We are told that Mercury Retrograde is generally not the time to start something new. We certainly should avoid beginning projects or dealing with any form of technology. So why did Llewellyn decide to launch its new website?
I was thinking of this, and decided it wasn’t such an inauspicious beginning. Mercury Retrograde is not as frightening as everyone thinks. While most people worry about delays and setbacks, lost mail and broken electronics, I tend to find the retrograde cycle quite refreshing.
Mercury is one of my favorite gods, and that’s not just because I’m a Gemini. He’s the winged messenger, a trickster and teacher. So what can this cycle do for us?
Right now, Mercury is in Libra. During a retrograde, we can take time to reflect. As Libra is an air sign, we can reflect on subjects that deal with this sign, such as relationships. The quality of air in relationships deals with how we relate with each other, not necessarily emotionally, like water, but how we interact with one another. Mercury Retrograde in Libra is a good time to clear up misunderstandings, establish boundaries, and set goals within our relationships.
And don’t worry about projects. I believe Mercury Retrograde is an excellent time to finish old projects as well as begin something new that has long been in the works. The new Llewellyn website has been in the making for many moons, and the timing is perfect.
That’s good advice to keep in mind. Is there any difference in the experience for someone who was born while Mercury was retrograde? Just wondering, because I was.
That’s a great question, Barbara!
In general, people born during Mercury Retrograde are much more philosophical. You get some great aspects of Mercury…you can much more easily reflect on yourself and your life. A retrograde period will be comfortable for you to deal with in that you will be able to slow down, go with the flow, and think. If you go with your natural inclination, it’ll feel like coming home in a way.
Hi Cat! Hi Barbara! I just thought that this morning when visiting the website – I didn’t know it was being redone (and maybe THAT is the key – the website is REdone, not done freshly for the first time hehe)! I got to give it to you, with Mercury being retrograde in Libra, the new look is very much in line! If I were the webmaster, I would just look for any “bugs” to fix with the new site until October 1st or so! Barbara, I have a natal Mercury “Rx” too, and these periods are usually easier for me than for others, but even others can affect us, so I notice I need to be prepared for others to screw up. Every now and again, a Mercury Rx will be difficult for me, and something will usually “slip” (usually right before it goes Rx, or right before it goes direct). One time I locked my keys in my car – I NEVER do that! 🙂
I have been researching Mercury for years, one of the interesting observations about Llewellyn was that they go into high gear during Mercury Rx–copyedit books, get publicity material out–and it appears to work for them.
To me the most fascinating concept with Mercury is that three consecutive Mercury retrograde degrees, inferior conjunctions etc. form a grandtrine. I look at what we choose do during the many months Mercury favours an element significant in terms of making decisions about our lives. Often those getting lost, having to take a different route etc. bring new possibilities into our awareness. Mercury isn’t in charge of cross roads and changes in direction by fluke–he is the archetype of change.
I agree with you, Cat. Mercury retrograde isn’t anything to be afraid of. In fact, Mercury retrograde periods work quite well for me. Important people come back into my life, especially regarding work and special projects. Communications are actually cleared up. My life seems to get back on track and things roll smoothly. I wish everybody could experience it that way (or at least, see it that way). I was not born with Mercury Rx, but I do have Mercury conjunct my Midheaven in the 10th.
Curious – how did it all work out?
I am in a similar position now, as mercury is already in the shadow of its next retrograde period. I have read quite a bit about the positive aspects of this cycle and philosophically, I embrace this approach. My strongest associations with merc retro, however, is the most uncanny fashion in which electronic items purchased during this period have caused me no end of frustration and disappointment.
So – how did it work out with the new website?