The Mercury Retrograde has become quite the popular excuse for our misfortunes, lack of common sense, or saying things we don't mean. Mercury is the planet that represents intelligence, communication, and speed. Mercury was also the messenger of the gods, thought of as a facile, sharp-witted entertainer. While Mercury Retrograde has become the scapegoat for many of our misgivings, here are a few things NOT to expect while Mercury is in Retrograde.Mercury does NOT actually travel backwards Mercury has points in its orbit whereby the Earth is traveling faster. As the Earth passes Mercury, it looks as though Mercury is moving backwards. If you've ever driven a car alongside a train you know what I mean: as you move forward, the train, though still moving forward as well, appears to be moving backwards as the Earth passes by it. This is simply an optical illusion, as everything in the universe is always moving forwards, in circles.
You will NOT become an emotional mess
Mercury is the planet of intelligence, communication, and speed. Mercury isn't a sentimental planet. Concerned with facts and common sense, the planet isn't interested in matters of heart as it is in matters of business and communication. Conversation may be difficult during a Mercury Retrograde, but you will not immediately become a pile of sludge on the couch eating ice cream and watching romantic comedies while sobbing about the one that got away.
You will NOT be rendered useless and stupid Mercury may represent intelligence, but that doesn't mean you will lose all of that intelligence during a retrograde. Sure, you might stumble over your knowledge and need to check facts a couple times, you may even be humiliated if you say the wrong thing, but Mercury Retrograde will not render you stupid. This is a time when Mercury is moving slower and Earth is moving faster, meaning you need to think before you speak. This isn't a bad thing, just an unpleasant annoyance.
You will NOT forget your goals in lifeMercury Retrograde may be the scapegoat for impulsive decisions and irrational purchases, but that is the extent of it. A Mercury Retrograde might make you buy something exorbitantly expensive, but it will NOT be the catalyst for a divorce, major job change, moving to a new city or country, or joining the circus. You can rest assured that even though communication and intelligence are moving slower than usual, everything in the big picture will not be affected.
You will NOT make a groundbreaking discoveryMercury is the planet of speed and communication, and while some people during Mercury Retrogrades feel the ever-pressing need to complete their goals, the simple answer is that most will not. For one, Mercury is only in retrograde for a period of three weeks, three times a year, and each time it tends to slow things down. You may think you're making a groundbreaking discovery and when Mercury goes direct you may find that the decisions you made were in error. It may in fact lead you to redoing your work, or repairing a broken relationship. Be sure to understand that you probably won't pick the winning lotto numbers just because Mercury is retrograde.
Always remember that while the sky has an influence on us, we always retain our free will and the power to choose our own fates and destinies.
Here are the dates for this year's Mercury Retrogrades:
February 6th – February 28th in Pisces, then Aquarius
June 7th to July 2nd in Cancer, then Gemini
October 4th to 25th in Scorpio, then Libra
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