Mercury turned retrograde yesterday. Sometimes I hesitate mentioning it because so many folks who are at least a little conscious of such things respond with concern that their computers may suddenly fail, or emails go missing, or travel plans or agreements snarl into a tangled mess. And while those things may in fact occasionally occur, to assume that this is only what Mercury retrogrades are about seems grossly unfair to me, a bit disrespectful, and definitely lacking in nuanced understanding.
I’m certainly not an astrologer, but I do know my chart deeply. I think it’s an incredibly useful lens through which to understand ourselves; the configuration of energies we’ve contracted to dance with during our lifetime; and a beautiful way to realize we have cosmic threads woven into our life journey as well.
One of the things I realize I wish I did more of – that I wish everyone did more of – was share resources they find valuable. I’ve been blogging long enough to see how the medium has evolved, and in these days when it is highly encouraged to be single-mindedly focused on self-promotion and monetizing your communications with others, what I do is clearly very old-school. Of course, most of the people who find me and continue reading appreciate my style or they wouldn’t return, but I can’t help but wish the world in general found a way to return to more heart-centered communications and connections that develop and deepen because they are given time and attention. But, be that as it may, perhaps a pipe dream of mine that never sees light of day again, I can myself commit to doing a better job of pointing out the people and resources that I delight in.
To that end let me point you in the direction of a few people.
Sarah Varcas is an astrologer and she’s got a couple articles are Mercury retrogrades that are definitely read-worthy. First is The Truth about Mercury Retrograde and the other is a more specific look at this Mercury retrograde which is happening in Sagittarius.
The second person I highly recommend you check out is Connie Kaplan. She’s written a number of things, all of which I’ve found incredibly valuable. But in particular, for this conversation, I’d head you to her book The Invisible Garment: 30 Spiritual Principles that Weave the Fabric of Human Life. She offers a brilliant way to understand exactly what gift you’re carrying, and the way into this understanding starts with the astrology of your birth chart. Her website is definitely worth poking around in as well.
Returning to the topic of Mercury, I am the first to admit I have a great love for Mercury in all his guises. I have been strongly connected to this energy as embodied by Mercury, Hermes, Thoth and the Sirian Archangel Hermes. This is Messenger energy, Divine Communicator energy, and the ability to travel between worlds. I identify with all those things. And what’s not to love about a helmet with wings and winged sandals? That’s truly a fashion statement I can get behind.
Speaking of fashion, the photo is of one of my favorite treasures, a wonderful vintage Victorian Revival style brooch of Mercury/Hermes. Isn’t it lovely?
An additional connection I want to lead you to is another astrologer Mary Pat Lynch of Rising Moon Astrology. Her latest podcast is a guided visualization for you to meet Mercury. I can’t think of a better way to start a relationship, so if you’re so inclined do give it a listen.
And finally, in celebrating all things Mercury, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention author Anne Zouroudi. She’s written a series of novels in fabulous Greek settings with the main character being a detective named Hermes. Check out her website and perhaps indulge in a mystery or two.
I’d love to hear your experiences with Mercury – both the planet and the god/archetype, or even the element also known a quicksilver. Do tell – you know I love to hear. And let me know what you think about more sharing of resources and things we love.
Hi Deborah – I keep a note of blogging friends or article-blogs/sites that I enjoy reading and know through those resources I’ll be in touch. Especially blogging details – there are some excellent passers on of resources and ideas … but your astrological updates I tap into – so I can see what’s happening … I do use Feedly as my aggretator.
Love your brooch – cheers Hilary
I’m always grateful for your kind words and visits Hilary. And may the blogging sphere always delight us with interesting things to read and people to connect to.
This just makes me smile and relax…. winged chapeau and coordinating footwear…how does it get better than this?
I’m also a great enjoyer of oldschool blogging and find myself eliminating more and more email connections because I’m tired of having the constant Ginzu Knife sales pitch ” But wait, there’s more!!!!” as I scan thru my emails.
OXOX
LOL – Ginzu Knife promotions! Yes, that definitely calls for hitting the unsubscribe and clearing out the inbox. Perhaps the only more we really need is radical joy and genuine kindness and compassion.
Deborah, you are indeed a marvelous messenger of goodness and I look forward to delving into the links you have provided here! I once was skeptical about these retrograde phases until I experienced some particularly bad repeat tech issues, so now I take these phases seriously. And I have also learned more about these phases and how they are excellent times for ‘house cleaning’, for clearing out what no longer serves us. I’m glad you work the about Mercury Retrograde and are working to debunk some of the mystery around it, as it truly does affect us more then we ever realize, and not always in good ways. If we all had more knowledge and understanding, we could all be more patient which would make the phase pass far more smoothly <3
I love the idea of being a marvelous messenger of goodness Monica – I’m sure Mercury would approve! I like to think of Mercury retrogrades as useful little pauses in the forward motion of life, offering us a chance to re-visit things, refresh, renew. If we’re aware we need to build spaciousness around things during these periods, then we’re not so easily thrown off. Hope you’re finding this one easy Monica, and perhaps any trickster energy is of the fun and delightful kind.
Dear Deborah,
For years I have been reading and experiencing your lovely posts. They have enriched my life and nurtured me. They have given me hope and guidance at the most improbable of times. I love you being *old school* – but if you feel you have to evolve at some time in the future, I will still be following your thoughts, musings and the links you provide. They are worth it! Thank you for being the ‘Mercury’ this Gemini needs!
Lots of Love and Light and Hugs to you during this holiday season and into the new year!
Such kind words Karin – thank you! It’s been such a delight being connected all these years. Maybe I’ll continue the “old school” way until it has a revival and becomes new once again. 🙂 Wishing you a light and love filled holiday season, and a most fabulous new year.
Couldn’t agree more dear Deborah. At the same time I must admit, it is hard to keep up with all the blogs/websites of Beautiful Souls out there. At the moment I follow about 10 percent of those who follow me, trying to increase that number…
About astrology…Did follow a course a few years ago, very intriguing and amazing the messages and information you can find into the stars and symbols, etc.
Combined with numerology, listening to my inner child and tapping into mother nature’s energy it truly helped me on many occasions.
So, thanks for bringing this under my attention…I definitely need to tap into all this more.
Warm regards,
Patty
There are so many wonderful ways to explore this world and our lives, so many lens we can use, so many paradigms we can engage with, so many ways to find meaning and connection and so many invitations to dive deeply into the mysteries. I find it so exciting to be here, and like to think that we’re infinitely resourced in the most incredibly amazing ways.
Now if only we could unfold the secrets of time so we can explore all those blogs and visit all those people who brighten our world! 🙂
As ever, I finished reading your post and took several cleansing deep breaths. Thank you, Deborah for your quiet, insightful and beyond knowledgable words. I’m off to check out that podcast, right after Poppy takes me for a walk.
Thanks for your kind words, and for stopping by Kelly. I do hope you and Poppy are having some lovely walks and enjoying these last days before winter arrives.