We often associate Mercury Retrograde with electronic or mechanical malfunctions or communication misfires or glitches. But think of the “re” in the word retrograde which means again, or redo; when a planet is in retrograde, it appears that the planet is going backwards in its orbit, which of course, it doesn’t actually do (this will explain: http://earthsky.org/space/what-is-retrograde-motion).

To understand what retrograde means for us, think of some words that begin with “re”. Revisiting, reinventing, reassessing, review, release, renew, reconcile, reconsider, even remind. This Mercury Retrograde (which ends December 6) for me has been about revisiting old patterns, particularly no time to have fun, need to finish things!…. these are old familiar friends. The thing to do with all the old baggage that shows itself once again is to recognize it as old remnants of energy, breathe into the present moment and check in with what is actually happening right here and now, and then be willing to release what no longer serves us with a sense of kindness and compassion for ourselves. No matter what old pattern or way of thinking or behaving arises, we recognize and we release with love, focusing on what is really true about the present moment. When I do that, I realize there isn’t that much to do, and I do have time to relax…..if only I wasn’t spending my time and energy thinking about how I have no time and too much to do!…..a very old pattern, ready to be replaced with the truth of the present moment.

Remember, things rise up when for resolution when we are filled up with enough good feeling to handle what is rising up. Then we can use all of that good feeling that we have built up in our moat or reservoir to surround that old pattern in love. We have infinite capacity to love as our Higher Self because our Higher Self is infinite love. In our human form, we usually don’t remember this essential truth.