Mercury Retrograde is Upon Us ~ Everything's Gonna Be Alright

How to Make the Best Use of this Time

Mercury is the planet of communication, travel, and technical and cognitive connections. It is the fastest moving planet in our solar system. I know many of us freak out when Mercury goes retrograde, but it is an amazing time to work towards accomplishing something. Yes, energy is scattered during a MR, but if we put our heads down and focus on completing something, the momentum can see it through. I personally have many projects I want to complete, but the key is choosing the right one. What is going to give you the most satisfaction? What is the one thing that will bring you enormous relief to get it done and over? Allow the retrograde period to turn the energy inward to reflect.

Even if you can’t imagine completing something in the 3-week MR period, the concentrated effort you put forward while Mercury is retrograde will eventually get you there. By tying up loose ends we can create a clearer vision for the future. Retrogrades in general are a period of time that requires us to simply slow down, review and reassess. Plan ahead and be mindful. This sounds like a lot to juggle without adding a project to complete to the pile. But truly, and this is from experience many times over, the information we take in during this time period can move us forward with the awareness necessary to create completion. It also keeps us fresh and ready to launch into something new. Those new ideas may come during this time as well, but the task at hand is to tidy up something that needs attention or closure. Don’t divert your attention to the shiny new something. Focus on noticing and then glean the information. Focus on the details but don’t get obsessed with them. Slow down - Be Mindful. Be Aware. Be Conscious. A lot of static will come your way probably too - there’s a lot going on out there. Don’t Dwell. Allow the personal messages / guidance to penetrate and inspire. This is something you can control - focus on that.

Don’t just go in expecting snafus and relapses. Besides, sometimes a relapse is good - it’s a “re” word - it gives you the opportunity for a second look, a second chance, to find completion and let something go. This can be a lingering “clean out the garage or closet project, a craft project, a poem or story you need to finish, OR it can be the time to make things right with someone, reconnect with neglected friends. Just be open to the information that comes maybe from a neighbor, a dream, a radio ad; the possibilities are endless and personal to you. We all need guidance, and if we remain open and aware, Mercury retrograde can be an excellent teacher. It moves fast so we have to be on our toes, not in a fearful or caustic way - just open and anticipating. Sorry if I sound sort of preachy, but I have worked with Mercury retrograde and processed a lot. It really is simple, almost magical when you quiet your mind, your action, and take everything in.

The 3 weeks prior to the actual retrograde are called the initial shadow period. This is when we might get glimpses of what we may be noticing or where to place our focus. Although you didn’t have the heads up, think back to information or occurrences that may have come your way these last few weeks. Two other personal planets (Mar and Venus) have been retrograde as well adding to the mix - providing the opportunity to learn and grow. That’s how I look at it anyway. It’s therapeutic and stress relieving.

Note: The social and outer planets have all moved direct and are launching their way into new signs. There is so much energy right now conducive to solid and good change. Trust.

Here is the Mercury Retrograde Schedule:

Initial Shadow Period:

March 1 - March 13 already past (sorry)

Mercury Retrograde Period:

March 14 -April 7

Mercury Retrograde Ending Shadow Period:

April 7 - April 26

(Pacific Daylight Time)

Whatever house or houses (areas of life) that Mercury will be traversing through in your natal chart is where your attention needs to fall. If you don’t understand or need help knowing where this is and what it means, hit me up. Either with a comment below, or email me at gael.embracetheuniverse@gmail.com. (sorry I couldn’t get the hyperlink to work).

This Mercury Retrograde will be taking place in my Second House. This is the house of money (personal finances) and personal values. It is a very personal house and deals with the emotion of self-esteem. This pre-shadow period has messed with me in terms of how I see myself and my ability to not personalize things that occur. It has been wearing already, but by being aware I am better able to quiet the internal doubts and occurrences that may cause me to falter. Since this is the house of money, I shall attend to my finances and work on a realistic goal for the future, planning of course for opportunities to engage in those things that I personally value ~ adventures and time spent with loved ones. The second house is the house of Taurus, ruled by Venus so self- care and decluttering my home will be a good way to express this energy. Clearing the clutter is a valuable project during any Mercury Retrograde, but this one screams out to me. This can be physical clutter, as well as emotional clutter, baggage that needs to be released. Author Eleanor Brown quotes:

Clutter is not just physical stuff.

It’s old ideas, toxic relationships and bad habits.

Clutter is anything that does not support your better self.

Those old tapes that creep in and stagger your self-esteem are likely to arise, especially for me since this is occurring in my Second House. Self-care is a must. An Astrologer I work with and highly respect, Yasmin Boland, provides affirmations and suggested essential oils to use during this time period based on the house being affected. The essential oil for the Second House is Ylang-Ylang, which is my absolute favorite. I think I will try to diffuse this on a daily basis. It can’t hurt. This is the affirmation she offers:

Now is the time to review financial plans

Money owed to me flows to me now

I am worth more than I think I am

Fortunately, no close or strong aspects are being made to my natal chart during this period - I am very thankful for small favors. If aspects are made to your natal chart it can be a bit more challenging, BUT it can also provide specific and valuable information on how to work with what arises. For some of you Mercury will move from one house into another and back again. This will depend on the sign and degree of your Ascendant; as well as the house system used to produce your natal chart. Mine will remain in the Second House focusing on the areas of life I set forth above. No confusion there. I know where my attention needs to be.

The energies of this retrograde are in the signs of Aries and Pisces, the first and the last signs of the zodiac wheel. In this post I am addressing where they will traverse for you because it is unique to your personal natal chart and your personal growth.

If Mercury is going through your First House:

Use the 5-second rule before responding. Aries energy charges bravely ahead. This is not the time for heroism, but instead thoughtful action, which may simply mean leaving things unspoken. Information about your image and how you appear to others may surface.

If Mercury is going through your Second House:

Take stock of your finances and personal belongings. Practice self-care and admiration. Recognize what and who you value and what and who makes you feel safe, makes you feel secure.

If Mercury is going through your Third House:

This is the natural house of Gemini which is ruled by Mercury. Mercury is at home here. In a natal chart, Mercury in the 3^rd house is a positive placement. Mercury transiting this house while retrograde can really highlight issues needing attention. It does its best work here. The third house governs communication, your local community (people and places you encounter on a frequent basis), your siblings and day to day routines. Good communication is key to the success of any relationship so make amends if needed and expect information to come to you through these sources. Learn to avoid petty drama.

If Mercury is going through your Fourth House:

This is the house of the home and family, blood or chosen. This house holds Cancer energy. Think of your past, your childhood memories and those who nurtured you. Who nurtures you now? Is your living situation stable? Are you allowed privacy and place to feel safe and secure? Mercury retrograde will highlight issues that don’t. Trust what comes up and reach out to those you know you can if necessary.

If Mercury is going through your Fifth House:

This house is associated with taking risks. It is the natural house of the Sun and Leo and it needs to express itself. It also represents love, creativity and children. That said, old flames could resurface instilling a youthful energy. Creative projects pushed aside may beg to be finished. Quiet any self-criticism and let your inner child shine. Listen to your children - remember information comes from anywhere and out of the mouths of babes never surprises me. Notice the children and reflect on what you remember being a child.

If Mercury is going through your Sixth House:

This house is ruled by Mercury too and holds Virgo energy. I’ve witnessed digestive issues in some, so if this occurs, it indicates you really need to address your eating choices OR some information has arisen that you can’t quite digest. Virgo energy is very meticulous and if something is out of sorts it will notice. This is a great opportunity to be reminded of your health and habits and how you disseminate information. Your physical body holds information and has a valuable connection to your inner knowing and wellbeing. This house is also linked to your work. Be alert for any information coming through from this environment. Tend to your daily habits and choices and know that any work you do on yourself benefits others. Be humble in this knowledge.

If Mercury is going through your Seventh House:

This is the house of Libra, the higher vibration of Venus. It espouses justice, cooperation and balance. It directly relates to close relationships, partnerships. This includes marriage and business ~ all one-on-one relationships. It seeks fairness of all things. Information about these relationships will be prominent. It will be advantageous to the closure of any agreement in business or marriage. If conflicts arise, use the energy to achieve cooperation. If cooperation is not possible, that’s good information as well. Don’t act on new knowledge; just work to resolve it in the fairest way possible.

If Mercury is going through your Eighth House:

This is a “psychological” house - a house of water, of Scorpio. It can be intense and make you feel a bit trepidatious - this is the house that represents those things we cannot control. It’s about endings and beginnings, birth and rebirth, sexual desire, death and taxes. Information concerning your relationship with these things may surface. The key to working with the 8^th house is to allow change to occur. Recognize what it is you need to release and allow this mercury retrograde period to help you see and release. Transformation is at hand. Congratulations. If you are having a difficult time, get a massage and have some intense and intimate sex.

If Mercury is going through your Ninth House:

I love this house. This is where I live. I have a Scorpio Stellium in this house. This house is about exploring and adventure, education, travel, freedom and what gives our life meaning. The path of self-discovery can be experienced through these 9^th house vehicles. Mercury can be quite active in this house showing you an expansive version of things - providing inspiration. Just take it all in and plan. Don’t be rash or lofty. This is the house of Jupiter and it can go rogue. Yikes your perspective could change; nothing wrong with that. Congratulations! Wonderful information can be had. Enjoy.

If Mercury is going through your Tenth House:

This is your Midheaven, the top of your chart. This is the area of life where you can be seen. It is associated with your goals and your mark in life. Watch your ego, watch that you aren’t sloppy and watch for opportunities. There could be promotional delays or unexpected kudos. Update your resume and seek networking opportunities and be aware of how and where they appear. What does success really mean to you?

If Mercury is going through your Eleventh House:

This is the natural house of Uranus/Aquarius. It is the house of hopes and dreams, inspiration and likeminded friends and acquaintances. This is another house where things can really happen. To some astrologers, me included, Uranus is the higher vibration of Mercury. Uranus desires freedom above all else and if Mercury informs Uranus it is being restrained, action will be taken. Rediscover old connections or seek out new. Find those that really vibe with you but stay aware - avoid gossip and rumor. Let new groups jell before you jump in with your ideas. Gather information - feel connected. Believe that your dreams can come true and plant them.

If Mercury is going through your Twelfth House:

This is a tough one. I won’t deny it. The information that arises can bring you face to face with your own demons. Fears and addictions may surface. Mistakes you think you’ve made scream out to you. Unfinished business may come back. The thing to do is confront these issues with love and understanding. Forgive yourself - seek the Divine. Try to avoid indulgence, but if the longing is there that is good information too. Don’t be paranoid but do be conscious of deceitful information. Note where it comes from. Put it aside and seek solitude. This is a time to go inwards. Much progress can be made for letting go of that which confines you. Accept what comes up, forgive it and let it go.

• One more time, things to remember:

• Be extra attentive in your communications

• Double check your emails and texts

• Allow extra time when traveling

• Don’t freak out over technical issues - plan ahead

• Triple read contracts that have to be signed

• Be mindful and Patient with the energy

• And in general, some suggested assignments that won’t steer you wrong:

• Reassess your goals.

• Realign with your values.

• Respond rather than react.

• Resist your impulse to dive into new projects without a real plan.

• Reconnect with a friend.

• Reattune to your own rhythm.

• Remember to have Fun and to Smile.

The time following the retrograde after Mercury stations and goes direct is called the post-retrograde shadow period. This is when we get the chance to clean up any aftermath from the entire retrograde timeframe. So, put your head down, pick up those pencils, and make a plan for how you will use this opportunity. It’s an auspicious chunk of time that might otherwise slip away from us. Seize the Moment. In the meantime, remember things don’t happen to us - experiences occur to teach us what we came here to learn. Be gentle with yourself, the energy and others.

I invite you to share what you focused on, what you learned and any interesting revelations you witnessed or experienced.