Opportunity! The 1st Mercury Retrograde of 2013 is here!

 

We have entered into the first Mercury retrograde of 2013 on February 23!  Exciting opportunities come to us with this, as with any, Mercury retrograde.  Traditional  thinking (superstitions) would have you not do anything of consequence and live "cautiously" for  the 3 weeks the planet appears to move  backwards. This is silly, you have to live your life, and may have to move forward with commitments and communications. So what should you do?  Slow down.  Realize that when Mercury appears to move backwards  (planets do NOT move backwards ever * )  it doesn't mean that your life is going  to fall apart.  However, IF you expect that or fear that; you will surely bring that upon yourself!

Right now is an opportunity for you to become aware of your habitual and unconscious thinking around Mercury retrogrades.  On some level are you expecting things to break down when you hear Mercury has gone retrograde?  And if something does break down do you immediately think; "see there it is - Mercury retrograde at work!"?  What is your first thought when you hear "Mercury retrograde"? (I'd love to hear, if you'd like share it in the comments)

As Mercury appears to reverse directions, it changes the energy of our relationship with all Mercury stands for.  Mercury stands for all things intellectual, rational and left brained.  In a Mercury retrograde period our relationship with reason, communication and technology and contracts/agreements becomes more intuitive and less rational or controlled.  Everyone realizes you cannot control intuitive thinking as you can rational and reasoned thinking.  Mercury retrograde invites you to tune in on a deeper level to you and the world around you.

The energy of Mercury's retrograde brings an opportunity to tune into your more spiritual, connected and intuitive side.  Is there a 'sign' or 'feeling' you are receiving that now might now be the best time to hop into the car and drive off to that meeting or take that trip?  Have you been rationalizing away that pesky little quirky beep or flashing thing showing up on your computer?  Have you been justifying being always "on" and not taking time to slow down to reconnect with your inner intuitive guidance?  If you ignore these nudges now, the Energy will quickly show you that was not the most wise choice.  However, if you pay attention - as the retrograde energy of Mercury asks you to - you will be rewarded with insight, guidance generating better results based on intuitively informed choices. 

* Remember Mercury only APPEARS to move backward, in fact, it is not altering it's path at all.  We have added a ton of interpretation and meaning to this illusion and created quite a lot of "noise" over it.  I can assure you Mercury does just fine during it's appearing retrograde and so can you.

Like anything, what you focus on you get more of in your life.  What you expect, you get.   Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to go deeper, to slow down and think things through, to use your intuition which is heightened during this time.  Only you can DECIDE that this period of Mercury (appearing to) move backwards will be one of ease, relaxation and good fortune for you!

Here's one of the better discussions about Mercury Retrograde from an astrologer.  At the link you can view an illustration of how planets do NOT ever move backwards, it is only an illusion that makes us perceive they do.  You'll also find some great ways you can make the most of the special energy of this time.    Visit here for an intelligent and constructive look at the opportunity with Mercury Retrograde.

Also check out this post with a great video animation of Mercury's orbit and why it appears to look like the planet is moving backward when it is not.  Plus links to more wonderful guidance on how to thrive during this Mercury Retrograde.

© Amy Flynn,  All rights reserved.  Online reprint permission granted as long as you link back to the original post.  Please email for offline reprint permission

Comments

[Fidelia]

I quite like reading through a post that will make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!

[Amy Flynn]

Hi Tracy, Always what you believe is senior to Mercury Retrograde. There is an energetic shift with Mercury Retrograde, but you can choose to allow all to be well. Many use Merc Retrograde as justification or excuse for things not working, but in reality it is their belief and the energy and vibration of their thinking that is attracting the mishaps into their experience.

Remember Mercury does not even really move backward, it is an illusion. Likewise the symptoms of Mercury Retrograde are an illusion too. Do you feed them and empower them by buying into the voiced concern about Merc Retrograde? Or do you ground yourself in your well being, your confidence and knowledge that all is well? If you chose the latter, you will be aligning with only those things that resonate with that energy, that view and experience of all working out and for your highest good too.

So whether your wedding venue agreement will be a problem is up to you. The experience lies in your heart and your emotion. Carry the energy of excitement, see yourself in the venue, the wedding unfolding and all happening without a glitch and it will unfold this way. Be tense, worried that it was Merc Retrograde and carry the energy of just waiting for the shoe to drop and it will, and hard.

The same goes for your wedding. Celebrate, make Mercury Retrograde your friend, be overjoyed and grateful knowing that you will have a very special friend with you at your wedding, the same one who helped you choose your wedding venue.

Hope this helps.. Write to me anytime by using the Contact me Link on the right side.

[Tracy Norton]

Hi Amy,

I realized that we signed the contract for our wedding venue during the start of Mercury in retrograde this year and that our date in fact rests on the start of it next year (June 8th).

I've been reading alot around not signing contracts and not having weddings that day, but when we saw the venue it just felt right.

What are your thoughts around these dates and activities and how I can best be prepared to have a successful wedding next June?

I am more of a believer in positive energy than anything, but of course any bride who believes in astrology might become nervous after reading all that's out there about these time periods. Your help is greatly appreciated.