Mercury will turn retrograde on August 2 and last until August 26th.
This means that the planet Mercury is going backwards in the sky.
This happens 3 or 4 times every year.
What is the big deal? Let me explain it to you as simply as possible.
During this 3+ week period, you will notice delays in mail, lost luggage, long lines when you are in a hurry, delays in payments, computers gone wacky, washing machines not spinning clothes, words coming out wrong, late planes or buses, things you are counting on falling through.
Sure that can happen any day of the week, but during this retrograde period, all difficulties will be increased immensely.
It is not a good time to make major purchases such as cars, computers or phones.
If you do decide to buy during this time, it may cause you difficulty and items may have to be returned or fixed later.
Buying a new computer is definitely not a good idea.
The key to keeping sane is simply remember the prefix RE.
If you have done it before, it is okay to do it now.
If you are returning to a place you have been before, it will be fine.
If you are re-working your mortgage, now is the time to negotiate.
DON'T sign the final papers until after August 26th.
Fib if you must to get a later signing date.
I never sign anything during Mercury Retrograde.
No matter what it is, I put it off until a few days after it ends.
If the deal needs to be done NOW, that tells you something right there anyway.
It is just not worth the hassle to sign during this retrograde.
If you absolutely must sign, read and re-read the particulars.
Pay attention to all the details and be aware of every aspect of what is supposed to be included.
If a deal was cut before Mercury, say a job offer or painting your house, make sure everything that was discussed is included and keep your eyes open for any missing dates or figures, then you can sign in peace.
Years ago, I leased a new Volvo S40 during Mercury Retrograde.
At that time, I did not know of the phenomena that happens in the sky every year.
About a month later, every time I drove over a bump the dashboards lights for gas, oil, and all kinds of messages would light up and go off after I drove over another bump.
I brought it to the dealer and they found nothing, of course.
Another month and the alarm went off by itself at all different hours of the day and night.
Back to the dealer and they couldn't figure it out, so they turned off the sound, leaving the flashing lights.
My neighbors and work colleagues were amazed.
It would flash all through the day night.
They kept it for 2 weeks and couldn't figure it out.
This went on and on for months, but by giving me a lovely loaner car, I was happy enough.
Mechanics or diagnostic tests couldn't explain it.
Before the 1st year was up, they told me to get a lawyer's letter and they would take the car back.
They gave me the better S60, with extra mileage and a free year for my trouble.
Great, but...
That was the year I became aware of Mercury Retrograde.
I found I had to sign the contract for the new car during the cycle.
I spoke to a psychic and she assured me that because I was re-doing the deal, this one would be ok.
It was, and with all the perks, more than okay.
Of course there are lemons out there any day, but buying during Mercury Retrograde no doubt adds to the mess.
Each cycle has a different focus, and this one is movement and speed.
Use the weeks to re-vamp your self, reinvigorate your goals or re-do your mind set.
If you keep a positive attitude and know that everyone else is going through the same craziness for 3 weeks, you won't get as mad in that long line in the bank or when the cash register runs out of ink.
If a storm blows out your electricity just as your dinner guests arrive, get out the candles and laugh rather than getting mad and aggravated.
It just won't help the situation, so going with the ebb will make it a lot easier on you.
Backup your computer, make sure the lighting timer is really working before you go on vacation, check and recheck.
Old flames and old friends might come out of the shadows with an email or phone call.
You may be happy about that, or realize that it is best left in the past.
Either way, keeping your cool and calmly discussing old times will help you to decide if you want that person in your life or not.
Timing is everything, so use this transit to contemplate your next move, listen to what others have to say, do research and most of all just go with the Universe for these weeks.
If you get stuck on the road, take in the scenery.
You never who will be show up to rescue you!