Sometimes it just seems like everything is going wrong. You misplace things, forget things, and quarrel with people you care about. It's the worst! And for some reason, it seems like when you're having a tough time, so are many people around you.
It's a little mysterious, isn't it?
You might have also overheard people saying something about the planet Mercury being in something called "retrograde" a lot during these periods of time. But what does that even mean? And what does it mean for you?
Well, if you're someone who believes in astrology and that the motions of the stars and planets through the heavens have an impact on our earthly lives, it means that things are going to be rocky for a little while.
But don't worry. According it astrologers, it's not always a bad thing. Sure, things might feel shaken up and out of whack for a bit, but by looking at it a little differently, this period can actually hold some important lessons for us.
Read on to discover how to get through the next Mercury retrograde, slated to go into effect on August 30.
Cover image via Flickr / Dmitry Boyarin
What Does "Retrograde" Mean?
Retrograde is when a celestial object, namely a planet, appears to move in the reverse of its normal motion through our sky.
They're not really switching direction, though — that's impossible. Instead, the "reverse" motion is an illusion caused by the differences in orbit speed.
Mercury typically appears to move west to east in our sky. In retrograde, it appears to move east to west.
(And yes, if you were on another planet, Earth would occasionally appear to go backward, too!)
Why Does Mercury Being In Retrograde Affect My Life?
In Roman tradition, Mercury was the god of speed, communication, medicine, and commerce, and so the planet is associated with those things, too.
When in retrograde, astrologers believe that lines of communication and exchange falter and get garbled, which is why so many people experience a feeling of confusion in their lives during that time.
How Often Does A Mercury Retrograde Happen?
Mercury goes into retrograde about four times a year. This year saw a retrograde happen in January and for most of the month of May.
The next one is scheduled for August 30 until September 22, and there will be another in late December through late January of 2017.
So what should you do, and not do, during these times?
What To Do When Mercury Is In Retrograde DO: Back Up Your Data
There's nothing worse than losing your files, and a big mess-up like this is, according to astrologers, a classic retrograde problem.
So be sure to back everything up on a hard drive or disk.
DO: Tie Up Loose Ends
Do you have anything hanging over your head? A project you've been meaning to finish? A chore you never seem to get around to? Now's the time to finish it!
The less left unfinished or undone during the retrograde, the better. It means fewer things that could potentially go wrong!
DO: Double-Check Everything
And we mean everything. Most of the time, we make mistakes because we don't always do a great job of checking everything over.
If you're doing anything at all, take a moment to look it over, and you might find that you missed something.
It might be something small, or it might be a bigger deal. Either way, your life will be easier for having caught it.
DO: Ask Questions
Mercury retrogrades, according to astrologers, are times when communication just isn't flowing properly. That means misunderstandings and misinterpretations abound.
If you're unsure about something, then, speak up! Ask for clarification on anything that seems unclear, and don't worry about having to look like you know anything.
DO: Reconnect With Friends And Family
If you feel like your communications and connections are suffering during this time, take action!
Get together with friends or call up relatives you haven't spoken to in a while, and make sure those lines of communication stay strong and healthy.
What Not To Do When Mercury Is In Retrograde DON'T: Make Any Big Purchases
If there's a big-ticket item you've had an eye on, maybe now isn't the best time to pick it up. And it's never a good time to make a big purchase on a whim, no matter what the planets are doing!
If you have to make a large purchase, make sure to read all the paperwork twice over, and consider getting a warranty, too.
DON'T: Speed Through Things
Life can be hurried, but during a retrograde, it's best to slow down and take your time on things.
A rush job is definitely going to result in mistakes, and depending on what you're doing, they could be potentially serious ones.
So take a deep breath, slow down, and pay attention to what you're doing!
DON'T: Be Vague
Most of our problems stem from some kind of lack of communication. With that being said, it's important to remember that you are also involved in said communication.
This means that during a Mercury retrograde, it's important to be very clear when communicating with others.
Say what you mean, be concise, and be honest. It will help you move forward.
DON'T: Ignore What The Retrograde Might Be Trying To Tell You
Mishaps, missteps, and mistakes are all aggravating, but sometimes, they can also be learning opportunities.
If you got into a disagreement with a friend, maybe it's time to think about being more thoughtful in your interactions.
If you drop something, think about how you might prevent it in the future.
DON'T: Take Things Too Personally
Mercury's retrograde gets a lot of people feeling flustered and overwhelmed. Some things might get to you, but you do have control over how much of the nonsense gets to you.
If someone says something thoughtless, or if you spill your beverage (again), it's okay! Move on with the conscious thought that regardless, you're OK and your day will be just fine.
Have you ever noticed that Mercury's retrograde affects your life? What happened? How did you cope?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE this guide with your friends!
