We can feel "VERY SPIRITUAL" when things are going easy and well. The real mastery of internal joy is when wellness/ peace/ joy is apparent even in difficult situations. Life has its cycles and definite ups and downs, but the master holds to the internal truths of love and the higher vibrations of human emotions, and is not taken on the roller coaster of emotions from exterior circumstances.
Choice and conscious awareness are the keys in everyday living. As we move forward in our spiritual awakening, those that pray or ask for connection, awareness, understanding, and help are given guidance in personal development. The ego must subside, and the true self that is radiant and whole must come to the forefront. When that happens, internal feelings of peace, joy, passion, optimism, gratefulness, reverence, appreciation, and thankfulness are continually broadcast. This is not an easy transformation, but it is the answer to the prayer for wholeness and connection. The keys are to practice and make a conscious decision to handle yourself differently.
Life offers moment by moment opportunities to practice. When Mercury goes retrograde we should always be aware that forces outside our selves do affect us and this is an important period. Learning how to handle these astrological influences is part of being conscious.
I am not an astrologer, but I do respect the heavens and the enormous masses that pull on my body daily because they are part of my world and existence. I know just enough to pay attention to some of the obvious influences like the moon and Mercury, the second closest planet to us.
Retrograde means backwards but there is no real backwards movement of Mercury. We see it as backwards from the Earth because of the combined movement of the Earth and Mercury around the Sun. The impact is very relevant astrologically when this happens.
Mercury rules over the mind's processes: studying, communication, businesses, travels, and the like. When Mercury goes retrograde, all these areas are affected as well.
Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations, and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. These problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information or component has gone astray or awry.
Knowing that these things are apt to be more present in your life allows you to be conscious and prepared.
I actually really love the retrograde times because I think of all the things that I like to do that seem like they are in alignment with the retrograde motion. Shamanically, you can journey to the planets and bring yourself in alignment with them. It is definitely a very good period for some actions. No time is completely bad for anything since there is a reason for everything that happens.
The key is the reversed direction of movement. Take any known Mercurian action, reverse its flow, consider the keywords "re-doing something," "double-checking," "finish the old projects" and there you are, you've found the good side of Mercury retrograde.
For instance, you may want to read again a book you particularly liked, a subject you studied before, meet and discuss with old friends you haven't met in a long time, and travel to places you've already visited.
This is an excellent time to work on old projects that were never finished. So, think about the things you started and never finalized. I personally use this time to clean out old files and papers that have piled up throughout the year.
The Mercury Retrograde period can be a rich time of reflection and this makes it a time for the soul to ponder its destiny. You might look over old journals, review your creative work, and muse on serendipities of the past that have pointed you toward your spirit's calling. The retrograde period becomes a time of solidifying a sense of your personal story and where you're headed.
Next, you might wish to prevent any bad things from happening to you. Double-check your agenda, call your business partners to confirm that everything goes as planned, have everything ready before the deadline, and leave some extra time for unexpected events. Make copies of your important files and documents; save your work more often.
Above all, be generous and compassionate. You are already aware of the influence of this period, but others may not be, or there may be uncontrollable events. Have more diligence with others and give them some more time. It'll actually be your mental health that you'll be sparing!
Enjoy retrograde time.
Source of info...
www.astrologycom.com/mercret.htmlhttp://astrology.about.com/od/advanceda... www.astrologyweekly.com/astrology-articles/mercury-retrograde.php
Jan Engels-Smith is a graduate of the Foundation of Shamanic Studies and has trained with individual shamans. She has had a thriving shamanic practice since 1994. She has performed over 3,000 soul retrievals and viewed as an expert in her field. She is an author, Shamanic Practitioner, Reiki Master, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Chemical Dependency Specialist, a Marriage and Family Counselor a Hypnotherapist and a Reconnection Healer.
Jan founded the LightSong School of Shamanic Studies, which has eight associate teachers and is the first of its kind to offer three accredited degrees in shamanism: Internship (IP), Licensed Master Practitioner (LMP) and Doctorate in Shamanism (ShD). You can learn more about these programs at http://www.lightsong.net.
Jan also conducts individual and group healing seminars for intensive personal growth.
Her training and experiences have been extensive both in the traditional philosophies and metaphysical traditions. Her personal philosophy is to assist individuals in gaining their own personal empowerment, which will in turn, promotes self healing, better communities and a healthier world.
Contact Jan at jan@lightsong.net or call 503-669-3013 (Portland, OR).
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