Ah, good old Mercury Retrograde. People always ask me about that. “What is it, how do I deal with it, why does it have such negative connotations? (and the like)”. Well, let me explain.
We’ll start with the basics. Mercury Retrograde occurs about three times a year. Actually, this is what’s happening: Mercury is slowing down its orbit. As a result, sometimes one might think it is traveling backwards. Mercury is thought to influence several areas in our lives, including thinking, communication, travel, mechanical and electronic objects, just to name a few. So when this transition happens, we often experience some disruption (if we let it) in our lives. The good news is that this transition does not last forever.  On the contrary, it lasts only for about three weeks at a time. Many people attach negative connotations to this transition, and it is frequently associated with the worst our world has to offer. Drama begets drama…on a daily basis…everyday of the year…without any help from our planetary friend Mercury slowing his roll. It all depends on how we deal with it right? Now, let’s look a little bit deeper into some aspects of our lives and how they are influenced by Mercury Retrograde.
There is something I frequently have to remind myself of: something is negative only if I allow it to be. This especially applies to Mercury Retrograde. Due to its’ ‘bad rep’, people naturally expect the worse during this transition.  I choose to see Mercury Retrograde as a time in which I apply the Three R’s = Re-evaluate, Re-imagine and Relax.
Your Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide
Let’s start with…communication. During this transition communication can go spiraling waaay out of control. So step back. Rethink what you’re going to say before you say it or post to social media.  If you don’t, you’re likely to have a mess of various proportions to clean up. Remember to relax, and breathe.  Choose your words carefully, and kindly. Granted, Mercury is the god of communication and travel (among other things), but during a retrograde period, even his business would likely go haywire.
If you thought communication can go haywire during this type of event, just think about what happens with your lovely gadgets of any kind. Yes, for all intents and purposes, I’m considering cars to be gadgets in this post. Mercury Retrograde can most definitely interfere with electronics or mechanical objects. However, if you’re like me, these objects playing tricks on you is nothing new.  Make sure you back up your computer several times, and then another three.  This might not be the best time to buy a new gadget, however, this is an opportune time to research which one you want. If the gadget you need is critical, by all means buy it, however make sure you do your homework on it first.
Traveling can be interesting. Be prepared for delays, lost luggage and the works.  If I’m traveling during such a transition, I will pack a carry on size suitcase if possible.  If not, I always make sure to have a change of clothes, toiletries, music (basically anything I need to prevent me from going insane) in my carry-on.  That way, if my suitcase is lost, I have everything I need until we are reunited – hey, there’s always hope right? Always leave extra time when traveling during Mercury Retrograde.  An extra day is great.  Having plenty to keep you occupied (delays are great for catching up on work), and keeping everything charged is key. Remember to breathe and communicate nicely but clearly.
As for relationships (platonic and romantic), don’t make any rash decisions. Don’t rush head on into a relationship, and I wouldn’t advise leaving one during this transition. Use this time to re-imagine it. Re-evaluate how you feel. What do you want/need? Â Try to keep as much drama out of the situation. Mercury Retrograde loves to stoke a fire. Â I advise to use this as a time of healing, and forming a better understanding.
Be extra careful when it comes to business. Absolutely no rash decisions! Be very careful how you sell yourself.  Think of what type of image you need to portray before you assume the role.  This might not be the most opportune time to launch a new business or change an existing one, yet it is a great time re-evaluate it:  that includes everything from bookkeeping to maintaining your website. Heads up, if you’re looking for a job during this transition, the search is possibly going to be rough.  Your resume needs to be in tip-top shape, with no little mistakes (such as forgetting to change the template’s phone number to yours).  Be patient, but by no means should you sit on your hands.  Take extra time to communicate clearly, but don’t be pushy.
As for issues you have no control over, medical concerns or operations and so on, just breathe. These are things you have to do regardless of Mercury Retrograde, so relax. Take your time to heal and really care for yourself. Rejuvenate your life. Remember, Mercury Retrograde is a transition. It’s up to you to make sure it’s a welcome one.
These are my little guidelines for surviving Mercury Retrograde. I hope they come in handy; but it is most important that you remember the following: No matter what Mercury Retrograde brings, always remember that you have control over your life. Â This planet cannot dictate what happens to you. Â While some people choose to use Mercury Retrograde as an excuse or explanation for their behavior, this is not how it has to be. Â This transition has the potential to be a powerful influence in our lives. ‘s up to us to individually decide how Mercury Retrograde influences our lives.”
xx,
~Caren
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