It’s here again. Mercury went into retrograde today and stays there until July 20th.  I don’t know about you, but it’s definitely made its presence known here. This morning we had a sudden power outage that lasted for a few hours… my husband called to let me know a contractor pulled out of a job at the last minute… and I’m at home with a cold. It’s just this kind of jumbled energy that Mercury Retrograde is known for.

Here is a Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide to help you navigate the next three weeks.

I’m sometimes hesitant to write about Mercury Retrograde because it’s steeped in so much dogma and it can bring up reluctance and a bit of fear for people. So I’ll start off by saying that we are the greatest source of influence in our lives. We are wise and powerful beings and we can choose into the stream of energies that we desire.

However, over the years, I’ve noticed themes that tend to arise during this transit. Think of it in the same way as you consider the energies of the full moon.

So what the heck does Mercury in Retrograde mean?

Well, in astrology, the planets progress forward through the signs. Taurus gives way to Gemini which moves into Cancer, etc. There is a forward progression. During a retrograde period, the planet seems to lose ground and goes “backwards.” When this happens, it typically creates not-so-positive influences in the areas that it rules.

Mercury rules communication & electronics. When Mercury goes into retrograde it has the potential to slow things to a crawl, make communications challenging, cause electronics to freak out, etc. I usually experience it a bit like walking through mud. Things seem to move slowly. I can’t always get a grip on moving things forward. My thinking sometimes feels a big fuzzy. And communications can be a bit challenging.  But it’s not all bad — during the retrograde period, you may find yourself reconnecting with old friends, going through old boxes of photos and walking down memory lane.  It’s a great time for cleaning out closets, re-reading old journals and releasing that which no longer serves you.

Think of it as a turbo boost for clearing the past and maybe not-so-great for moving forward.

But don’t get superstitious about it. You can have grace and ease at all times.

But, if you’re seeking some ideas for how best to surf this energy, hopefully these tips will help.

11 Tips for Gracefully Navigating Mercury Retrograde

1. If things don’t seem to be moving forward, don’t worry. It’s likely the retrograde energy. Things will pick up again towards the end of July.
2. It’s not the best time to start something new as things “born” during the retrograde energy often need to be recreated again. If you can, hold off signing contracts, important letters and other agreements during this time. If you do have to keep things moving forward surround everything with light and ask that the retrograde energy be cleared.
3. If people don’t return your emails or phone calls don’t take it personally. Mercury retrograde is a bit like having a communications gremlin taking delight in mis-routing messages.
4. If people misinterpret your words, intentions and actions – again, don’t take it personally.
5. Take extra good care of your computer & car. Back up all your data (I love Mozy, myself). Check your oil in your car and do all those things we’re supposed to do anyways to care for our electronics. They’ll appreciate the extra TLC right now.
6. It is a powerful time to revisit the past. Clean out a closet, go through photos, call an old friend. All of these kinds of activities are terrific ways to use the retrograde energy.
7. Do a releasing ceremony. Are there old patterns, hurts or beliefs that you’re ready to let go? As these are based in “old” energy – the retrograde is a powerful time to declare them complete
8. Consider scheduling a Reiki session or massage with a good practitioner to help you keep balanced.
9. Do a space clearing on your home – this can be as easy as opening your windows and doors and letting the outside come in and swirl about for a bit.
10. Bless your space. Invite the angels into your home and ask them to create a “love bubble” around your home so that you & your family are bathed in love.
11. Stretch your wings and try a new adventure. Retrograde energy can sometimes keep us rooted in the past. Shake things up by bringing new & fun experiences into your life.

…and finally, if you don’t want to buy into any of this, employ your co-creative mojo, and visualize the next three weeks as being the best weeks that you’ve had so far this year. Create a vibrant and wonderful energy field around you and declare that grace is with you in all things! After all, you are a powerful creator and you greatly influence your experiences of the world.