Oh, Mercury

Mercury can get a bad rep.

Whenever communication is breaking down or electronics are not working the way we expect them to, the question, “Is Mercury in retrograde?” inevitably pops up.

And it’s a fair question, as Mercury in retrograde is a phenomenon that happens up to four times a year. In fact, you may be feeling it very strongly right now. As Mercury, both the planet and the deity, have domain over all forms of communication and travel/transit, it makes sense that during these astrological events, these things should start to feel less stable and secure.

Messages that are normally received with ease may miss their mark. Details important to making decisions get lost in translation or lost altogether. Momentum in relationships can suddenly begin grinding to a sluggish halt. Travel plans may unexpectedly be diverted.

Yup — Mercury in retrograde is definitely not popular.

And while there are many who would advise you to avoid making big life changes or decisions during these times, I would actually advise another direction. The former can facilitate the energy of uncertainty and fear, and true to the saying, “As within, so without,” it creates a self-manifesting cycle. “You want scary uncertainty? You got it!” Rather, I would invite you to consider what Mercury in retrograde — above and beyond the frustration it can bring — can actually illuminate for us.

How much attention are we paying to what we say and how we say it? Are we following through with our intent? Are we receiving confirmation of our communication or are we simply assuming we are understood?

And in terms of electronics, like our phones, computers, cars, and appliances not working, when was the last time you stopped to consider how much you rely on these things? How much you expect from them? To get you what you need or want with the commanding tap or swipe of a finger. And how often are you prioritizing your relationship with these devices over the face to face and heart to heart relationships with other humans?

And how independent from the stars and planets do we really think we are?

Mercury in retrograde offers us a fantastic mirror.

• What opportunities do we have to pay more attention, to be more loving, and more patient?
• What opportunities do we have to interact face to face rather than through the distant proxy of an electronic device?
• And rather than following through with haste and jumping into action, where can we slow down and savor the journey to instill even greater meaning and value into our lives?

The trick is allowing ourselves to study our reflection long enough to actually learn and grow. The knee jerk impulse is to look away and simply throw one’s hands up in the air or shake a fist at Mercury. But if we know it’s happening and that it will be happening for a specified amount of time, does it not call upon us to prepare by shifting our expectations and triangulating our journey through life in other ways?

How about this: Instead of giving our power away and relinquishing accountability for our actions, we empower ourselves to choose differently and wisely based upon what we know of Mercury in retrograde?

And I must emphasize “what we know,” for Mercury is quite mischievous and mercurial and prone to sudden change. So, in other words, adapt and be ready for anything. You might actually surprise yourself when given the chance.

And that is the truth that this all comes down to: Knowing Thyself. Understanding who you are, not necessarily when things are great and life is in perfect flow, but who you are when faced with resistance and find yourself caught in an undercurrent that makes it difficult to stay afloat.

And when Mercury goes direct, perhaps you can look back and say, “Hey, that actually wasn’t so bad” and offer yourself a compassionate pat on the back. And those human connections and life practices of slowing down and minding the details — Why not carry those onward as tools that you can use on a daily basis, not only during the breakdowns of Mercury in retrograde. Tools that you can use to build a stronger, more resilient relationship with yourself that can manifest greater strength and resilience when it comes to your relationship with other humans.

And while we’re on the subject, how about a stronger more resilient relationship with nature and all living things, the elements, the Earth and the Sky, the stars, all planets and celestial bodies (including Mercury, of course), and the infinity of the Universe?

Mercury in retrograde is a real phenomenon that has direct impact on our lives. But it does not need to unhinge our lives nor rain on our parade. It can be an influence from without that can serve as a key to accessing what it within. To do the work on ourselves and remember how to communicate with ourselves so we can show up with even more clarity and intention in our service to others and the world in which we live.

For when we avoid looking at ourselves, we run a very high risk of losing sight of who we are and why we are here. So in this current Mercury in retrograde, take a good, long, indulgent look in the mirror that this time affords us. And in so doing, remember how simple and beautiful life can be when we stop hiding from ourselves.