Planets are said to turn retrograde when they appear to be moving backwards from our 
perspective on earth. Western astrology studies the motion of the planets from earth, since we are the center of our own universe, and when planets are in retrograde motion there is a tendency to look back over what has been rather than move forward into the future. This is a necessary part of the process of self-actualization and should not be feared! Nearly every planet is seen to turn retrograde at one time or another, but the retrograde motion of Mercury is the best known.
Mercury rules communication, travel over short distances, messages, and the processing of information. When Mercury is retrograde, about four times a year, there is often (but not always!) disruption in these areas of life. Negotiations stall and have to be reconsidered, mechanical and communication systems will sometimes fail. On the other hand, Mercury Rx periods are excellent for re-dos – for going back and perfecting something that has already been completed. These are also good times for the internal processing of information such as psychological work or self-examination.
Contracts and agreements entered into while Mercury is retrograde are subject to renegotiation and confusion, so if you must sign anything binding during this period be as careful as possible that all terms are clear and in writing, and fully understood by all parties. The current negotiation in Congress over the huge financial bailout will give us an opportunity to see this principle at work.
In other Mercury retrograde news, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill banning texting (Mercury) while driving in California, Condoleeza Rice admitted that she led torture talks (Mercury) in 2002, and North Korea reversed its position on denuclearization talks (Mercury). In addition, Google launched its new Android phone yesterday, perhaps not the best time to release a new gadget. The
Iphone was also launched with Mercury retrograde and while it has been a great success, it also has experienced controversial setbacks such as a rapid price reduction which led to Apple’s being sued by disgruntled fans who stood in line to overpay for their new gadget. Finally, the new
supercollider has been shut down until spring because of electrical problems,
Mercury will remain retrograde until October 15th.
posted September 25, 2008 at 8:06 am
Would it be completely tacky of me to invite your readers to participate in my Mercury Retrograde contest? After suspending it for the past several cycles (because I would have been the winner!), I am reversing (!) my policy, and inviting folks to share their stories of how this or past Merc retros have impacted them. We’ll vote on the finalists and the winner gets a free reading. Contest closes Oct.15.
– Beth Owl’s Daughter
owlsdaughter.blogspot.com
posted September 25, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I have a good friend who is absolutely, positively going to buy a new car during this period. She laughs off astrology, and her husband is a complete skeptic. So I didn’t even mention the upcoming Rx (during which, long ago, my hubby and I bought the WORST lemon we ever owned… quirky mechanical problems) to them because I knew it would not make a difference to their plans.
But it sure has changed the way I do things… not to be ruled by the retrogrades, but to respect them. Keep a sharp eye out.
Thanks for the great post!
Sue
posted September 25, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I tell friends and family during Mercury’s retrograde, re-do, re-think and re-lax! My retrograde activity is occuring in my 9th house of: politics, long distance travel, higher education, religion and a few other issues. Today I proceeded to bring a bundle of sage to a friend for spiritual cleansing of his living area. Was halfway there and could not find the bundle in my handbag. So, I turned around and started back home then I stopped in my tracks, took a deep breath and looked once again. Behold, there was the sage bundle in my handbag where I had placed it the night before. Boy did I laugh at myself and continued my journey, saying outloud, ” One for you and this is only the second day”.
posted September 25, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I have often felt that we would all benefit by building a very big missle, putting a very big bomb in it and blasting Mercury to perdition or send it hurtling into the Sun, but either way to be rid of it for all eternity.
posted September 25, 2008 at 8:08 pm
LOL
D) Charles, that’s funny and I have to admit to having had those feeling myself, from time to time when Mercury (my ruling planet)is retrograde.
What a sickening thought.
BethOwl’sdaughter, I think that is such a Fun idea!
Lynn, what do you mean that Condoleeza Rice ‘led torture talks’? Does that mean she was lecturing on the best way to torture people?
This particular retrograde is in my second hou$e of money and self esteem, so This should be fun. Well, all we can do is be as conscious as possible as to what we are doing. I think I’ll take a nap. xo
posted September 26, 2008 at 5:23 am
Beth – I’ll be glad to post your contest!
Sue – thanks for your story. It’s important not to be afraid of these cycles but as you say, to remain alert.
And Wennye – your story is a perfect example of how Mercury Rx problems often originate in our own thinking mechanism which is less clear now. I often find that when I’m blaming Mercury Rx for mechanical problems I discover that something is unplugged, or that I didn’t read the instructions carefully enough.
Finally Charles – Retrograde periods can be frustrating, but as with all things astrological we have to learn to embrace the necessity of this time of reconsolidation and rebalancing. It’s the resistance that gives us problems, not the cycles themselves!
posted September 30, 2008 at 5:13 pm
What I’ve found is that Mercury in retrograde does not turn the world upsdie down — IF you are very careful and diligent and take precautions and do lots of follow up. Things seem to go haywire, but if you do everything carefully they have a funny way of falling quickly back into place.
It also helps to be very courteous to others during this period, hard as it might be at times.