What is Mercury Retrograde

This info was shared via About.com 

want to give a big thank you to Molly Hall who wrote this guide. 

Mercury Retrograde

By Molly Hall, About.com Guide

Photodisc/Getty Images

What is Mercury Retrograde?:
This happens three to four times per year, when the planetMercury1 slows down and appears to stop (station) and move backward (retrograde). It's an optical illusion, since there is forward movement, like speeding by a slow-moving train -- as it recedes, it appears to go backward.
I saw this on a road trip, driving alongside a moving train going slower than my little white Subaru -- it really does play tricks with your mind!
While delays and misunderstandings do seem to happen, I've noticed a magical trend -- that people and ideas return, for integration, resolution and more.

Mercury Madness?:
Mercury is the messenger, and in this time, the delivery is warped or the message gets lost en route. Some people find that their computers go on the fritz or phone lines go down. If you're at all jittery about it, go ahead and back up your important files.
There can be delays, so give yourself plenty of time to get places. What happens in those down times? Mercury retro is known to be a time of 'fated' events -- who will you meet? What will be revealed?
A Time-Out:
Mercury retrograde gives us time to catch up with ourselves and reflect. Something from the past returns in a different form. People, ideas or buried insights that are keys to moving forward, float to the surface. Often it's felt as a slowed down, contemplative time, and depending on the sign, a chance to go over old ground again, to claim what you missed the first time.
Err on Side of Caution:
There's a long-held belief that it's best to avoid making set plans during the Mercury Retrograde. This means holding off on signing contracts and forming partnerships and alliances. What gets put in writing at this time may turn out to need serious revising after Mercury goes direct. But since tying up loose ends is the domain of retrograde, this type of finalization might fly.
Can you repeat that?:
In our relationships, sometimes we gloss over things that pushed buttons at the time, but which we let slide. What seemed not worth the trouble may reveal itself as a major issue in need of our attention. The Mercury retrograde is a time for review when the underlying patterns come to light.
Back to the Drawing Board:
Some dreams and goals get lost in the hectic rushing around of daily life. The Mercury Retrograde period can be a rich time of reflection on those longings. This makes it a time for the soul to ponder its destiny. You might look over old journals, review your creative work, muse on serendipities of the past that have pointed you toward your spirit's calling. It can make the retrograde period a time of solidifying a sense of your personal story and where you're headed.
What does it mean in each different sign?:
The Mercury retrograde is shaped by the sign through which it is cast. For example, a Mercury retrograde in Cancer turns the mind toward things like family, home and the invisible emotional bonds that connect us. On the other hand, a Mercury retrograde in Aquarius gives it a different spin, with a review of group dynamics, the larger human community, all from a detached perspective.
Making the Most of Mercury Retrograde:
A major cause of stress at Mercury retrograde is frustration from mishaps, things breaking down, computers going black. But if we know it's cycling, this makes it feel less terminal. If things go pear-shaped, see what's there to see. Take a break from the usual routine.
Just observe and see what happens, and be open to the past returning for review. If it's coming back, there's likely something more to learn or release from it. This can be a good (and productive) time, in its own way.

The 3rd Retrograde of Mercury is upon us. 3rd of 4th of 2016

Mercury Retrograde – Aug. 30-Sept. 21/22, 2016

Mercury Retrograde

Get all possible appointments and repairs made and completed before August 30th, or get them scheduled before August 30th for after September 22nd. (Also stay aware of not scheduling during or for a date and time we’re in a Void or Course Moon.)  The next Mercury Retrograde cycle begins August 30, 2016 (6:04a PT/9:04a ET). It ends September 21 at 10:31p for the West Coast and on September 22 at 1:31a for the East Coast. 

IN GENERAL

Many of you know the drill: Count on greater misunderstandings, as all communications are more likely to suffer; expect delays and/or undelivered mail or messages. EXPECT to write and rewrite in the present and WISH to rewrite the past. Always get repairs done of any kind before Mercury Retrograde begins or wait until it ends.

Emergencies excepted, Mercury Retrograde is definitely NOT the time to start a new relationship, a new job, or long-term project — let alone a new career; it is not the time enter into binding commitments (marriage, financial, or otherwise) without the absolute expectation of necessary modifications, alternative compromises and/or reversals in the original plan and/or intent. Unless it’s an emergency, it is generally not a good idea make or go to medical appointments during Mercury Retrograde.

Interpersonally, communications at all levels are problematic, and we are inclined to think slower – process communications slower! We have to be patient with each other and ourselves. Expect computer issues – not the least of which will likely include slower connections (also MUST back-up data).

EXPECT misleading information — if not deception (especially with Neptune in Pisces); EXPECT missed appointments, traffic problems, the failure to keep one’s word because of a promise that could not be kept; misplaced documents, more compute-related problems.

Any Mercury Retrograde cycle is THE time to re-think, re-do, re-define, re-organize, re-assess, re-orient, and/or re-plan without taking action on the “new plan” until after Mercury Retrograde ends. It is the time for completions; i.e., cleaning up paperwork, paying old debts, doing what we’ve promised that hasn’t been completed OR otherwise handling those matters responsibly.

It is not the time for repairs to machinery or automobiles in particular; chances are, repairs have to be made to the repair! It IS the time to chill – to *think* more than we expand our activities; plan what to change and how to move forward after Mercury Retrograde ends. Think of it as an *opportunity* that comes around 3 or occasionally 4 times in a year.

NO ONE escapes the discomfort of Mercury Retrograde — wherever we have Gemini or Virgo in our natal charts, we are going to experience the effects of any Mercury Retrograde cycle.

Mercury “rules” those individuals with a Gemini or Virgo Sun. Those with a Gemini Sun, Moon, or Ascendant, will, most likely, be in the uncomfortable position of having to re-think exactly where they are most comfortable; i.e., easy, adaptable communications suitable for the moment. On the other hand, for the Gemini who is aware of Mercury Retrograde, the opportunity exists to clarify communications — being so precise there is little room for misunderstanding.

Virgo Sun, Moon, or Virgo ascendant, will likely experience the usual difficulties presented by a Mercury Retrograde cycle; however, their main opportunity is to analyze how they may be the carping critic and unnecessarily complicating matters for everyone with whom they are in contact. The main issue will likely be analyzing everything to death with slower reasoning powers, so all the analyzing actually gets in their way. Other issues may be intolerance for disorder or totally rationalizing a double standard they might be using to manipulate a situation.

Mercury will be retrograde in one zodiacal sign or the other, and those whose Sun, Mercury, Moon, or Ascendant in that sign will be seriously affected by the Mercury Retrograde cycle of the sign.

To reiterate, during any Mercury Retrograde cycle, one should not enter into any binding agreements or life-altering commitments. Commitments made during a Mercury Retrograde cycle are most often commitments not kept. Where agreements cannot be avoided, there should be an expectation of having to modify the agreement at some point during its term. The signing of any important document should either be put on hold or signed with the knowledge that it will likely have to be changed in some way.

We are all being forced to loosen our grip on one or more situations in order to prepare for what is coming. The first half of Mercury Retrograde is the time for the greatest reflection and introspection.

During the second half of Mercury Retrograde, people will be especially inclined to just get on with business/life as usual — foolishly so. Added tension stems from a new perspective and the added awareness that we are literally blocked from doing what we feel ready to DO to the fullest extent. What we SHOULD focus on is physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being, as well as plans for greater fulfillment in our lives after the cycle ends.

REMEMBER: Sleep deprivation during Mercury Retrograde causes extreme confusion, inflexibility, and general difficulty staying in reality-based thought. When we feel the least bit sleepy it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, not to mention — refreshing — to STOP what we are doing, and close our eyes just long enough to allow the sleepiness to subside. It can be as little as 2-5 minutes.

REMEMBER ALSO: During ANY Mercury Retrograde cycle, most folks are inclined to think/process information slower — just “BE” with that, and USE it for deeper thinking about any subject, issue, or idea. Be patient with each other.

Mercury Retrograde also affects all modes of travel and all modes of communication. It is definitely not a good time for travel (and we should do so ONLY when our Personal Energy Influences to show positive indications). EXPECT greater stress in any event.

Also, it is no secret that when people use cell phones to talk or text while driving, the distraction can have disastrous consequences.  Especially during Mercury Retrograde, the hazard is multiplied when those who use them are so busy talking (not to mention texting) they go through red lights or don’t stop for pedestrians on a busy street, or even see animals (and animals can’t think). People are supposed to be able to think, but thinking is more often impaired during Mercury Retrograde, and, when using a cell phone one’s thinking may not be sharp enough to negotiate both the situation on the road and the telephone interaction.

Whether we are pedestrians or behind the wheel of a vehicle – it will pay dividends to take an extra 10 seconds for a second and third look before leaving a GREEN light!!!

all info shared came from http://moonlinks.net/planets/mercury-retrograde/

We are DISABLED AND SPECIAL NEEDS HUMAN-BEINGS not TOYS from the ISLAND of MISFIT TOYS

WE ARE DISABLED AND SPECIAL NEEDS HUMAN BEINGS NOT MISFIT TOYS !!!

As I lay here, unable to sleep, head full of worries and stress. awaiting some important choices of the morning. I do what I normally do to gather my thoughts and keep myself calm. I flip through blogs, wall feeds etc on social media. This morning something really got at my craw. I started to notice something about some of the feel good stories I was coming across. Some that I even have shared. There is a pattern to some of them. When they are being written by news outlets, and really important highly well-known social media people. They are referring to the person with the disability as less than >>fill in the blank. and always stating that whoever does blank action towards them that has earned this story to be written is a hero. like guys or girls more popular , or non-disabled taking a disabled or special needs person to a prom, formal, or throwing them a surprise birthday party after learning they never had one. suddenly the story is not written about how amazing the disabled or special need person is. how the wonderful and beautiful soul that disabled or special needs person is. but instead, it always seems to give this amazing credit to the other person for their actions. they are called heroes. no offense don't get me wrong I appreciate as a mother of a special needs child. and as a disabled person. I appreciate these people's actions. but are they not just being decent human beings. like society should be. should not all human beings treat all others like human beings instead of misfit toys?  when did it become acceptable for news outlets and papers, and social media to refer to us disabled people and our special needs kids and less than anything other than amazing kids. they are not less than the next kid. I don't care if they are in a wheelchair or can run. can talk or not. they are not less than the jock, the singer, the dancer or the actor or anyone else in this world. a soul has greatness in it. it does not base its definition of being a good soul on popularity it bases it on your behavior. and sorry but how can someone say oh that guy or girl that took that special needs kid to the prom or to the after graduation party is a hero because little Susie or little Johny is less than average in all departments. really. I mean come on really.
so ask yourself this...when did it become ok to say disabled and special needs people are misfit toys. when did it become ok to treat them like they were? celebrate that someone acts like a human being and was brought up right. but don't in the process downgrade and talk about the other person like they are worthless prior to that person coming into their life.

because just a little side note. each day I wake up and my son wakes up. we bless the world with a few things. more laughter, more smiles and a chance to cross paths with two people that will do anything to cheer you up even when we are down. that doesn't sound like misfit toys to me.

Allow me to speak on Trust, Respect, and Friendship

THIS IS WHAT TRUST MEANS

Truthfulness to those who confide in you

 Respect the privacy of those that confide in you

 Understand that breaking a trust is betrayal and karmically wrong

 Silence yourself  once you have been confided in for nothing shared is yours to spread

Trustworthy friendship is something that is priceless and once you lose that you have nothing

In life you will come across people that are wolves in sheep's clothing. who are trained professionals that know exactly how to break down your defenses just enough to make you give them trust. Sadly it is not all their fault. Because we as humans when we are broken or hurt we desire having someone to turn to. we want to believe that that person being kind to us. Is being honest is being truly trustworthy and that at no time will you ever have to feel more pain or sorrow than you currently do in what ever situation you are in. Sadly that is not always the case. Sometimes one of the worst things in life is that others will lull you into a security only to share your information with others. so that they can know the progress of a situation. Not realizing that what they have done is broken a level of trust that is not given freely.
I am disabled and have certain disabilities and I have a special needs child who wants to trust others but once the behavior of others starts to scare him. he shuts down and pulls away. he notices everything. this in life will keep him from something but at the same time will keep him safe from other things. my child lives by the trust definition. and if it is broken. then you have forsaken him and his kind.

Respect...What does that mean.

in life respect is earned they say. but in humanity sometimes one person must show it in order for another to give it back to them. If you have been respected and given a level of trust and respect and you choose to toss it aside like it is worthless then you and only you will deal with the repercussions of the loss of respect from your own actions. now will the repercussions be that someone betrays you. will it be that karma decided that all your terrors and fears finally come true. will it be that the respect that you chose not to give others will come home to roost harder and more devastating on your life than on the person that you chose not to respect. That is not another mortals choice to decide. It is up to the universe to decide. Sadly in some cases lack of respect towards others never come back on the one that deserves it in the form it should. it hurts those closest to them. and for that it is sad.

Friendship

to each person the word friendship means something different. It's evident by the many different friendships in this world. by how people treat each other. how people use and mistreat each other then call each other friends. how others try to change people into who they feel someone should be in order for them to fit what they define a friend to them is. it is seen everyday in life people telling others what they believe should and should be weak, or strong characteristics. who they should and should not talk to. what type of parenting behaviors is right what you should do at what age. based on how that person does things. just so that a person fits into a cookie cutter mold with a group. but yet they say it's so that the children do not suffer. but not once have they asked the children if they are happy. if they children enjoy the lifestyle they have. if you asked Wednesday and Pugsley if they loved their life as Adams children or would they want to be cleavers kids some would assume they would want to be cleaver kids. but far from it. if you ask the one blonde girl in the Munsters if she wanted to be anything other than living with the Munsters. and people assumed she wanted to. but she never wanted to live anywhere but with Herman and Lilly.  see to everyone that tries to change people to fit what you want a friend to be. have them talk to your type of people. send their kids to your type of locations, do what your kids do, and enjoy the same things as you. stop building clones of yourself. and understand something. FRIENDSHIP is about accepting the world is made up of different people. and ask yourself one thing. will you love your own children the same as you do now. if one day they turn out not to be a cookie cutter mold of you. will you force them to change or will you still love them as they are. hopefully you will love them as they are. be a friend to your friends and remember the world should be made up of uniqueness not clones. and being a friend means being trustworthy, honest, respectful and not changing others to fit some mold you want them to fit into. if you can not do that. then you should not be in there life.

so the end of my blog today is this... over the past couple weeks it has been hell for me and my son. people want to assume, change, define, lie, and even afterwards continue to assert their presence into things. I give those to goddess, but I also am walking away from anyone who can not be trustworthy, respectful and a good friend. for my child, my husband and I deserve the very best in life and goddess knows our soul.

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