Mercury — our wily planet of communication and currency, the mind and the mouth — is stationed direct this week.
But we ain’t out of the woods quite yet.
We continue to feel the ill effects of the planet’s slow-down for up to two weeks afterward, a charming/jarring little epilogue known as the shadow period.
Or Mercury “retroshade,” if you’re nasty.
In this latest round, the retroshade extends through Sept. 11.
The fastest-moving planet in our solar system, Mercury, goes retrograde three to four times a year, and when you factor in the shadow periods of the retrograde, we spend up to six months a year at the mercy of Mercury’s slow-down showdown.
Retroshade can bring clarity and finality to circumstances we may have been battling, helping us to understand and integrate all the brutal but beneficial lessons of the retrograde cycle.
Because this astro energy can be harsh, we would all do well to take better care of ourselves.
Avery Morgan, productivity expert and chief communications officer at student resource EduBirdie, shares her top four retroshade survival tips to help you prepare for this season of reflection and reduction.
Live slow and say ‘no’
Morgan suggests that we embrace a slower pace as we transition from turmoil to stasis. Cull in the name of calm and protect our peace by whatever means necessary.
Start by cutting out tasks or plans that feel depleting.
“Be comfortable saying ‘no.’ This is your chance to reboot your internal clock: start your days with quiet mornings that set a calm tone, enjoy mindful meals that nourish both body and soul, and wind down with relaxing evenings that help you decompress,” she tells The Post. “Focus on creating a balanced routine prioritizing rest and reflection, allowing yourself to fully recharge and embrace a more peaceful, intentional pace of life.”
Master the art of JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)
As the natural world winds down toward winter, we can act accordingly, treating our time and energy as a resource to be measured, stored and protected.
As Morgan imparts, “Life won’t end if you miss out on something. Moreover, it can be extremely liberating. Next time you are tempted to attend every event or overcommit to meetings, consider whether it adds value to your life. If not, embrace the joy of missing out.”
When it comes to plan-making and -keeping, if it’s not an enthusiastic yes, let it be a solid no.
Create sacred time for yourself
As the sun shines in Virgo, we are reminded of the importance of ritual and ritual purification.
“Set aside at least an hour each day just for yourself — no distractions, no interruptions,” Morgan advises. “Whether it’s to read, go for a stroll, do a skincare routine or take a power nap, this is your uninterrupted 60 minutes.
“Treat this time as sacred, just as you would any important meeting.”
Morgan stresses that consistency is key when it comes to choosing yourself, saying, “Stick to this practice, and you’ll create a solid defense against the burnout that often creeps in during autumn.”
Make socialization soulful
Mercury rules communication, so post-retrograde, consider the kinds of company and conversations that fortify you.
Let desire, rather than obligation, be the scaffolding for your plans.
“Prioritize spending time with those who lift your energy and make you feel great — especially those you don’t see often but truly love,” Morgan tells The Post. “Plan more low-key gatherings that allow for deeper conversations, like getting coffee with a close buddy or throwing a small dinner party.”
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience.
