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By Alma Rosa García Puig
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We have all at some point in our lives heard about the famous Mercury retrograde. But what is it really? In terms of science, this phenomenon is when the planet appears to change course and move backwards across the sky. It usually happens 3 or 4 times a year. This year, it began for the third time on August 23 and will be in its transit until September 15, appearing again from December 12 to January 1 of next year.

Mercury is closer to the Sun than the Earth. Its orbit around the Sun is 88 days, compared to the Earth's 365 days. Therefore, Mercury goes around the Sun four times for every revolution of our planet. When Mercury and the Earth are on the same side of the Sun, it looks like Mercury is going from West to East, however, when Mercury is ahead of the Earth, it looks like it is changing direction and going backwards, but this is nothing more than an optical illusion. According to Rebecca Smethurst, an astrophysicist at Oxford University, Mercury retrograde is a scientific definition that describes when in appearance from the perspective of the Earth, it moves backwards due to the different speeds of motion between the Earth and Mercury.

Many ancient cultures have observed the motion of celestial bodies. Dr. Aderin Pocock, an English space scientist and honorary research associate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCL, explains that as our planet rotates, it makes objects appear to move from west to east, but sometimes they move from east to west, as if in reverse. They used to be known as wandering stars, however, they were nothing more than objects in the sky that did not move like the others. Eventually, it was discovered that they were the planets of the solar system orbiting the Sun at different speeds and with different elliptical motions.

All the planets of the solar system undergo their retrograde momentum. And although astronomy can give us logical explanations of the movement of the universe, astrology, which is in charge of understanding and interpreting how the behavior of the planets affects us, considers retrograde motion much more important and relevant.

The origin of astrology is attributed to the Babylonians. The astrological charts developed by them allowed them to predict celestial events and seasons. Their astrology passed to the Greeks in the 4th century B.C. and through the studies of Plato and Aristotle, it came to be considered a science. Today, more than a science, it is considered a metaphysical discipline, where many of its laws are based on the energetic stimulus and the influence that distant cosmic objects, whether stars or planets, have on human life.

According to Susan Miller, one of the most relevant astrologers of our times, Mercury retrograde is the only event that affects the whole world. The change of Mercury's direction can have consequences on the earth in many aspects. The theory behind this effect lies in the gravitational force that the planet exerts on the water in our bodies, just as the moon affects the tide in our seas.

Let's begin to understand that Mercury is the planet that rules all moving parts and communication. It rules the way we express ourselves and technology so when it is retrograde, it affects on these issues and makes itself felt in situations such as delays in any field, as well as failed communication. Therefore, they say don't buy a computer, a phone or a car during Mercury retrograde, as it will affect in its functioning and is likely to give you problems in the future. Traveling in Mercury retrograde is believed to affect flights, having delays or cancellations on them. Speaking of communication, it is likely to be affected, so we must check the content of our emails and communications. When signing contracts, we will have to review the clauses so that everything is very clear and we do not overlook anything. And as if that were not enough, if you are going on a romantic date or a first date, you will have to watch what you say so as not to get into trouble.

We are definitely energy and I do not doubt that, as such, other energies generate influences in our lives. How much we want to believe in astrology is up to each one of us. How much we let a Mercury retrograde influence our decisions is also up to us.

I have always thought that the information is there and it gives you the possibility to understand in order to correct and change course. At the end of the day, each one of us carves our own destiny. Each one of our decisions frames a consequence and in this way we weave the events of our existence. There is nothing written. Astrology can tell us how what happens in the sky influences us, but nothing can take away our free will. No one but us decides how and where to lead our lives. It never hurts to know how Mercury's energy could affect us and to be cautious, but blaming a planet for everything that happens to us is nothing more than a reason not to assume the consequences of our actions. And so, as I write, I keep thinking that my words are read with the same intention with which I write them...lest Mercury plays a dirty trick on me. Then I think again and move on... just as in life, step by step, no matter what happens, we can always correct and move forward.


The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of Opinion 51.


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