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.