feel like there’s something missing inside, it may be that you could use a little relationship therapy with Spirit. Mercury retrograde is a lovely time to meditate or just sit quietly and ponder the Mystery of this amazing Universe.

Here are some classic rules to follow when Mercury withholds its maximum energy:

-Back up your computer files

-Avoid buying electronics of all kinds, including cars

-Leave earlier than normal for appointments

-Avoid signing contracts, unless you’ve dealt with the other party previously

-Avoid major transactions, such as real estate

-Avoid beginning a brand new project, but focus on re-working an old one, or research

-Double-check everything you write and say

-Avoid making travel reservations; but if you already booked your flight tickets and hotel reservations before today you’ll have a great time traveling! (You can relax while everyone else goes slowly mad.)

Finally, take a breath and keep your cool. We’re all in the same boat. Take some time out to re-locate your place in the Cosmos. When Mercury goes direct again on October 15 your inner compass will be re-set and the speed of life will resume.