Imagine lying on a grassy plain, gazing up at a velvet sky speckled with twinkling stars, and wondering—what does it all mean? This question, rooted deep in human curiosity, marks the birth of astrology. Here, science, mythology, and spirituality converge. From the Babylonians to the Egyptians, the Mayans to the Indians, ancient civilizations looked to the heavens not just for beauty, but for answers—seeking to understand fate, fortune, love, and loss.

Around 2,000 BCE, the Babylonians created the first organized system of astrology. They divided the night sky into twelve sections, each corresponding to what we now call the zodiac signs—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and so on. Their belief was simple yet profound: the positions of the stars and planets revealed truths about the world and ourselves. The celestial bodies were not distant, inert objects but living symbols influencing the very fabric of life.

But the Babylonians were not alone in their celestial observations. The ancient Egyptians, with their deep spiritual connection to the cosmos, developed their own rich astrological tradition. They linked the movements of the stars and planets with their gods, weaving the heavens into the fabric of daily rituals and life.

In India, astrology took on an even deeper, more integrated form. Known as Jyotish Vidya (the science of light), Indian astrology evolved as a spiritual discipline connected to not just predicting the future, but to understanding life’s deeper truths. Rooted in Hindu philosophy, Indian astrology links the movements of the planets to karmic cycles, health, and spiritual growth. This ancient system, dating back over 5,000 years, remains a guiding force in Indian culture, intertwined with practices like Ayurveda and meditation, where the stars reflect the inner world.

Shaina Tranquilino

September 6, 2023

When it comes to astrology, few events stir as much anticipation and trepidation as Mercury retrograde. This celestial phenomenon has gained a reputation for causing communication mishaps, technological glitches, and general chaos in our lives. But what exactly is mercury retrograde, and why does it hold such intrigue? In this blog post, we delve into the mysteries surrounding this cosmic event to provide you with a deeper understanding.

Understanding Mercury Retrograde

Mercury retrograde refers to a three-week period when the planet Mercury appears to move backward in its orbit from our perspective on Earth. Although this appearance is an optical illusion caused by the varying speeds at which planets revolve around the Sun, its impact on our lives cannot be underestimated.

Communication Challenges

One of the most notable effects of Mercury retrograde lies in its influence over communication. During this time, misunderstandings, miscommunications, and delays seem to become more prevalent. Emails can get lost in cyberspace, messages may be misconstrued, and important conversations might turn awry. It is crucial during these periods to exercise patience and clarity while communicating with others.

Technological Turmoil

In addition to affecting interpersonal communication, Mercury retrograde also seems to have a knack for disrupting technology. Be prepared for your phone freezing unexpectedly or experiencing inexplicable malfunctions with your computer. While frustrating at times, taking precautions such as backing up files and updating software prior to a retrograde phase can mitigate potential issues.

Traveling Troubles

Many individuals attribute their travel woes – missed flights, lost luggage, or unexpected detours – to Mercury's apparent backward motion during retrograde periods. While there isn't scientific evidence supporting these claims, acknowledging that challenges may arise during travel plans can help us remain adaptable and less stressed if unforeseen circumstances occur.

Introspection & Reflection

While mercury retrograde has a reputation for causing chaos, it also offers an opportunity for introspection and reflection. This period encourages us to slow down, review our past actions, and reassess our plans and goals. It is a time for self-reflection, allowing us to identify areas in our lives that require attention or adjustments.

Navigating Mercury Retrograde

Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the potential pitfalls associated with mercury retrograde, we can adopt strategies to navigate this phase more smoothly:

1. Practice Mindfulness: By being conscious of our thoughts and actions during this time, we can minimize impulsive decisions or hasty responses.

2. Double-Check Details: To avoid misunderstandings or mishaps, double-check important documents, emails, and texts before sending them out.

3. Embrace Flexibility: As challenges arise unexpectedly, remember to remain adaptable and open-minded. Sometimes the universe has different plans for us.

4. Self-Care Routine: Utilize this period as an opportunity for self-care – engage in activities such as meditation, journaling, or spending quality time with loved ones.

February Cartouche Reading — Horoscope Spread

Monthly oracle readings are made manifest in order to give us all a glimpse of what to expect throughout the month in various aspects of our lives. February is set to be a generally positive month with some hindrances and typical nuances thrown in the mix. All in all, we have good things to look forward to this month. Nothing too major. This is a time to go with the flow of life and the universe.