Mercury Retrograde, you BASTARD!!!!

I woke up this morning the same way I did yesterday...

...a sick, hollow, empty feeling of chaos. I feel rushed. Squeezed too tightly and under insane amounts of pressure from deadlines I can't seem to touch, let alone define. Irritated by anything and everything. Coiled tightly. Ready to strike. I'd wake with that sick feeling of doom that has no logic, no meaningful foundation, and would be a complete 180 degree shift from the positive vibes I was feeling at the beginning of the week. I wake up, try and get to the gym and do something exhaustive before this feeling has me trying to find ways to peel my skin off and sink into something a little less...raw.

I can outrun myself most times and let beading sweat eat away whatever toxins are trying to seep inside of me before they hit anything porous. But this morning, even an exhausting run at the track across the street that left my knees aching didn't seem to shake it.

I called a friend, another wombat (term of endearment) who never cares when I call...just that I do...and she reminded me where we are. Smack up in the beginning of an effin' mercury retrograde. Hokum you say? Possibly. But let me ask you...

1. Feeling a little out of sorts? irritated? disturbed? uneasy?
2. Feeling like something said or expressed just didn't come out right, or is someone wildly misunderstanding you?
3. Plans falling through? Experiencing delays? Problems? Road blocks to some sort of pending event or development?
4. Woud you just generally like to bitch slap the silliness out of someone?

Mercury Retro

The traditional astrological meaning assigned to Mercury going "retrograde" in the sky is that one should prepare for and gird themselves for unexpected delays, frustrations, and surprises in everyday life. This includes everyday routines in commerce, commuting back and forth to work, and in one's communications. During the (very) approximate 24 day periods when Mercury turns "retrograde" in the sky, in the area of commerce, astrologers generally recommend delaying of the signing contracts and other important life decisions. It is a period of time thought to be better spent in reflection and in the rethinking of things.

From About: Astrology, "Mercury Retrograde."

So, reflect. And don't be too hard on yourself if for the next several weeks things just seem to go left when they should go right, people say really really stupid stuff that seems to enfuriate you, or you have a general feeling of malaise. Take a deep breath folks and just remember...

It's all Mercury's fault. That bastard.

My favorite astro guy, Jonathan Cainer always has a way with making me feel better about it. From his Question of the Day: "It impedes communication. Delays travel. Creates confusion. Energises argument. Makes for misunderstanding. And often introduces economic unease, too. Why? What have we all done to deserve this periodic imposition? Actually, it is a blessing in disguise. Without it, some things would happen too fast. In this overly rash and hasty world, there would be even less reflection and review. Whatever you are planning or are caught up in now, here is a precious chance to slow things down while you really think them properly through."

In the midst of all this retro nonsense, I did get a snippet of exciting news...

I've been asked to start a column for a website dedicated to spiritual and emotional well-being. I received an email about it from the owner of the site (and associated business) and we started putting together the framework this week.  More details later, when all is firmed up. I may just wait for the retro to subside..*looks over shoulder*

Until then, put on your retrograde protective suits and take plenty of naps.

Cheers!