Article by Ocienie (intuitive)
Understanding Mercury Retrograde
Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun in our Solar System. Then there is Venus and then our planet Earth. The planet Mercury makes a complete revolution around the sun in 88 days (precisely 87,969).
Three times a year, Mercury goes retrograde. A retrograde is an illusionary effect of a planet moving backward. This is from our earthly perspective because all planets cycle forward at their unique rhythm at all times. During its retrograde, Mercury is closer to Earth which explains the retrograde effect. You know when you are in a train and looking accross the window you see this other train on another track, it creates an illusion effect. There is a moment when you don’t really know which one is moving or in which way.
Each time there is also the moment before and after where the illusion is initiated and completed, it is called stationary because from our point of view it seems like Mercury is not moving. It’s the train effect: going at the same speed side by side, the person sitting in the other train seems to be sitting next to you.
An illusion is created by the proximity of the two planets and we call it a retrograde.
And each time it’s enlightening.
When an illusion of our reality is created it unveils some truth. Let’s observe the fog lifting to offer us a clearer view of the panorama or the torrential rain stopping and allowing us to see further. This illusion effect can be observed in many ways in our nature’s life.
Let’s observe the planet Mercury:
Mercury refers to the messenger god. It is also the god of the merchants, the travelers and the tricksters in Roman mythology. In Greek mythology, we find it under the name of Hermes.
Astrology is inspired by mythology and sees Mercury as the planet of communication. It is associated with our communication tools as well. Mercury is ruled by Gemini ♊. I chat about Gemini in the June article and about Gemini and the element of air in this article.
When Mercury is retrograde, it is a moment to assess how we communicate. The illusion of the retrograde reflects itself in our ways of communication. It can be how we relate to ourselves, how we interact with the others and how we use our technology.
Remember that all comes from our center. So what is seen outside is a reflection of your inside. The base of our communication is within ourselves.
Do I listen to myself?
During Mercury retrograde, life will make sure that we listen. It will create events to catch our attention. For example, your phone or computer will act weirdly. It is not supposed to annoy you, it is behaving this way to send you a message.
Read the signs.
The retrograde effect can also be seen in our relationships. Maybe communication or meetings are delayed, maybe they are canceled, whatever the reasons, be attentive to your inner message.
Communication is also with spirit. Nature talks to us in its own language. What is in front of you is the answer to your situation. Listen.
Communication is our way of connecting.
Discover here my vision of what is communication.
A Mercury retrograde is not to be feared or seen as a negative time. Life’s purpose is not to bring you down or make you feel bad. Life guides you to step into your higher self. We are being led to evolve. If you feel tricked, see the bright side and receive the message to lift the illusion.
So when Mercury is retrograde, I let if flow and observe what life wants to tell me. I listen and act accordingly.
A Mercury retrograde is a playful time.
It’s fun to play with the flow of life!
Mercury retrograde in 2020:
- February 17th – March 10th
- June 18th – July 7th
- October 14th – November 11th
I wish you to play with what is.
Enjoy now.
I love you,
Océanie
Ocienie is an intuitive reader and guide. She is now my referred reader for tarot and oracles as I am no longer reading. Grab a reading here
Warm Blessings
Megan
Megan Jackson runs meditation and yoga retreats for women’s healing. She has been immersed in spiritual practice and study for 15 years, living it fully, with humility and compassion as her backbones for progress. She lives a quiet life reflecting on the dharma, being with nature and helping others who are wanting change, transformation or spiritual wisdom.
Join her on the Meditation, healing and Yoga retreat in Bali 2020