As an astro-fiend I am always trying to uncover the natal charts of those close to me. Whether you’re an astrology believer or feel it’s an emotional rorschach test Mercury in Retrograde this March provides you with the opportunity for a perfect pulse-check for wellness. Take the opportunity to check in with yourself, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’ve got some self-care and wellness tips that will help you stay centred.
Firstly, what is Mercury in Retrograde?
For the astro-unanitiated here is a quick cheat sheet. Astrologists believe that the movements of planets have implications for our life on earth. In astrology every planet has a meaning and a corresponding series of “signs”. Most people are familiar with their sun sign, whether they believe in astrology or not. Each sun sign is ruled by a different planet, or, if you’re a Leo, a star and each planet has different implications. Mercury in astrology is the planet that governs communication, travel and learning. This is why Mercury in retrograde is thought to cause misunderstandings and breakdowns in communication. It can also be responsible for public transport mishaps (yes, it effects short distant travel) and delays in processes.
During a Mercury in Retrograde, you might be more inclined to put your foot in your mouth, be misunderstood or send an email or text to the worst possible person by accident. Our intuition is more likely to be off and we are more likely to feel insecure and take offense, or be preoccupied with issues from the past. However, it’s not all bad. Mercury in Retrograde can provide an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Here are our self-care and wellness suggestions for this Mercury in Retrograde, so no matter what your sign, when Mercury goes direct you’ll be ready to go.
Sagittarius:
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Sagittarius is the sign of movement and travel – like the archer their symbol is forward motion so Mercury in Retrograde is likely to cause you significant frustration. Mercury in Retrograde is a great time to reflect on your direction – you have a lot of energy but is it being used effectively towards your goals? Reassess your plans for the year and set goals so that when Mercury goes direct you’re ready to hit the ground running. In the meantime, tap into your spirit of adventure and burn off that frustrated energy by losing yourself in nature with a bushwalk. It worked for Taylor Swift!
Famous Sagittarians: Taylor Swift, Walt Disney, Pope Francis, Bruce Lee and Bradd Pitt
Bush: The NSW National Park blog contains a comprehensive overview of the best nature walks in NSW.
Capricorn:
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The ambitious innovators of the zodiac Capricorns are leaders whose focus is always on the Next Big Thing. They can exhaust themselves with their own grand plans and high expectations. Try to let go of anger and frustration in your workplace if projects are stalled because of tech and communication breakdowns, or HR is moving that promotion contract through slowly. Instead, apply that laser-like focus to your health. Reformer Pilates is perfect for Capricorns as it demands they be present and in the moment. Focusing your eye for detail on micro movements, Reformer will teach you that it’s the little steps that build strength and stamina. Whether in a workout or the workplace.
Famous Capricorns: J.R.R Tolkein, Stephen Hawking, Martin Luther King Jr, Edgar Allen Poe, Michelle Obama
Reformer Pilates: Body Mind Life, Potts Point or Body Ethos, Balmain
Aquarius:
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Aquarians are intellectual idealists who walk to the beat of their own drum. While they are a social sign they they are also fiercely independent, at times they are described as “aloof”. This is because Aquarians exist on an intellectual plane, more comfortable with abstract concepts and their own restless and inventive minds than the murky world of emotions. For Aquarians, Mercury in Retrograde can be a great opportunity to unplug from the things that distract them from their goals. It’s a great time for a social media detox, or a month without alcohol, caffeine or chocolate – allow the demands others make of you to take a back seat and assert your independence from things you might be using as a crutch. It will leave you feeling powerful and totally in control, which is how you like things best.
Famous Aquarians: Abraham Lincoln, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Wolfgan Amadeus Mozart, Justin Timberlake.
Try:
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Pisces:
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This Mercury in Retrograde has your name on it Pisces. While it might feel like a bad time when your trying to celebrate your birthday, you are also uniquely equipped to benefit from it. Pisces are a highly intuitive and emotional sign. Creative and selfless Pisces are notorious empaths – absorbing the emotions of those around them. Mercury in Retrograde might provide the perfect opportunity for Pisces to assess whether certain relationships in their life are still sparking joy. Are those around you giving as much as they take? Marie Kondo your friendship circle Pisces. While you’re working that out, stay grounded with Gyrokinesis class, that focuses on long focused but fluid movements to bring calm and grace to the whole body.
Famous Pisces: Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Rihanna, Justin Beiber, Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs.
Try: Gryokinesis at Spiral Motion Studio
Aries:
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Aries are perhaps the fieriest of the fire signs known for their passionate personalities, high energy and, at times, short tempers. While they are generally passionate and positive people to be around they are also known for being impulsive and confrontational – dangerous tendencies for Mercury in Retrograde! Try not to lose your cool if things don’t go your way – remember everyone is having the same month. Download a Mindfulness app and focus on noticing what is happening around you rather than reacting. If all else fails – channel your frustration with some boxing classes – at least you’ll come out of this month with shredded biceps!
Famous Aries: Edie Sedgwick, Reese Witherspoon, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Robert Downey Jr, Pharrell.
Get mindful with Smiling Mind , and if all else fails? Box it out at Boxing Works Surry Hills.
Taurus:
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There is possibly no sign more suited to going to ground during Mercury in Retrograde. Reliable, practical, ambitious and sensual they are anchors in the star system and one of the most consistent signs. They are also resilient, while they like order and have a “if its not broke don’t fix it” attitude to systems their earthy stability means they are able to weather change. In many ways their pleasures are simple. Taureans work hard and love nothing more than regenerating around their close inner circle and their creature comforts.
They are also one of the most tactile signs, deeply in touch with their physical body – they are the type to notice the thread count on hotel sheets. My advice to Taurus? Cuddle up with your loved ones, slip on a super-luxe face mask and binge watch your favourite television show while the rest of us scramble this Mercury in Retrograde.
Famous Taureans: Miranda Kerr, GiGi Hadid, Iggy Pop, Queen Elizabeth II, William Shakespeare, Barbara Streisand
Try:
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, Mecca.
Gemini:
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Ruled by Mercury Geminis are one of the most communicative signs of the Zodiac, Mercury retrogrades tend to hit them hardest. Known for their quick wit, charm and perspicacity they are just as frequently derided for duplicity, changeableness and simply not knowing when to stop talking. Famous Geminis whose “hot takes” frequently receive lukewarm receptions include Donald Trump and Kanye West. At a time when misunderstandings are rife, think before you speak. Instead, channel that energy inwards, try journalling for ten minutes a day. Notice the fluctuations of your mood and thoughts and realise you don’t always have to have the first, or last say in everything. You are blessed with never being short on ideas or opinions – overview them at the end of the month and see if any consistent themes arise.
Famous Geminis: Angelina Jolie, Prince, Johnny Depp, John F Kennedy, Walt Whitman, Marilyn Monroe.
Cancer:
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Cancerians are one of the most complicated signs in the system. Sentimental and loving they can also be guarded and suspicious, as well as jealous in romance (ahem, King Henry VIII). What Cancers value most is a stable home life and family. During Mercury’s chaotic retrograde Cancers are likely to want to retreat into their shell. Don’t fight this. Instead de-clutter your home so it is as peaceful as possible and spend time with the people you love. It is essential for Cancerians that they learn to respect their own boundaries and stop apologising for sometimes needing space.
Famous Cancers: Arianna Grande, Robin Williams, Meryl Streep, King Henry VIII, Lindsay Lohan, Pamela Anderson
Leo:
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Leos are social creatures, after all, what is the King or Queen of the Jungle without their pack? This means that miscommunications with friends and lovers can hit them hard, as they have a great need to be loved and feel understood. They also tend to stake their ego on their successes and have a tendency to take setbacks at work personally.
During Mercury in Retrograde Leos should focus on spending time with their inner circle – people they don’t need to put on a show for. They should also focus on doing more for others. You cant control how other people see you, but sharing your positive energy with those around you can make you feel just as good. Volunteer to a cause close to your heart. Alternately, instead of waiting for a compliment, give one. Take charge and lead by example by contributing positively to the world.
Famous Leos: Barack Obama, Meghan Markle, Bill Clinton, Jason Momoa, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, J.K. Rowling
Go Volunteer puts individuals wanting to volunteer together with the right organizations for them.
Probono Australia helps professionals who want to donate their skills together with charitable organisations in need of assistance.
Virgo:
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Known as the control freaks of the zodiac Virgos rarely get the credit they deserve for their creativity, humour and aesthetic sensibility. Virgos find immense joy in harmony, whether thats in a perfectly executed Excel Spreadsheet or a favourite work of art. If you are feeling depleted or frustrated at work take refuge in art you love. Re-read a favourite novel, lose yourself in an incredible album and work on your many side projects for the sheer pleasure of a job well done.
Famous Virgos: Rose McGowan, Bill Murray, John Mulaney, Stephen King, Amy Poehler, Roald Dahl, Mary Shelley
Libra:
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Ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty and money, Libra on paper seems like a blessed sign. They are compassionate and positive with all of the creative and intellectual strengths of their less, uh, reliable, air sign companions. However Libra’s pursuit of the three tiers, money, beauty and love, can often leave them feeling torn in opposite directions. They try to satisfy their desire for harmony with beautiful material objects, meaning money can run through their fingers. And their need to be well regarded, even loved, by everyone can make them hapless people pleasers at best, and unfaithful partners and friends at worst.
Libras should remember that there’s nothing wrong with wanting it all, it’s what inspires them to do so much good in the world, but when it comes to having it all they should set themselves realistic goals. Try a daily, weekly and monthly target diary. And stop telling those close to you what you think they want to hear, chances are they’re more than ready for an unfiltered dose of Libran wisdom.
Famous Librans: Sacha Baron Cohen, Zac Effron, Naomi Watts, Hugh Jackman, Gwenyth Paltrow, Sigourney Weaver
Scorpio:
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Scorpios have been known to sting themselves with their own tail. Secretive and guarded Scorpios tend to be self protective. This is because they are as passionate and intuitive as they are intellectual and ambitious – they tend to view their own emotions as weaknesses that requires concealing. Scorpios are sometimes accused of being manipulative, but this is usually only because they are afraid of asking for what they want directly. For Mercury in Retrograde set yourself a goal of communicating directly. If you feel yourself becoming resentful, ask yourself whether you have made your needs clear. Concealing your sensitivity with anger fools nobody and during a Mercury in retrograde can be especially dangerous.
In the meantime? Engage with the physical world and indulge your sensuality. Scorpios are one of the most powerfully sensual signs of the zodiac. Leave your worries behind you and engage with your physical body with a Yin Yoga Class.
