June 7th, 2014 - Mercury Retrograde June 9th, 2014 - Neptune Retrograde

We are in for a double-whammy treat with both Mercury and Neptune entering retrograde. However, many planets are currently in retrograde as well: Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto. Thankfully, Mars returned direct at the end of May, so at least we have more energy and focus to move through these retrograde energies. Nevertheless, what does Mercury and Neptune have in store for us in retrograde? 

What does a retrograde really mean? 

I have talked a little bit about retrograde motion in past blogs, but how does retrograde motion affect us? Mercury is always going in and out of retrograde, so we have a tendency to blame a whole host of problems on the poor planet even if the issues are not within Mercury's sphere of influence. I have read books and articles about how retrograde reflects an inner or opposite polarity shift in the planetary energies, which can be true but is an oversimplification. I would rather state that retrograde reflects a different expression of planetary energies than what is normally expressed in direct motion. 

For example, Mercury is associated with communication, technology, thinking, and even some socialization. The core of Mercury is transmission; something is being delivered. The "thing" that is being delivered can include thoughts, ideas, beliefs, people, objects, feelings, wellness, etc. Therefore, when Mercury is in retrograde, often the delivery is interrupted, slowed, postponed, or even redirected, which is why we often complain of miscommunication, technology issues, difficulty thinking, and other related issues. 

Neptune is associated with spirituality, illusion, delusion, addictions, intuition, wholeness, and a dissolution of boundaries. When you feel the presence of Neptune, you are not quite sure if what you are experiencing is something real or unreal--coming from the outside or inside. The core of Neptune is transcendence--experience beyond the normal or physical level. Unfortunately, Neptune does not differentiate between what is "good or bad," "right or wrong," "real or unreal," or "helpful or harmful." However, when Neptune is in retrograde motion, the different expression of planetary energies can be oddly helpful in that instead of being consumed in the experience of transcendence, you can observe the transcendence. In other words, you are able to see the experiences for what they truly are. For some, this is like falling out of the honeymoon phase of the relationship because you are able to see the person for who he or she truly is, and many people prefer to remain in the fantasy. 

Often, a little more skepticism can occur during Neptune in retrograde, which is useful for those who need to end harmful illusions and patterns. However, for some, life might seem a little less romantic or inspiring. I personally like to see the retrograde as an opportunity to connect with authentic and healing transcendence and discard beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and practices that are either harmful or not helping me. In addition, you are more likely to initiate profound experiences (assuming they are real to you) rather than simply waiting for experiences to occur.   

Retrogrades are opportunities to utilize planetary energies differently, and often a change in energy allows us to make changes in our lives. Without the change in energetic flow, we often will avoid changing aspects of our lives we are uncomfortable changing. During this time, think about how you could take advantage of the shifts rather than complain about the unexpected outcomes the shifts create. 

Concise Considerations

1. Issues related to technology, communication, thinking, and people might indicate a need to change your approaches. 
2. Now is a good time to break bad habits and addictions. 
3. Now is a good time to think about what you truly believe or feel. 
4. If you have been encountering obstacles, then perhaps you need to take advantage of these unique energies and find new solutions. What normally works might not work the same way.
5. See obstacles and challenges as a call to attend to what you might have been neglecting. 
6. Be open to unexpected change. 
7. Connect with what renews you and gives you purpose to see if you might need to add or subtract any elements in your day-to-day life. 
8. Now is a good time to re-examine your path and make course corrections.