Mercury Retrograde

Mercury retrograde is the most commonly known astrological signature for "Murphy's Law" which is "if something can go wrong it will". On the 15th of June this month, Mercury went retrograde. If you are curious about what this means, let me explain.

When a planet is said to go retrograde, it means that the planet appears to turn around and rotate backwards for about three weeks. As any scientist and astrologer can tell you, a planet can not actually reverse its direction, this is just an optical illusion based on relative speeds and orbits of the Earth and Mercury around the Sun. Mercury is visible just before sunrise or just after sunset, and this retrograde movement occurs three to four times a year. Recorded observations of Mercury date back to Ancient Sumer, and the planets name comes from the Roman god Mercurius, god of thieves so named for being a cunning trickster. Mercury is equated by astrologers as the planet that rules intelligence, agility and communication skills. But when this planet turns retrograde Murphy's Law takes affect.

Computers crash, machinery breaks, new projects fail, tempers soar and frustration runs high – it seems as if nothing you do turns out right.

If you take the proper precautions during this somewhat perilous time, you can help prevent everything from minor inconveniences to catastrophes. Here is a list of thing NOT to do when Mercury is retrograde:

• Avoid signing legal contracts
• Finish projects before mercury turns retrograde or if possible put them off until after
• Avoid closing any deals
• Avoid launching new projects
• Try to avoid scheduling big meetings
• Allow extra travel time Take care of repairs on machinery and cars before the retrograde

This is not to say you can't get anything accomplished during Mercury retrograde, or that this occurrence is always a bad thing. Here is a list of ideal things TO do during Mercury retrograde:

• Research a new project or report thoroughly – Mercury is the planet that rules intellectual activity.
• Catch up on your paperwork
• Share information w/ business partners
• Enjoy a sense of humor! What better way to face challenges than with a great attitude and knowledge of what is ahead.

I also suggest keeping track of upcoming retrogrades by getting an astrological calendar. You can also sign up for my Witchcraft level I and II classes, in which I go over this sort of astrological behavior, you can find information about my classes.  A great reference for any of your basic astrology queries is www.wikipedia.com – they have tons of great articles to look through.