Planet Mercury is retrograde.

Yes, I know, I am very late on getting this posted. Planet Mercury went retrograde on 12/26/09. So what does this mean? Well, a little history is that ages ago, Mercury was in charge of carrying messages between the gods and goddesses as well as between humanity (mortals) and the gods. In today's world, Mercury rules computers, phones, internet, correspondence - basically communication. You can see Mercury's influence on how you express yourself - by speech, texts, letters or handwriting. You can also feel the influence by the way you collect data.

Retrograde means that it appears that the planet is moving backward. The good news is Mercury is only retrograde until the 15th (just shy of four weeks). So what does this mean? Pretty much it means to expect the unexpected. This is a time where electronic devices may not work properly, may break, or may malfunction. (Cell phones, cars, machines, appliances, computers, etc). Letters, bills, notes, any communication with people may seem strained, delayed or misinterpreted. People may be in tense moods and you may find yourself desiring or wanting more solitude. You may experience problems or delays in travel/trips as well as with meetings and appointments. This is a time where communication and schedules can be compromised. This is not really a good time to sign contracts or make big purchases such as a car or appliance, hence things tend to break down or not function properly. People from your past may even resurface and memories or past regrets may come from out of nowhere to haunt you.

What to do during this time: Think about your past and how you feel about your current circumstances. Consider if you are happy in your current situation? If not, think of ways to change it. This is a time to rethink, reflect, research, revise, reschedule, redecorate and renew. (Keep the 'RE' in mind for the next few weeks). In regards to relationships and partnership matters, our thinking is turned inward. Re-evaluating a partnership and communication style within that relationship is wonderful use of this reflection period.

What not to do during this time: Not a good time for big purchases such as a home, car or electronics. These types of things/items will generally encounter major problems. Don't sign important contracts or paperwork. Try not to get upset over set backs. Expect them so when they happen, you're prepared. Keep cell phone charged, keep a can of fix a flat in the trunk, etc.

Saturn will go retrograde on the 13th and is associated with limitations. Some people may find those days around the 13 -15th tougher then usual with some restrictions and frustrations concerning resolutions or solutions. The 15th also starts the new moon phase (moon moving into Aquarius) and there will be a solar eclipse. The moon in Aquarius could cause some people to go through extremes or be abrupt. Others will be ready to break free from their ruts and may have the urgent feeling to do so now or become almost fanatical about it. It will pass, just try to control yourself.

**Again, if you plan any travels, try to allow for extra time for any problems which might arise. Also, keep your electronic equipment tuned up and working well, and try and take it easy on your nervous system. The nervous system can be on over-drive during the mercury retrograde. So try and allow extra time for sleep and relaxation. So why not allow yourself to take some time off from tasks and do some favorite activity you haven’t done in a while.

Mercury retrograde is also a great time to get things done you may have been putting off, like cleaning or organizing and recycling old stuff you no longer need. It’s a time to finish tasks that were started and never went to completion, but it’s usually not a good time for starting new tasks. Brainstorming is easier to do at this time, but generally, things will have an easier time of getting started if you wait until Mercury goes direct on the 15th. Brightest blessings for the fun ride!