We’re weeks away from Mercury Retrograde so what better time to talk about this zippy planet?
Mercury is associated with the Roman deity of the same name. It rules the signs of Virgo and Gemini, and is linked to writing, travel, transport and communication. Since the planet is located close to the sun, it appears to bolt through the sky faster than any of its peers. That’s the mega perk of having wings on your shoes!
Mercury Retrograde
Ugh, what?
Mercury retrograde1 is a phenomenon that occurs about three times a year. Since the planet zips around the central star much faster than we do, it occasionally appears to go backwards from the vantage point of earth. In astrology, this backwards motion, or retrograde, is associated with communication breakdown, tech going haywire and travel plans going south.
Every retrograde is sandwiched between two shadow periods when the planet begins to change direction. We’re currently in the two week pre-shadow period so buckle up! I’ve already experienced some pretty unprecedented frustrations around transport and communication… like the lateness of this particular issue. Oops!2
Poems on the Underground
Since 1986, Transport for London has published classic, contemporary and international poetry on its trains to enable a wider audience to enjoy this artform. If you ask me, a combination of poetry, transport and reaching a wide audience is peak Mercury energy. Here’s a starry poem from the series for you to enjoy.
The Present
Michael Donaghy
For the present there is just one moon,
though every level pond gives back another.
But the bright disc shining in the black lagoon,
perceived by astrophysicist and lover,
is milliseconds old. And even that light's
seven minutes older than its source.
And the stars we think we see on moonless nights
are long extinguished. And, of course,
this very moment, as you read this line,
is literally gone before you know it.
Forget the here-and-now. We have no time
but this device of wantonness and wit.
Make me this present then: your hand in mine,
and we'll live out our lives in it.
If you’re not in London, you can discover Poems on the Underground online. I especially love the poems about India, but as a Desi gal, I’m biased.
Bits and bobs
If you’re a writer, check out Amber Petty’s amazing newsletter and podcast featuring inspiration + writing jobs. She has a special way of making this somewhat daunting art fun and easy to understand.
I need your help! I’m doing some market research to launch astro-inspired pretty things. Please take 10 minutes to fill out this form. As a thank you, I’ll share a personalised mini tarot reading with you via email.
New to reading your birth chart? Astrologer Alice Bell has some helpful guides for newbies.
Do you have Mercury retrograde in your birth chart? Join the club. Find the ☿ symbol and check if you have a tiny R superscripted next to it. So what does it mean about you? On a basic level, it can point to an unusual communication style or a philosophical personality. For me, it manifests as an internal monologue that never shuts up and an obsessive need to introspect.
To be totally clear, I’m not really blaming my tardiness on Mercury. But, I am suspiciously side-eyeing the planet for the 20,000 things that have gone wrong with transport in my life this past week, including crazy traffic, bus delays and an UberEats delivery that never showed up.