Does your ex suddenly show up? Do you struggle to concentrate? Are the logistics more difficult than usual? Then you can thank the small planet Mercury. Maybe. In any case, many people on social media believe so. Three to four times a year, the platforms overflow with warnings, and now it’s happening again. Mercury is in retrograde. Many users post advice and experiences during the periods around Mercury in retrograde. Photo: TIKTOK Users come up with tips on how to handle the demanding period. What must you do, how do you best get out of it, and not least, what must you avoid at all costs. Signing contracts or getting together with someone between August 4th and 28th should be out of the question for anyone. At the same time, others use the opportunity to hang those who blame Mercury when life sucks. Do you think Mercury influences your life? Definitely, I notice it! Absolutely not, superstition. Maybe something is playing a role? Show result So what exactly is Mercury in retrograde? It can be translated as “Mercury moves backwards”. Astronomer at Solobservatoriet Vegard Lundby Rekaa says this is about the fact that the planet Mercury during this period looks like it is changing direction. – It is an illusion because we see the planet from a globe that is constantly in motion. It becomes very strong because we have no experience that we are the ones moving, he says to news. Astronomer Vegard Lundby Rekaa says that is not all that science can explain. Photo: Privat Since the time it takes the earth to go around the sun, and the time it takes for Mercury is different, it will appear at times that the planet is going in the opposite direction. A bit like when you are sitting in a speeding car, and it looks like the car next to you is driving backwards. Understand the fascination But is there any scientific evidence that this optical illusion can also affect us on earth? Lundby Rekaa is skeptical. – When you ask me as a physicist, I can’t see a single mechanism that suggests there should be any connection. Because the Earth and Mercury move at different speeds and paths, it will periodically look like Mercury is moving in the opposite direction. “S” is the Sun, “M” is Mercury and “E” is the EarthYOUTUBE/James O’Donoghue (CC 3.0) Still, the astronomer can understand that people are fascinated by astrology. – I have no difficulty in understanding that people allow themselves to be inspired and let their lives be guided in one way or another by things that happen in the sky. Without that needing to mean that science and astrology have a connection. Mercury Mercury is the innermost and smallest planet in the solar system. It is only slightly larger than the moon, and like Venus, Earth and Mars is a rocky planet. The planet is gray in color and covered in craters, thus resembling the Moon in appearance. Since Mercury is so close to the Sun, we can only see it in the sky just after sunset or just before sunrise. Source: Great Norwegian Lexicon Shall influence communication Spiritual guide Alma Skolmen says the planet Mercury symbolizes communication, intellect, technology, travel and everything from information exchange. – When it looks like Mercury suddenly goes the other way, we believe in astrology that it disturbs these areas, she says to news. She acknowledges that it affects credibility that Mercury in retrograde is only an illusion. – I would say that it affects the theory, but for me it is mostly about what I experience. As long as it agrees with my experiences, I don’t throw it away even if I don’t fully understand what’s behind it. Skolmen has almost 10,000 followers on TikTok. She gives them spiritual advice through her channel. Photo: Ragnhild Marie Kjosbakken / news P3 So what can one experience according to astrology? Skolmen points to technical problems and misunderstandings, particularly through messages and e-mails. – Since Mercury is retrograde, it is also a lot about things from the past coming up. This is where the already mentioned ex comes into the picture. Skolmen says she has received a message from her. – Being tested Photographer Malin Westermann is among those who believe she notices changes when Mercury is in retrograde. She has been interested in astrology since she was ten years old and has two astrology apps that she visits daily. – It’s strange, but I feel everything happens when it’s retrograde, that it just becomes complete chaos. But it will happen, the purpose of it is for something to be cleared up. Westermann believes that we in the West have become afraid of what has no scientific evidence. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news This round of retrograde has not been so intense, according to Westermann. She says she is in a positive period and that Mercury rather reinforces this. But around her, she sees that more people are affected negatively. – They are tested. It is the relational part in particular where communication is tested. And communication with oneself. Finding strength and self-confidence. Westermann’s aunt introduced her to astrology when she was 10 years old. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news Although Westermann seems to have gotten away cheaply, for now, she is extra careful these weeks. – I try to be much more careful in traffic and not walk with my phone. I’m also generally a bit of a forgetful person, so I’m extra careful about writing things down. She also makes sure to always double check that the messages she sends go to the right person. Westermann visits astrology apps daily which, among other things, tell how the day will be. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news Nevertheless, she is conscious of not letting herself be ruled by astrology. – It is a very important question to ask. How much should one be influenced by it? But it’s probably more of a compass than anything else, like religion and other beliefs. Skeptical of the strategy Psychologist Lisa Maiken Nordsveen understands well that many people want to find meaning, especially when life feels incomprehensible and chaotic. – In that sense, this satisfies a very understandable and fundamental human existential need. Psychologist Lisa Maiken Nordsveen believes astrology has become so popular because it says something specific about people’s lives and personality. Photo: Privat Nordsveen says research also shows that those who believe in something outside themselves experience increased joy and meaning. – On the other hand, not taking responsibility is a stupid strategy in the long run. This robs you of autonomy and thus the opportunity to change direction or make important changes in life. The psychologist therefore warns against following all the advice that appears on social media in connection with Mercury in retrograde. – Astrology is not an evidence-based theory and is considered superstition. In sum, I would recommend people to take responsibility for their own lives rather than look to the stars. – Must have a bit of self-irony Although Skolmen is also more observant during retrograde, she pointed out among other things that doing interviews is not optimal, she agrees that life should not only be lived through the stars. Skolmen uses angel cards as part of his spiritual guidance. Photo: RAGNHILD MARIE KJOSBAKKEN / news P3 – Critics think you blame the planet when life gets a little rough? – Everyone in the spiritual world must have a bit of self-irony that it is something we do. I don’t think it’s an excuse, but it can feel like an explanation. So I don’t think that a hundred percent think that my life is falling apart and it’s only because of this planet. Published 14.08.2024, at 21.29
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What does it mean that Mercury is in retrograde
