Mercury Retrograde Visits Thanksgiving Dinner

Whenever the Mercury planet seems to move in the opposite direction or becomes what is called retrograde (it does not retreat, it looks like that.), The Internet and social media see the multiplication of articles and the same pitfalls. The reality is that this astrological "time" is not very different from the daily navigation. If meteorologists tell us it's going to rain, we'll remember an umbrella and maybe wear rain boots that day. If snow is forecast, we prepare accordingly: melting ice, shovels, purchase of bread and milk omnipresent.

Those who are attentive to what is happening astrologically, and many pagans do it since the cycles of the moon and other astrological influences, play a role in their religious or magical practices. This year, not only will we be dealing with almost full moonlifters, but Mercury will be retrograde during Thanksgiving. Mercury is said to regulate communication, mechanical devices, and electronics, among others. Since the last presidential election, a number of articles have evoked the dangers of family vacation reunions when the discussion turns to politics. Interject a mercury retrograde and you increase the risk of miscommunication.

The Wild Hunt asked a couple of astrologers about how best to use the energies of Mercury to organize a civic and enjoyable party meal, even if it's not totally free. They each offered their own unique perspectives.

Diotima Mantineia from Urania's Well provided us with this list of do's and don'ts:

Do not:

• Suppose people have all the information they need. Check the plans – time, place, expectations.
• Be dogmatic. Everyone has their opinions. Consider that it may not be absolutely necessary for you to express yours.
• Discuss religion or politics. It's not going well. Believe me on that.
• Joke about things that others take seriously.

Make:

• Take the long view and the big road. You do not have to get caught up in little things.
• Be open to sincere discussions. Mercury Rx may be a good time to revisit and resolve social or family situations that are simmering in the background. (But remember – long view, high road.)
• Listen carefully when others are talking. You may be surprised at what you learn.
• Count your blessings.

Mantineia also observed, "Mercury is retrograde in Sagittarius on Thanksgiving Day, which can lead to communication problems, disruption of movement and a serious outbreak of FMD the day most of us are reunited with family and friends. But it can also lead to interesting conversations and real advances in family or group dynamics. "

Ivo Dominguez Jr., who has written several books on astrology, offered the following suggestions:

• Do as much cooking, preparation and travel the day before Thanksgiving.
• Adopt a light breeze, the schedules are unimportant, adopt the attitude of fluidity.
• Pay attention to the sensual joy of food and the warmth of being connected.
• Encourage sharing stories, shared experiences and moan about those narrated for the hundredth time.
• If things go a little wrong, do not worry, because the astrology of the day will complicate the task of bad things. It's good to be ambivalent.
• Remember the power of your imagination, your creativity and your compassion.
• Each holiday is also full of opportunities to create together a better way forward.

Dominguez, Jr. went on to highlight some of the other astrological aspects that come into play in Thanksgiving,

[source: wikimedia commons, danielhallpresentsdotcom]

"The sun enters Sagittarius at the beginning of the day and Jupiter, the ruler of Sagittarius, is in his sign. The Moon is in Taurus, an excellent placement, but is empty all day. It's also almost the Full Moon. In the United States, Thanksgiving is a party full of opportunities for stress and complicated expectations. Some of you may be more frightened because Mercury is currently retrograde. All is not lost or terrible.

The sun entering Sagittarius generally offers a joyous energy and, with the extension of Jupiter, it can help offset some of the potential family conflicts. The importance of a moon without a trajectory (that is, it has no direct appearance on other astrological bodies) is that people are less likely to remember what has been say or at least lose some or all of the impact of comments. were particularly emotionally charged. The presence of the moon in Taurus, a sign that can promote comfort, pleasure and security, can also help ease the stress of the day.

Although Mantineia and Dominguez, Jr. offer slightly different perspectives, they both emphasize self-awareness, not taking too much – physically or emotionally – and focusing on the pleasure of enjoying food and of the society around us and to plan.

The retrograde mercury that occurs during Thanksgiving is not the end of the world. This looks like any other "time" and can be planned if we pay attention to it, as we should do when driving in a car in the rain or snow. Mantineia has published a full article on its website, which explains how to better utilize Mercury Retrograde, regardless of its date of onset. However we choose to celebrate holidays, it is a day reserved to be grateful. Even if we are grateful only when it is finished.