Upon sitting down to write today, a variety of possible topics flooded my mind. Although they appeared at first to be unrelated, I quickly realized that they all had something in common: They are each appropriate to this moment in time as (astrologically speaking) Mercury stations retrograde.
Mercury is known by many as the mythological Roman god of trade, commerce, communication, trickery, and thieves. Like his Greek counterpart, Hermes, he was usually depicted holding a caduceus in his right hand and wearing winged sandals and a winged hat—appropriate apparel for the fleet-footed “messenger of the gods.” The closest planet to the Sun (in our solar system) was named after him because of its quick movement across the sky, taking only 88 days to orbit the Sun.
Since the mythology of many cultures continues to apply to our current reality, we ALL (at some level of consciousness) understand several archetypes; Mercury is one of them. Nowadays, even those possessing only a modicum of knowledge when it comes to astrology know their own (and often many others’) “sun sign” (Aries, Taurus, et. al.) and have heard the term “Mercury Retrograde.” Many also have learned what to expect while Mercury is retrograde—something that occurs for a period of approximately three weeks either three or four times each calendar year. We are warned that there could be problems with our tech devices, machinery, and cars as well as delays or other issues with communication and travel, and we are advised to avoid signing important contracts during…mercurial time. Don’t worry, I’m not going to expand on those limited interpretations of this particular energy; I only include them here to make a point: The mythology of yesteryear and far-away places still resounds in the hearts and minds of those alive today on planet Earth.
How appropriate that I used the word “resounds” in my last sentence! “Reverberates” would have also worked well there. I point this out because connectivity is the idea that I hoped to explore today. And Mercury Retrograde is proving to be the connective fabric of my thoughts, for the many words that begin with “re” are supported by its energy: rethinking, reviewing, redoing, revising, reminiscing (i.e., the past), reconnecting (and many more). Personally, I recently reconnected in person with a friend who I hadn’t seen (except via social media) in about nine years. We did some reminiscing during our time together. (And she and her husband are on vacation—planning on relaxing and refreshing themselves during their time away.) I’m currently rethinking certain aspects of my life, reviewing documents (before either signing them or sharing their contents with others), reconsidering some past ideas of mine, all the while re-evaluating priorities when it comes to my day-to-day existence. All of these activities are apropos for the current energies at play, and I believe that understanding (what I refer to as) “the energetic weather” is incredibly helpful while navigating one’s life.
Each day, I continue to hear similar concerns and desires expressed by others. Most are distressed by the social and political climate (both in the USA and abroad), and everyone seems to be feeling disconnected in some way. Friends and family members that have opposing political points of view are drifting apart, and all seem to be in search of “their tribe.” And although wanting to feel “at home” with family, friends, and co-workers is becoming a higher priority for most, the changes that can and mostly likely need to take place in order to attain and maintain those positive connections often feel scary and/or challenging. Whether or not the aspects of your current life—job/career, thoughts/perspectives, relationships, habits/routines, location (and more)—are appropriate and fulfilling for who you are now and who you are becoming is definitely “up for review” (coincidentally the title that I assigned to my previous blog).
We are in the midst of transition, both individually and collectively. Choosing with whom we want to connect and unite while, at the same time, allowing other “tribes” to harmoniously exist alongside of ours may seem like a near-impossible mission. What was previously referred to as “normal” no longer exists, and we need to let go of wanting life “to go back to normal.” A new world is being formed by our individual and collective choices, and somewhere deep inside, we know this to be true. I believe that is why we each feel the increasing weight of responsibility that has everyone a little on edge. But just as the weather changes cyclically (or in the case of the weather in New England, every few minutes), so does the energetic weather. Let us be comforted by that since it is something that connects us all!
Author’s Addendum: As is often the case with the energetic weather during Mercury Retrograde, although I wrote this blog on July 7th, I’m just now getting around to editing and publishing it. And so it goes….