MERCURY RETROGRADE

When a planet is retrograde it is closer to the Earth than at any other time during its orbit.

When a planet is retrograde, its energy is weakened, misunderstood or projected in an unclear manner. The  signs, industries, activities and so forth ruled by the retrograde planet, will feel held back, restricted, misunderstood or weakened. This is also a time when you are given an opportunity to re-do, re-evaluate these areas. Many times it brings about a better solution or happier direction.

When Mercury is retrograde, we tend to notice more issues in the areas of communication,

in the way we interact with others and in our surroundings and neighborhood. Communications may be unclear and result in misunderstandings.   It may also show up in our travel, the way we get around and in our interaction with our siblings.

Mercury goes retrograde in Gemini on June 7 2014 and then goes direct at the end of the month. Gemini is the third house of the natural zodiac. It represents intelligence, mind, memory, communication (primarily written), technology, siblings, short travels, courage, moves, and skills using the hands.  Communication and technology also correspond to Mercury, so these matters will be enhanced.

Mercury is about a fast wit, quick thinking, options, thoughts, and the ability to rationalize things. Mercurial energy can be good or bad, but it will certainly be energizing! This Planet also prompts us to move from one thing to the next and to get responses on both a physical and psychological level.

Furthermore, Mercury’s energy is both agile and insightful. Mercury is about short trips: a visit to a neighbor or a friend across town, the workaday commute, and a weekend getaway. Siblings and transportation in general, are also within Mercury’s realm. Talking, writing, books, online communications and learning are all within Mercury’s domain. In a more public sense, it rules commerce, computers, telephones, transportation and air travel. Mercury rules the prithvi (earth) bhuta. Prithvi deals with practical and stable. Prithvi also controls the Muladhara Chakra.

When Mercury goes retrograde, many of our everyday affairs ruled by Mercury are disrupted. When Mercury is retrograde, mental mistakes abound. Travel plans are often messed up. Expect delays if traveling Misunderstandings with those in the family or at work occur.  Mercury retrograde can crash electronic equipment. Back up your computer, calendar and cell phone address book.  it is often advised, not to sign any contracts, to look before putting an idea in action, even if it means a verbal commitment. Don`t rely on every information passing through. Think, watch, analyse because the information presented in front of you might be a false one if not totally unnecessary. Its time to process all the learning acquired till now to take decisions. This period can also damage any professional transactions or legal issues; especially matters of infrastructure which may be blocked in some way.

Since Mercury rules the mind and when retrograde, can scatter the mind in too many directions, or else cause confusion and stagnation in the thought processes.  This can be managed by careful observation and reflection. 

If you can’t retreat, read!  Read a good book.  It will take your mind off of whatever is worrying you, and you may find your problem solved by the time you finish the book. Take a crossword puzzle break.  Engage in some positive mental activity.

Review your credit card bills carefully this month.  Redirect your attention to the bigger picture. No need to obsess over insignificant details and focus on the important issues.  Instead of worrying or obsessing over trivial matters, redirect your energy into a research project, organize your files, or clean out that closet. 

Fix something that is broken.   Repair that antique, hand-painted jewelry box. Think about going back and repairing that relationship that soured and give it another chance.

Rejuvenate your attitude.  If you make a mistake, and with Mercury R, you will, give yourself a break.  Learn from your mistakes.  Don’t repeat them and don’t punish yourself either!