In the coming days if your
thinking seems fuzzy, you can’t communicate with loved ones or coworkers, you
keep losing or forgetting things, or your computer or SmartPhone starts acting
weird, blame it on Mercury. The little planet that causes so many problems is retrograde
until March 17. In Roman mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods and
goddesses. In astrology, the planet rules all forms of communication (including
equipment such as computers, phones, and fax machines).
Every four months, this planet appears to change
direction and move backward in its orbit around the sun for about three weeks.
When this happens, all sorts of mix-ups can and
do occur. Our thinking processes become muddled; we have trouble
concentrating; we don't seem to be able to express ourselves clearly; we forget
things. Stuff gets lost in the mail. Cars and computers break down. No matter
how hard we try and how careful we are, shit happens.
While Mercury is retrograde, it's a good idea to check
everything three times. Don't rely on verbal acknowledgments or your
memory––get everything in writing, keep lists so you don't forget something
important, and take copious notes in meetings. If possible, put off signing
contracts, giving presentations, and purchasing big-ticket items especially electronic
equipment or cars. Don’t start a new project or open a business during this
Mercury cycle either––it may never get off the ground or could take longer than
you expect. And don’t schedule an important event now––all kinds of problems
could crop up and spoil your day.
Mercury can also have an impact on travel plans. To avoid
mix-ups or delays, be sure to confirm dates, schedules, and travel
reservations, and give yourself plenty of time to make connections. If you're
flying, mark baggage clearly and carry what you absolutely need on the plane,
just in case your luggage gets lost. If you're driving, get your car serviced
before you hit the road.
Put off elective medical and dental procedures until
Mercury goes direct. Miscommunication, mistakes, and complications are much
more likely at this time. If you receive a confusing or upsetting lab report,
get the test redone after the planet turns direct.
But even the clouds surrounding Mercury retrograde can
have silver linings. During this period, long-lost objects may turn up, hidden
situations might come to light, old friends often call, and business deals you'd
given up on can finally materialize.
Of course, we can't all go on retreat every time this
planet turns around––although that's the ideal way to utilize Mercury's
retrograde energy. The next best option is to plan around the retrograde
periods as much as possible. Steer clear of situations that you know will be
taxing. Give yourself more time than usual to accomplish difficult tasks. And
be patient––with yourself and everyone else.