Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

Phases of the Moon, as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. The Southern hemisphere will see a mirror image of this phase. (Source:Wikipedia)

 

Hello, everyone.

Mercury Retrograde!

This week starts off with Mercury coming to a standstill on Monday and then reversing direction for three weeks, the Mercury Retrograde period.  Of course no planet actually stands still, nor moves backwards across the sky.  But from our vantage point on earth we perceive that the planets change direction across the backdrop of the fixed stars behind them.  It has to do with the relative speed and motion of our earth as compared to the planet.

Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information, and communication, commerce, education and transportation. Retrograde Mercury gets a bad rap in astrological lore because the three week period is associated with mechanical breakdowns, communication snafus, and transportation delays.  Industries ruled by Mercury are especially vulnerable at this time, such as sales, writing, public relations, advertising, publishing, the post office, or the transportation industry.

 But what is the deeper meaning of the retrograde period and how can we use it to advantage in our business?

Mercury retrograde is a time to revisit and retrieve everything we’ve glossed over or managed to forget during the preceding 88 days.  It is an opportunity to increase our awareness, to backtrack and reconsider, repair, and reflect. It is a time we slow down and fix whatever is broken, whether unresolved issues from the past, personal misunderstandings, unfair trade negotiations, or glitches with phones, computers, or transportation. 

It’s a wonderful time for financial analysis of prior periods and for employee reviews.  For salesmen, it’s a great time to get in touch with prior contacts and leads that have gone cold, although not great for establishing new relationships.  It’s also a great time to bring your resume or portfolio up to date and to clean out your desk.  Be sure to back up your data regularly during this period.

It’s not a good time to make important decisions unless you’re just confirming a decision that was already in motion before the period, because there is a tendency for misinformation and poor communication during this time.  It’s not a good time for travel, unless you enjoy long  uninterrupted working time in airports.  It’s unwise to sign contracts, but if you must, pay attention to the small print!  Be extremely vigilant in your communications, and review twice before you hit send!

Venus Jupiter Opposition

On Friday Venus in Leo opposes Jupiter in Aquarius.  This refers to a time of dramatic gestures and overindulgence. Our good judgment could be overrun by our desires.  Watch for over-ordering, overpaying, and general extravagance.  Confidence and exuberance is usually a good thing but on Friday overconfidence could lead to unfulfilled promises the next week.  With Venus in Leo there’s a party-like atmosphere and with Jupiter in Aquarius a desire to socialize with large groups of like-minded people.  So have some fun.  Just don’t pay too much for something, and live to regret it after the weekend. Especially with Mercury Retrograde, read the fine print!

As always, watch for the effects of any of these transits and let me know what you notice in the comments section below.