Yes it is that time again, Mercury is in Retrograde until June 12th. Many people go into a light panic and I believe this is not nessecary as it can be very positive. We have to be aware not to make things like this a self fulfilling prophecy. Also changing the way we feel and see things, changes the way we experience them. We create our own realities. See which blessings everything brings, also challenges as they are the greatest teachers. Mercury Retrograde is a great time to take a step back, reflect, re-evaluate and be extra mindful of your thoughts and actions. A time to be more conscious in our daily lives.
Mercury what?
For the readers that are not aware of what Mercury in Retrograde means, this is an astrological phenomena that occurs roughly every four months for over a three week period. From our perspective on Earth it looks as if Mercury is moving backwards (but it really isn’t, it’s an optical illusion). It appears this way due to the relationship between both Earth’s and Mercury’s orbit around the Sun. When this happens, the energy turns inward and backwards, resulting in unusual effects.
So I hear you ask how does this affect us?
Well the Planet Mercury affects the way we think, communicate and relate, how we perceive, interpret and relay information from and to our environment. It also rules our nervous system and mind. It’s known as the celestial messenger of the gods. As Mercury is the planet of communication, intellect, learning, information and commerce, it has a strong influence on all forms of travel, correspondence and business as well as technical conversation and equipment. It rules over the analytical mind and how well we pay attention to our practical thinking. It rules transportation vehicles such as cars, planes, but also communication devices such as phones and computers. During a retrograde period all sorts of confusion and uncertainty can rein. We may feel unusually nervous, frustrated and confused. When Mercury goes into retrograde there seem to be a lot of misunderstandings, delays, confusion, breakdowns and well some chaos. So perhaps this is not a good time to make important decisions, sign contracts or make important purchases. Starting something new is not recommended unless you thought of this idea before this time. Regularly back up your electronic files, and be mindful of checking your travel arrangements, or for that matter, any other arrangements. Being forewarned of a pending Mercury retrograde transit can help you prepare for interruptions that cross your path and work them to your best advantage.
But is it all doom and gloom? Heck no!
Mercury Retrograde is not the time to charge forward aimlessly towards your goal. and making important decisions. This is the best time to explore our idea space and passions mentally, to go over the details of what we have already done physically and make the mental and spiritual aspects to your craft a priority. It is also a time to cleanse and take some down time for ourselves for the hard work done. If we you feel frustrated, comfort yourself with the knowledge that such is nature and the laws of the universe, all beings have periods of growth and then rest. Be especially mindful at this time, taking your time to think about what you say to others and most importantly how you have been treating take yourself. When in doubt, surrender and just let go. This is a positive time to get organized, plan, research and finalize anything that is important but you never seem to get round to. This is also a time that the past is likely to revisit us. People and situations can reappear in your life during Mercury retrograde and give you a chance to either reconnect or gain closure on an issue. It is a perfect time to consolidate business, rather than start a new association or project, and allows you time to reassess and fine-tune your personal and professional business.
Gemini
Mercury Retrograde is about making adjustments in our lives. the adjustments that are being made are different during every Mercury retrograde that occurs. This depends on what sign Mercury is in, combined with the connections with other planets. The positioning of Mercury on the zodiac also influences each of the 12 Sun signs differently. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini, therefore going retrograde in its own sign will amplify its regular effects. This may feel like a double retrograde. Gemini is associated with communication, information, and the mind. In medical astrology they both rule the brain, the hands, and the nervous system. Gemini is also associated with friends (especially from childhood), neighbours and siblings. Gemini is about your social connections in your immediate environment and from childhood, and with Mercury retrograde in this sign, you may find yourself reconnecting with certain people in those categories. Short distance travel is also associated with both Mercury and Gemini, and many people can experience complications with their vehicles and transit. However, this can also be a time where we need to make adjustments in how we make our commutes, and any related problems that occur during this period can help reveal what changes need to be made. Another theme is the re-calibration of how we use our mind and how we communicate. If there is a certain way of thinking that you have, and if it needs to be adjusted, this can be a time to reflect on that. You may feel blocked or there could be other complications that push you to change. The same goes with how you communicate or write. Gemini is associated with the twins, and a potential shadow that can manifest with Mercury is double-speak – when we say one thing to one person and another thing to someone else.
So what to do?
During a retrograde, it is best to be as reflective as possible and to avoid making any important decisions. During this period, the Universe is showing us something which can influence our decisions and/or help us make adjustments in our lives. This is a time of re’s, like research, rethink, rework, review, reread, reinvent, recharg, retreat and reconnect. If you have any books or podcasts (or other source of information) that you have started and haven’t finished, this is a great time to see those through to completion. This is especially the case if these projects will help you develop Gemini traits such as communication skills or the use of the mind and brain. The time of Gemini is a perfect time for writing. Write about your feelings and emotions, your goals and intentions. Purge and create! Also this is a wonderful time to revisit happy memories. To get out old photographs, I have been doing this as I have been on a cleaning spree and found old photographs, I spent a lot of time talking with my mother about memories and reliving loving times and feeling grateful belonging and loved.
Don’t panic
So don’t panic, let Mercury Retrograde work for you. It now may seem that things are not going the way we want or expect them to. Try not to panic or get frustrated. You are in control of your energy. Own it and don’t contribute to a lower consciousness around energy. This is a time to stop all the doing and turn inward for guidance, clarity and direction. For these weeks give yourself time for reflection and contemplation. Work with the energies and know that you are always supported by the Universe, accept this truth and embrace it, even when your mind wants something else. You can change the perception of a certain event. There is no better time than now to change your thoughts. Release old beliefs and thought patterns, start thinking in a new way, with new perception and understanding. Accept what is and let go of all illussion and self deception.
Now, I shall return to re-organizing my house, been cleaning out a lot of stuff and moving things around. Also been playing with plants and herbs on the balcony. Digging in the dirt, grounding. Clearing out the old and re-discovering things that trigger ideas and memories. Have a beautiful weekend.
Lots of love, Charissa xxxx
