A more balanced look at Mercury Retrograde, at last. Most Western Astrology filters look at the energy going inward as a result of Mercury going retrograde and as a result, things going wrong.

Jyotish Astrology from the Vedic tradition of India looks at retrogrades differently than the west. Since during retrograde motion a planet - in this case Mercury - is as close to Earth as it will get in its orbit around the Sun means the energies of said planet are likely to be more intense.

You have correctly named the challenges we may choose to confront if we wish to be change agents in our own life and in others' lives too.

1. "Cooling our tempers" is good any time of year and good practice for the intensity of Mercury Retrograde.

2 and 3. If you find you're too attached and run by tech allow the attributes of Mercury to help you co-create a wider frame and of course exercise patience. A good practice for a lifetime.

4. Any negotiations, commerce and legal docs deserve detailed attention always.

5 and 6. Practicing patience, relaxation and stress tolerance/reduction is a good idea year round... Forgiveness may happen in an instant and take a life time of layers to get through before that instance is available.

Thanks for a balanced piece. Thanks for not demonizing / blaming Mercury Retrograde.

Namaste.