Mercury
Retrograde - Cosmic Curse or Conscious Change ?
Mention the
dreaded words ‘Mercury Retrograde’, and avid readers
of ‘popular’ astrology (found in most newspapers
and magazines) groan in despair. After all, if past experience
is anything to go by, all they have to look forward to is chaos
and confusion as computers crash, negotiations encounter setbacks,
mail goes missing, appointments get cancelled and all modes
of transportation are prone to glitches! No wonder people brace
themselves, seemingly helpless against an invisible ‘enemy’!
Is this some kind of cosmic curse that has to be endured periodically,
or can we find a magic vaccine to inoculate ourselves against
its unpleasant effects? The answer to both these questions
is NO.
I
believe the Universe has a plan for each one of us - to help
empower and fulfil us as we journey through the maze of life.
In its infinite wisdom, it has chosen certain ‘symbols’ to
help guide our way and to keep us on track, should we stray.
From an astrological point of view, these ‘symbols’ are
represented by the planets - each planet embodying a particular life-
principle or need.
The
planet Mercury symbolises our intellect - our rational, analytical
thinking process our ability to understand, make sense of,
and give meaning to our world. It represents the process by
which we are able to make conscious decisions based on evaluation
and logic. Mercury represents not only how we think, but also
our ability to communicate those thoughts and ideas in a variety
of ways.
About
3 times a year, due to the different speeds of the Earth and
Mercury, it appears as if Mercury is going backwards (retrograde).
During this time (lasting about 3 weeks), Mercury gives us
a very important message. It signals us to be less focused
on ‘outward’ communication and more focused on
contemplation and introspection. It is an invitation to move
temporarily away from understanding the world, and shift our
attention to understanding ourselves! What an opportunity to
re-evaluate the beliefs, values and opinions we’ve held
on to so tightly! Are they still important to us? Do they truly
reflect who we are today and who we want to become? Have we
been living by our own beliefs or did we adopt the values of
our parents and society? Much of our current mind-set and belief-system
was formed at a very young age, before we were capable of logical,
rational thinking. Are we ready to review and modify those
beliefs?
How
else can we optimise this period of Retrogradation? We can
clear our mental clutter by completing projects we just never
got around to finishing, and which continue to clamour for
attention. We can experiment with creative writing or
take a short course on a topic that’s always fascinated
us. Anything that increases an awareness of the connection
between the mind and body such as meditation or yoga is most
beneficial. If unresolved issues from the past surface at this
time, (part of the old mind-set) that’s Mercury Retrograde’s
way of telling us it’s time to 'let go'. Counselling
and therapy will help facilitate the release.
Mercury
has an effect on all modes of communication as well as transportation.
During this time when mental clarity is not at it’s sharpest,
it is easy to overlook small but important details. It’s
a good time to plan ahead, but if those plans have a long-term
effect, wait until Mercury resumes its normal motion
before putting those plans into action. It’s important
to take steps to back up computer data and be flexible in how
we organise our time. Although making constructive use of this
time will not guarantee there will be no disruptions, there
will, however, be more conscious awareness of the reasons behind
the disruptions, and therefore more tolerance towards ourselves
and any setbacks. The more we resist going with the 'flow',
the more problems we seem to encounter.
The
mind is one of our most valuable and powerful assets, but as
we know only too well, any asset that isn’t used properly
has the potential to become a great liability. Mercury is in
retrograde motion from the beginning of October till the 23rd.
Let us fasten our seat belts and enjoy the roller coaster ride!
-As
appeared in the Women's Business Network newsletter, October
2001 . |
