Mercury shifted retrograde on 5th July and won’t go direct again until the 29th. When a planet is retrograde it appears to be travelling backwards and brings an intensification of the energies it represents. Mercury signifies thoughts, words, perceptions, communication, networking and connections. Whenever retrograde, Mercury encourages us to turn our thoughts inwards to attend to necessary internal rewiring - a bit like an inner software upgrade. Most of us need to be ‘forced’ to go within, given how external and fast-paced our lives are. Classic Mercury retrograde ‘go within’ signals include phone faults, computer glitches, lost mail, traffic jams, car problems, late trains, electrical shorts, dodgy contracts, hidden paperwork and communication confusions.
This month I’ve been plagued with cosmic ‘go within’ signals - I lost my mobile phone (but thankfully found it), my computer system shut down for hours after I accidentally knocked the power cord, my email inbox wouldn’t let emails in (all fixed now), my home phone had a crossed line fault, and on it went! If, like me, you’ve been experiencing the ups and downs of Mercury Retro, it’s worth accessing the energy of Cancer, the zodiac sign Mercury’s in. Beautiful Cancer, the sign of retreat, rest, home and comfort. All my retro symptoms passed when I decided to take some time out and adjust to life in my new home (fortunately I moved house a few days before Merc went R). Long baths, lots of journal writing, reminiscing about loved ones who are no longer in my life, as well as making more time to be with those who are - very Cancer activites, and very healing. Now that my inner life is more balanced, I’m hopeful that my outbox will let this email through!
Make the most of the time left between now and 29 July to discover the pearls of wisdom waiting when you go within. Mercury Retro in Cancer wants us to get in touch with what truly nourishes us, and to build the right supports and foundations for ourselves. Once Mercury heads direct again and moves into Leo in August, there’ll be plenty of time for fun and partying. In fact, the new moon on 25 July is in Leo and starts to bring in some of the fresh creative energy that August promises. But until then, light a few candles, burn some incense and visit the magical intuitive Cancer realm where emotions reside. It doesn’t matter whether you find your emotions frozen, on the boil, shattered into little pieces, or calm like the ocean on a crisp sunny day. What matters is that you sit with them and allow them to whisper their wisdom to you. Greet them like a long lost child returning home, and before you know it, you’ll be back in the flow.