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Retrogrades
Are More Than Meet the Eye
Our planetary neighborhood is such a magical place! As we circle the
Sun along with all the other planets, each planet periodically appears
to stop and then reverse direction in the sky. This is called “retrograde
motion.”
Astronomers are concerned with observing the mechanical movements
of the planets. Astrologers, however, delve deeper, studying how planetary
movements synchronize with human behavior.
Mercury,
the swiftest of all the planets, retrogrades for approximately three
weeks every four months. When it changes its apparent direction it
feels like you are riding in a speeding car and the driver just slammed
on the brakes. You can't help but notice and react. The repetitive
retrograde cycle of Mercury is one of the most obvious of all the
cosmic patterns.
Machines
and Computers Too?
For many of us, it’s a leap from our scientific training to acknowledge
that planetary movements really affect our lives. It may even be harder
to accept that machines, especially computers, are also affected.
During
Mercury retrograde periods, it’s especially important to keep your
computer backups current. Think through any software upgrades very
carefully, and always keep a path back to the previous version, just
in case. Even cars, copiers, telephones and fax machines seem more
susceptible to breakdowns and quirky problems during this period.
Do
these machines respond to the planets, or is it that we drive a little
harder or hit the copier button faster and more often? Before judging
this question too quickly, be aware that the Engineering Department
at Princeton University has produced some pretty amazing research
results showing that human thoughts can and do influence logic in
computer chips!
Ancient
Lore and Superstitions…
Astrologically, Mercury represents our minds, our thinking process
and all aspects of communication. Traditionally, Mercury retrogrades
are not the best of times for communication-related activities. Ancient
texts warn us not to sign contracts while the Winged Messenger is
running backwards in the heavens.
We are
advised that communications of all types may go haywire for the entire
Mercury retrograde period. Letters can get lost in the mail, phone
calls get missed, conversations are misunderstood, travel can be delayed
and things generally fall apart at the seams. You may think that this
is the way life is all the time, but once you start to track Mercury
“retros,” you will see recurring patterns that demonstrate that this
ancient lore may actually be true!
A
Blast from the Past
As Mercury is appearing to move backward, it’s almost like a whirlpool
of time that reverses direction. Of course, time does not move backward,
but we are often reminded of things or people from our past. Watch
for those phone calls or emails from someone who has fallen out of
your life.
Another
telling characteristic of a Mercury retrograde is when an old friend,
lover or acquaintance returns suddenly into our lives. Coincidences
happen that bring something back into your life, even if it was from
only a couple of months ago. Time doesn’t stop. It doesn’t reverse.
But, if you ‘re looking for a good time to reconnect with someone
or something this could be your chance to try again.
In
Your Life…
So,
watch your communication lines. Pay attention if things seem to be
moving too fast. Don’t sign that contract without reading it carefully.
Then read it again before signing. Review plans. Revisit completed
jobs. Reconsider decisions made. Reorganize your desk or files. Reevaluate
your life. You don’t necessarily have to do anything different, just
pay attention to how your mind is working and take care of those loose
ends that need attention at this time.
Mercury
Retrograde: A Modern Look
An
Interview with the Messenger
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