Mercury goes retrograde

Astrologically speaking, Mercury represents the functions of intelligence, transmission of information, and reception of information. Starting today and continuing until April 12, Mercury will be retrograde. When a planet appears to be going backward from our vantage point here on Earth, it's said to be retrograde. Basically, planets act like channels for the various signs to express themselves. But when a planet is retrograde, instead of flowing outward in the normal extroverted pattern, its energy is directed inward, away from the world. Some pop culture astrologers will say that Mercury going retrograde is nothing but trouble in ways of connecting with others: broken phones and email services, computers not working, packages not arriving, travel plans being thwarted, etc. And while this may very well be the case for some (resisting "what is" will not make this any less frustrating!), it's also a great opportunity to allow our minds to turn inward and "unplug" for awhile. These next few weeks will be an opportune time to think in independent, imaginative, and innovative ways. Refocus on yourself. Be particularly patient and gentle with yourself and others during the next few weeks if self-expression seems difficult -- this too shall pass!