Surviving Retrograde Season

The month of March is jam-packed with shifts and changes in the astrological plane that could create some friction, but don't worry. While there is a lot of anxiety associated with Retrogrades, they aren't a bad thing.

In life we all experience phases of rest and action, and the planets do too. Retrogrades create an opportunity to slow down, check-in, and relax so I find joy in retrograde season. I like to think of retrogrades as a little maintenance check, will you always receive information you enjoy during a check-up? No, but if you are open to receiving this information and making the proper adjustments, next time you go in for a tune-up you'll be better prepared. 

If you are new to astrology and keep hearing of the horrors of retrograde season, a retrograde is just when a planet is traveling backward in the sky. This is not an uncommon occurrence and is totally normal! When a planet takes a backward trek through space, its normal associations also do a 180. If you are familiar with tarot, think of it as a card reversal in a spread. The normal meaning of the planet is essentially flipped upside down and can create some conflict or strain. For example, Mercury is associated with communication, technology, and travel. When Mercury is Retrograde, the "big bad" we always hear about, these aspects of life don't flow as easefully.

This month Venus and Mercury will be traveling backward in the sky, let's talk about the ways you can prepare, and survive this Retrograde Season!

Venus Rx: March 1st- April 12th

Venus is commonly known as the planet of love, romance, and relationships. Don't get scared, this doesn't mean you and the "love of your life" are destined to break up during this time. Venus Retrograde occurs every eighteen months and is an ideal time to reflect on how you define love, reflect on your past experiences, release old hurts, and reevaluate your standards in relationships. Venus will begin in the sign of Aries before moving into the sign of Pisces. Aries's influence on Venus's backward journey in the sky could create impulsivity in desires related to love and companionship. You may find yourself craving a partner or company, or making big purchases through an act of retail therapy. You may even notice a spell of love-bombing sweeping the streets as the world seeks their "perfect partner" through a more impatient lens. Be mindful of how you communicate and express your desires during this time. Are the feeling you have fleeting, or genuine? 

Once Venus enters Pisces this energy shifts into something more subtle, dreamy, and whimsical. The smallest of moments may feel like the beginnings of a great love story or a new best friend. You may find yourself overcome with feelings of longing or melancholy. Be mindful not to project your desires of a fairytale romance onto a person who simply doesn't know their lines. Don't settle this retrograde and fall into the arms or maintain the dynamic of any person who feels close enough when you wear rose-colored glasses, turn your head to the left, and squint. 

Remember that comparison is the thief of joy, this Venus retrograde will pull you like a magnet towards impulsive behavior and the fantasy of a picture-perfect love. Ask yourself what you truly want, reflect on your history, be grounded in the present, and pause before making any big decisions or grand gestures.

Questions to ask yourself this Venus Retrograde:

• Are the relationships I am in healthy and balanced? Why or why not?
• What are my standards in relationships? Do I have any?
• Is what I am accepting aligned with what I believe I deserve?
• How is my relationship with myself, and how can I nourish this relationship?
• Am I a good partner to myself?

Tips for Venus Retrograde:

• Keep a tab on your budget, be mindful not to overspend. If a big expense comes up suddenly don't panic. You'll make it through and this will likely allow an opportunity to renegotiate old contracts.
• Don't act impulsively; breakups, make-ups, and heavy conversations are big decisions. Be mindful and considerate of any shifts you are making within your relationships.
• Be kind to yourself. Your relationship with yourself is the longest relationship you'll ever have, make sure it's a healthy one. Make space for self-care, community support, and tenderness.

Mercury Rx: March 14th- April 7th

I'm sure you've heard about Mercury retrograde a few times now. Mercury rules over the mind, how you take in and share information, communication, and travel. Mercury Retrograde occurs three to four times a year and is an ideal time to slow down, think before you speak, and make a backup plan for your backup plan. Aries energizes this planet of communication, creating the potential for fiery conflicts and a fast temper to frustration. Try leaning into mindfulness and taking deep breaths before acting when feeling irritable. Technology will lag, and miscommunication will be frequent and exhausting at times, but despite what's happening around you, you have control over your reactions. Practice your self-soothing techniques during this retrograde and remind yourself everything will be ok. Enacting patience will be helpful to you at this time.

Once Mercury moves into Pisces the heat simmers down to a cool steam, your frustrations may be more internal and you'll find yourself more able to stay calm in the face of conflict. Pisces is in detriment in the planet of Mercury, meaning this sign isn't comfortable in this planet. You may notice an increase in miscommunications as you could be experiencing more brain fog. Mercury is an invitation for slowness, think before you speak. If you are faced with a serious conversation don't be afraid to ask for time to think before you respond. Use a journal as a tool to piece your thoughts together. For extra confidence, you could even try integrating a notepad during a tonally serious conversation, write down what you want to say and use it as a guide, or even take notes to remember important information. Ask for clarity, and repeat what people say to confirm you're on the same page.

This Retrograde is an opportunity to reflect on how you spend your time, how you communicate with others, and the areas of your life you need to pay more attention to. Make note of conflicts that repeat themselves, technological issues, and scheduling mishaps, these problems could point to imbalances in your life that you could treat with more consistent care.

Questions to ask yourself this Mercury Retrograde:

• Am I experiencing burnout in any aspects of my life? How can I make more time for rest?
• Do I resist slowing down and moving with intention?
• How can I release capitalistic conditioning that I must operate perfectly like a machine rather than a human being?
• How can I be more patient with myself and others?

Tips for Mercury Retrograde:

• Look at the big picture, what is it you want, and are your actions in alignment?
• Look at the little picture, what small habits do I have that are preventing me from enjoying my life? What can I let go of, and what new habits can I replace them with?
• Double-check before sending out any emails, letters, etc. Avoid accusing people of anything, misinformation will be highly spread. Be certain before taking the plunge.
• Avoid making big decisions, signing contracts, and entering into new relationships. 

Retrogrades are like rollercoasters, once you're on the ride you can't get off so figure out how to have fun until the journey ends! This is a time for intentionality and considerate care more than it is about action. Use retrograde as an opportunity to plan, dive into shadow work, get introspective, and let go of the past. There's no need to fear evil exes coming back, your car getting totaled, intense arguments, or brutal breakups.  These are natural cycles in life and are to be expected, resisting this natural flowing energy creates more conflict than it helps to avoid it. Lean into retrograde season and enjoy this period of slowness and you'll make it through unscathed!