Mercury Retrograde – Dec 26, ’09 ~ Jan 15, ’10
Mercury (planet of communication, information, and education) begins it’s retrograde going back over whatever was happening, beginning around Dec 9th. Pay attention to what’s going on during that time because you will revisit whatever it is during late Dec through Jan 15th when Mercury goes Direct.
During Mercury Retrograde all forms of communication are susceptible to disruption, so information that is transmitted in any way (via iPhone, computer, fax, phone, FedEx, verbally) is at the mercy of Mercury Retrograde. This can manifest as lacking information you need but not realizing it, misunderstandings, contracts that don’t stick, lost/delayed mail, miscommunication, equipment malfunctions and snafus in general.
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road… unless you fail to make the turn.” ~ Anonymous
The guidance to prepare for Mercury retrograde is to back up your info, make copies of important documents, sign contacts, send important emails, finalize instructions and if you have planned to begin anything new, take an action before the retrograde goes into effect. And please don’t make any major purchases during Mercury Retrograde (especially electronic equipment or appliances), as it’s common for something to be wrong with either the item or the transaction. Also, Mercury rules ground transportation so be sure your vehicle is in good working order and double-check travel plans and directions.
Please understand that Mercury Retrograde is not merely an inconvenience in your usual way of operating in daily life. There are astrological energies, Mercury Retrograde being one of them, that are meant to shift your attention away from pursuing new frontiers in the external world to bring you within to focus on contemplating, clearing, planning, rectifying, amending, completing and slowing down long enough to get clear about your intentions – where you’re going, what you’re doing and how you want to direct your energy.
“Dreams are not made to put us to sleep, but to awaken us.” ~ Goemans
During Mercury Retrograde the guidance is to do all the “re” activities – review, revise, redo, revisit, reorganize and work on projects already in process. This is the time to complete anything you’ve left undone and a good time to look for lost or misplaced information or objects, as things often turn up during Mercury retrograde. This is a wonderful energy for reviewing your goals, acknowledging your accomplishments and for meditation, reflection and introspection. What are your dreams and your visions for your life?
“A dreamer, you know, is a mind that looks over the edges of things.” ~ Mary O’Hara
If you need to make amends, offer an apology or reconnect with a loved one, friend, acquaintence, or yourself – this is a good time to make those moves. To go from separation to connection, from discord to harmony, from wounding to healing is an uplifting, expansive experience and such a gift!
“Choosing not to be offended is proactive forgiveness.” ~ Harry Palmer
Another fabulous use of this retrograde energy is to get your financial house in order. Review your budget if you have one and if you don’t, make one so that you are aware of where your money is coming from and going. Make conscious decisions about how you want to live – do you need to downsize and release material items that are no longer useful in your life? This is a perfect time to lighten your load and release!
“Money loves to be paid attention to.” ~ Kendall Summerhawk
When Mercury Retrograde arrives, use the energy to clear whatever is no longer useful in your life – whether it’s physical clutter, old habits or outdated ideas that no longer serve you. Mercury Retrograde can be a blessing imposed by the Universe when you have to slow down, check in with yourself, reprioritize your life and get quiet – so you can get clarity and then go with the flow. Don’t fight it and try to swim upstream – rather, focus on being in the flow.
“The only difference between stumbling blocks and steppingstones is the way in which we use them.” ~ Unknown
As the pace slows down, you can use this time to practice flexibility and patience (emphasis on practice). If you find yourself becoming frustrated or overwhelmed, stop, take a breath and remind yourself that all is in Divine Order.
“An optimist is a person who looks forward to enjoying the scenery on a detour.” ~ Unknown
