Understanding a Mercury Retrograde

  • August 31, 2009 7:57 pm

Followers of astrology are very aware, and some even slightly in fear of,  Mercury Retrogrades. So what is a Mercury Retrograde, what does it affect, what can you expect, and how do you survive it?

What is a Mercury Retrograde?

Usually 3, although sometimes 4, times a year the planet Mercury goes retrograde for a three week time period. This means that, from the perspective of Earth, Mercury appears to be moving backward through the zodiac.

What does the Mercury Retrograde Affect?

Mercury rules communications; written, spoken, electronic, phone, etc; as well as thinking and perspective.

What can you expect during a Mercury Retrograde?

Expect communications of all types to get jumbled, misinterpreted, miscommunicated, even lost. You can also expect a higher incidence of delays, missed appointments, travel issues, mail issues, emails getting accidentally deleting or bouncing back. Computer, phones, other electronics or vehicles may behave strangely, lose information, or even go on the fritz. New projects may experience frequent snafus, or flop all together. Legal matters, including contracts, may meet with blockages, frustrations, and miscommunication. Even things that work out fine may prove to be more difficult than anticipated. Decisions and judgement are often faulty. It may seem like nothing is going right.

How do you survive a retrograde Mercury?

Mercury can affect each person differently, depending on where Mercury aspects in their birth chart. If you are new to Mercury Retrograde awareness, I would suggest keeping an eye on things, and maybe even a journal. Then you can look back and see how it affected you personally. If you find you are negatively affected by the retrograde, as the majority of people are, then here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind during Mercury retrograde periods. Obviously, some thing can not be avoided. If it can’t be avoided, rescheduled, or postponed until a better time, just try to make the most of it by remaining aware, observant and clear. But be ready to have to redo some of the work you already did.

Don’t

  • Start a new project, job, career or business.
  • Begin college for the first time.
  • Make travel plans.
  • Travel.
  • Make a major purchase such as a car, boat, house, big screen TV, etc.
  • Send important documents through mail, fax, email.
  • Begin a legal matter or sign a contract.
  • Make important appointments during this time.
  • Let things people do or say upset you, you may be taking it differently than they mean it.
  • Make big decisions.
  • Leave your boy/girlfriend, husband or wife. Wait until Mercury turns direct to make such a big decision.
  • Move.

Do

  • Tie up loose ends on ongoing projects.
  • Research a job/career/business which you will begin at a later time.
  • Research major purchases you will be making at a later time.
  • Research a possible future move.
  • Hand deliver important documents when possible.
  • Double & triple check plans for anything you had to do from the Don’t list.
  • Be understanding of the people around you.
  • Review your life plan, goals and dreams to be sure you are on track.
  • Reflect on the past to understand it and to see how it can positively influence your future.
  • Use this time to contemplate, regroup, and refocus.
  • Continue with projects started during a favorable time.
  • Maintain and organize your life. File papers, clean the house, assemble neglected photo albums, etc.
  • Work in your journal or Book of Shadows.

Mercury Retrograde Shadow

The “shadow” is the time just prior to, and just after, the actual retrograde period. As Mercury appears to slow down and station (appears motionless) you may begin to feel the affect of the retrograde. You may also experience shadow effects after Mercury turns direct again. In general the shadow can last from 2-3 weeks prior to retrograde until 2-3 weeks after it turns direct, with the strongest influence felt the couple of days just prior and just after. This occurs because of the slowing down and speeding up cycles the planet appears to go through, affecting the energetic influence.

Summary

You don’t need to go hide under a rock during the retrograde, although I admit to being tempted at times. What you need to do is take your focus off of beginning things, and instead focus on evaluating existing things. This should be done in all areas of your life. A Mercury Retrograde is our cosmic downtime. A chance to look back to be sure we are on the right track, to maintain the things we have going on now, and to finish things (already begun) that need closure. It is a good time to focus inward rather than outward, seeking to understand the world and your place in it.

MERCURY RETROGRADE PERIODS 2011

Mercury turns retrograde March 30 at 24 degrees Aries
Mercury turns direct April 23 at 12 degrees Aries
.

Mercury turns retrograde August 3 at 1 degree Virgo
Mercury turns direct August 26 at 18 degrees Leo
.

Mercury turns retrograde November 24 at 20 degrees Sagittarius
Mercury turns direct December 14 at 3 degrees Sagittarius

~Anyanka

Shop astrology books to learn more!

P.S. What have you experienced during a Mercury retrograde? How closely do you watch the retrograde periods?

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1 Comment on Understanding a Mercury Retrograde

  1. What is the Moon (VOC) Void of Course?:Witches Cupboard Blog - June 19, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    [...] things one should do and certain things one should avoid. If you are familiar with the effects of a Mercury Retrograde this will sound familiar to you. The Moon VOC is an astrologically inappropriate time to initiate [...]

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