Facebook seems to be full of people bemoaning Mercury going into retrograde, but what does it actually mean?
According to astrologists, Mercury rules the basic way our brains function, including mental clarity and communication. The idea of a retrograde cycle is based on old astronomical understanding – scientists believed that the planet reversed its rotation, and modern astrologers believe that we become muddled and disoriented when it seems to reverse.
While it is, of course, impossible for a planet’s rotation to reverse, the planet slows its orbit of the sun, meaning it appears to go backwards.
RELATED: IS YOUR STAR SIGN THE CORRECT ONE
If you are one of the millions of people who believe that the planets determine our moods, it’s bad news for Geminis and Virgos. These are the star signs that are ruled by Mercury, so Geminis and Virgos can expect to suffer the most!
This retrograde cycle that we’re in right now started on 17 September and goes on until 9 October.
Many people say they experience major problems with writing, reading and getting facts straight, plus it’s thought that Mercury’s retrograde cycle affects tech and gadgets, too, so some say it might be wise to take extra care of your computer.
Historical context could help explain if you’re feeling out of sorts this month. Roman mythology believed the god Mercury ruled money, business, poetry, messages, travel and thievery. The Greek equivalent was the messenger god Hermes, who delivered messages between the gods using his winged sandals. Thanks to the ancient association with travel, the planet’s movements are also thought to be connected with our nervous systems.
RELATED: ‘MY WIFE IS ON THE SHORTLIST TO END UP ON MARS’
On top of making us more critical, frazzled and highly-strung than usual, it can make Geminis and Virgos more egotistical, too.
However, it’s not all bad news. Many believe that Mercury’s movements jolt us out of our normal patterns, meaning that it provides great opportunities for us to renew and reassess parts of our lives. It’s also thought to be a good time to get in touch with long-lost friends and acquaintances, and there’s every chance they might try to contact you, too.
Some people even report that the retrograde begins to affect them a few days before the cycle comes into force. Thankfully, after this cycle things should start to go back to normal.
