Mercury Retrograde: Above The Hype and Beyond The Spin
Date: 2008-12-15 By: Marguerite Manning

 
Call me crazy, but Mercury retrograde doesn’t scare me. In fact, I may be one of the few astrologers I know who actually looks forward to those three weeks in every Mercury orbit when we here on this planet end up with a ringside seat to the most famous of cosmic optical illusions. Yes, illusion, because, as most of us already know, that’s what Mercury retrograde is. A three-week celestial “psych” in which Mercury, the astrological planet of the mind, cleverly messes with ours by appearing to travel backward in the sky.

How is that possible? Well, when it comes to Mercury, just about anything is. After all, this is the planet our ancient astronomers named after the winged messenger of the Gods. The planet so blindingly fast and incredibly agile that they professionally acknowledged it as the universal influence responsible for connecting us to each other, which is how it officially became the astrological poster planet for language, information, people, and ideas. Then again, even by today’s standards, what could personify speed and networking better than Mercury? As the closest planet to the Sun, it has the shortest orbit in the solar system and takes only 88 days to make one complete trip around the Sun. If that isn’t impressive enough, it somehow manages to pass the earth twice every time that it does: first, when it whizzes by us on the same side of the solar system where we can see it, and then a few weeks later, when it loops around and zooms past us again on the opposite side of the Sun where we can’t. No wonder the ancients believed this planet was “quicker than the eye.” In fact, the retrograde fun and games only take place because once every 88 days, Mercury actually is.

It all begins when almost immediately after passing us on that first Mercury “drive-by” this very small planet comes to the end of that very short orbit, and almost just as immediately (instead of continuing on the same angle in the sky), “swings” into that loop on its way to the other side of the solar system. Now here’s the reality-buster for us: we never see that happen. Why? Because even though we never lose sight of Mercury after it zips ahead of us in the solar system, we’re never at an angle where we can actually see Mercury “loop” to the other side of it. So when it does, we don’t realize it has. That is the stuff that cosmic illusions are made of, because once Mercury gets there and starts heading for the other side of the Sun, to all of us here on this planet, it “appears” to start drifting backwards against the stars.

Now don’t be fooled, perspective is everything in astrology. So while it’s true that Mercury’s backward motion is not an actual celestial occurrence, that doesn’t mean Mercury retrograde is not a powerful astrological influence. We all know it is. What I think many of us don’t realize, however, is that it’s not a negative one. But then, I have always believed we practice astrology backwards (you know, by focusing more on the effects of certain astrological influences in our lives, rather than the universal purpose for them). Ironically (when it comes to Mercury retrograde), I’m convinced our perspective couldn’t be more backward, because when it comes to this particular heavenly happening, the hype couldn’t be more negative. I mean really. We’re told not to buy, not to sign, not to fly, not to call, but most of all during these three weeks, we’re told not to expect anything other than frustrating setbacks and irritating snafus. So we don’t. What’s more, we go out of our way to make sure we stay out of Mercury’s way while never once wondering why it spends 21 days “pretending” to go out of its way for us. We count the days until it goes direct, believing that when it does, having dodged the “retrograde bullet,” our lives (and Internet access) will return to normal, and we’ll be back at the top of our intellectual game once again. I couldn’t disagree more. In fact, as a practicing astrologer who is no stranger to the astrological whims and antics of Mercury (Gemini Sun, rising Virgo), it’s both my professional opinion and my personal experience that Mercury retrograde gets an incredibly overblown and equally undeserved rap, mostly because after years of being on the receiving end of it (and anything else this planet has to offer), I now know better. This is one universal influence that is not only highly misunderstood, but thanks to the astrological “Chicken Little effect,” sadly underused. Then again, with half the population hiding under their beds every 88 days, how could it not be?

So how do we move past the “run for cover” rhetoric of Mercury retrograde and make it work for us? By fighting fire with astrological fire and changing our perspective on what this influence does to us. In fact, if there’s one way to turn the universal tables on Mercury retrograde, it would have to be by looking beyond the dropped calls and lost baggage we’re convinced it creates, and instead focusing on it’s primary purpose for being at the universal table to begin with. So what would that be? What universal purpose could this astrological planet of communications and networking possibly serve by “appearing” to travel backwards in the heavens for 21 days out of every 88-day orbit? Good question, but the way I see it, only one answer: Mercury retrograde is the astrological influence that “cosmically” revisits, retrieves, and reveals everything that managed to elude our conscious awareness in the preceding 88 days, because its one universal purpose is to provide us with an opportunity to discover anything that actually did. Think about that for a minute, because once you do Mercury retrograde becomes more than just an astrological excuse for all the less than perfect data, communications, and merchandise that we can’t help but encounter during that dreaded three-week period. A lot more. It becomes what I believe it has always been since the beginning of time: a universal instrument for bringing them to our attention. In short, that intellectual “second chance” we all yearn for to go back and find the facts, after the fact.

That being the case, is it any wonder then that unforeseen delays, unknown defects, and unlimited do-overs are part of the Mercury retrograde big picture? It shouldn’t be. Not when we look at the entire picture from the right perspective, because once we do, we can’t help but see these things for what they really are: annoying inconveniences. The kind that always comes with unexpected findings. So when the new toaster has to be returned or the flight home has to be cancelled, wouldn’t it make more sense to pay more attention to the actual data, words, thoughts, or individuals that suddenly emerged and caused those things to happen? Or better yet, to what could have happened if they hadn’t emerged when they did? Besides, when anything unknown finally makes its way to the 11th hour surface of our 10th hour conscious awareness, how could that not be a good thing? It can’t. Even if we’re not prepared for it.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should be signing major contracts or getting married when Mercury goes retrograde. Come on, if you’ve been paying attention you know by now that this particular influence is our universal “recall,” the one that provokes anything hidden to rear its ugly head. So until it passes and Mercury goes direct, there’s bound to be fallout. But here’s the thing: whatever that ugly “head” is, you really do want to know about it. You just don’t want to be committed to it before you do, which is exactly why the “hiding under the bed” solution to Mercury retrograde is really no solution at all. It’s also why I believe this is not just a great time to go looking for the perfect partner, but the perfect time to actually find the right one. In fact, I personally encourage everyone in general, and women in particular, to use the powers of Mercury retrograde for just such a purpose. Why? Because if you’re out there actively looking for “Mr. Right” during these 21 days, one thing’s for sure: he can run, but he can’t hide. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, neither can “Mr. Nobody,” “Mr. Wrong,” and “Mr. Loser.” This is really a whole lot better than it sounds, because while it does mean you might have to deal with every Tom, Dick, and Harry stumbling across your radar screen during a retrograde happy hour, it also means you’ll never have to worry about any Moe, Larry, or Curly sneaking under it. It just can’t happen when this little planet is out there leaving no stone unturned and no punch un-pulled. Mostly because when it is, we can’t help but find, learn, and see something that we might have missed before. Or, for that matter, already did. Which makes the truth of the Mercury retrograde matter really quite simple: the trivial frustrations we’re forced to deal with when concealed information comes to our attention always pale in comparison to the intellectual power that becomes available to us whenever it does. Always.

I don’t know about you, but I can live with that. In fact, because I do, I’ve learned to work with it as well, and quite effectively. What’s more, based on that personal experience, in my humble opinion, there is really no better time to uncover elusive information, find lost articles, or learn what you absolutely need to know than when this little planet is doing it’s dreaded “backstroke” through the universe. Really. In fact, for that very reason I now use those three weeks for that very purpose: uncovering information that’s been eluding me, understanding concepts that have been escaping me, or discovering hidden sources that were unknown to me. Not to mention the even more critical ones, like finding that perfect kitchen wallpaper, locating that lost set of keys, or “accidentally” running into those otherwise normally tight-lipped individuals who at this particular time (through no fault of their own) just can’t, don’t, or won’t keep a secret (pay dirt). After all, it goes without saying that during this particular three-week period, nothing goes without saying. Nothing. However, by just being aware of that, I have found that you’re a lot more likely to get the scoop you’re looking for and a lot less likely to spill your own guilty guts while you’re looking for it. Still, you’d be wise to always keep a few well-polished apologies handy during this period and even wiser to never hit the “send” button without verifying exactly whom you’re sending what to (it happens). As far as I’m concerned, a small price to pay for all the power that’s up for grabs. The power that comes with being “in the know.”

So how can we harness it? For starters, we can put this untapped celestial search engine to good use. If Mercury’s primary universal purpose is to teach us that knowledge is power, doesn’t it make sense that it only goes retrograde to remind us that ignorance is not bliss? It does to me, which is why I make a checklist of “Things-I-Absolutely-Need-To-Know” for each Mercury “rewind.” Trust me, you should too. It’s as effective as it is empowering. In fact, the next time Mercury goes retrograde, why not throw a little cosmic caution to the wind and get out from under that bed and start looking for something. Anything. In fact, start looking for everything you’ve never been able to find on those seemingly perfect “direct days.” You’ve got nothing to lose. Literally. Not only will you find what you’re looking for, I’m willing to bet you’ll find what you didn’t know you lost. Or better yet, what you didn’t know you even wanted (real pay dirt!). Sound crazy? Possibly. I may be the only Gemini Sun with a rising Virgo who actually sees Mercury retrograde as a period of empowering enlightenment, not debilitating disaster. Then again, I may be the only one out there looking for wallpaper.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. All rights reserved.

 

 A very powerful point Manning makes is “… I have always believed we practice astrology backwards (you know, by focusing more on the effects of certain astrological influences in our lives, rather than the universal purpose for them).” Although the effect of the Mercury Retrograde is undeniable to those who track the occurrence, she is absolutely right. We do focus on the effect rather than the message. Obviously the Universe is never at any point saying SUFFER! So why feel the need to “run for cover” instead of analyzing what this phenomenon could be telling us?

My interpretation of her theory is that the commonly experienced delays, miscommunications, do-overs, hold ups, and other inconveniences are reminders and revealings of things we missed or failed to consider. So basically, wake-up calls. Now wake-up calls can be unpleasant, but they are certainly necessary, and ultimately welcome. It is all about revealing things we need to see, making us face facts about ourselves and others, and making us reevaluate our thought processes and decisions.

Her idea, although brilliant, walks a fine line on some accounts. “…I believe this is not just a great time to go looking for the perfect partner, but the perfect time to actually find the right one.” This statement works with the theory in that the idea is that the truth will be revealed, that we find things we did not see before. However, choosing a partner is a decision. And let’s not forget that our judgement is often clouded during this time period. I suppose it can fully work if you find someone, and learn about them, during these times but do not make any firm decisions regarding them until a time when your judgement may be clearer.

Another point Manning makes that I find interesting is that this is a perfect time to find lost objects, paperwork, elusive information or people you need info from. I have to admit that even though I have always considered the Mercury Retrograde to be a good time to do research on future projects or ideas, I never paid attention to whether the perfect solution I had been seeking to a problem came to me, or things I needed to find just seemed to appear. But I plan on being mindful of these possibilities during the upcoming retrograde.

What do you think of Manning’s theory? How have you seen it work, or fail to work, in your own life?

~Anyanka

Related posts:

1. Understanding a Mercury Retrograde
2. What is the Moon (VOC) Void of Course?

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 2009

January 11, 9:44 AM MST, Retrograde at 7 degrees 45 minutes Aquarius.
(shadow begins January 8.)
February 1, 12:11 AM MST, Direct at 21 degrees 44 minutes Capricorn.
(shadow lasts through February 8.)

May 6, 11:01 AM MDT, Retrograde at
1 degree 44 minutes Gemini
(shadow begins April 30.)
May 30, 7:21 M MDT, Direct at 22 degrees 52 minutes Taurus
(shadow lasts through June 9.)
September 6, 10:45 PM MST, Retrograde at 6 degrees 13 minutes Libra
(shadow begins August 30.)
Sept. 29, 7:14 AM MST, Direct at 21 degrees 26 minutes Libra.
(shadow lasts through Oct. 5.)

December 26, 7:38 AM MST, Retrograde at 21 Capricorn 47 minutes
(shadow begins December 22.)
January 15, 2010, 10:52 AM MST, Direct at 5 degrees Capricorn 33 minutes.
(shadow lasts through January 21.)

~Anyanka

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

Related posts:

1. Harnessing the Power of the Mercury Retrograde
2. Understanding the Differences & Similarities between Wicca & Witchcraft