Happy Wednesday, Mercury’s Day which is known as Budhavaar in Vedic astrology. Mercury has been retrograde since yesterday, May 10, and will remain so until June 3. During a Mercury retrograde cycle, and especially the first 10-11 days of it, our non-linear intuitive mind (right brain) becomes more active than our linear mind (left brain), helping us to think creatively and “outside the box.”
However, we need to slow down and take time to contemplate and listen deeply if we want to make the most of this cycle and avoid lapses in memory and communication breakdowns. This is an especially important time to take nootropics like Gotu Kola, L-Theanine, and Rhodiola Rosea to boost cognitive function.
Mercury retrograde may bring some disruptions but also helps us to deepen our understanding of ourselves and of others. As the Messenger, Mercury when retrograde is said to be traveling in the Underworld, where he can help us access the deeper unconscious mind where problems can be solved in surprising ways, and new understandings can be brought to light to help us overcome any perceived limitations. Mercury retrograde gives us a great opportunity to catch up, regroup, and reorganize; to step back, reflect, and reconsider where we have come and where we are going.
Mercury’s inferior conjunction with the Sun will occur on May 21, and around this date, we may tap into some important information and guidance and can begin to metaphorically plant seeds for something new to develop. What is revealed at this time is likely to emerge around Mercury’s direct station on June 3. The last twelve days or so of the retrograde period (after the inferior conjunction) are more about preparing to make a decision and take new action. But we still need to wait until after Mercury goes direct to make any life-altering decisions or to initiate anything significant.
To the Greeks and Romans, Archangel Raphael was the same as their winged messenger god, Hermes (or Mercury). Raphael means “God has healed” or “God heals.” Hermes’ Caduceus has two intertwined snakes, which symbolize our sublime energetic system; the process of alchemy, i.e., the magical energy of creation and transformation; and the balance we must maintain to create optimal health of body, mind, and spirit.
(Art: Archangel Raphael by Howard David Johnson: https://www.howarddavidjohnson.com/Angel-art.htm)
As Mercury is retrograde, health may become more sensitive than usual for some of us. This is because Mercury signifies vata (airy) diseases. This pertains to the digestive system; the respiratory system (lung issues, allergies, coughs, infections, etc.); and the nervous system (anxiety, insomnia, nerve palsies, and so on).
The retrograde motion of a planet can classically point to health reversals or weakness. We can call on Archangel Raphael to help strengthen our health anytime, and especially now when Mercury is retrograde.
Archangel Raphael, I ask that you assist me in all my needs and in all the trials of this life.
As you are the “physician” of God, I pray that you will heal my soul of its many infirmities, and my body of any ills that afflict it.
I ask that your supreme love and light will bless and strengthen me, so that I may become a strong living temple for the Holy Spirit.
May your healing vibrations permeate all worlds, both known and unknown.
Please heal and bless my loved ones and all beings everywhere.
So it is. Thank you. Amen.