That bad boy planet – Mercury goes retrograde again arriving in at 20:50 universal time on March 30th. Drat! Mercury is the planet that loves to create chaos during a three-week cycle when it appears to be traveling backwards in the solar system. However, according to many astrologists, A planet is described to be in retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. Actually this is an illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in the solar system. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play. While Mercury is really stationary and not moving at all,  it does seems to back up the other planets in it’s path that want to move forward. This backup wreaks havoc in the areas of communication, perception and thinking. Mercury is considered the planet of communication in the universal solar system and is the universal cosmo trickster stirring up nothing but chos. Believe me, you will feel the effects — like irritability and being on-edge. Arguments will ensue much more frequently than normal — so be prepared and think before you speak.

Numerologist and  Astrologers will advise not to make big decisions, purchases or sign contracts during this phase, which usually occurs 4 times each year for approximately 3 weeks, give or take a few days. The effect of Mercury retrograde can oftentimes be felt 2-3 days before and after, so hang onto your sombrero.

Mercury arrives in on a 1 universal day bringing this cosmo trickster’s own devious form of individualism and independence which will drive us instead of the other way around.

The purpose of this post is to help you understand the effects on you personally under this, oftentimes strange and frustrating, cycle using numerology based on your Life Path number, which is calculated using your date of birth. As long as you are aware of the effects of MR and what to do and not do during this phase, you can lessen the effects and breeze through this period with as little collateral damage as possible. I do know that most of my family members and friends get into more arguments with their spouse. I always like to send out MR warnings to them in advance.

Calculating your life path number

It’s so easy! Just add up all the numbers in your date of birth. So for example, if you were born on February 24, 1976, here is how to calculate your life path number:

February = 2 (the second month)               2
24 (the 24th day) = 2 + 4 =                          6
1976 = 1 + 9 + 7 + 6 =  23 = 2 + 3 =            5

Total                                                                 2 + 6 + 5 = 13 = 1 + 3 = 4

The Life Path number in this example is 4.

Use your numbers to your advantage

To get through a Mercury Retrograde (MR) cycle , find your Life Path number below and follow the suggested guidelines.  The Life Path number is based on certain tendencies and characteristics, opportunities and challenges that you may encounter in your life. Use them to your advantage during a MR cycle.   This is also the first MR cycle this year and can be associated with the number 1.  In numerology,  the 1 is about new beginnings. therefore, this first MR cycle provides an opportunity to adjust our attitude and thoughts and make adjustments to new directions that we move into during 2011.

1 Life Path

1’s are the bossy ones of the numerology universe and they like to be the leader in anything they do.  They like to initiate and be large and in charge – it’s just in their nature – they can’t help themselves.  During MR, this is not the time to be too showy, or begin any new projects.  Put those things on the back burner – just until after April 23rd.  Try not to be stubborn, selfish or too headstrong for the next 3 weeks.  The problem is that 1’s want their own way when they want it, so you will need to find ways to show your leadership skills and individualistic side in a constructive and positive way. This is not the time to form new partnerships and by all means avoid all superficial relationships.

2 Life Path

The 2’s are normally the sensitive souls of the numerology universe — perceptive and intuitive.  During this 3 week MR cycle, try not to be too sensitive because you could find yourself wearing your heart on your sleeve only to your detriment.  Try to repress this natural instinct and stop being so hard on yourself.  You worry too much about what others think or fear gossip behind your back when these things may not be a reality and lives only in your imagination.  When you are put into this situation, you will sometimes try to use personal criticisms in a vindictive way or perhaps shut down entirely. Don’t! Use instead your personal inner personal strength in difficult situations and use the diplomatic skills to the max which are inherent of 2s.  Put your peacemaker hat on and negotiate intuitively — be extra loving, kind and patient.

3 Life Path Number

The thing with 3’s is that while they are the expressive communicators of the numerology universe and have so much creativity, they have a tendency to complain a lot and are not very tolerant in certain situations.  During MR, your best bet is to honor your self-expression and creativity while staying positive.  Watch those sarcastic remarks, which you are prone to when you become moody and depressed — you attract more bees with honey, not vinegar. Use instead the positive attributes of the 3 by uplifting not only others with your creative imagination, but yourself while in the process.  You don’t like to be cooped up so being confined too long does not work for you, because you need movement and then are able to do your most creative work. Also be mindful during MR not to scatter your energies and don’t isolate as is your tendency.

4 Life Path

While the 4’s in the numerology universe are disciplined, strong, stable and reliable sometimes they lack emotional empathy and can be downright unsympathetic. This reminds me of the Capricorn goat – pragmatic but cranky. During MR it is a good time to understand that not everyone works as hard as you with such tenacity, or is as disciplined and do not handle money as efficiently as you.  Please try to be less rigid and a little more flexible.  Your hard work and traditional values will still pay off — but only if you respect and are open to other perspectives.

5 Life Path

The wheels of the bus go round and round… and so do the 5’s of the universe.  5’s are so full of energy it’s hard to keep up with them.  Their favorite keyword is “freedom” and they do not like to be trapped.  However, if 5’s are going to survive MR, it’s a good time to rein it in just a tad and try staying put – just for a little bit.  A little respite won’t harm you at all and could put your relationship or partnerships in a more favorable light.  Change and freedom is a constant for the 5’s but the challenge is to learn to settle into one area this month.

6 Life Path

The 6’s of the numerology universe are possessed with both great compassion and love – they live to be of service to others.  However, during MR it’s a good time to find more balance and learn to give to yourself first. Your temptation is that you take on the burdens of others, but you must learn to feed your soul first and find sustenance from within.  When you are addicted to the process of becoming the port in the storm, you rob yourself of your own power.  Make your own spirit self available so that you can provide endless love and compassion.

7 Life Path

The 7’s in the numerology universe are endowed with spirituality and enlightenment – you have a lot to teach those in this arena. But what you need to work on during MR is not being down in the dumps, becoming discouraged and or becoming a hermit — you know who you are. Gain control of yourself when you want to hide out and show your true compassion and dedication to those who seek answers from you. You have so much psychic ability and it would be a waste to not be available for those who need answers.

8 Life Path

The 8’s in the numerology universe are those who are responsible, have strength and willpower and put so much effort into all they do.  But these strengths could be used against you during MR if something or someone can get inside your head and turn you around and confuse you.  This is when you lose your strength and power. When this happens, realize that you still don’t know everything and have much to learn and that these things are relative to the amount of knowledge you have in the bank.  Don’t forget the path to success and spiritual knowledge may require a different path to build upon your  inherent strength. This is true power.

9 Life Path

The 9’s of the numerology universe are humanitarians at heart — they like to help those who are in need and are deeply concerned about the world at large. Being helpful and generous are the virtues of the 9.  You must guard against being fickle and discontent during MR or you will not be able to live up to the standards of the 9 – which are many. Aspire to giving for the sake of giving without expecting things in return — this is the true hallmark of a humanitarian.