Mercury Retrograde: Don’t Believe The Hype

Mercury Retrograde. Don’t Believe The Hype!  Mercury retrograde is nearly upon us! It begins on June 17th and lasts for three weeks, until July 11th.  But don’t panic! Don’t believe the hype! But do prepare to chill out for a brief period of time.  Many people hear and repeat the now cliche phrase, “it must be Mercury retrograde," whenever something distressing happens that is out of the normal.  But few understand that the period can be very beneficial, if we simply slow down a bit.    

As the great evolutionary astrologer Sabrina Monarch says, “One of the biggest things we can do to work with retrograde Mercury is practice more conscientiousness and forethought – to think things over more carefully before making choices or saying things we might have to undo later.” Still, you will probably stumble during this period and it is also important to be aware of how we respond to criticisms. This can determine whether or not we end up arguing and telling our same old stories in defense of something that could probably be better left alone. If you can chill and not react, THEN you can reevaluate, making any adjustments, and/or apologize. 

There are certain activities that everyone can do with confidence during any Mercury Retrograde period. To make them easier to remember, here is a good tip: anything that you can place the prefix "re" in front of is good to do during Mercury retrograde. Relax, reevaluate, re-align, review, recover, etc.    

In fact, I like to think of the (approximately) quarterly periods of retrograde as times that the universe is strongly advising us to take time to re-consider everything that is important instead of pushing forward. This Mercury retrograde will be in the sign of Cancer which is the sign of emotions, nuturing and memories. As long as we are careful to be sensitive when interacting with others, this period is actually a great time to reflect on matters of the heart and home.  

Here is a special retrograde exercise to assist you in making the most of this time. This should be practiced daily so that the benfits can be internalized. As the period of Mercury retrograde begins, kick back and relax. (Pause. Breathe) Embrace a slowed pace, take time to reflect. Breathe in and breathe out slowly, three times (pause in between each breath). Let go of the push of forward movement and enjoy the time available to take a meaningful breath, slowly inward and then slowly outward. Breathe in all the beauty of the universe and breathe out all the cares you have been carrying on your shoulders. (Pause and Breathe) Let go of your “to do list.” Let it just slip to the floor as your fingers relax and release all the stress and tightness they were holding, then pick up that book you set aside last month and turn to the page where you left your bookmark. Let the words take you to another time and space. Take time to sit in nature where the soft grass is green and there are caressing breezes. Sit with open arms and an open heart reaching toward the warm sun that portends the coming summer. Let your mind and your spirit be like the sky, able to absorb and witness everything, even potential clouds and storms. Let them pass without a reaction. This is the essence of meditation.  

Each day could start with an affirmation that embraces your many blessings (REflection). Let these meditative thoughts enhance your spirit from the inside out. And they will, as much from your tone of voice as your words. Be gentle with yourself. This is not about being rational but rather about feeling the restorative energy of the universe. Let it radiate inside of you, as it invites you to explore a space of reflection and renewal.

Namaste