Retrograde: A Return to Balance

 “Slow down, you move too fast.

You got to make the mornin’ last.”

 

Simon and Garfunkel, “Feelin’ Groovy”

 

This Saturday, we’re one week into the second Mercury retrograde of the year, this time under the Gemini Sun. It was headed off by a major lunar eclipse under the Flower Moon, and will be capped by a second eclipse. Those of us versed in astrology all know what Mercury in retrograde usually forebodes: Communication breakdown. Misunderstandings galore. Technology gone haywire. Uncharacteristic mistakes (or if, like me, you’re accident-prone, they’re unavoidable.)

 

In my view, it’s the Universe’s way of telling us to step back and enjoy the fruits of our labor, to give our minds and bodies a chance to replenish and rejuvenate, and to honor everyone’s unique contributions. In the Book of Deuteronomy (Chapter 15), the Israelites are commanded to observe the year of Jubilee. Every seven years, they are to set aside their usual labor and reap the rewards for their effort. The privileged are commanded to give freely to those in need. All debts are canceled, all combat is ceased, and it is a time of great peace and celebration. 

 

Well, it’s obvious that our current system isn’t working. Everyone is chronically stressed, because society as a whole refuses to slow down. We fear retribution—whether from our bosses or envious acquaintances—for daring to choose a third way between strenuous work and laziness. What if we were rewarded for taking time to reflect and cooperate as much as—or even more so than—we are now for fast-paced, grueling work? There would be less anger and depression, due to less fear of poverty and exhaustion from thankless, never-ending tasks to fulfill. There would be more clarity and openness, more awareness and fulfillment. Better cooperation, better flow, greater abundance all around. 

 

What if all of us—irrespective of culture, belief, location, or trade—decided to slow down and allow things to settle? Just three times a year, for three weeks each, we would postpone deadlines. We would have more time to tidy our living spaces and clear our heads. We would have more intimate, meaningful get-togethers, but there would be no pressure to participate. We would take more time to ourselves to reflect and find our grounding. And we could, quite possibly, resolve our differences by being slow to speak and eager to listen to the other party’s perspective. This is the conundrum in our world: How do we maintain our success, our connections, and our awareness?

 

I think our society is built around shame and guilt, and this is why we feel pressured to perform. We’re experts at recognizing shame from a very early age. We quickly grasp which actions or behaviors are frowned upon or punished. We learn to be self-conscious of our appearances to others. We’re taught that in order to thrive in society, you have to do X, Y, and Z, or you’ll never succeed. 

 

Of course, understanding money is crucial to survival in our contemporary society, unless you’re resourceful enough to go completely “off the grid.” But our priorities have lost balance, and we are slaves to the Almighty Dollar instead of using it in creative, high-vibrancy ways. That’s why we need to surrender to the ways of the Universe and slow down once in a while: to rest our bodies and minds, and renew our souls. 

 

This retrograde, may we find the time for patience and reflection, and may our anxious minds find peaceful rest. May we seek balance in ourselves and harmony in our relations, and may we surrender to the good will of the Universe.