How to make it through Mercury Retrograde

Mercury goes retrograde tomorrow, November 6^th! Eek! I’m not really much of an Astrology buff, but I’ve always made it a point to watch out for Mercury Retrograde – mostly because I used to think it was the best excuse ever for not getting things done.

 

Of course I’m older and more mature these days, and no longer the slacker I used to be, so now it’s just an occasional source of frustration and stress.

 

Sigh. Karma. Such a bitch.

If you aren’t familiar with Mercury Retrograde, it’s a phenomenon that occurs 3 or 4 times a year for about 3 weeks, when the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards. (It’s actually not. This is just an optical illusion brought about by Mercury slowing down for a bit.)

 

During this time, it often feels like Murphy’s Law reigns supreme, which is the reason that people are advised not to sign any contracts, start any new projects or make any important changes. Since Mercury is sort of “at rest” during this period, all sorts of things go awry, particularly those in the areas under Mercury’s influence – technology, communication and transportation. Here are just a few things you can expect during Mercury Retrograde:

Technology malfunctions and communication problems…

 

Missed or mixed messages and related screw-ups…

 

Traffic jams and other delivery and/or transportation delays …

 

Hmmm. Wait a minute. Sounds a little familiar, right? I know what you’re thinking…

 

I know, right? Hehe. It’s like Mercury Retrograde all year round around here. I actually think we’re kind of lucky in a sense, because our Third World problems make us better equipped than most to handle irritating inconveniences that would drive other people mad.

 

I’m still not really sure that I’m a believer in this whole Mercury Retrograde thing myself, but I find it’s always better to err on the side of caution – so with that in mind, here are a few survival tips I picked up on how to make it through the next 3 weeks. (The Retrograde ends on November 26^th.)

1.     Be prepared for problems that might arise.

Since computer problems are a typical effect of Mercury Retrograde, do the needful and back up all your important files. If you’re the type of person who ALWAYS has to be connected, have alternative communication and Internet options on hand. Bear in mind that Mercury might mess with your vehicles and appliances as well (anything with moving parts) – so be ready to deal with any problems that might come up with those too.

2.     Be clear in your communications.

 

Miscommunication is said to be at an all-time high during Mercury Retrograde, so this is definitely not the time to make assumptions and jump to conclusions. (Actually, come to think of it, there’s NEVER a good time for that. So just DON’T. Ever.)

Make more of an effort to listen, comprehend and clarify before you act or react. Take notes if you have to (when applicable and/or appropriate), and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you’re the one speaking or giving instructions, make sure your message is clear to the other person too.

3.     Be patient and wait wisely.

 

Mix-ups and delays are bound to happen – either because of Mercury Retrograde, or because that’s just the way life is. Don’t let it make you all crazy. If you expect it, it really doesn’t seem all that bad when it actually happens. You might find yourself doing a lot more waiting than usual over the next 3 weeks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be productive.

Whether you’re waiting for Mercury Retrograde to end, or just waiting in traffic, or in a line, or on some bench somewhere because of a retrograde-related delay, use the wait time wisely. Life doesn’t have to come to a standstill just because you can’t do what you want to be doing RIGHT NOW.

Mercury Retrograde is usually a good time for introspection and reflection, for looking back at how things were done in the past and how they can be improved in the future. Given that the year is coming to an end, it’s an excellent time to evaluate life and make plans and resolutions for the year to come.

So there you have it. If you’re aware and prepared, Mercury Retrograde doesn’t have to be such a bad time. And even if it turns out that Mercury Retrograde is just a load of bull, I think these survival tips should prove useful anyway. It’s never a bad idea to be ready for life throwing you a couple of curve balls.

Good luck – and remember, when all else fails, a healthy sense of humor can help you survive anything.  🙂 – Rappler.com