More about the Mercury Retrograde

Good Morning again. Let's talk a bit more about Mercury Retrogrades. Mirriam-Webster's on-line dictionary says:
Main Entry: 1ret·ro·grade Pronunciation: 're-tr&-"grAdFunction: adjectiveEtymology: Middle English, from Latin retrogradus, from retrogradi1 a (1) : having or being motion in a direction contrary to that of the general motion of similar bodies and especially east to west among the stars (2) : having or being a direction of rotation or revolution that is clockwise as viewed from the north pole of the sky or a planet > b (1) : moving, occurring, or performed in a backward direction (2) : occurring or performed in a direction opposite to the normal or forward direction of conduction or flow


Now, I'm sure that there are real Astronomers out there who could give you a much more technical, well-defined explanation of what the Retrogrades are, but I am just going to tell you about the effects of Mercury Retrogrades as they apply to us as a Magical People. Before you can understand what the effect of Mercury in Retrograde has on you, you really should know what the general aspects of the planet Mercury when it is Direct.
One of the areas of our lives that Mercury affects is communications - with others, ourselves, and Spirit. The speed and accuracy of mundane communications - how well-understood and how swiftly received are our messages to one another is really important on both Mundane and Magical levels. It's important that we are able to communicate effectively with one another in our day-to-day lives. It's also important that we understand the constant, often subliminal messages that we send to ourselves. That's just if you are a 'regular Joe'. Then, of course, the ability to communicate on a Spiritual level is critical. So you can see how vastly important, as Magical People, it is to know how to use the aspects of the planet Mercury to our advantage.
Mercury in Retrograde, quite simply, puts a RE-verse spin on all those things. That does not mean that you will be totally incapable of communication. But it does mean that you must be more careful in the way that you word things, careful as to the timing of your messages, etc. Now, there are people I know who just let Mercury in Retrograde screw up everything. But it doesn't have to be that way at all. You just have to be more aware of how, when, what, and to whom, you communicate. No, it's not very wise to start any sort of contractual, legal, or official communications during a Mercury Retrograde. But if you have no choice in the timing of the transaction, you should, at least, be able to affect the method and manner of that communication. For me, an important benefit of being a Magical person is the ability to distinguish whether or not I can (or should) affect a Mundane situation. And whether or not Mercury is Retrograde is really important on that level. After all, if I am ineffectual on the Mundane level - how can I possibly expect to be effective on the Magical level of my life?
Another area of life affected by the planet Mercury is travel. Journeys of all kinds are affected by Mercury. So, whether it is a trip to Disney World with the kids or Astral Projection, exercise more caution than usual when Mercury is in Retrograde!
When Mercury is Retrograde, the "RE" words are very useful. While you won't want to start something new, you might want to RE-start something that is old or out-of-date. Some situation that, for whatever reason, you have put on a back burner. Mercury Retrogrades are a good time to RE-evaluate existing situations, and even to RE-verse a negative situation! After all, if Retrograde is about RE-versing the actual spin of the planet - then why not use that RE-versal of energy to take what has been, up to now, a negative energy to turn it into a positive energy? Well, that's it about Mercury Retrogrades for now. So on to the herbs and their Magical properties!


Cumin:
Fidelity, protection, and exorcism. The seed is said to prevent the theft of any object which contains it. Burn with frankincense for protection. Scatter on the floor alone or with salt to drive out evil. Use in love spells to promote fidelity. Steep in wine to make love potions.

Cypress:
Associated with death and mourning; stimulates healing and helps overcome the pain of loss. Calmness and tranquility. Hang in the home for protection. Burn crushed cypress wood for aid in understanding grief and death or to aid in divination. Wear or carry at funerals to ease the mind and minimize grief. Useful at any time of crisis. Also Called: Tree of Death I have found it useful in "crossing over" or "transitioning" Workings


Daisy:
Love, luck, and innocence. Associated with babies and newborn infants. Incorporate into baby blessings & Wiccanings or to bring protective Magic into a baby's sleeping area. Wear or carry to draw love.
Also Called: Bairnwort, Bruisewort, Eyes, Field Daisy, Maudlinwort, Moon Daisy

Damiana:
Lust, sex magic and attracting love. Useful for any love or sex spells. Used by solitary practitioners to open the chakras and increase psychic abilities. It is said that this herb should be stored in a container with a quartz crystal. Highly useful in tantra magic, astral travel, deep meditation, and spirit quests. Note: Internal use of this herb can be toxic to the liver.
Also Called: Love Leaf, Mexican Damiana A personal favorite of mine when used in Gris-Gris Bags to make the wearer more love-able (to self as well as others)


Okay, I think I'm done for now. Don't forget to help me make this Blog more useful and interesting to you by entering the comment area and leaving your suggestions and opinions or questions. I will answer privately if you leave your email.
May your day be Blessed!