TOOLKIT: Mercury Retrograde and its Hidden Treasures

Mercury, the planet of communication and all things mechanical, officially moves into retrograde today and will appear to be spinning backwards until February 28th. Depending on your astrological chart, you may experience the effects of retrograde sooner and longer than usually stated. For example, last week I got into two different tense "disagreements" that seemed to come out of nowhere. I even posted on my Facebook page, after the second incident, "Mercury must be going into retrograde." Of course, I was correct. 

The most common piece of advice for this time is to avoid making any large purchases and signing any new contracts, and to be prepared and aware of various forms of miscommunication (think missed appointments, failed contracts, etc). These are all true, but there are some other elements to retrograde are worth mentioning for the benefits they provide.

• Double and triple check. If you were already in talks, or working on a project before retrograde ( I usually say at least three weeks prior) contracts and negotiations can effectively continue. The key is to pay close attention to everything you write, say and do. Regardless of how long you have been working on a project, communication can still be affected by retrograde, so tread thoughtfully.


• Use this time to look back and reflect. I see this as a good time to quiet things down and review what has happened. You may find things to improve upon once you have looked at what you have already accomplished. Susan Miller says the words beginning with "re-" are key during retrograde. Consider re-connecting with old rituals and practices, hobbies and people. Retrograde does not have to be all gloom and doom. You can find all sorts of forgotten treasures in looking back.


• Get rid of old stuff. Clear out the clutter, old clothes, negative thoughts, etc. Since you are already looking back, apply this to your physical and mental space as well. If it no longer serves you, release it. I find that this is a great time to rearrange my personal space. The results usually increase my energy and productivity.


• Don't forget your tools. You are equipped in your awareness.  Use the knowledge you have on Mercury Retrograde to your advantage. Think of it as foresight that allows you to navigate around potential misunderstandings and conflicts and to minimize blowback. 

The key to managing Mercury Retrograde is patience and thoughtfulness. Allow room for errors, don't take responses or a lack thereof personally, and use this time to sort and discard.  By seeing the beauty that retrograde can be, you can use a time dreaded by so many as a springboard to get ahead. Let me know how it goes.

IA

02.05.14: Don't ignore the triggers (Meditation Message)

The signs are all there. You are bothered by long-standing issues that are currently making their way to the surface. Don't ignore how you feel, instead face the feelings head on. What is really bothering you? Write it down, speak it into a voice recorder, share with a confidant. Once you give voice to a thing, it becomes easier to deal with and less of a danger to your productivity.

02.01.14: Remember to breathe (Meditation Message)

Things feel closed in at the moment because there is so much happening at one time. The feeling that life is claustrophobic is not lost on your guides. Breathe. In those moments, remember that you are suited for what lies ahead. Envision wide open spaces as you inhale and exhale. If you can, go outside and with arms outstretched breathe in the clean fresh air. Say a prayer of thanks for breath and then move along with the immediate concerns. Here is a mantra to assist: (Inhale) "I am here and I am present." (Exhale) "Spirit guides show me the way."

01.30.14: Action over thought (Meditation Message)

You are spending too much time thinking and as a result, work is not getting done. Going over the steps repeatedly in your mind can be a great visualization technique, but if you are not careful you will get stuck. The time for action is now. If you think to yourself, I need to call someone, then do it. Your guides are trying to propel you in the right direction. Direct action is the key for today. (Please note that this does not apply to any thoughts or actions that would lead to the physical, emotional, verbal or mental abuse of another living thing. If you are having dark thoughts seek help immediately.)

01.28.14: Turn off the noise (Meditation Message)

The distractions are many and as the world continues to devour itself in news stories and social media, you are losing touch with the truth. The 'noise' that results pushes you further from your path. It is time to turn down the noise by removing yourself from the very things used to create it ( television, radio, facebook, Twitter, etc). Sit in quiet for a few minutes, establish your day in your mind and then go, focused on what needs to be done. Use this mantra to assist: "The noise is off and I am present. I walk in conscious power and complete the tasks at hand."

01.27.14: Meditation Message: Ear to your heart

Listen to your heart. The answers are always within. You must release the distrust and disregard with which you treat yourself, forgive your past mistakes and start trusting your heart now. With renewed dedication, you can begin again. You can handle what is before you.

01.26.14: Meditation Message

They have cleared the way. If things have "fallen through", been canceled or just have never come to fruition, do not worry. Your guides are clearing the way so that you can work on the necessary projects. Do not succumb to disappointment or despair because a once sure thing is no longer. Instead, accept and trust that the door that has closed has in fact freed you up for something that requires your immediate attention. Be aware and use your time wisely now to avoid self loathing and regret later.

Meditation Message: 01.24.14

Carve out time for self-reflection today. What do you need? Ask for help from your guides and they will provide. Don't worry or allow negative thoughts to take root. The day's outcome will depend on your inner thoughts.

Meditation Message: 01.23.14

Stop comparing. Your need to compare comes from a place of ego and not of love. Instead of looking to what others are doing, invoke your abilities within. You have gifts and talents in abundance, but you fear the responsibility that comes with their use. Trust your instincts and your guides. Go forward and be who you truly are.

Meditation Message: 01.22.14

Time to unplug and move away from distractions. You have work to do. Don't waste precious time sitting idle. Take a break from social media, Netflix, Hulu, You Tube, etc. Suggestion: Write in your own hand first, instead of typing things out to start. Projects can be completed in record time with your undivided attention. Allow your Guides to show you the way.