On December 10, mischievous Mercury makes yet another semi-annual retrograde journey, and just in time to potentially add a little extra stress to your holidays.
But have no fear! The key word here is “potentially.” As with any astrological event, the final result rests in your hands. There are plenty of tricks and tips that will help Mercury’s backwards motion work in your favor. Plus, Mercury will add a pleasant little boost to its activities on the 10th by moving into a positive aspect with romantic Venus.
The key to dealing with Mercury is understanding that the messenger planet is something of a prankster, it is in no way malicious. Mercury likes to keep you on your toes, reminding you that even the best-laid plans can go awry. However, it’s by learning to deal with these little setbacks that we become more successful at tackling some of life’s bigger problems.
In this particular case, Mercury will travel through Capricorn, which means it will carry a more practical message: Keep an eye on your spending! This is a wise — if not enthusiastically embraced — reminder around the holidays. Still, take a little extra time to go over your budget in detail and try not to overspend. In fact, given the tendencies of retrograde Mercury, it would be smart to set a bit of extra money set aside if possible, just in case.
In general, if it seems like little things are somewhat problematic — electronics are on the fritz, communications keep going afoul or delays seem interminable — remember to take a step back, breathe deeply and let your mind wander. These things are bound to happen from time to time. Instead of allowing stress to build up, use the time to rejuvenate yourself with a bit of quiet meditation or introspection.
And don’t forget, the 10th will also see some extra romance once Mercury and Venus take a turn around the dance floor in Scorpio. This combination of communication (Mercury), romance (Venus) and sexy seduction (Scorpio) is sure to help turn up the heat on these cold winter nights!
A bit of introspection can work wonders to help pull you out of a rut or keep your mind clear during more trying times. But how well do you really know yourself? Are you prepared to fully use your strengths (and even your weaknesses) to your favor? The alignment of the planets at the time of your birth plays a critical role in your personal development.