By Romula of RHaw Creations
And so will I...
Normally, when the thought of Mercury Retrograde comes upon us, its normally the least positive of thoughts that come to mind. Normally, its foreboding, bad omen, and a time to not spend money frivolously! Its a time of control, and lack of adventure. Still, that's not how I am going to talk about this peculiar anomaly in the skies during a two-three week period (sometimes longer).
First, let me cite a piece that, to me, explains what exactly Mercury Retrograde is:
"Three or four times a year, the planet Mercury is said to go retrograde—that is to say, it moves in an opposite direction to planet Earth. Planets move from east to west around the sun, and when Mercury turns to move from west to east instead, that's when Mercury is in retrograde. Many refer to this time of year as simply Mercury retrograde.
But this backward movement is an illusion, similar to the one you experience when you're in a car on the highway moving faster than a train alongside you. The train appears to be moving backward, but it's just moving more slowly than you are. The same thing happens when our planet passes Mercury in our orbit around the sun. Mercury is just moving more slowly than Earth, causing the illusion that it's moving in retrograde." - Chanie Kirschner, 2022 (click name for full article)
Despite Mercury Retrograde being an "illusion", for many astrologers, they believe there is a certain affect the planet has on us on Earth during this time. When I first heard about Mercury Retrograde, I remember my ex-friend whining and complaining about how much he disliked this time and how nothing but bad fortune comes of it. So, naturally, I disliked it too. Overtime, I wanted to know more, I had to. I was never a person to just go by a person word and just believe it, knowing that I needed to do my own research. What I discovered was that Mercury Retrograde was not really a bad thing.
Rather, it was a time of stepping back, reflecting, being cautious. Yes, there is miscommunication during this time. That does not mean, don't communicate or blame the skies for why you can't explain something to another person although it is super simple to you. Instead of taking it in that way, maybe its a time to be aware of how you communicate with others. Being patient, taking time to think before speaking. Maybe, listen...something so simple. Yes, be careful with financial decisions during this time. No one wants to put money up for something in haste. Take a moment, look at your financial situation. Really sit and think about what you want to buy versus what you need to buy. Traveling - yes, be careful in planning trips. If there are red flags, reschedule the trip if you can.
Do not get me wrong. Sometimes bad things do happen during Mercury Retrograde. [Trigger Alert - Car Accident Reference] The same ex-friend told me about this story about a mutual friend. This person lost his girlfriend in a car accident they were in, but he and their baby survived. He blamed himself because he was told not to travel with his family during "Mercury Retrograde", to wait, and rethink the trip. Unfortunately, an unfortunate event occurred. The miracle of it, was that their baby was unscathed. He had seen his partner (the mother) give the last of her energy to the child after the initial crash, but she was unable to survive her injuries. Was it because of Mercury Retrograde? Was it because he did not listen? How could we possibly know? How could he have possibly known something like this would happen? Maybe, he learned something. I know it made him stronger.
Now, I hope I did not put a nasty taste in your mouth about Mercury Retrograde, telling that story. I felt it needed to be mentioned. As what I am going to write about next, shows a different perspective.
The weekend of September 23rd, I had back to back events. Mind you, Mercury Retrograde started September 9th and ended on October 2nd. I had no awareness that this was even happening. Too busy to notice, which was a awareness flag of its own. I remember the days leading up to this weekend. I wanted to have the Saturday off so I could focus on a pop-up event in Silver Spring, MD. I wanted to spend the entire week working on products and artwork. And I really wanted to go to the Annual Gem & Mineral Expo at the Howard County Fairgrounds to get new materials for my jewelry. Everything was working out fine, until I received a message that Tuesday to model for a fashion show on Saturday the 24th, that I had confirmed I would attend, but was not sure if I was needed. I can't remember what I had planned on Friday, but I know that day was booked.
So now, I was booked Monday through Thursday in art classes, busy on Friday, Fashion Show on Saturday, and Pop-up Event on Sunday. Also, I was having communication issues with the event coordinator for Sunday's event, and there was constant reaching out on my part to get details for the event with no avail. Still, I prepared for the event. All I could think about was making as much money as possible as I am an entrepreneur. I am not employed, only to myself, so I am constantly working on my brands. I just remembered I told myself I wanted a day off, a moment of rest, because 7 Days a week, I am working hard doing what I love and growing. And have been doing it solid straight, with no breaks for over 6 months.
I should have listened to myself because when I went to that Fashion Show on Saturday, I had no idea what was going to happen to me afterwards that would force me to lay my big head to rest. At shows, being a model, you have to take care of yourself constantly. Making sure you eat, drink a lot of water, and rest when you have chances to. That day, all of those were checked off. I drank water, ate good food, and rested when I could. It was a long day. Arriving at 11am and leaving at 1am in the morning, well, it was an event. When I got home, I was exhausted, dehydrated, and just out of it.
Barely awake, I skipped the pop-up event on Sunday. At that point, I was not going to go to an event that I had not heard back from with confirmation that I could attend. If I drove there and there was no spot for me, that would be a waste of gas and time. Despite that though, really what I needed was to rest. I may have lost money, but what was far more important was me taking care of myself. The miscommunication with the event coordinator was needed because if I had of been confirmed, I would have dragged myself out to the event, but would not have been my normal self to enjoy the experience. It allowed me to sleep the day away.
The next thing that happened was I had a beautiful chance to go to the Gem & Mineral Expo which was my biggest concern that weekend. How could I fit it in-between events knowing that the time frames conflict and there was a chance I was not going to make my annual event that I love to attend (8 years strong)! My friend Brandon clled and asked if he could go with me because he knew I went every year. And that Sunday afternoon, I got up and went to Howard County Fairgrounds to meet my dear friend. We spoke for 6 hours, walked about the expo enjoying the gems, crystals, and minerals. We stimulated each others minds with great conversation. And I walked away feeling rejuvenated.
Overall, I learned that when Mercury Retrograde comes, its a time to slow down, connect with yourself and breath, reflect, and pay attention to all that is around you. It all seemed to be chaos, but looking from the outside in, it was just the universe trying to give me what I needed the most....Relaxation and Rejuvenation.
