You guys: While you were busy planning where to view Monday’s solar eclipse did you stop to think that it’s coinciding with mercury retrograde??

Cue the collective, “Oh, shit.”

In case you’re new here: when in retrograde, planets appear to move in the opposite direction, and can have all kinds of crazy effects. With Mercury, this can mean miscommunication, travel delays, clumsiness and emotional distress. But Liz Worth, an astrologer and tarot reader based in Toronto, wants you to know that retrogrades can also be a very productive time—especially when it coincides with a solar eclipse.

“Mercury retrograde helps us to dig deep into what we can do better, and the solar eclipse can act as a catapult towards a new way of being in the world,” explains Worth. While this period may normally throw you a bit out of whack, the imminent eclipse and the change it will activate can positively interact with the effects of Mercury retrograde. “Sometimes eclipses initiate change that we don’t even notice until we look back months later and realize that something that seemed so insignificant actually acted as a major catalyst for our growth,” explains Worth. “If you are feeling clear about a direction, then definitely use this time to channel your energy into what feels right for you.”

In order to make the most of this rare interaction, we asked Worth to note five things we should be thinking about as the eclipse and Mercury retrograde occur simultaneously this Monday.

Trust your intuition 

Anything can happen with a solar eclipse, but it helps for you to pay close attention to those areas you feel conflicted about. “We don’t always know what kind of change will be brought in at this time, and it may not even be obvious at first,” says Worth. “Listen to your gut about anything that feels like it’s becoming a drag, especially if it’s holding you back from putting your time and energy into something that will help you grow. Sometimes, you’ve just got to let go so that your hands are free to grab onto something new.”

Explore what you truly want, from yourself and others

The Mercury retrograde occurring right now (it happens four times a year, FYI) is in the sign of Virgo, which can be both nurturing and purifying. “This really is a key time to reorganize any aspects of your life that just don’t feel like they are giving you what you need, or that are impeding your ability to make self-care a bigger priority,” explains Worth.

Set a new intention

Now’s the time to consider new goals for the future, both big and small. “You might think of a solar eclipse as actually ‘eclipsing’ something in your life—letting the light go dark on one aspect of your identity so that you can begin a new chapter,” says Worth. During Mercury Retrograde, doubt can be a productive activity, and—if you’re ready to accept a new phase of your life—the eclipse can clarify your doubt, revealing what you’re truly ready to leave behind.

It’s OK to feel foggy

We all go through confusing times now and again, so don’t worry about it too much. “As long as you’re staying aware and staying open to what’s happening around you, you’ll be good. The one thing that can make these periods more challenging is fighting to keep everything exactly the same,” Worth explains. So, that leads up to Worth’s last piece of advice:

Be open to change—and be patient

The eclipse may not effect you instantaneously. In fact, you may not notice any huge changes right away, but Worth says you should remain aware that “the energies and intentions that come up this week will continue to unfold over the next six months.”

Related:
Your Summer #Goals Horoscope by Cool-Girl Astrologist Liz Worth
Forget Mercury Retrograde: These Other Planets Will Really Eff You Up
Crystals for Beginners: An Intro to the Millennial Obsession

 

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