A TEMPORARY STRUGGLE...
Here we are yet again grappling with miscommunication, delay and setback “clusters”! The frustration among my clients, friends and family is palpable during these transits and we are called upon to have more patience and compassion with ourselves and others. This is a time to “Let go and let God” so to speak! Mercury is known as the Messenger.
Mercury Retrograde occurs approximately 4 times a year lasting 5 weeks comprehensively. The “shadow period”, or the week prior to the Retrograde Station (April 1 - April 8) begin the most intense manifestations of every retrograde. During the week following the direct station of Mercury (May 3rd) we breathe a sigh of relief as issues slowly resolve themselves and we are able to move forward with more confidence. The actual retrograde encompasses a solid 3 week period bringing the shift to a comprehensive 5 week roller coaster ride!
The second Mercury Retrograde of the year hits on April 9, 2017 at 4 degrees in the earth sign of Taurus. Unfortunately, there are a few negative aspects to this retrograde station so issues revolving around communication, technology and the implementation of ideas will be most challenging. Additionally, a number of fixed stars are being activated in hard aspect (conjunction, square and opposition) so the potential “bumps” are expanded into world events. News and alternative media will be super dramatic (nothing new in this political climate!) but issues of child abduction, the environment, gossip (more fake news/misleading information) and chemical weapons may take center stage.
As Mercury goes retrograde in Taurus, very little is accomplished. Venus rules Taurus. Venus is the planet of love, art and finance. Plans go haywire, feeling stressed and emotionally drained is unavoidable and financial strains take center stage. Do not act on confusion or mixed messages in romantic relationships. Efforts put into completing tasks are thwarted while communication in personal and professional arenas take a beating. Some people will deal with computers on the fritz or cell phone issues which frustrate as they are such important communication tools! There can be delays in transportation so give your self plenty of time to get places.
About 25% of us are born with Natal Mercury Retrograde in our astrological profile. I know from experience (I was born with Mercury Retrograde) that it tends to soften some of the more difficult manifestations of the retrograde while making someone more reflective but also even out of sync with the perception of reality. People, ideas, or buried insights that are keys to moving forward can float to the surface now so file those away until Mercury goes direct.
THE GOOD NEWS!
The best way to mitigate the adverse effects of the current Mercury Retrograde is to take precautions and slow down. Back up computer files and cell phone content. Avoid signing important documents or forming partnerships or alliances formally (contracts) until Mercury is direct. Use this time to prepare for an important business meeting, interview or public performance while cultivating patience when important events are delayed or cancelled altogether. It just wasn’t the right time for it anyway! The universe is on your side always, please remember this. Take a break from pushing anything into completion and breathe deeply. Again, be patient with others and most importantly with yourself. Waiting until Mercury goes direct in fiery Aries on May 3rd to implement all plans in 3D and communicate vital information is best advised as the mind clears, delays are lifted and you are able to accomplish more than before the retrograde with a new and more thorough perspective. You are given a huge blast of energy with the planet Mars (ruler of Aries) pushing you forward! The dust clears, the fog is lifted and the best laid plans are supported to go full steam ahead!
Sending you many blessings for a well-navigated Mercury Retrograde!