Oh no. It’s happening. Every 88 days, Mercury begins hurtling backward through the sky, triggering a 23-day period where communication is off, thoughts are cloudy, and we fight the urge to throw our glitchy technology across the room. Yes, starting today, March 5th, we enter the first Mercury retrograde of 2019, coinciding with a new moon in Pisces. Together, these astrological events make this particular retrograde an extra challenge, especially in the communication department.
Mercury rules words and communication and is direct and precise. Thus its retrograde cycle brings the opposite of that into our lives. Thoughts become foggier and it becomes easier to misinterpret what people say. Add this Piscean energy which already has a dreamy, nebulous vibe and we have a recipe for a retrograde period where we will be constantly lost in our thoughts and have trouble expressing exactly how we feel.
Think you can handle all that? Good, because Mercury conjuncts with Neptune on the 24th, bringing in its own dream-like energy and rose-colored glasses to the foggy mix. Mercury already challenges us to be clear and truly understand what want, but with this conjunction you will be challenged to be realistic too.
So how can you survive this Mercury Retrograde?
Get Clear
Now is the time to really dig deep and figure out what you want. This is not the time to zoom into contracts and deals, but instead to retreat, to take all the information in, and really determine what is the best course for you. There is no rush during Mercury Retrograde. With Pisces season in full swing as well, this retrograde season is all about your spiritual growth. Now is the time to step back and listen to what your heart is telling you and allow yourself to open up to a higher level. Let intuition be your guide as you begin planning and researching new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to recognize your emotional blocks and make plans to work on them. Take time out of your day to meditate, journal, or even talk through your thoughts with a trusted friend. It’s difficult to navigate without a map.
Be Patient
The most common advice but the one least frequently taken. Be patient. You already know with Mercury Retrograde things are not always going to go as planned, and that’s okay. All you need to do is take a step back and let things unfold. Give yourself and others a break and relax on the judgement. Adulthood is a like folding a fitted sheet – none of us really know what we’re doing. So laugh at your mistakes and affirm that everything always happens for your highest and best good.
Shift Your View
Finally, remember that while Mercury Retrograde seems to get the worst astrological rap at all, it always brings with it opportunity – a chance to go back and fix what may have been overlooked or is no longer serving you. It’s a chance to go back, to be kind to yourself, to rewind. So seize the opportunity to make some changes in your life, be a little patient, and realize that no matter craziness the universe is always unfolding as it should.
Have a few more questions on what this Mercury Retrograde has in store for you? Book a reading or healing session with one our talented practitioners anytime – we’re here to help you on your journey. See you soon!