There’s a reason why astrology doesn’t just fade away. It works. An astrology chart is a picture of the sky and placement of the planets that is earth centric. Planetary cycles and movements correlate to shifts both cultural and personal.
I have studied astrology forever. Astrology is a symbolic language that explains when, why and how change happens. The symbols integrate archetypes, seasons, elements, and cycles to provide a nuanced picture of anything. It’s a useful tool for everything from planning harvests and financial forecasting to scheduling meetings and surgeries.
There’s an astrological event that happens three times this year; Mercury is retrograde from Saturday February 23 until March 17.
Happy Mercury Retrograde Time!
Mercury is the planet that rules movement and communication: words, conversations, negotiations, contracts and agreements, phone calls, email, as well as any electronic devices including televisions, telephones, and computers.
A Retrograde planet is one that appears to be going backwards. The planet hasn’t actually changed direction; it just looks like it has when you stand on this planet and watch the sky.
Why should you care?
When Mercury is retrograde communications are challenged. Agreements made during this time may need a second look. Electronics purchased during retrograde can have issues. Emails go astray. Misunderstandings and confusion crop up. I once worked with an on-line reseller who switched to a new ISP in the middle of Mercury retrograde. I mentioned the potential for problems to laughter and eye rolls. The site was down until the planet went direct.
Mercury is also associated with transportation. So during Mercury retrograde, pay attention to your vehicle, show-up early for the plane, and double check the flight information.
Right now, Mercury is in the sign of Pisces, a dreamy water sign ruled by Neptune. With this placement, watch out for issues around water and liquids, intoxication or toxin sensitivity. Clarity may be impaired; watch for confusion, deception, illusion and pay attention to your dreams.
If you’re doing something important or if it has the potential for harm, proceed with care, pay attention, double check your work, read the small print and measure twice.
I consider Mercury retrograde an opportunity for observation. You don’t have to believe anything, just pay attention and see what you notice. Don’t worry about something bad, just watch what you’re doing.
People who may feel a bit more uncomfortable or scattered during this time will people with planets in Virgo and Gemini (both ruled by Mercury) and Pisces (because Mercury is here). If this is you, slow down. Don’t buzz out on sugar, caffeine and junk. Drink lots of water and remember to breathe.
If you have been uneasy during previous retrogrades, try a flower essence. I recommend Coffee, from either Green Hope Farm or Pegasus.
If you’re interested in learning more about Astrology, links follow.
Blessings,
Nicole
When I’m not writing these blogs, I provide energy clearings for people and places around the world. I also create products designed to help improve the energy of your environment and support your healing process. Check out all of my services, stuff and testimonials too at energyismagic.com
Astrology Information
Book: Cosmos & Psyche, Richard Tarnas
Published in 2006, it took 30 years to do the research for this book that chronicles and aligns historical events and the movement and placement of the planets. It’s well documented and comprehensive.
http://www.CosmosAndPsyche.com/
Web Sites: Here’s some interesting sites if you want to learn a bit more. To get the most out of these sites, have your birth time, date and location to fill in for a birth chart.
Café Astrology has free charts and an extensive archive of articles on pretty much everything astrological. Good explanations and a lot of it.
StarIQ is an on-line publication with frequent contributors and columnists, They also have an email service that will send alerts when something astrologically interesting happens in your chart.
Astro.com was founded by astrologer Liz Greene. It has a bunch of great information but it’s not easy to navigate. They offer a variety of free charts with multiple options for house systems, asteroids, astro-cartography and more. It’s a great resource for people without astrology software.
Other people’s stuff I really like:
