Mercury in Retrograde

Is our life’s path somehow mapped out in the stars, predetermined before we even begin?

Three or four times a year, an astrological phenomenon called Mercury in Retrograde occurs where the planet Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. This apparent backward motion lasts about three weeks each time. Despite being an optical illusion (Mercury doesn’t actually move backward), it holds significant meaning in astrology.

Alright, I get it. As soon as I mention astrology, the skeptics start lining up. But count me among the believers. I wasn’t always one, though. Growing up, I’d see those Daily Horoscopes in the newspaper—predictions based on your astrological sign, determined by the day of your birth. I used to think they were total nonsense, just a bit of fun to pass the time.

Then, in the 70s, astrology took on a new level of significance. People began paying attention to how their birth signs might influence their lives, shaping everything from their personalities to their relationships. Suddenly, at bars and parties, the question "What’s your sign?" became a conversation starter. Compatibility was measured by the stars, though I still saw it as just another party trick.

So in 1998, when my friend Howard offered me a unique birthday gift—a session with his astrologer, Bob Cook—I was skeptical, to say the least. “Just give him your birth date, time, and place, and he’ll do the rest,” Howard said. Sure, why not? I like theatre so I accepted the gift, but I didn’t expect much.

A few weeks later, I drove out to Long Island to meet Mr. Cook, a rather tall fellow with a long beard about my age. I’d sent him the details in advance, so when I arrived for our hour-long session, he was ready to go. Within ten minutes of the reading, I was stunned. This guy knew me in ways that were impossible for a stranger, to know my illnesses, my features, my successes, but how?  Maybe there was something to this astrology business after all.

My dentist here in Guanajuato insisted I read “Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives” by Brian Weiss, an American psychiatrist, hypnotherapist and author who specializes in past life regression.  His writings include reincarnation, past life regression, future life progression and survival of the soul after death.

According to Dr. Weiss, a graduate of Columbia and Yale, who was Head of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, in 1980, one of his patients, "Catherine", began discussing past-life experiences under hypnosis.  Weiss did not believe in reincarnation at the time, but after confirming elements of Catherine's stories through public records, came to be convinced of the survival of an element of the human personality after death.

Dr. Weiss was astonished and skeptical when Catherine began recalling past-life traumas that seemed to hold the key to her recurring nightmares and anxiety attacks. His skepticism was eroded, however, when she began to channel messages from her spirit guide/Master who made remarkable revelations about Dr. Weiss’s family and his dead son.  Weiss claims he has regressed more than 4,000 patients since 1980.

How many of our belief systems are built on lies, many of which have been perpetrated by organized religion?  The idea of reincarnation for those who believe in the sky gods, is simply impossible.  Are there still people on this planet who believe in heaven and hell?  For sure, tens of millions of extremists who exist in all believe systems, from the MAGA movement to radical Islamists. What will happen to organized religion when we finally learn that we are not alone in the universe?  And that there is no God in the traditional sense?

So during my first session with Bob Cook, my astrologer, I felt as if I was witnessing an opening in the Mysteries of the Universe portal.  After analyzing my personality and overall makeup, he started predicting what might happen in the next year. I was still doubtful, but I figured I’d see how it played out. Sure enough, over the next year, about 80% of what he predicted actually happened. And this wasn’t a fluke—his accuracy has been amazingly consistent over the past twenty-five years.

Is our life’s path somehow mapped out in the stars, predetermined before we even begin?  Is that even possible?  There are so many things that could be that we can’t begin to understand.  Astrology is just the beginning.

Somewhere along the way, maybe ten or fifteen years ago, I learned about Mercury in Retrograde. And once I did my research, I realized there might be some truth to that, too.  I have definitely felt the effects of the transit. Maybe you have, as well.

Here’s a list of what can sometimes happen during Mercury in Retrograde, which started August 5th and continue until August 28.

Communication Issues

Mercury is the planet associated with communication, so when it's in retrograde, people often experience misunderstandings, miscommunications, or difficulties in expressing themselves. Emails might get lost, texts might be misinterpreted, and conversations might lead to confusion or conflict.

Travel Delays and Disruptions

Mercury also rules travel and technology. During its retrograde, people often experience delays, cancellations, or disruptions in their travel plans. Issues with cars, flights, or public transportation are common.

Technical and Mechanical Breakdowns

Computers, phones, and other forms of technology are more likely to malfunction during this period. Software glitches, data loss, and other technical issues are often attributed to Mercury in Retrograde.

Decision-Making Challenges

It’s generally considered a bad time to make important decisions, sign contracts, or start new projects. People may feel indecisive, and decisions made during this time might later require reevaluation.

Revisiting the Past

Mercury’s Retrograde is often seen as a time for reflection. Old friends, ex-partners, or unresolved issues from the past may resurface, providing an opportunity to address or resolve them.

And just how do I cope with Mercury in Retrograde?

Double-Check Communications

I make an extra effort to be clear and concise in my communications. I make a point of rereading emails and texts before sending them.

Plan for Delays

I give myself extra time for travel and expect the unexpected.

Back Up Data

I protect against technical issues by backing up important files and information.

Flexibility

I understand that plans might change, and try to go with the flow rather than getting frustrated.

Reflect Rather than Act

I try and use this time for introspection and revisiting old ideas rather than starting new ventures.

Yes, it’s a good idea to do all these things all the time.  I agree.  I’ve just found, over the years, that they are more likely to occur, and in greater numbers, during Mercury in Retrograde.

And I may be on the fringes of society, but I do believe in reincarnation, the possibility that we can communicate with unseen spirits, and that visitors from the universe are among us.