MERCURY RETROGRADE DESERVES A MAKEOVER

If you are familiar with the astrological term "Mercury Retrograde", then you're probably accustomed to the usual moans, groans and utters of pure dread about the astrological period, which is translated as, well…chaos.


"Oh, wait...Mercury is in retrograde? Hold up – stop the train! Cancel those reservations, void that check, call off all engagements!"

The word retrograde in astrology refers to the apparent backward motion of a planet thru the zodiac. Note the word "apparent here". It's an optical illusion that occurs three to four times a year as the celestial bodies in orbit change their angular relationship. Mercury retrograde occurs when Mercury appears to slow down, appears to stop, and move backward, as earth speeds by it.


Mercury has created quite a reputation for bringing disorder and chaos when in retrograde. This is because Mercury is the planet of communication and as a society we rely very heavily on communication and transferring information on a daily basis (to n understatement) When things go haywire in that area – emails bounce, mail gets returned, calls go out into dead-air, computers malfunction, systems crash, cars break down, etc., - the effect of these minor nuisances can be exasperating in daily life.

There's a long-held belief that it's best to avoid certain activities and put off making long term commitments and life altering decisions during the Mercury Retrograde period. It is thought best to postpone travel plans, delay new projects, and abstain from forming new partnerships during retrograde. But this type of belief causes anxiety and tension, which only adds more porridge to the pot.

In my opinion, Mercury Retrograde needs a new image! It needs to be depicted in a more positive light and used in a productive manner. It does not have to be looked upon with such pessimism and fear. Just like everything else in life, you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will master your own destiny.

The period when Mercury is in retrograde is not something to forebode with worry. It's a gift from the Universe, the gift of a universal period time for contemplation and self-reflection. It should be used for reflection and self-contemplation. Sometimes our dreams get lost as we drudge through the humdrum of everyday life. We are so ambitious and determined to reach our goals that, in the process that we lose sight of our true desires, the very purpose for which we are driven. Mercury in retrograde is a valuable time for evaluating those dreams and desires. It is a time to ponder your path and chart your future – create your destiny! Use it to reflect on your journal, review your creative work, and think about the wheels of fate that have pointed you to where you currently are in your life path. Prioritizing what's important in your life by getting in touch with your values will clarify your direction.

Write your personal story. You are the creator of your own life story. Write a new narrative of the same set of circumstances that got you to the point where you are right now. Think about the story you have been writing thus far. Discover new versions to the story. Where there was hardship, write about the courage it took to overcome. Where there was sorrow, write about the love and support from friends and family which pulled you through. Write a new version of the chapter you are experiencing in the now - with a positive attitude about where you're headed - and begin a new chapter to chart the path for where you are heading in the future.

The period of Mercury Retrograde is the perfect time to meditate, contemplate, listen to music, and catch up on sleep! You don't have to retreat to solitary confinement in total isolation from the world, but a little solitude and quiet reflection never hurt anybody. You don't have to postpone your travel plans, cancel your appointments and halt all projects, just leave extra room for chaos, mix-ups, set-backs and miscommunication, and relax!



References * Encyclopedia of Astrology, Nicholas deVore, Philosophical Library, 1947

Watch this short presentation of Mercury retrograde in action.

2010 Mercury Retrograde Guide

2010 Retrograde Begins Date & Time	Position at Start of Retrograde	2010 Retrograde Ends Date & Time	Position at End of Retrograde
December 26, 2009 9:38 am EST 6:38 am PST	21:47 Capricorn	January 15, 2010 11:52 am EST 8:52 am PST	05:33 Capricorn
April 17-18, 2010 12:06 am EDT (Apr 18) 9:06 pm PDT (Apr 17)	12:37 Taurus	May 11, 2010 6:37 pm EDT 3:27 pm PDT	02:40 Taurus
August 20, 2010 3:59 pm EDT 12:59 pm PDT	19:03 Virgo	September 12, 2010 7:09 pm EDT 4:09 PDT	05:23 Virgo
December 10, 2010 7:04 am EST 4:04 am PST	05:56 Capricorn	December 29-30, 2010 2:21 am EST (Dec 30) 11:21 pm PST (Dec 29)	09:37 Capricorn