Mercury Retrogrades for 2002

A Retrograde occurs when a planet appears to move backwards in space as viewed from the Earth. In actuality, the planet doesn't actually move backwards. What's happening is that we're moving either faster or slower than the planet that's retrograde, and since we have to look over our shoulder to see it, we think they are moving backwards.

Mercury expresses communications, contracts, & negotiations. When Mercury is retrograde, it is not a good time to make major decisions, purchases, or sign contracts. It is most wise to wait until Mercury turns direct. Situations begun under retrograde Mercury will not hold, will reverse themselves when it turns direct or there will be major errors involved. Knowing when these phases are in effect will help deter this kind of conflict happening.

All types of communications become confused, delayed, or misunderstood during Mercury retrograde. Letters may be lost, we may be unable to reach people we need to speak with, even after repeated attempts, or our communciations devices themselves may just break down or otherwise garble our information.

In terms of communications with other people, you should watch your tongue during these times as often what you say may be misconstrued or misunderstood by the others.

You may experience greater than normal difficulties with technical things, mechanics, and communications, including computers, telephone, and computer networks. Expect delays, break downs, and problems in these and related things.

A leading astrologer noted that the ratio of time Mercury spends moving retrograde vs. direct, or forward, corresponds with the amount of time humans spend asleep and awake--about a third of the time. And so the correlation stands here as well... think of this period as a time to take stock and assimilate your experiences, just as you do when you sleep.

Remember that new plans don't go forward well during Mercury retrograde because we're not supposed to be moving forward; instead you should simply be reviewing the past in perparation for your next stage of activity.