How to Survive Mercury Retrograde

For those who are in the astrological know, the words "Mercury Retrograde" spark fear and dread in many a heart and a soul--and for good reason. Mercury Retrograde is a period of time when the planet of communication, Mercury, is moving in reverse through the zodiac. Due to the Earth's rotation, the actual planet may appear to be moving backwards in space, but this is merely an optical illusion. During periods of Mercury Retrograde, you can expect communication mishaps, breakdowns in electronic or traditional means of communication, missed appointments and misunderstandings or crossed meanings with other people.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ephemeris or online planetary calendar denoting Mercury Retrograde periods for now and the future

1. Consult a printed or online ephemeris, otherwise known as a specialized almanac which shows planetary positions and astrological influences throughout specific periods of time. If you do not have or cannot find an ephemeris, consult an online planetary calendar which can be located on various astrological Web sites.

2. Prepare yourself prior to the period Mercury goes retrograde. You can do this by finishing up any lingering projects that are written or involve communication, checking your communication devices, completing the signing of legal documents and double-checking travel plans. Follow the old adage of "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," for it certainly applies during this astrological period.

3. Take precautions to express yourself clearly and in as specific of a manner as possible when in social situations during Mercury Retrograde. All too often, unnecessary disagreements and petty arguments erupt during this tenuous astrological period, so err on the side of caution when communicating with others.

4. Eschew the urge to install new software or programs on your computer during Mercury Retrograde. Leave formatting or changes to your computer hard drive until after this planetary period as well. To keep your treasured information from disappearing into the ether, be sure to backup all your data before Mercury Retrograde begins, and during as well.

5. Be sure you are judicious about itinerary details and departure/arrival times.If you must travel during Mercury Retrograde. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and figure on unexpected delays or surprises along your travel route. By being forewarned, you will be forearmed with Mercury Retrograde attempts to throw a kink into your best-laid plans.

6. Learn from your past experiences with Mercury Retrograde and make note of those lessons learned so you can put them into play during future retrograde periods. Realize that while there is no way to stop Mercury Retrograde from occurring, you can figure out ways to combat and lessen the effects of miscommunication mishaps.

Tips & Warnings

• During Mercury Retrograde, concentrate on inner focus and quiet meditation. Delve deep into your present or past accomplishments. Take stock of where you are and where you want to be--then embark on a fresh road after the Retrograde period is over.
• While it may be hard to simply grin and bear it, laughter and humor can be the best medicine when dealing with the various mishaps that may be created or intensified by Mercury Retrograde.
• While the effects of Mercury Retrograde can be daunting, remember that the period is only temporary.
• Remember that ultimately you control the results of your actions, and while Mercury Retrograde can be a difficult time, you have the power to lessen or mute the possible negative side effects of this time.

Resources

• Learn more about the effects of Mercury Retrograde at this Web site
• Find future periods of Mercury Retrograde on this Web site
• Mercury Retrograde: The Murphy's Law of The Cosmos

[scribequill]

on 2/17/2009 Thank you very much!

[scribequill]

on 2/17/2009 Thank you very much!