Mercury, oh Mercury…
This week marks our friendly planet of communication, Mercury, finally coming out of retrograde and going direct.
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For the non-astrologers in the room, three to four times a year, Mercury appears to be moving backwards or retrograde. To be clear, Mercury is not really moving backwards, it just appears to. In essence, it is an optical illusion. However, astrologically speaking, the impacts of a planet in retrograde are not an illusion.
Mercury rules communication, information, and how we think and express ourselves. When Mercury goes retrograde it often gets blamed for causing all manner of issues. Computer issues, contract disputes, mechanical failures, disagreements—these are all issues associated within the sphere of
Mercury’s influence.
Not everything weird or problematic that happens during its retrograde can be blamed on Mercury though. Astrologically, each person’s chart is almost as individually distinct as a fingerprint. How Mercury and when it is retrograde will impact a person depends on where it is in their birth or natal chart. Folks born when Mercury was retrograde will often have fewer issues during a retrograde than those who were not.
Regardless of where Mercury is within a person’s natal chart, there are some good ways to use the energy of a retrograde and sidestep potential issues.
Sometimes, the periods when Mercury is either moving in or out of a retrograde can be more intense. This is known as the shadow phase of its path and comprises roughly 10 days on either side of the retrograde.
Mercury in retrograde is a good reminder to carefully consider our words before we speak—this is a good habit to cultivate no matter what Mercury is doing! During a retrograde any activity that begins with or that you can place an re- in front of is supported. E.g. relax, renew, re-evaluate, restore, rethink, etc.
As Mercury stations direct and while the energy may still be a tad volatile, it is a great time to plan for action to be taken once the shadow phase is completed.
(Pictured: Annie Relaxing in the Cat Lounge)
Magically speaking, there are number of crystals, herbs, and colors associated with the god Mercury/Hermes for whom the planet is named. Calcite, clear quartz, citrine, and kyanite are some of the gemstones associated and used for Mercury. When it comes to colors, silver, yellow, and even green and light blue have an association. The herbs most commonly used are lavender, peppermint, sage, saffron, and thyme.
Of course, as the saying goes, ask 10 Witches and get 10 different answers! Folks who work directly with Mercury/Hermes will all likely have their own specific associations and substances they prefer.
Whatever your focus might be it is good to remember that Mercury rules communication, our ability to think and understand, as well as the ability to adapt to shifts and changes. Another good reminder is that no matter what the astrological aspect is, there is a way to work with it in ways that help us grow and become our more authentic selves.
And last but not least, if you are not sure what you want or need the one thing we can always recommend is coming and spending time in the Black Cat Lounge! If you are looking to contemplate, de-stress, or relax what could possibly better than hanging out with 12 furry felines who all have their own interpretations of how to cope with Mercury—retrograde or direct!
(Pictured: Bowie, Photo taken by Raven Sinclair)