Mercury Retrograde: Is it for real?

by heathervescent

Before I started writing for Daily Mantra I had only heard rumors of the ill-fated "Mercury retrograde." Some friends spoke of it as wreaking havoc in their lives and couldn't wait for it to end. I was never aware of Mercury retrogrades and so never noticed it my life went more awry or not.

My awareness changed once I started writing this blog. I started researching retrogrades earlier this year, when I posted this on the first Mercury retrograde of the year.

I became aware of this year's retrograde dates and started paying attention. Back in March, chaos ran amuck in my life, with major house problems plagued by miscommunications that spiraled out of control well beyond the retrograde end date. I heard constant stories of vehicle problems from more than one friend and I myself was the victim of a hit and run accident. I felt cursed, everything was falling apart and I was doing everything I could, to maintain some resemblance of forward movement.

Months later, everything was cleaned up and I was going along my merry way. I had completely forgotten about Mercury retrograde. Earlier this month, a friend reminded me of 2006’s next retrograde, which is happening right now. I thought I was sliding through this retrograde because many of my business meetings were going smoothly. I was clearing miscommunications before they started trouble. But this week my phone has been acting up, my Internet connection completely dropped and my computer is acting like it’s been possessed by a malevolent ghost, randomly freezing up and refusing to shut down.

I'd like to believe I'm in complete control of my world and that another planet appearing to move backwards from my planet doesn't affect my internet connection or ability to communicate clearly - but I must admit, I'm having some doubts. Shakespeare wrote, "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." I agree with you William, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

| 07/14/06 | Astrology

I like to think of the mercury retrogrades as an opportunity to see how well I can flow with their energy. It's a chance to see that even if I learned to work with my flow with communication and other traditional mercury archetypal energies during the last one, there is always room for improvement! So you obviously did some neat work last time round and were resolving issues around communication before they even happened. Now you get a chance to look at the subconscious communication you have with your computer for instance! Did you know that sentient silicon based life forms have been found in deep sea trenches? .. in other words, it's worth being appreciative and sweet to your laptop too.

Comments

Lindsay - that is a really interesting insight! Thanks!

Comments

I was born with mercury retrograde in Taurus - conjunct my Uranus in gemini.

I'm a gemini. I've had to learn to speak articulately - my mind usually races ahead of my mouth or pen. I'm a writer and it is very helpful to be able to put my thoughts on paper.

I was born just before the retrograde turned direct so my MO is to patiently tend to details for long periods of time (sometimes not very patiently!) and then, just as the tension is released when mercury goes direct, the tension of whatever I'm working on is released and it all comes together and blossoms with great virve.

Thanks for the input and I loved the quote by William.
Lena

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I used to be very fearfull of Mercury retrograde. But then my Aunt schooled me. And it seems that once I changed my attitude toward it . It was fine. I now look forward to Mercury retrogrades. I use the time to clean out my home. I have lot's of extra ideas and inspiration during this time. I just breathe through the slow downs and miscommunications. Plus I love finding things out that were not revealed to me before. I go with the energy and try to finish up projects and anything I've started before. And use the time to plan. Hope that helps.. Thankyou. Jennifer

Comments

Lena, Jennifer - Thanks for your comments! These are really great insights and I'll be sure to keep them in mind for the next retrograde - later this year. :)