Mercury Retrograde

In astrology, Mercury symbolizes thinking, learning, communication, and commerce. Three or four times a year, the planet goes retrograde — visually, it seems to change its course relative to the Earth and move backwards. Unfortunately — or fortunately — this constitutes another opportunity for us to temporarily change our track from the future to the past.

During this period, it may seem to you that the regular course of things is disrupted. It becomes increasingly difficult to process information, make decisions, and communicate. Your plans appear to fall apart, and equipment seems to get out of control. People born under the signs of Virgo and Gemini are especially susceptible to this sensation, because Mercury rules over these two signs. In the period from August 23 through September 15, it is not advisable to start any new business, look for work, sign any papers, buy appliances, make trips or even plan a vacation. However, these weeks are perfect for getting back to the stuff that you put aside a long time ago, especially any matters associated with education and training. You can also put your house in order, and the same is true for your closet and even some of your old projects. Any sort of adjustments made to plans, any work to eliminate errors and deal with shortcomings, will prove to be successful. You should be cautious in your communication, though: meet new people with great care and listen carefully to what others have to say. Reminders about mistakes from the past may be embedded in your conversations, and a person you talk to may wish to analyze their life. This is very good, because each spoken word will become an opportunity to learn a new lesson. If you have any concerns that Mercury retrograde could harm you in some important matters, use a good luck charm. The symbol of the planet is the caduceus — a staff with two snakes intertwined around it. Set this image as a screensaver on your phone or computer. You can also wear jewelry with a topaz, emerald, or aquamarine. And remember that the past is always with us, only to change things for the better in the present.