“Mercury retrograde,” takes place 3x a year, for about 3 weeks, each time. It is calculated astronomically as if it were moving backwards. but it isn’t. Mercury is moving so slowly compared to the rest of the planets that it gets calculated as if it were moving backwards. All planets have their times of being retrograde. But, not the Sun or the Moon. In fact Saturn and Jupiter are both retrograde right now. The best time of the year is when there are no planets at all in retrograde. That will take place January 6-March 4 2019. Back to the topic...Mercury retrograde. It will take place again this year from July 26 until August 19 and one more time in 2018 will be November 16 until December 6. it is good to know ahead of time when Mercury will be retrograde, because there are usually communication problems, it;’s hard to reach someone, or there are misunderstandings, and as always never make any assumptions when Mercury is retrograde. Strive for clarity in conversations and it’s even helpful to summarize what you think you’ve heard to make sure that you heard correctly, especially if it’s your boss telling you what he or she expects of you on the job. It’s NOT a great time for teaching, training others or lecturing, because people tend to space out and forget what you said. Also you may forget important details that you needed to share during the lecture or forgot to bring the handouts! It is a GREAT time for doing research and planning ahead to get your vision manifesting, when Mercury turns “direct.”

 It’s a poor time for signing legal documents. Realtors say it’s a tough time for them. Mechanics enjoy it, because cars/trucks break down more often while Mercury is retrograde. Mechanical & electrical problems take place when Mercury is retrograde.

Travel plans get mixed up and there are delays. It’s good to know that ahead of time. It’s a good time to research where you would like to go for a vacation, but do not make the reservations, yet. It is a fine time to complete projects that you started before. This is NOT the time to start a new business. No way... Ok, we’ve got until April 15 to be patient and try as best as possible to communicate precisely and to hold back putting important plans into action. Best of “luck” to you.

My friend is in the investing business and understanding Mercury retrograde ought to be useful for him. There are Astrologers who focus only on “Financial Astrology”  (Ray Merriman or Bill Meridan ), but I am not one of them, and it is very very complex.

written by Ananur (Carol) Forma  www.AstrologyWithAnanur.com    ananur@twc.com  local Astrologer since 1976. Maybe you were with me when I first taught at Camden Adult Education in 1976?