Mercury is retrograde today, until it turns direct June 19. Neptune is retrograde today too. Tomorrow the waning half moon will move into Pisces. The planet Mercury is the planetary muse of communication (and thought and travel). It is close to the earth and so we humans feel the effects of its retrograde period in pronounced ways. Mercury governs all things that deal with communication, such as listening, sharing, travel, phones, computers, and other such technologies. When Mercury retrogrades for three weeks several times a year, these communication technologies often break down, communication with friends and lovers can become sticky, and travel plans may come to a halt. It is a time when many get more parking or speeding tickets than usual, some miscommunications arise, and people literally trip and fall.
The message that Mercury offers us is... slow down. Take your time. Don't get in a rush or you may trip, or get a ticket. Or miss your flight anyway. So let Mercury retrograde be a reminder to ease up on your fast pace, your frantic scurry. Play "Slow Ride" on your ipod (if it still works today) and take it easy. For the next three weeks, let Mercury create a cosmic coffee break for you. Rushing around and forcing communication is going against the flow. Use this time to be quiet, to enjoy silence, listen to nature, listen to your own guidance and intuition. Send people blessings just by thinking of them.
During Mercury retrograde, the Kula and I focus on reviewing. We focus on reviewing, renewing, revisioning. All the re we can do in honor of retrograde. So for homework, review something that you already know, but spend some extra time thinking about it, feeling it, journaling about it. How about ... First Principle.... Open to Grace. Review what it means to you.
Some practical advice to always think about for Mercury retrograde:
Drive and walk slowly. Pay extra attention to those those drivers and bikers that don't know Mercury is retrograde. Back up your computer! Try to avoid signing contracts or making really big decisions until after Mercury goes direct. Wait to make big purchases. Give yourself extra time to get there - to appointments, at the airport, etc. Don't take miscommunications personally. Be quiet more often than usual.