What’s the Deal with Mercury Retrograde?

Feeling a little off the last few weeks? Find yourself being constantly misunderstood? Are your electronics out of whack and your upcoming travel plans falling through? Don’t panic. The world is not coming to an end. It’s just Mercury retrograde. Three to four times a year you probably hear friends blame any mishap on the event, but what does it really mean and why is it messing with our lives? Deep breathes, here’s why.

As the planets orbit the Sun, a few times a year Mercury appears to go rogue and ends up in retrograde. Meaning it slows down, looks as though it has stopped and starts spinning backwards. It’s not actually spinning backwards though, that would be crazy talk. It’s simply an illusion that lasts a few weeks. This is the time when Mercury ‘catches up’ with the Earth in orbit. All planets retrograde and can have an effect on our lives, but what makes Mercury retrograde significant is that the planet is said to rule all aspects of communication, travel, and learning or clarity of mind.

That means that during these periods you may feel like things are going wrong more often than not. Your hard drive might crash, your efforts to strengthen relationships might prove unsuccessful, and you may make not well thought out decisions. So what is this time good for then? Reflection.

I like to use these few weeks (currently January 21st thru February 11th) to focus and evaluate all that is going on currently in my life. It’s an ideal time to observe and engage in a mind and soul detox. No rash decisions or huge purchases should be made during this time. Think of it as a way to reboot and enjoy a lull of time before a fiery 2015 of achievements zips by.

We’ll all survive Mercury retrograde, we always do, but by understanding what it is and how it’s making you fumble a bit, you’ll be better prepared to just go with the flow next time around.

Good luck!

<3 Mish