The Lessons of the Past Continue
Challenges and Opportunities – Mercury Retrograde
As I shared in December, Mercury retrograde is an astrological phenomenon where the planet appears to move backward from our perspective on Earth. However, this is just an illusion; in reality, Mercury slows down.
This retrograde happens every three months and is commonly associated with challenges in communication, misunderstandings, delays, and technological issues. The last time Mercury was retrograde was in December, in Capricorn. You can read my article from then to complement this.
It's often said that when Mercury is retrograde, everything goes wrong—Internet glitches, phones falling into toilets, gadgets breaking, and confusion in conversations. Has this happened to you?
As I was taught and have experienced, it doesn’t necessarily work that way. Mercury retrograde offers a period of reflection, review, and reassessment in areas related to communication, decision-making, and travel, particularly in the house where it appears in your natal chart.
The idea of this period is to go inward and observe what’s happening inside. If I do this inner work, I shouldn't face as many external problems. Mercury simply wants us to slow down and introspect.
Mercury Retrograde in Aries
This time, Mercury is retrograding in Aries. This combination can lead to communication challenges due to impulsiveness, individualism, and impatience. Being aware of these challenges is crucial to address them effectively. Otherwise, we might end up saying things we didn’t intend to and create conflicts that harm relationships.
The last time Mercury was retrograde in Aries was in March 2018. Similar challenges in communication, decision-making, and clarity may have arisen during that period. Reflecting on that time could provide insights into lessons learned and patterns to watch out for now.
We can revisit that period to see what was happening in our lives, what we learned, and whether unresolved issues could resurface.
The Impact of the Eclipse Season
Mercury retrograde in Aries coinciding with the eclipse season amplifies the energy and challenges we face. Eclipses typically bring significant changes and revelations, creating an atmosphere of chaos and transformation in our lives, especially in relationships.
When Mercury is retrograde, the past often resurfaces for us to review and finalize what was left unfinished. This is when “exes” or unfinished karmic relationships often reappear, allowing us to close old cycles.
Since eclipses mark endings, unresolved karmic relationships may return for closure, or relationships that end during this time may do so definitively.
Suggestions for Navigating the Energy
Here are some tips to align with this energy and make the most of it:
Meditate, breathe, and take time: Don’t rush during this period. Aries energy is impulsive and can lead us to say or do things we don’t want to. Spend time alone and in silence to reflect on situations before making decisions.
Practice patience: Stay calm and patient in the face of setbacks and misunderstandings. This will be key to avoiding unnecessary conflicts and maintaining inner peace. I’ll share an exercise on Instagram next week to help you manage your emotions.
Communicate clearly: Express yourself in a clear and direct manner to avoid confusion in your interactions. If you're unsure about something, ask until it’s crystal clear. Clear and empathetic communication resolves misunderstandings. You can also check out my articles on Nonviolent Communication here and here.
Pay attention to documents and travel: While signing contracts is generally advised against during Mercury retrograde, life goes on. Read everything carefully, clarify any ambiguities, and be extra cautious with travel documents to avoid losing anything.
Reflect and review: Use this time to reflect on past projects, make conscious decisions, and review your goals. Pay attention to any signs or people from the past reappearing; if they do, it’s because there’s something unfinished. If you don’t want to carry that cycle forward, take action. Eclipses clear the way!
Keep an open mind: Being receptive to new perspectives will help you adapt to the changes and challenges of this period. Mercury governs our mind and thoughts, so this is a great time to reset your view and embrace new possibilities.
I hope this is helpful as we navigate these uncomfortable times. Remember that conscious breathing always brings us back to the present moment—breathe deeply and return to your center.