Mercury Retrograde

MERCURY RETROGRADE 2016

April 28 - May 22

August 30 - September 22

Dec 19  - Jan 8

Mercury is preparing to go Retrograde on April 28th. The week before is considered the Retrograde "Shadow" period. During this time we begin to be introduced to the issues that this particular Mercury Retrograde will focus on for you. It is important to pay attention to the themes that are beginning to surface in your life as they may reemerge in the coming weeks during the Retrograde itself. With this upcoming Mercury Retrograde in Taurus, we have the opportunity to carefully re-think our financial security needs, how to make greater use of our Inner resources/talents, and reconsider what possessions we actually need. It is an opportunity to deepen our values and re-vision our future.

Mercury Retrograde occurs when it is moving backwards, into its shadow, and thus communication, scheduling, transportation and judgment becomes cloudy or error prone. As much as outer work is challenged by Mercury Retrograde, introspection and inner work is very supported. Take advantage of Mercury Retrograde by clearing your own tendencies to get caught up in your own shadows and those of others.

At the personal level you can do a lot in order to avoid the consequences of Mercury Retrograde. Most of us encounter the consequences when we are not centered, aware or conscious of what is going on around us, and more often than not the culprit is that we are not acting from our heart and spirit. Instead we are reacting from our needs, our hurts, from our buttons being pushed, or the way that we take care of others and not ourselves. In that way we act from our shadow, and that is what mercury retrograde is all about.

THINGS TO EXPECT DURING RETROGRADE:

*One thing that ALWAYS seems to happen (for me anyways) are people from my past that may feel they have unfinished business will resurface. This could be old relationships, friendships etc. Interpersonally, communications at all levels are problematic, and we are inclined to think slower and process communications slower. We have to be patient with each other and ourselves. While this is not the ideal time to pursue a crush or start a new relationship, Mercury Retrograde offers us the opportunity to bury the hatchet. If you deeply regret breaking up or having a falling out with somebody, now is the time to make amends. This person may not be meant to be in your life anymore, but Mercury Retrograde will allow you to release deep resentments. If you do reconcile, work to change the behavior that caused the initial breakup. Mercury Retrograde offers a wonderful opportunity to correct past mistakes.

*Delays and/or undelivered mail or messages

*Greater misunderstandings, as all communications are more likely to suffer at varying degrees 

*Traffic problems

*Electronics acting up

*The failure to keep one’s word because of a promise that could not be kept

THINGS TO AVOID DURING RETROGRADE:

*Starting a new relationship, a new job (or new career), or long-term project 

*Binding commitments (marriage, financial, or otherwise) without the absolute expectation of necessary modifications, alternative compromises and/or reversals in the original plan and/or intent

*Repairs to machinery or automobiles

Remember that this time is not to "mess with us", but actually it is a period of rest and rejuvenation. Mercury Retrograde if utilized properly can be a kind of extrasensory tool to contact and connect with the steps to take next on the path or that hidden piece of the puzzle you have been trying to figure out. It is also a time to cleanse and take some down time for yourself for the hard work done in the action accommodating energies that took place before this energy kicked in.  ALL beings have periods of growth and then rest. Be mindful of your pursuits during this time. Taking your time to think about what you say to others and most importantly how you have been treating yourself. When in doubt, surrender and just let go.

ESSENTIAL OILS THAT CAN HELP DURING MERCURY RETROGRADE:

*Lavender: helps you stay relaxed and find peace in the chaos
*Lemongrass: repels negativity and uplifts the spirit
*Bergamot: gives strength during rocky times
*Ylang Ylang: calms your nerves while helping you see through negative situations.
*Peppermint: helps with concentration and emotional focus