The Cosmic Gift of Mercury Retrograde
May 10, 2022Today, May 10th, starts a retrograde cycle for the planet Mercury that will last until June 3rd. Retrograde is when a planet slows down, stops, and appears to move backward. Retrograde is an illusion caused by the Earth passing the slower-moving outer planets. This period can affect us in different ways, depending on the retrograde planet.
The planet Mercury has a visible impact on our lives that even the most skeptical people have come to experience. Because Mercury rules our thinking, communication (verbal, written, and social media), as well as electrical devices, computers, telephones, transportation, and air travel. You can begin to feel this influence as much as two weeks before and after the actual retrograde period where computer systems get cranky; printers stop working, the mail is delayed, messages are missed or misunderstood, etc. This phenomenon happens three or four times a year, so it is helpful to know how to navigate this energy and make the most of the self-improvement and self-healing opportunities this time period can bring. Otherwise, it can be a period of frustration.
Especially this one coming right before a total Lunar Eclipse Full Moon.
Most common advice: if you have to travel, be prepared for delays; don't sign contracts, and if you do, be sure to read the fine print; don't start or launch anything important or that you want to have a long term impact, avoid making any significant purchases and if you do, be certain of the return policy and back up your computer and devices!
That said, don't misunderstand this as a time of inactivity. On the contrary, Mercury Retrograde is a cosmic gift that forces us to slow down, get off autopilot and go deeper within to reevaluate our choices and course correct our life mission to be more meaningful and aligned with what we want to experience. When you are open and aware of the opportunity it brings, it can be a truly magical time.
Especially this one coming right before a total Lunar Eclipse Full Moon.
Most common advice: if you have to travel, be prepared for delays; don't sign contracts, and if you do, be sure to read the fine print; don't start or launch anything important or that you want to have a long term impact, avoid making any significant purchases and if you do, be certain of the return policy and back up your computer and devices!
That said, don't misunderstand this as a time of inactivity. On the contrary, Mercury Retrograde is a cosmic gift that forces us to slow down, get off autopilot and go deeper within to reevaluate our choices and course correct our life mission to be more meaningful and aligned with what we want to experience. When you are open and aware of the opportunity it brings, it can be a truly magical time.
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road ~ unless you fail to make the turn." ~ Anonymous
The planet Mercury affects our ability to think and shift between the two hemispheres of our brain. During the retrograde period, the left brain, adept at tasks involving logic, language, and intellectual/analytical thinking, is forced to slow down. Our left brain helps us to focus on getting things done. It rationalizes why we don't have time to care for our internal needs. We become more right-brain-oriented during Mercury retrograde, which is best for emotional and creative tasks, connects us to our intuition, and brings us closer to our inner spirit. The right side of our brain is where we feel the effects of our actions and words. It allows us to experience compassion, love, and gratitude, which leads to true, lasting happiness. If you are more right-brain dominant, Mercury retrograde can be an enjoyable period where more people can meet you in your realm of "relax, enjoy the ride, we'll get there when we get there."
The cosmic gift of Mercury retrograde is the opportunity to slow down, reflect and course correct. It can be a profoundly healing and transformative period for you to reevaluate, renovate, re-commit, and re-invent or re-do what is not working at this time. We can focus on clearing, completing, and planning with a deeper awareness of our feelings.
Ask yourself: "Are my intentions in harmony with my inner vision of the quality of life I want to experience?" "Am I more focused on what I don't want, what I don't have? Am I operating in survival mode? Are my motives motivated by Fear or Love?"
Whatever you do during this month, don't be in a hurry. Make each delay an opportunity to practice presence. Every red light, traffic jam, computer glitch… take a breath into your belly space, relax your shoulders as you exhale, relax into the moment and think of one thing you can feel grateful for - start with the gift of each breath. Remember that what you resist will persist, and stressing about what you cannot do anything about will only lead to more frustration and stress.
Take care of yourself this month and make it a point not to be too busy for YOU!! Start this Mercury retrograde period by committing to making time every day to clear the old thoughts that are not supportive. If you are ready to accept your self-healing mission, I am inviting you to make it easy for yourself to do that. Imagine how great it will feel to know that you are giving yourself the self-care you need to cope with this rocky period.
I have an invitation for you to use this healing period to reset your intention toward your self-care.
