Mercury retrograde is upon us for the final time this year and can bring us chaos and confusion into our lives for the next three weeks. Consider this your warning!
Wait, what, Mercury retrograde?
If you haven’t heard of it before, simply put, everything that may go wrong in your life during that period can be possibly blamed on Mercury retrograde. In fact it will be my scapegoat for the next three weeks. The last time this planet was in retrograde, life handed me some bitter lemons. A trip I was very much looking forward to in planning was cancelled, I lost files that I did not back up, and a path that I was on decided to perish, forcing me to suddenly switch directions. Yep, it got me good.
But in all seriousness, what exactly is Mercury retrograde?
It’s when the planet of Mercury retrogrades, appearing to go backwards. Susan Miller, well-known astrologer, explains in her in-depth article that “Because Mercury is the planet situated closest to the Sun, its orbit is much shorter than Earth’s. About three or four times a year, Mercury speeds past Earth, and that is when we experience a Mercury retrograde period“. Each period lasts over three weeks and can actually feel longer if you also take into account the shadow period. Mercury retrograde officially began today and will last now until December 6th.
So what does this mean?
Mercury rules all types of communications including important documents, contracts and agreements. As the planet “moves backwards” you can expect to experience chaos, confusion, frustrations as well as delays as the planet perplexes its power. Because of this, there are some things you should avoid during retrograde. This includes:
- Signing or negotiating contracts
- Making major purchases, especially electronic equipment
- Making life changing decisions
- Launching a new business
- Accepting or starting a new job
- Travelling
Now before you consider hiding underneath a rock which some might be compelled to do, I know that’s just not possible to avoid everything. You need to travel, to make decisions, seize the opportunities, to hustle and just live life without worrying about what the power of this planet may possess over you.
However it’s still a good idea to be wary and to pay close attention to help overcome and avoid some of the frustrations that could arise. For example, if you do decide to travel, expect delays. Or if you start a new job, it might not be the position that you thought it would be. Whether or not you believe in astrology and the effect of Mercury retrograde, here are some tips to navigate and deal with its drama.
- Give Yourself Extra Time – especially when travelling, and/or locating something. You might get lost, take a wrong turn, experience delays or simply cannot find that damn thing you desperately need at that given moment. Just give yourself that extra buffer of time. The more time the better to avoid that frazzled feeling when you reach the eleventh hour and the stress is spiking.
- Slow Down – take a breath, be mindful and don’t rush through certain tasks. Pay extra careful attention to details and communications. Read things slowly to ensure info is correct and that you understand everything clearly. Don’t be afraid to asks questions, clarify, and to do a double check.
- Be Flexible – things might not go seamlessly, a duck or two might waddle away from its row, so plan for those hiccups. Be ready to suddenly switch gears, and you can adapt better to the change.
- Back Up Data – It’s a good time to get organized and back up that important information including your computer, photos and smart phone data.
- Re-organize – by slowing down and paying more attention, you might feel the urge to get organized and sort through your files and possessions. You’ll be more mindful and can better designate places for your things as well as decide what to keep, and what to toss.
- Smile – expect the unexpected, wrenches thrown in your plans and directions to change. Through this, have some perspective, smile and hopefully laugh knowing that life is keeping us on our toes and serving us another learning opportunity.
Whatever this period decides to throw at you, it can be rough, or simply redirecting you to something else. For example, remember those lemons I was handed earlier on? That trip I was so excited to experience, the one I bragged to my friends I was planning, well just days after the airline cancelled the flight I experienced a financial hardship. And shortly after, a few weeks before my intended trip, the airline actually filed for bankruptcy. Everything happens for a reason. I was just thankful that I was able to get my refund when I did. The time also lent me the opportunity to reflect and discover a new path, where I found a way to squeeze out some lemonade from those lemons. And right now I’m savoring the sweetness.
Share with me your thoughts on Mercury retrograde! Are you a believer in the power of it? If so, anything you experienced during this phase? Let me know.
A Sprinkle of Sandy 