You know, some people like to excuse their problems and inappropriate behavior by phrases like “That’s not my fault. It’s just Mercury is Retrograde now”. But WTF is this Mercury Retrograde? Let’s find out. Maybe you will also get a new excuse for your fails. Because this astronomical phenomenon really exists.
Do you ever feel like sometimes nothing seems to be going right, and then your one friend, who is super into astrology, explains that mercury is in retrograde? The first thing we need to clear up is that Mercury is not IN retrograde. Mercury is just retrograde.
This is the astronomical phenomenon when a planet appears to be moving backwards, reversing its orbit from our point of view here on Earth. It's actually an optical illusion. You see, planets orbit the Sun at different speed, and retrograde occurs, generally, as a faster-moving planet catches up with and then passes a slower-moving planet.
Other planets retrograde, too. But because Mercury is the fastest planet in the Solar System, it retrogrades more frequently – about 3-4 times a year – and lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
Ancient Romans and Greeks personified the planet Mercury as the messenger deity. Similarly, in astrology, Mercury rules over communication. It also governs analytical thinking, expression of ideas, and the processing of information.
So, in astrology, when Mercury retrogrades, all those things get kind of scrambled. Hence why some people feel utter and total chaos during this period. Different Mercury retrogrades can have different effects on us, depending on which sign it's moving through, and they can take on more of the qualities of that sign. For instance, the sign Cancer is associated with home and family, as well as emotional intensity. A Mercury retrograding through Cancer could have us focus on aspects of our family and home life and get deeper in touch with our emotional state.
In 2018, all Mercury retrogrades will pass through fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Therefore, we may be more willing than normal to engage in conflict over things we're passionate about, because that's what fire signs do.
Well, there is, generally, a negative connotation surrounding retrograde periods. There are also ways to interpret Mercury Retrograde that are more positive. Since things will feel a little crazy during retrograde, it can be a good opportunity to do some internal reflecting, rather than making impulsive decisions. This can give you a chance to reassess your desires and purpose.
So, now you know everything you need to know about Mercury Retrograde. Have fun using it as excuse for all of your problems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLkQhaFOT58
