October 2020 Mercury Rx: Please, Don’t Panic

From October 13th until November 3rd, we’ve got another Mercury retrograde on our hands.

Since this astrological event occurs somewhat often and relatively well known, yet largely misunderstood (even feared!) by many, I want to set the record straight. 

Consider astrology school back in session. 🤓

Below I’ve explained what mercury is, what mercury retrograde actually means, and how to make the most of this time. But if you take anything away from this post, let it be this:

Mercury retrograde is NOT cause for panic. I repeat: not cause for panic.

Let’s dive in.

What should I know about mercury?

Mercury rules your mind, intellect, and communication. It represents how you speak, think, listen, learn, understand, make decisions, and communicate. You can think of mercury as the “lower” mind–– general knowledge, every day facts, obsession, and rumination. The “higher” mind, in comparison, is all about big picture thinking, synthesizing information, or deriving meaning from things.

I think it's also helpful to know that mercury flits about, constantly and quickly orbiting the sun. Mercury's speed emulates the mind, which seems to move at a million miles an hour. In fact, the latest research suggests that the average person has upwards of 6K+ thoughts per day.


Lastly, get this–– your mercury will always be in the same sign, the sign before, or the sign after your sun. This makes sense when you consider that, in many ways, our personality or self expression (sun) is linked to or dictated by the way we think about and understand the world.

If you want to learn more about your own mercury and what it suggests about how your mind works, check out my recent instagram post. 

And what does mercury retrograde mean, exactly?

If a planet is in retrograde, that means it appears to be moving backwards in the sky from our perspective on earth. It has nothing to do with what's actually happening in the sky.

Mercury retrograde means that everything mind, intellect, and communication related may feel like it’s going backwards, moving slow, or just… off. This also relates to the TOOLS we use to speak, understand, and communicate with too (hello, technology).

When taken at face value, I won’t argue with you–– mercury retrograde isn’t exactly *ideal*. But if you know, acknowledge, maybe even expect all things mercurial to be a bit off, you can plan accordingly. Retrogrades do not mean you should close up shop and retreat until further notice. Hell, you may not even feel it! 

How do I make the most of this time?
 

The best way to work with mercury retrograde is actually quite simple: be mindful of it.

Think of it as another reminder (because yes… mars is in retrograde too) that the skies are asking us – demanding, really – that we slow down. Barreling through the next few weeks probably isn’t a wise choice, and chances are you’ll feel frustrated, say what you don’t mean, or find yourself smack in the middle of a big misunderstanding if you do. 

But if you lean into mercury retrograde and take it as an opportunity to reassess, review, reflect, and reconsider, you might just slow down enough to unearth hidden nuggets of wisdom you’re usually too busy to notice or explore. 

In the coming weeks, here’s what I recommend:

Move slow.
Check your work.
Be humble.
Say you’re sorry.
Have patience.
Be kind.
VOTE.

Have you noticed the effects of mercury retrograde in your life? Comment below or send me an email at sofia@sofiaadler.com