If there is one astrological phenomenon that is well known even by laymen it is the Mercury retrograde. The Mercury retrograde causes all kinds of hiccups and problems with communication and travel. This phenomenon affects the whole word the same way and when you are aware of it you will be able to anticipate and plan for the period.
This retrograde motion happens about three to four times per year. The houses that Mercury rules and is associated with give more information on the effects of the retrogression on a personal level. The best strategy for this period is being aware and prepared. If one makes allowances for delays, there will be less frustration and frayed tempers all around. Do make hard copies and backups of important paperwork.
Mercury
Mercury is a fast-moving planet. It is the significator of communication, intelligence, trade and travel in a person’s horoscope. A person with a strong Mercury will be very quick thinking and intelligent. Jupiter makes a person very learned and wise but Mercury makes a person very sharp and quick thinking. A good Mercury makes a person an excellent communicator and able to master languages easily. Mercury also rules friends. Excellent businesspeople have good Mercury placements.
Retrogression
Planets move along their orbits at the same pace and in the same direction. However, since the Earth is also moving in an orbit around the Sun, the apparent movement of the planets, when seen from the Earth, is different. Planets appear to move faster, slow down, become stationary and even move backwards when seen from the Earth. These apparent changes in motion are direct (moving forward), stationing (becoming stationary) and retrograde (appearing to move backwards). Just picture it as two trains that are going at the same speed and then one train moves much faster and overtakes the second train. From the perspective of the faster train the slower train may appear to be moving backwards. This is how we see apparent backward motions of planets.
Communication
Mercury is the significator of all communication. This includes speaking as well as listening. A retrograde Mercury gets one’s wires crossed. People tend to miscommunicate things. The person who is listening to another may get the message wrong. It pays to be extra careful with digital communication as well during a Mercury retrograde. The next time you send an email without the attachment or subject line you can put the blame on a retrograde Mercury.
Agreements And Paperwork
Mercury rules all types of written communication. This includes writing, reading, research, editing and paperwork. So, books, manuscripts, legal contracts, legal documents, educational research papers, school term papers are all under Mercury’s influence. So, if you are entering into a business contract, double-check your paperwork and allow a little extra time in case of delays in drafting, negotiating and signing. Mercury retrograde also affects authors. So, if you are planning to do the editing, polishing and publishing of your next bestseller, its best to avoid the Mercury retrograde period. Students should be careful with assignments and term papers.
Travel
The effect of a retrograde Mercury can be felt when one is travelling as well. An astrologically aware person will always be careful to leave early in case of getting stuck in traffic along the way. Delayed flights and confusion about timings happen under the effect of a retrograde Mercury. If you are travelling during the Mercury retrograde, do preventive maintenance on your vehicle. Keep checking for flight status updates and double-check the details and fine print on hotel bookings.
Decision Making
Since Mercury controls your thinking process you can safely say that you are not liable to think straight during a Mercury retrograde. Hasty decisions at this time tend to be overturned after the planet goes direct. So, put off any important decisions for later. This applies to business deals and contracts. There is likely to be some change or hiccup along the way.
Friends From The Past
Mercury is the significator of friends. When he goes backward he brings back friends and acquaintances from the past. You might suddenly run into that old college roommate or childhood playmate during a Mercury retrograde. One even tends to run into ex-boyfriends and girl-friends during this time. Issues from the past tend to resurface at this time.
