A thought about mercury retrograde.

Recently, I have noticed a lot of blame being placed on astrological conditions causing consternation in our lives. This is particularly true when the planet mercury is retrograde.** As I don’t believe that consternation is needed in our lives, I thought that this might be a good topic for thought, so we could thoughtfully think about it.

The universe was created, in part, as a proving ground or arena for our individual growth. Under the governance of universal law, all energies exist within the universe to support that growth. The energies have no personality or reason to make life difficult. They simply present an arena for growth to occur. They are there in order to support our lives in such a way that life becomes more fulfilling.

So, astrological energies were invented in order to present an arena for growth, not to rule our lives. They provide a mechanism for getting our attention so we can prioritize our energy in a way that life becomes more fulfilling. They help us to see where adjustments are needed so our life becomes more balanced and happy.

Yes, this means that when mercury is retrograde we need to be more careful when it comes to making decisions. It does not mean that it is a time to avoid decisions. That would be counterproductive to the reason mercury retrograde exists. Indeed, if we avoid making decisions during mercury retrograde, not only does the consternation get louder, but our growth slows down.

From that perspective mercury retrograde becomes a time to make decisions, not to avoid them. The decisions just need to be made with patience and care. By changing the way you perceive mercury retrograde you can alter the effect it has on you.

What do you think?

Sam

**From Wikipedia about retrograde planets: “As seen from Earth, all the true planets appear to periodically switch direction as they cross the sky. Though all stars and planets appear to move from east to west on a nightly basis in response to the rotation of Earth, the outer planets generally drift slowly eastward relative to the stars. This motion is normal for the planets, and so is considered direct motion. However, since Earth completes its orbit in a shorter period of time than the planets outside its orbit, we periodically overtake them. When this occurs, the planet we are passing will first appear to stop its eastward drift, and then drift back toward the west. Then, as Earth swings past the planet in its orbit, it appears to resume its normal motion west to east.”

Mercury retrograde is often taken to be a bad thing or at the least a time for careful actions. Advice is sometimes given that says to not make any important decisions, sign legal papers, etc. when mercury is retrograde.