Mercury in Retrograde

In case you don't know already, Mercury, one of our dear planet friends, has gone into retrograde...again.  This phenomenon, which occurs three times this year (February 6-28, June 7-July 2, October 4-25), is known for causing communicative confusion and all-around uncharacteristic sloppiness.  Mercury is hanging out around the sun, looking to us humans as though it's going backwards, and it's playing all sorts of tricky games with our lives (trust me--we here at Moth Bird are experiencing it, too!).  Missed flights, misread emails...yup, welcome to retrograde season!
All that being said, though, Mercury's period of "backwardness" doesn't need to be entirely bad and chaotic.  Here are a few bits of knowledge from some of our favorite online astrology experts:

 Don’t purchase any big ticket items, because they will often have flaws or issues that you weren’t aware of! Of course, life doesn’t stop just because of wacky planetary movement, so if you absolutely have to get that car, computer or iPhone, TRIPLE-check all the paperwork, and make sure you have a warranty!

 Take things with a grain of salt. Everyone is a bit confused, and people are much more inclined to change their mind once Mercury goes direct. Mercury can be a bit of a trickster — could it be that the next few weeks are a big karmic joke?!

 Read the small print on any contracts. Ask lots of questions. Again, you can’t put your life on hold just because of some silly planet, but adapt your lifestyle a bit so that things run more smoothly. Communication can be a mess right now, but do your best to get as much information as you can.

-Gala of Gala Darling

 

 So how not to have a nervous breakdown? Focus on the prefix re-, which means to go backward. Don’t start anything new. Review all your contracts before you sign. Renew your commitments, rather than making new ones. Prepare to repeat yourself often. It’s like learning a new dance. Or something.

Note to all 21st-century dwellers: Mercury retrograde can crash electronic equipment. Back up your computer, calendar and cell phone address book. Expect delays if traveling, and pack a book to entertain yourself while you wait for the tardy bus or plane. Get in touch with old friends – and don’t be surprised if people from your past track you down. You might hear from the most RANDOM ex-boyfriends and childhood classmates during retrogrades. Mercury also rules contracts, so think before you ink. Either wrap up important negotiations before the cycle starts, or wait to sign documents until Mercury goes direct.

-Tali and Ophira of Astrostyle

Retrogrades can create some serious confusion. It also causes indecision. You may notice things getting lost and luck may seem to be against you. In fact, mercury retrograde can be seen as the planetary manifestation of Murphy's Law. Meaning that it can feel as if everything that can go wrong.... Is going wrong. It is famous for causing delays and postponements in all areas of life and this feeling of fighting upstream can lead to a sensation of severe restlessness and frustration. Mercury also particularly effects a lot of industries like publishing, writing, editing, advertising, sales, public relations & anything to do with transport, like airlines, the post office & cabs so if you have to interact with any of these industries, you can expect some mix ups to occur.

 -Just Channeling

 Overall, friends, don't take anything too personally, be wary of signing contracts or making big commitments, and, if you're going somewhere, expect some unexpected delays.  But also let go of your anxieties and just go with the flow.  Fighting and resisting Mercury will get you nowhere, and know that this time of confusion is both temporary and also wrought with opportunities for good things to happen.  Work on unfinished projects!  Let yourself breathe! We're doing our best to do the same.

<3 Frances