Times are really tough right now—the economy is tanking, we’re losing housing, the war is lingering, and everyone is overworked and overwhelmed. This has been going on for months, but doesn’t it feel like things are even more turbulent than usual?
Maybe you can’t put your finger on why this feeling of foreboding seems to be stronger than ever, but the stars might have the answer—its name is Mercury … and it’s going into retrograde.
Even if you don’t buy the whole astrology thing, I’m sure you’ve noticed times when everything is just “off” and despite your best intentions, everything that can go wrong does. I think back to the 2000 U.S. presidential election as one of these times—the abysmal failure of the voting process in Florida, the seemingly incomprehensible outcome, the lack of democracy’s reality when Gore won the popular vote, but lost the election. Obviously, there were many contributing factors in this snafu, but one interesting factor? It all happened at the peak of retrograde Mercury.
Represented by the winged messenger in Greek mythology, Mercury governs transportation and communication. While no planets actually go backward, there are certain times when planets appear to go backward; this is retrograde and it happens about to Mercury about three times a year. Mercury in retrograde is characterized by misunderstandings, confusion, and indecision.
Massive Miscommunication
You might not get an important letter or bill. You could send an email that is completely misinterpreted. Your cell phone could die in the middle of an important conversation. Personal communication can suffer—lovers may not be able to express themselves, and misunderstandings can lead to hurt feelings. Watch what you say and what you write—people will be extra sensitive. Don’t finalize a breakup at this time; you and your lover are not able to effectively communicate.
Transportation Breakdown
Expect glitches with any kind of travel. Flights may be cancelled; buses might not show up. These problems occur when one slight detail or crucial piece of information goes awry. You may miss an appointment or sit in an agonizing traffic jam. Machinery is also affected by Mercury’s retrograde—don’t be surprised if your DVD player, computer, or washing machine breaks. Allow extra time for travel, wait to make major repairs, and be prepared to be frustrated.
