You may have overheard the buzz in line at the grocery store, the coffee place or on Facebook, about “mercury retrograde.” For astrology novices, this is an approximately three week period when the planet of communication, social networks and electronics appears to go in reverse in the sky. Western astrologist have long touted this as an extremely negative period when misunderstandings and miscommunications ensue, travel plans get cancelled or flubbed and electronics go awry. They warn not to set up any new projects or buy new electronics items until it is over.

Yet, just prior (or at the beginning of) each of these 3 to 4 mercury retrogrades that occur every year, for some reason all the above issues come up for review. You will end up having to buy a new computer, having to sign a contract, having major work to do on a web site…for instance. Many of us can attest to this seemingly bizarre phenomenon.

I’m here to say that it’s no coincidence. You see, in Jyotish (Vedic astrology) retrograde planets are said to be even more powerful. So, perhaps what happens when a planet like Mercury goes retro is that it really ramps up its power (to unnatural levels) so its themes and energy are super-strong but they’re operating in out-of-control manic mode (not usually conducive for setting things right).

During this Mercury retrograde alone the following have come up for me:

-An online training period for a web-based gig
-A commissioned web design project
-The planning of a major trip abroad for the summer
-Setting up a new site for a new business I am embarking on

Alas, instead of putting all of this on hold–which Western astrology ‘experts’ advise, I am embracing the mad rush of Mercury energy and going ahead with these existing projects (key word, as you do not want to attempt anything new under this manic energy). I am keeping both eyes open and chanelling the electronic/technology Gods and so far so good. Sure there have been little glitches here and there as there always are. But now that I have reframed these glitches as part of the “bullet train” energy of Mercury (instead of the wacky, confused energy of Mercury), it’s working.

Speaking of which, this blog has sadly been a last priority for me during this busy time in my life so I apology if updates have been even more sporadic than usual.

Posted by Shana Ting Lipton