The Truth About Mercury Retrograde: Make it a Good Thing
| Written By: Denice Zengo |
Oh No… It’s Mercury Retrograde
There are a few things that almost everyone seems to know about the planets – when the Moon is full and when Mercury goes retrograde. It’s common locker room and water cooler talk to share how we’ve been misunderstood, how our email is going hay wire and how many times our system crashed during Mercury retrograde. We tell each other not to sign contracts or start anything new. Is there any truth to this? How should we handle Mercury retrograde?
Retrograde Planets Aren’t Actually Moving Backwards
The term retrograde is misleading as planets do not actually move in reverse. It just looks like that due to the planets motion around the sun in relation to our perspective here on earth. A planet is retrograde when it is at it’s closest distance to the earth. As Mercury passes us by, our line of sight shifts – creating the illusion of going backwards.
Right on Schedule
Mercury goes retrograde 3 to 4 times a year for a period of several weeks. Here are the dates for 2018:
March 23rd, 2018 – April 15th, 2018
July 26th, 2018 – August 19th, 2018
November 17th, 2018 – December 6th, 2018
The Best Way to Think About It
According to Vedic Astrology it is during this time when fast moving Mercury creates greater opportunities for growth and introspection. We need to learn to listen before we speak and think before we act impulsively. The energies of the planets are not here to “mess us up” but rather offer enormous potential on our evolutionary journey. We should use this time to heighten our sensitivity. It’s a good to time to slow down and really think things through before making rash decisions. Maybe you need to get a contract signed or accept that new position… that’s ok – just make sure you’ve reviewed all the details and given it a lot of thought. Take the time to “fix” what doesn’t look or feel right.
I’m not saying that problems won’t occur during Mercury retrograde. It’s about how you choose to handle it. Don’t blame your situation and circumstances on Mercury retrograde. Would you just stand under the hot sun and get burned or would you find a way to better deal with it?
The planets are not up in the sky “doing something to you,” but rather, are an intrinsic part of who we all are. You are not a victim of planetary influences. You are connected to the energies of the planets. Mercury represents all types of communication and speech. He is the messenger of the Gods, your intellect and wit. Mercury presents in the body as mental and nervous energy.
How this all works is of course beyond me – so I will put my faith in the mystics and sages who were able to access the wisdom of the cosmos.
Mercury has the best appearance, is witty, fond of jokes and laughter, and is learned. He takes upon himself the nature and constitution of the planets with which he is associated. – Parashara 3.26
Here’s a video by Sam Geppi, a Vedic Astrologer, if you’re interested in learning more:
