Astrology has been around as long as many religions. Astrology itself dates all the way back to 3,000 BC. Even so, the many themes found within astrology can also be found in many world religions, but the practice of measuring the stars and planets has become “out of date” in modern culture. Nonetheless, that does not necessarily mean it still doesn’t play a part in the lives of many.

Modern astronomers consider astrology to be a pseudoscience, which is a science described as a set of beliefs or practices that are often mistakenly regarded as fact. Astrological beliefs like religion, can not be proven, but that is not a valid reason to disrespect those who choose to believe it in the same manner that one would not disrespect religious beliefs that are not their own.

Let’s boil astrology down to its most basic parts. There are the twelve astrological signs, all of which are constellations that are ruled by planets. A person’s sign is variant on the time and place he/she was born. The many signs one has are said to determine the many aspects of his/her personality. Like any other label that is assigned at birth, the signs do not define individuals; they instead just give a little bit of astrological insight into habitual tendencies across members of that sign.

The star signs are not the only aspect of astrology that people commonly hear about in recent times. The planetary alignments are also crucial in astrology throughout time. As our solar system works its way around the sun, plants enter transits as they cross each other’s paths as viewed from different places on Earth. These transits are all said to have different effects. However, the one that is most known in mass media is the supposed chaos that it causes.

There is a phenomenon which is when the planet Mercury enters a retrograde phase. A retrograde is an optical illusion that makes it appear like the planet is moving backwards from the view that we have of it on Earth. Mercury never actually travels backwards around the sun, but astrologers view this backwards motion as a big disruption for life on Earth.

Think back to January 13-Febuary 21. These twenty-three days were a part of the first retrograde period in 2021. Were these days frustrating or anxiety filled? Did fights happen between peers? Did anything feel different about these days than the rest of the year? Well, those are just a few of the effects that the retrograde is said to hold. These may sound inherently negative, but that doesn’t mean that the retrograde is only problematic.

Why should anyone even care about Mercury entering a retrograde orbit? Well, this backwards period is known to bring communication through relationships nearly to a halt. This is because Mercury is known to rule communication which includes: listening, learning, speaking, negotiating, and buying/selling. Not only does it affect relationships between peers, but it can also affect the regular speed of someone’s life. During retrogrades, people often report feeling anxious, lethargic, and an overall “chaotic” energy.

Looking further into relationships, couples tend to fight about previous experiences that they have bottled up until the retrograde. This can both strengthen and weaken relationships depending on the person’s outlook on the situation at hand. Mercury entering a retrograde period is not a cause for imminent breakup or troubles, however, it is easy to blame the transit for any turmoil that is to come.

For individuals, this transit period can appear in the smallest of things. This could mean one loses his/her keys, misses an important appointment, or his/her technology decides to malfunction. These events can cause great frustration, especially as they are stacked up on top of each other.

It is essential for individuals to stay grounded during this period, because staying grounded helps promote personal growth throughout the changes brought by these transits. However, because of its supposed energy, it is hard to use the negative implications for one’s own advantage.

How would one use this period to their advantage? Well, because Mercury is perceived as moving back during this time, people should take the time to go back to things of the past. This could include reaching out to an old friend, or starting up an old hobby again. In order to keep very few bumps in the road throughout the retrograde, go back into one’s house and make sure that nothing is forgotten. Check back in with appointments and make sure that they are planned for the right time.

Most importantly, take time to go back and reflect on mistakes of the past. Use these mistakes during this period and grow from them rather than stress about things one can no longer change. Mercury being in retrograde can be a scary thing for the astrology community, but no astrological time period is inherently bad. Instead, the onlookers perspective determines the true meaning of such transits.

One does not particularly have to believe in astrology to feel its supposed effects. In many cultures around the world, astrology is a part of everyday life. And even if one believes that there is no truth in the practice of astrology, it is still important to respect the beliefs and practices of others.

That being said, watch out for your relationships and feelings during the next retrograde. Most believers of astrology are already preparing for the turmoil of the next retrograde, which is taking place May 29-June 22, which, beware seniors, is the day after Milford’s currently planned prom.