In order to handle the effects of Mercury retrograde, it helps to understand the influence Mercury has on us individually and collectively on planet Earth. With this awareness we can choose what activities to engage in and which ones to hold off until a better time.
Mercury is a sun scorched planet as it is the closest planet to the sun in our solar system. “Mercury is an airless, cratered world half again as large as the Moon but still only one-third the diameter of the earth,” describes Terence Dickinson in his astronomy book, The Universe and Beyond.
According to astrologers, Mercury rules all forms of communication including thinking, perception, analytical processing, and education. Any device that needs to communicate data in order to operate such as computers, cars and stereos are affected by Mercury. When Mercury is in retrograde all forms of communication are impacted, which can lead to misunderstandings, delays and all sorts of snafus.
Mercury goes retrograde three times a year, but occasionally it will happen four times in one year. While it only lasts for a few weeks, its effects are felt for days before and after. For example, as I write this article, Mercury in retrograde takes place from April 18 to May 11, 2010. It will start slowing down around April 10 before it completely stops on April 18 and starts heading in the reverse direction. On May 11 it will stop moving backwards but be slow to get going in its direct movement forward so its effects will be felt until the end of May. The planet doesn’t actually start rotating backwards, but do to the alignment of planets in our solar system it appears to, and for some reason this has an effect on those of us living on planet Earth.
For a better understanding of the sun, moon, planets, and the 12 zodiacal houses, read The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need pictured above. And to better handle the effects of Mercury in retrograde, read my tips on what to do and not do during this communication sensitive time period.
What to do During Mercury Retrograde
When Mercury goes retrograde, the past has a tendency to resurface. Old friends, ex-lovers and unresolved issues pop up out of nowhere. This is a perfect time to deal with the past and finish up old projects. Here are some ideas on what to do to make the best of this retro period.
- Reconnect with old friends and family members.
- Revisit old wounds and resentments that need healing and releasing.
- Do follow-up paper work and tie up loose ends with past projects.
- Take extra time with travel and be extra clear in communications.
- De-clutter your home and office.
- Prepare last year’s taxes.
If you go along with the retro energy and finish projects rather than start them, you’ll be less affected by glitches.
What to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde
Although we can’t stop moving forward in life just because a planet in our solar system decides to do a backward flip, we can put off certain activities or at least be prepared for interruptions and slow movement. Here are a few things to avoid, hold off on, or be prepared for during this time.
- Avoid traveling or be prepared for delays if you must travel.
- Don’t purchase vehicles, computers or any electronic devices.
- Hold off on starting new projects at this time or at least let go of the outcome .
- Reschedule important meetings until after the retrograde period.
- Double check emails and phone messages to make sure they were received.
- Clarify conversations to ensure everyone understands the same thing.
If you focus on cleaning up the past, avoid starting anything new, and not be surprised by glitches but instead be non-resistant and go with the flow, you will move through this time period with more ease and joy.
Do you have any questions or insights to add on how to handle the effects of Mercury retrograde? Please comment below.
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This is fascinating! I’ve heard of Mercury Retrograde, but never learned about it. Even computers and cars are affected?! Wow…I believe it because of the power of energy and things we can’t necessarily see (but do experience the effects of).
That would explain why one of my web sites has been acting up lately
Hmmm, we have two separate sets of people coming to see our house today (which is for sale)…maybe they shouldn’t be making such a big decision so close to Mecury Retrograde…although, you didn’t mention anything about making decisions, did you! I suppose making a big decision like a home purchase could be a good thing. For instance, your past resurfaces and can guide you as you decide whether to buy or not, then it could be helpful (or not so helpful, perhaps).
Does Mercury Retrograde affect different people differently? That is, if you’re Aries (like me!), are you affected differently than someone who was perhaps born in the time of the retrograde?
Thanks Gini — I love this article!
Laurie
.-= Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen´s last blog post: Job Tips for Introverts – Find a Career to Match Your Personality Traits =-.
Hi Laurie,
I like your take on how Mercury retrograde could guide a person to make a wiser decision today based on their experiences of the past. That’s a great positive way to view it.
I don’t think Mercury retrograde affects people’s decisions directly, but because it affects communication it could indirectly (say a person misunderstands the conversation and makes a decision based on that) – so make sure you and the house buyers are all clear on the deal! And don’t be too concerned if there are delays in getting the details finalized if someone makes an offer – it will work out in the end if people relax through the process.
Great question about Mercury retrograde affecting people differently depending on their astrological sign – and YES, it definitely does. It depends on what planet Mercury is in at the time it goes retrograde. Although it begins in Aries this time it is mostly affected by Taurus(so you’re off the hook for being more severely affected unless you have Taurus in other parts of your chart). So people who have a Taurus sun sign or other Taurus planets in their chart will feel stronger effects.
Once you start looking at astrology on a deeper level, it’s amazing what a science it is.
Good luck with the house sale,
Gini
.-= Gini Grey´s last blog post: Openness =-.
Gini,
Tomorrow I am supposed to sign a lease on an apt. It’s the first time i’m never moving in with a roomate and i’m very nervous and mercury is retrograde! Can I do anything to make sure the process goes smoothly?
Hello Stephanie,
This may be a bit late as today is the day you’re signing your lease, but what I’ve found is that setting my intention for things to go smoothly definitely helps. I’ve had a lot of bumps this go around with Mercury being retrograde, and each time I remembered to get centered and set my intention for clear communication, things went better.
The other thing is to trust your intuition. I didn’t listen to mine about dealing with an insurance renewal and ended up going through a bunch of red tape for nothing – if I had listened, I would have waited and not pushed things.
I hope it’s all going well for you today,
Gini
Hello again Stephanie,
I just realized it’s not too late – I’ve was confused as to what day it was today (yikes, talk about Mercury Retrograde!)…so definitely set your intention for an easy, smooth process, and be in as much of a state of ease and trust as you can. If we get into resistance, fearing the worst, we shut down the flow of our own higher energy.
All the best,
Gini