Mercury Retrograde
How to minimise its impact.

As the popularity of astrology has grown over recent years, certain phrases have become part of our day-to-day vocabulary.  And top of the list of these is "Mercury retrograde" referring to the period, usually of three weeks and two days or so, when Mercury appears to travel backwards through the sky and through our Zodiac.

Each year three complete Mercury retrograde cycles usually occur and each cycle is generally recognised as a period during which we all have to be more careful about day-to-day communications, travel and negotiations since Mercury is of course linked to the messenger of the gods and is the planet that governs all forms of communication.

So if Mercury is reversing or moving backwards does it mean that we will all be taking one step forwards and two steps back, ourselves, especially in terms of getting from one place to the other, engaging in worthwhile, productive discussions or completing all manner of written material?

As is so often the case in this type of area, the answer is Yes and No.  During a Mercury retrograde phase – or at the approach of one – we should check to see whether it's about to coincide with something of particular importance with regard to letters, e-mails, events, phone-calls, contracts or any form of travel. If so, it's worth making doubly sure that absolutely everything is in place to ensure successful transactions.  And although it might seem laborious to check and double-check prices, timetables, agreements and the small print time and again, it can pay off.

Looking ahead, the third and final Mercury retrograde phase of 2008 occurs between the 24th September and 15th October, when Mercury will be making its way through Libra.  Broadly speaking, if ever there were a time for us all to be more attentive and nurturing as far as our close relationships and the people we love are concerned, it's during this Mercury retrograde cycle.   And of course it's possible to interpret more specifically how those born under each sign might be affected and should try to respond by observing the relationship between each Zodiac sign and retrograde Mercury in Libra.

In 2009 the Mercury retrograde phases are January 11th to February 1st; May 7th to May 31st; and September 7th to September 29th;  with another beginning on December 26th and finishing on January 15th 2010.   Nearer the time it will be possible on this site to see a sign-by-sign guide of how retrograde Mercury is likely to impact on you and those you care for.

More of Peter's writing here.