Mercury is Retrograde

July 2, 2007

Last week, I went from Friday to Monday without Internet service. My printer at home didn't work. The Internet went out again Wednesday night until Thursday night. So, I am sitting next to this lady at a seminar and we are talking about some of the bad news going down in the Shreveport area--Minden girl dying in car accident, LSUS guy suicide, blackout in New York, etc. I say that I think the planets are out of alignment. It just so happens, she says, that Mercury is retrograde. I had heard this before; it was a Becker episode. She goes to the Peace of Mind Center and is heavy into astrology. She said Mercury rules thinking and perception, disseminating information and all means of communication. Also: commerce, education, transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, writers, orators, commentators, critics, gossips, spin doctors, teachers, travelers, tricksters and thieves. Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, trains.

I look it up when I get back to work, and in fact Mercury turns retrograde three times a year, according to www.astrology.com. Mercury will straighten out July 24 (it's been retrograde since June 15), but then we have Venus and Mars to worry about.

Retrograde is when a planet appears to go backwards through the Zodiac. It is not wise to make important decisions while Mercury is in this formation since these decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Home businesses are particularly susceptible to communication breakdown. People will be much more moody and emotional problems will give rise to digestive upsets. This period brings traffic snafus and missed appointments. Documents can go astray.

Venus goes retrograde July 27 until Sept. 8. Venus turns retrograde only once every 18 months. Venus, the goddess of love, rules feelings and emotions, aesthetics and tastes, fashions and all forms of desire, money and wealth. In Venus retrograde, our visual sensibilities are reduced. We dress with less flair and colors seem muted. Don't purchase clothes and jewlery, change makeup or hairstyle. Redecorating or refurbishing homes should be avoided. This is not the best time to get married or give big parties. Was Venus retrograde on May 3, 2003? Venus rules diplomacy so slowdowns in all sorts of negotiations can be expected, including industrial disputes, legal issues and diplomatic endeavors.

As for Mars, mark down Nov. 15 through Jan. 30. Mars turns retrograde only once every two years and two months. The god of warriors rules physical energy and efforts, the physical force that drives your ego and risk taking inclinations. Mars retrograde can mean accidents, injuries, warfare and other forms of violence.