Tag Archive for: best mercury retrograde survival guide

Saturday & Sunday 5/29-30/2021: Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

Happy holiday weekend — here in the United States.

The last two days were driven by the Moon in Capricorn, needing to accomplish goals and Make Things Happen. I was in stitches in yoga class on Friday because our astro-logically tuned-in teacher really put us through our paces, all the while telling us how wonderful it was that we had done so many things!! Coincidence or conspiracy?

At 6:13 PM ET, Moon went void. Now is the time to chill, chill, chill — unless you happen to be an astrologer who is resolved to inform her Avid Readers that at 6:33 PM ET, Mercury turned retrograde at 24 Gemini, right on VP Kamala Harris’ Ascendant. Surely we’ll be hearing from her soon.

Contrary to popular belief, Mercury retrograde is no reason to freak out. Mercury retrograde gets a bad rap because we are geared, in this crazy modern age, to always be thinking, doing, moving FORWARD. You know what that gets you? BURN OUT. We need our down times, and Mercury retrograde is a perfect time to give our minds a rest. Why else would your computer, phone and/or car choose THIS time to malfunction? Because you are supposed to be slowing down. And as you slow down, it is vitally important that you FOCUS.

When Mercury is retrograde, be prepared for travel delays, scheduling screw-ups, mechanical breakdowns, computer crashes, having to repeat what you’ve just said, misunderstandings, the past coming back for a second look, surprise reunions and having to repeat what you just said. Use your FOCUS and double-check important details, like whether the restaurant you’ve chosen for a meet-up is still in business. Or whether it is booked for a commercial shoot or a private party — all of which has happened to me during Mercury retrogrades.

If you are looking for a job, Mercury retrogrades are a perfect time to reach out to people from your past. Mine your address book and trust that your contacts will be happy to hear from you. However, do not be frustrated if your target is away on vacation or keeps rescheduling meetings. Also, triple-check your emails and resumes before you hit “send,” as there is a higher probability of typos and other sloppy snafus.

In your business, you’ll need to make sure all communications have been received and are clearly understood. Be mindful of the higher potential for communications equipment to go on the fritz. MAKE SURE YOUR FILES ARE BACKED UP. Also be aware of a higher than average probability for delays in shipping and travel arrangements. For this you will need an extra dose of patience.

You may also find it profitable to REview a project from the past. Maybe you shelved it then, but now is the time to REconsider. However, be advised that a spontaneously, “out-of-the-blue” idea for advancement may not be so sound when Mercury turns direct. This is why the conventional wisdom advises against finalizing and/or signing contracts on deals during Mercury retrograde. An exception might be supported if you are REnegotiating or RElocating. If you absolutely must close a deal, triple check everything. The key is not to RUSH.

This is a good time to schedule a corporate REtreat. Any activity that affords the opportunity to REview past performance is encouraged. REsearch on a new strategy is also favored.

Mercury retrogrades are not favored for launching a new website or a new communications systems. There is a higher than average probability of technical glitches and confusion. REvisions, however, are A-OK.

In general, adopt a playful attitude of flexibility to whatever twists you encounter. Avoid making major purchases (especially electronic ones), unless your A/C unit has died and there’s a heat wave.  Sometimes you just have to buy an appliance, Mercury retrograde or not. This is life. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Don’t believe everything you hear or read in the papers when Mercury is retrograde. Rumors have a higher probability of spreading. Avoid losing patience — that’s a big one.

When in doubt, be silent!

Do plan on RElaxing, REviewing, REsearching, REorganizing, REgenerating, REconnecting and REcreating….and REviewing your life with your astrologer.

Mercury will travel backward in Gemini until June 22nd, when it reaches 16 Gemini and turns direct. Mercury won’t cover new ground until July 7th, when it reaches 24 Gemini (where it is right now). Mercury retrograde in Gemini suggests a ton of doubletalk and “on the other hand” discussions, and even an insistence that two contradictions can both be true at the same time.  Hey, Gemini sees it both ways. Clever and entertaining wordplay is likely to capture our imagination, none of it really going anywhere, but gosh, it sure is fun. Part of the bewildering spin is sponsored by Neptune, which Mercury will square for the second time on June 5th (the first was on May 22nd).

The Sabian Symbol for this Mercury retrograde is “a man trimming palms,” which suggests “grooming, cultivating growth and putting a personal finish on a personal victory,” writes Sabian Sage Blain Bovee. Somehow we’re likely to see these themes in the news. Grooming and pruning are certainly apt for Mercury retrograde. This week — with Mercury at a virtual standstill — I got a haircut for the first time since the end of 2019. It felt like a crowning achievement of sorts, after weathering the pandemic for so many months. Alert the media.

You are more personally affected by this Mercury retrograde if you have planets or angles around 16 and 24 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces.

  • SUNDAY: Moon enters Aquarius at 12:04 AM ET, looking to hang with all its friends. Put on your rose-colored sunglasses and escape. There are no aspects to the  Aquarius Moon, until 9:29 PM ET when Moon squares Uranus and then conjoins  Saturn at 11:24 PM ET. With Mercury now retrograde, make an extra effort to be clear and present while in conversation and in transit.
  • MONDAY: Humming in the background for the past few days is a trine between Mars and Neptune, exact at 1:15 AM ET. This can be magical and seductive. It can also glamorize Mars-themed matters, including warriors, athletes, cars, and firearms. Applied with respect, it’s an apt pattern for Memorial Days tributes, supported by the Aquarius Moon’s need for social significance.

No sleeping in on Tuesday. The Moon will not be void. Women, art, and money will be demanding prominence. Leaders will be getting serious. I’ll explain it all in the next forecast, along with a recap of the latest news.

Until then, thanks to all who ordered personal insights on the recent eclipses. I still have a few more to write up, with gratitude for your patience. Meanwhile, here’s the 411 on consultations, as well as the Cosmic Tip Jar, which Avid Reader Diane says I must mention in every single forecast. We should all have fans as fierce as Avid Reader Diane, who insisted on supporting my efforts to keep fellow Avid Readers informed long before I dared to ask.

Thank you for reading this forecast. Have a restful long weekend!