The planet Mercury governs travel, so it’s especially important to be aware of Mercury Retrograde Cycles when travel planning. Mercury Retrograde (MRx) affects everything approximately 12 weeks/year, so it’s essential to know how to ride this cosmic wave, so you can come out sailing…Besides travel, Mercury also governs transportation, technology, communication, education & speed. As an Astrologer & avid traveler, I’m sharing these 14 Do’s & Don’ts on travel during Mercury Retrograde because this is so important!!!
What is Mercury Retrograde (MRx)?
With Mercury Retrograde (MRx), it appears (an illusion) to be going backwards in the sky due to Earth’s orbit passing by Mercury. Astrologically, this disrupts all energies related to Mercury leading to problems with technology, transportation and travel and communication. However, if you listen to this change, this can be a productive period to transform, so your energies flow even better after Mercury goes direct. This happens for approx. 3 weeks every 3 months, and are best handled, if planned for to make changes in your life (dates at end of blog) to adapt.
This time asks everyone to slow down and check in with how we manifest Mercury in our lives. Where are you spinning your wheels or inefficient? Overall, it’s not a time to start something new, because it’s a pause in life for reintegrating, reprocessing and recycling our lives to learn from the past.
The Roman God, Mercury, is the Messenger. Being the fastest moving planet, this astrological maverick corresponds with many things, such as, speed, travel, technology, information, communication, transportation, education, thievery & commerce. With his winged hat and shoes, loftily he carries the winged, healing staff or Caduceus. Mercury also rules our health related to the nervous system, eyes and upper limbs.
Related: AstrologyLodestar.com
14 Do’s and Don’ts for Travel During Mercury Retrograde
1. Do Manifest the “Re” Words: This is a nice time for a Wellness or Spa Retreat to slow down and unwind, relax, reflect, rejuvenate and recharge. Also, it can also be a good time to plan and research future itineraries. Travel during this time is not about seeing something new. Instead, it’s more about a venue that allows us to take pause and reintegrate our lives.
2. Use Retrograde Energies to Your Advantage: This can be a productive time to reintegrate our past travel experiences by editing old photos and videos. It’s also a good time to write or journal, enabling us to process experiences. Furthermore, it’s an innovative time to refine our technology skills with cameras, phones and computers. Also, this is a good time to revise a travel blog or vlog.
3. Do Not Sign any Contracts: Because you are more vulnerable to miscommunication during this period, this is not a good time for signing ANY contracts.
4. Do Get Travel Insurance: This assures protection against changes and cancellations in itinerary or schedule.
5. Do Slow Down & Arrive Early: For appointments and arrivals give wiggle room for schedule changes or cancellations.
6. Don’t Rely on Technology: There’s more likely to be computer crashes, technological problems, WIFI issues, miscommunication in e-mails and texts, and disruptions with anything electronic. Therefore, this is a great time to pretend it’s 1990 and unplug from technology and communicate in person.
7. Polish Your Communication Skills: With foreign travel, brush up on the basics of your destination’s language and, thus, be aware of what offends the culture’s people.
Fun Fact: Mercury is also the “Trickster” reminding us to have a sense of humor!!!
8. Do Check in with Your Eye Health: Mercury rules the eyes and vision, so this is a good time for an eye exam or purchase of new glasses. Consider getting shades with blue light filter to protect from technology. Lutein, Bilberry, Vitamin A and Omega 3 fish oils are nourishing for eye health.
9. Do Take a Time Out with Social Media: Slow down and reassess your persona on Social Media. Are you authentic and portraying yourself in the best light? Overall, be more cautious with posts, to avoid miscommunication and unnecessarily offending others.
10. Do Tune up Your Listening Skills: With the modern world of 24/7 stimulation, tuning up our listening skills will allow us to learn more from people, win more friends, polish our interpersonal communication skills and avoid miscommunication.
11. Do Strengthen and Optimize Upper Limbs: Mercury rules the upper limbs, so this is a productive time to update your ergonomics. For example, this is the perfect time to address computer (prevent carpal tunnel and tendonitis) posture to avoid “Tech Neck,” and reassess travelling gear to optimize balance for keeping your upper limbs healthy.
Another Fun Fact: Mercury is the smallest planet and closest to the sun.
12. Do Relax or Recharge your Nervous System: Mercury rules the Nervous System, so this is a wonderful time to relax, rejuvenate and recharge your Nervous System through retreats, time-outs, nature breaks, Adaptogens (ex. Rhodiola, Ashwaghanda) to lower cortisol, and Vitamin B-complex supplements. Mentally, this is an ideal time to improve attitudes and belief systems to ensure less stress for our nervous system. Additionally, explore ways to manage stress with meditation and Energetic Medicine.
13. Do Improve Travel Security & Safety: Mercury rules thievery, so take time to foolproof your travel bags, money and gear. Travelling makes you vulnerable, so its important to think out your plans and safeguard with money belts or hiding your money, Also, it’s time to consider important documents and personal safety. Perhaps, take a self-defense course, get pepper spray or mace, or get contact information for safety.
14. Do Recharge Your Sense of Humor and Fun Factor: Mercury the Trickster reminds you to have a little fun and not forget your sense of humor. Therefore, this is an ideal time for a stress-relieving, fun vacation to lighten up!
Mercury Retrograde Schedule 2023 – 2024
December 29 – January 18, 2023 in Earth sign Capricorn
April 21 – May 15, 2023 in Earth sign Taurus
August 23 – September 15, 2023 in Earth sign Virgo
December 13 – January 2, 2024 starts in Earth sign Capricorn and ends in Fire sign Sagittarius
One more thing, “Retroshade”
Now, you cannot blame Mercury, but be grateful for this time period with 14 important Do’s and Don’ts on travel during Mercury Retrograde. In general, for all walks of life, especially travelling, the best way to navigate MRx is to plan ahead knowing it’s time periods. I chose 14 because this adds up to 5, the number for Mercury and Travel in Numerology. Clever, huh?
Also, do keep in mind (especially if you fought against the flow of MRx) that 2 weeks following it is a “Retroshade Period” to pick up the pieces from MRx, as the universe readapts to Mercury going direct. Finally, if you are travelling during MRx, remember to review these Do’s & Don’ts, so your journey will give you an opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate!!
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