Whoa, it’s that time again!
Approximately 3 times a year Mercury pauses in the sky and appears to be going backwards. This is the infamous Mercury retrograde, and it lasts approximately 21 days. Traditionally in astrology Mercury is considered to cover communications (including agreements), technology and travel; it can be a nightmare when you are determined to get these activities done whilst in the middle of a Mercury Retrograde.
What causes this?
The Astronomy
The planet Mercury is closer to the Sun than Earth. It takes only 88 days to complete it’s cycle. As it gets closer to the Earth it appears to slow down. Then, relative to Earth, for 21 days it seems to be moving backwards through the Sky. Lastly it again appears to move forward.
There are three distinct phases identified within this phenomena – the pre-retrograde shadow, retrograde, and post-retrograde shadow. Each phase is worth noting in your diary. Pre-retrograde shadow is around 2 – 3 weeks when Mercury is still in forward motion – but we know he will back here again very soon. Retrograde – is the 2 – 3 weeks when the planet does appear to be moving back through the sky. Post-retrograde shadow is when Mercury is once again in forward motion – but we are still covering that space in the sky that Mercury has just crossed twice already in the last 7 – 8 weeks.
The planet is named after the roman god Mercury. Within our solar system, Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, as well as the fastest. (Source: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/mercury/in-depth/).
The Astrology
Astrologically the phenomena of a “Mercury Retrograde” is read as an area of your life slowing, being reviewed, changes/adjustments made, and finally moving forward in an altered state. The old saying “third time lucky” can sum up our experience with a mercury retrograde. As we often do have a couple of false-starts before settling on a path that suits us. Those reflections are key to our personal growth and transformation.
Mercury is considered one of the personal planets. Very much quick witted, intuitive and the trickster – and where we are likely to be triggered. And don’t we all now know that “triggered” leads to “change”.
(Source: The Inner Planets by Liz Greene & Howard Sasportas)
Astrology’s premise is that we are affected by the proximity of planets and stars to Earth, and we can read meaning into the changes in the skies.
“As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul”
The Mythology
The roman god Mercury was the son of Jupiter. He was the fastest of the gods, and earned the title “messenger to the other gods”.
In Greek mythology it is HERMES, represented by the winged messenger.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(mythology))
A personal experience with the Mercury Retrograde
I first came across the infamous Mercury Retrograde a few years ago when doing business in Asia – wondering why my clients would throw random delay tactics in contract signing. It was considered to be a bad omen for the business if you signed a contract in the Mercury Retrograde! 3 or 4 weeks later it was – hurry up we need it signed “like” yesterday.
The more positive spin on this time is to see the chance to pause and check in with whether you got your plans right. We may not have! Also if you have been avoiding a task that is part of your destiny – now is a great time to step back into the Universal flow.
How to be ZEN-like during the retrograde
Think all the “re” words. Reset, realign, reconsider, retreat, reassess, regroup. You get the idea 😉 These are the type of activities that will benefit you the most.
Also people and opportunities tend to pop up from the past. Nothing is a coincidence, look for these random out-of-the-blue contacts, there will be a message in them for you. They will either be coming up to allow you to complete a lesson and give you closure. Or perhaps you have grown such that what felt like a missed opportunity before is now available to you.
Another way to use this time period (especially with the pre and post shadows) to your advantage is to recognise that life doesn’t always have to be perfect. If you are aware of the potential of a second or third attempt to get something right – then maybe it is OK to just give that new thing a try. Course correcting as you go!
Above all, let go of any notion that all progress has to be forward. Embrace the circuitous nature of life – it will lead you to where you are meant to be.
Fun Fact
Mercury is linked to Wednesday. “Hump Day” – that mid-week moment when we are over the enthusiasm of the week’s start but the weekend is not in sight yet. This is the moment to call in the power of Mercury to help you continue to make that forward momentum towards your goals. i.e. RESET your sails and make the day count.
If you’re unsure how the 35 Day Detox will benefit – you can check out the updated description here.
Now is always the best time to take action.
We hope the mercury retrograde energy update helps you find order in the chaos. If you have any questions about the content of this article, or our products and services, please contact us.
