Tips for Surviving Mercury Retrograde Revisited

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Even if you know nothing about astrology, you’ve most likely heard of Mercury retrograde. Mercury is a fast-moving planet and goes retrograde 3–4 times a year. Notably, Mercury is retrograde only three times in 2021.

It’s an illusion

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It’s important to understand that when a planet is retrograde, it’s not actually traveling backward. Instead, it is slowing down. Imagine being on a train and looking at a train next to your’s traveling at the same speed. Then suddenly, the other train slows down, giving you the illusion of you traveling backward. It’s pretty surreal. Have you ever experienced that?

So, a retrograde is a planet changing its speed and slowing down in comparison to other planets.

Mercury is a personal planet

In astrology, we consider Mercury a personal planet. Therefore, collectively we profoundly feel the effects of Mercury’s trajectory and its celestial interactions. Mercury represents how we communicate and our logic, and it also rules over local travel, public transportation, mechanisms, siblings, and cousins.

Like most astrologers, I consider retrogrades when planning events, trips, and activities. With that in mind, I hope you find my survival tools, tips, and techniques helpful.

Things to avoid during a Mercury retrograde:

• Intense conversations
• Conflict resolution
• Interviews or important appointments
• Signing legal or important documents
• Submitting your taxes
• Confirming travel plans

Now, Mercury retrograde isn’t the end of the world as some would have you believe. Yes, delays are likely, but you can leave earlier to allow for any unforeseen challenges. There’s always a strategy available to work with celestial obstructions.

Here are some typical retrograde examples:

• The engine light appears on your dashboard.
• You get a flat tire.
• You get stuck in a traffic jam.
• The train or bus doesn’t arrive on time.
• Booking flights on the wrong dates or to the wrong destinations.
• Sending a message to the wrong person.
• Receiving an unwelcome message.
• Taking what someone says in the wrong way.

The devil is in the details

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Details are easily missed during a Mercury retrograde. So be sure to go over any documents twice and have a trusted friend look them over before signing for good measure.

I just got off the phone with my brother, who was booking flights for an upcoming trip. (Terrible idea during a retrograde) He had to change his flights THREE times because he kept booking the wrong dates!

If you can’t avoid booking travel plans during a retrograde, you must diligently go over every detail, or you’ll most likely have to start over. Hopefully, you’ll catch any errors in time for a do-over if needed.

Mercury is also known as the messenger, so during a retrograde, miscommunication is likely. As a result, what we say or write to others may be misconstrued or misread, so consider putting off serious conversations until Mercury goes direct. You had better double-check that text or email is going to the right person BEFORE pressing send.

All is not lost

Even though Mercury retrogrades can be annoying, you can’t hide under the covers every time one comes around. It’s not practical or realistic to stop living your life every few months. So, here are some practical ways in which you can take advantage of a Mercury retrograde:

• Reorganize your closet, house, or office.
• Research and make a plan.
• Prepare your taxes. (don’t file them)
• Purge old clothes, shoes, and possessions.
• Meditate and reflect.
• Tackle tasks you’ve put off for ages.
• Take a breath and slow down and smell the roses.
• Plan a trip but don’t confirm.

Work with the energies at play

It may surprise you to discover how productive you can be when working with the energy of Mercury retrogrades. For example, reorganizing and purging is a perfect activity for a Mercury retrograde. Clean your closet and donate, recycle, or repurpose clothes and artifacts you no longer use. Consider sorting through papers and purging old records that you no longer need. Another way to make use of a retrograde is to optimize your computer files.

Remember to be patient and use Mercury retrogrades to slow down, relax, and ease into a healing phase. Consider it an opportunity to reflect on what works and what you may need to change. Most importantly, plan strategies for the future.

You might want to consult an astrologer to see how a particular retrograde will impact your life.

Please share any helpful tips you have on surviving Mercury retrogrades below.