What is Mercury Retrograde? Three, and sometimes four, times a year, the planet Mercury appears to be moving backward in the sky for a period of approximately 3 weeks. “Appears” is the key word here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backward in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don’t even slow down. Retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. Mercury turns retrograde more frequently than any other planet. It can never be more than 28 degrees from the Sun, and whenever it reaches its furthest distance from the Sun, it changes direction.
Mercury is retrograde approximately three times a year for approximately three weeks each time. As such, retrograde Mercury is a fairly common occurrence (Mercury is retrograde approximately 18% of the time). As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde.
Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. It’s a time when being careless with money, our personal information, or paperwork can be costly. While Mercury is retrograde, we may be rethinking a previous opinion or idea. Looking to the signs and houses it transits can give clues as to what we may be reconsidering.
There is absolutely a positive side to Mercury Retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting. We look at the world a little differently–through different filters–and can come up with some very important inner revelations. It may be difficult to communicate them under this influence, but not everything needs to be rationalized. Mercury retrograde periods can be times of heightened inner awareness, when meditation, benefiting from keeping a journal, reworking old plans, and reviewing past work are favored. Mercury retrograde is powerful for studies, particularly for returning to old studies or for re-learning or refreshing knowledge in a subject already taken.
Minor breaks in the mechanical aspects of communication can actually re-connect us to other means of communication, such as when there is an unexpected power outage and we’re forced off the computer and television, finding different and often satisfying ways to entertain ourselves.
It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to suspend projects or anything of the sort during the Mercury Retrograde cycle. It’s not an ideal time to start new ones or to sign contracts, simply because a change of mind is quite likely once Mercury turns direct. However, it’s a fabulous time to do some “outside of the box” thinking. Acting on our ideas, however, might be best left for a Mercury Direct period.
Not everyone feels the stronger effects of Mercury retrograde. Some people born with Mercury retrograde in their natal chart, for example, feel that they don’t experience the effects described above as intensely as others, while others do.
When Mercury is retrograde in the natal chart itself, the thinking processes are generally more acute, and the sense of humuor rather quirky. People with Mercury retrograde take in information differently than those with Mercury direct in their natal charts. How many people are born with a retrograde Mercury? Roughly 18%.
Pay close attention to what you say and communicate in general, particularly around the days of Mercury’s stations (December 3rd and 22nd), as well as around retrograde Mercury’s conjunction to the Sun on December 12th (midway between the start and end of the retro period). If you are itching to make a point with someone, especially, or if you are planning on “signing on the dotted line,” try to hold off. It is likely that you will have a change of mind once the station passes, and you can do some damage in the meantime. When a planet stations, its energies are very strong in our lives. When Mercury stations, communications have more impact, so that negative ones could have long-term implications at this time. However, if you are very clear within yourself and about what you are communicating, this can be a positive thing. from https://cafeastrology.com/mercuryretrograde.html
"Mercury retrograde do’s and don’ts. DO… 1. Review all contracts and legal documents before signing. 2. Pause and breathe before speaking. (Repeat yourself if necessary!) 3. Read all emails and documents before you send. 4. Insure/track important mail and packages (Mercury rules the postal system). 5. Get your vehicles (or bikes) tuned up, pack an emergency roadside kit. 6. Leave early for any travel and appointments, since Mercury Rx can delay flights. 7. Renew your commitments instead of making new ones. 8. Focus on the prefix re-, which means to go backward (renew, review, revamp, redecorate, at al.) 9. Plan reunions with old friends & loved ones (but prepare for possible mishaps!) 10. Expect to hear from/run into people from your past at the weirdest moments. 11. Get sentimental. Reconnect with your roots, walk down memory lane.
12. Practice forgiveness. Finish processing what’s unresolved so you can let it go. 13. Confirm all dates, plans, meetings, appointments. 14. Think of the retrograde as a quarterly review period, a chance to pause and finish what you’ve started. 15. Back up your digital data (photos, contact lists, files) before the retrograde or ASAP if it’s started. DON’T… 1. Buy new vehicles, electronic equipment or gadgets (unless they come with a good return/repair policy). 2. Sign contracts without a thorough review (delay until Mercury turns direct if you can). 3. Fly off the handle or jump to conclusions if someone misunderstands you. 4. Run into the arms/bed of an ex without careful screening (Mercury reunions aren’t always meant to last). 5. Shoot the messenger if someone from your past comes around. 6. Put anything sketchy into an email or text (you could hit “Reply All” or send to the wrong person!). 7. Leave late for flights or appointments. 8. Start anything new on top before finishing what’s ahead on the to-do list. 9. Lead people on, give mixed messages, or believe everything you hear (actions speak louder than words). 10. Spread rumors, rant on social media or share unconfirmed information. 11. Turn in sloppy or unchecked work, cut corners, dash off hasty communications. Inspect to protect!
The silver lining? Mercury retrograde is a great opportunity to handle unfinished business. Most of us start a million things that we don’t complete, never realizing how much psychic clutter this creates. The retrograde is like a quarterly review, a chance to tie up those loose ends and create a clear vision for the future. Take advantage of it, and you’ll emerge fresh and ready when Mercury goes direct. As the cliche goes, what you resist persists. So the more you can embrace chaos or a lack of control (and isn’t control an illusion, anyhow?), the better you’ll survive this cycle. from http://astrostyle.com/mercury-retrograde/
Romance in Mercury Retrograde Do's when Mercury is Retrograde • Reassert your vows and devotion in your love life or married life. Take time to be along with your loved one this partner. But do not initiate any new moves. • Do take time to mend fences with your partner during this retrograde period. Get rid of past resentments and try to make amends with him/ her. Reconciliation would work well in this period. • Patience need to be exercised when Mercury goes retrograde. In case there had been a previous break-up with partner now is the time to extend an olive branch. • You could rekindle a last flame. Look up for some lost love in your life when Mercury goes retrograde. • You can revisit your ideas of pleasure this time, like your favourite hotspot, your favourite hideout or a coffee shop you used to frequent with your loved one. Don'ts when Mercury is Retrograde • At any cost make sure you do not get married during Mercury retrograde dates. Because this is the time when promises get broken easily, and thing go awry. Though everything would seem smooth between you and your partner, something creepy might get in, hence maintain caution. • Do not pursue a new love route. It would land you in troubled waters. Though it might seem right enough ultimately it would turn into a total failure when Mercury goes direct. You would not get a correct picture of relationships when Mercury is retrograde as things seem blurred. • Do not try to break up with your loved one when Mercury is retrograde. Divorce proceedings are to be strictly avoided and stalled. Else it would be a big strain for you both mentally ,physically, emotionally and financially. • Mercury retrograde is a period when your resolve gets tested. Hence make sure you avoid a distrusted person who has been trying to get your attention this period. • Do not go out on a first date when Mercury is in retrograde motion. Wait till it goes direct to initiate any moves because you would be caught on the wrong foot if you venture into this unknown territory when Mercury is retrograde Mercury Retrograde and Finances Some of the do's and don'ts when Mercury goes retrograde as far as your finances are concerned are: Do's • Your financial deals need to be reconsidered and restructured during a Mercury retrograde phase • Reassessing and renegotiations of finances can be done. • Do take care of any pending old businesses and make sure you complete them beforehand • Do look for any potential errors in your financial moves like payments and insurance policies. • Garner data related to anything you want to buy or invest in future. • Loans plans if any and other payment plans need to be revised. • Be prepared with your papers for filing of your taxes. • Reorganize your accounting and book keeping systems. • Change your beliefs and attitudes towards money and finances for the better is yet to come. Don'ts • Do not initiate any new projects, partnerships or investments. It would certainly result in a loss and also in unwanted delays and frustrations. • Do not make any new purchases, else they might turn up to be faulty or damaged or of no use to you. • Do not take any loans when Mercury is under Retrograde. • Do not file taxes when Mercury is at its worst. • Do not ****, speculate or take any risks with money.
Mercury Retrograde and Career Mercury is the planet of communication. It is said that when Mercury truns retrograde, it would play havoc in this area which is very vital for all sorts of business and professions. Does it mean that one has to shut shop every time Mercury turns retrograde. The answer is a bigno. If one knows how to make the most of this influence of Mercury, then things would sail smoothly in the career front come what may. Follow the below mentioned steps on how to tackle Mercury retrograde period in your career field. Do's •In general business or career pursuits slow down or slump a little when Mercury is retrograde in its path. Make use of this period to return any unfinished tasks at hand. It is a period for cleaning up your work front. Bring a routine or schedule in your work. • Since communications go awry when Mercury is retrograde make sure you have some extra time by your side when attending to important matters. Also double check all your communication and travel plans to the point. • Mercury retrograde is a period when ground work can be done for any future ventures or projects. Do sample research, garner relevant data and acquire any skills that might be needed for your future plans. • Much data and information are said to be lost when Mercury goes retrograde. Hence make sure you back up all vital statistics and data before things go haywire. • Mercury retrograde is a period when contracts and agreements can be renewed or renegotiated. In other words things can be updated during this period. • This is a time when old career contacts can be resumed. It would had been some time, since you last had contact with your ex-employer and peers. This time can be sued to reconnect with them so that you have a clear picture of where you stand in your career field. • It is an apt time to take up works of repair or up-gradation of office or factory equipments. • This is a time to relax and enjoy your work come what may. Of course there would be certain delays and hindrances in your pursuits but do not take them to heart. It is just a passing phase. Don'ts • Do not start any new ventures when Mercury is retrograde. It is a serious "No" in this issue. In case, you start one it would be a total disaster with a waste of time and finances. You have to start it all over again from the scratch when Mercury turns direct. • When Mercury is retrograde make sure you do not take any important decisions. Because all decisions taken now would have to be reframed or remodelled later on. • Do not venture into a new business or join a new job position when Mercury is retrograde. Wait for some time and do the needed ground work before venturing into an unknown territory. • Do not make any new purchases related to career during this period. Else you might land up with messed-up equipments. Installing new hardware or software is also to be postponed as much as possible. • Do not enter into any new contracts or signing of agreements. If done during Mercury retrograde period they are unlikely to be honoured by both the parties involved. • Do not create any new partnership or alliances in your career field. Lots of miscommunication and misunderstandings are likely to creep in when done during Mercury retrograde period. From Findyourfate dot com
