As an Astrologer, I’ve been talking a lot lately about the phenomenon called Mercury Retrograde. I thought I’d post this info for all my readers and listeners of my podcast.

Mercury Retrograde Explained: Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, as a rule, but the effects of each period differ, according to the sign in which it happens.

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. This traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth, with relation to other planets in our solar system.

[Important Note: Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, due to this optical illusion.]

Origin of the Retrograde Symbol: The astrological symbol for notating retrograde is “Rx”, the same symbol that is found on all medical prescriptions. In fact, physicians until the 15th century had to also be astrologers before they could practice medicine! The Rx symbol is also an ancient symbol of the God Jupiter, who was considered the Lord of Healing.

The Frequency of Retrogrades: Retrograde motion, although often problematic for us earthlings, is not particularly uncommon. Each planet retrogrades, except the Sun and Moon. Mercury retrogrades approximately three times a year.

The Planet Mercury: Astrologically, the planet Mercury relates to thoughts, concepts, ideas, and communication (including speaking and writing). Mercury energies involve the mind, mental processes, and travel.

What Happens When Mercury Goes Retrograde: We find that many parts of our life are being revised during this Astrological aspect. During this time, Mercury Retrograde gives us the opportunity to review decisions, directions and ideas.

Often these revisions can be a surprise or throw us back a step. However, these revisions which occur during a Mercury retrograde, are a “course correction” and provide a stop-gap measure until we can review situations. During this time of revision change is compounded and confusion is created by our reactions to the ever-changing situations. Thus anything started during this time will ultimately be taken back or even revised further, making a high-frustration time.

What to Expect During Retrograde Periods: Here is just a short list of things that tend to happen during this Astrological aspect.

Communication Breakdowns: Communications go awry, phone calls, letters, emails, faxes, conversations are delayed, misinterpreted, or blocked. Recheck everything like appointment times, spelling, wording, and even the very words you say. Expect the phone lines, cable lines, power lines to have problems. Expect problems with messages, books, letters, magazines, documents, contracts, wiring or flooding problems, and even squabbles with neighbors and family due to the inability to see each other’s point of view.

Traveling Dangers and Annoyances: Anticipate detours, memory lapses, confusion, failing to listen, failing to confirm, negotiation failures, and last-minute changes in plans. Expect travel delays, car trouble, delayed plane schedules, reservations that suddenly becoming “missing”, transportation difficulties of all kinds, including lost luggage.

How to Deal With Mercury Retrograde: The best line of defense is to anticipate what will happen and take precautionary measures to avoid the problems that most definitely will arise during this aspect.

Preparing for Mercury Retrograde: Plan ahead for these times. First thing’s first — make sure to backup your computer files! This is the time the screen goes blank and there is nothing there! Make sure you have a survival kit in the car, all your bills have been paid, etc.

Do the same things you’d normally do before you take a vacation, and make sure to double-check all details thoroughly. Mercury retrograde times call for you to recheck everything, anticipate and plan ahead, and to relearn lessons unlearned since the last Mercury retrograde cycle. It is also a good time for review and completing ongoing projects.

What to Avoid During Mercury Retrograde: Just remember, it is not a time to start something new. Avoid signing documents, contracts if possible. You can wait 3 weeks, hopefully.

Handling Emotions During Mercury Retrograde: The best mode to be in during a Mercury retrograde is one of “non-reaction”. Treat the time period as a time of gathering information, yet because the information will be in constant change it would be like trying to comb your hair in a wind storm. Best to wait til the changes stop before attempting to make things orderly.

Therefore, just let the winds of situations blow around you without reacting. Once Mercury turns direct, take a look at the information that is still around at that time and go about putting everything in order, while maintaining the fine art of flexibility.

Word of Warning: Ignore this list at your own peril. Whatever is begun during the time of Mercury Retrograde will simply either not work (at worst), or will have to be completely redone at a later time (at best). Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Of course, if you’re having problems during this difficult aspect, please feel free to contact me for a Psychic Reading. If you’re interested in learning more about Astrology, contact me about taking a class.