What Goes Around Comes Around

Did anyone else notice things being “off” these past couple weeks? If you haven’t heard, Mercury is in retrograde. Now this isn’t just mumbo-jumbo stuff, folks. Ask around, my bet is your circle of people probably noticed it, too.

So what IS Mercury retrograde, really?

Three or four times a year, Mercury passes the earth in its orbit. As it rounds the bend, Mercury slows down and appears to stop (station) and spin backward (retrograde). Of course, it really isn’t moving backward, but much like two trains or cars passing each other, this creates the optical illusion that one (Mercury, in this case) is going backward.

It’s been a wild ride for one of my clients in the purchase of her home. For a few days, it seemed as if everything that could go wrong, did. From wonky repairs to scheduling snafus, we had our share of hoops to jump through. But thanks to constant communication and a clear sense of staying focused on the outcome, today, my client gets to move in to her beautiful new home! Take THAT, Mercury!

Here are a few tips to help manage the remaining few days of Mercury in retrograde (it’s up 8/18, but often astrologers predict “shadow events” that last a few weeks after the retrograde is complete… so stay strong, my friends):

Mercury retrograde do’s and don’ts.

DO…

1. Review all contracts and legal documents before signing. Especially in real estate!

2. Pause and breathe before speaking. (Repeat yourself if necessary!)

3. Read all emails and documents before you send.

4. Insure/track important mail and packages (Mercury rules the postal system).

5. Get your vehicles (or bikes) tuned up, pack an emergency roadside kit.

6. Leave early for any travel and appointments, since Mercury Rx can delay flights.

7. Renew your commitments instead of making new ones.

8. Focus on the prefix re-, which means to go backward (renew, review, revamp, redecorate, et al.)

9. Plan reunions with old friends & loved ones (but prepare for possible mishaps!)

10. Expect to hear from/run into people from your past at the weirdest moments.

11. Get sentimental. Reconnect with your roots, walk down memory lane.

12. Practice forgiveness. Finish processing what’s unresolved so you can let it go.

13. Confirm all dates, plans, meetings, appointments.

14. Think of the retrograde as a quarterly review period, a chance to pause and finish what you’ve started.

15. Back up your digital data (photos, contact lists, files) before the retrograde or ASAP if it’s started.

DON’T…

1. Buy new vehicles, electronic equipment or gadgets (unless they come with a good return/repair policy).

2. Sign contracts without a thorough review (delay until Mercury turns direct if you can).

3. Fly off the handle or jump to conclusions if someone misunderstands you.

4. Run into the arms/bed of an ex without careful screening (Mercury reunions aren’t always meant to last).

5. Shoot the messenger if someone from your past comes around.

6. Put anything sketchy into an email or text (you could hit “Reply All” or send to the wrong person!).

7. Leave late for flights or appointments.

8. Start anything new on top before finishing what’s ahead on the to-do list.

9. Lead people on, give mixed messages, or believe everything you hear (actions speak louder than words).

10. Spread rumors, rant on social media or share unconfirmed information.

The silver lining? Mercury retrograde is a great opportunity to handle unfinished business. Most of us start a million things that we don’t complete, never realizing how much psychic clutter this creates. The retrograde is like a quarterly review, a chance to tie up those loose ends and create a clear vision for the future. Take advantage of it, and you’ll emerge fresh and ready when Mercury goes direct. As the cliche goes, what you resist persists. So the more you can embrace chaos or a lack of control (and isn’t control an illusion, anyhow?), the better you’ll survive this cycle.

Till next time,

Gabrielle Enfield

Broker

After spending 20 years in marketing and communications – ranging from anchoring the local TV news to leading teams for some of the world’s beloved brands, including Xbox and Dave’s Killer Bread – I finally listened to the universe’s prompts to become a real estate broker. Since, I've consistently delivered results and happiness and according to my clients, a 5-star experience along the way. Working in real estate in one of the nation's hottest markets, I understand the important decision of choosing an agent. My goal is to apply my myriad experiences, both personally and professionally, to help guide my clients through a thoughtful, strategic, seamless and fun journey. Need staging help? I can do that. Looking to purchase a vacation property and need it to generate rental income? Roger. Are you a first-time buyer who needs a steady hand to help guide you through the real estate process? I've got you covered. Moving to PDX and need a proxy to get to know Rose City? Let's do this. I'm a PacNW native and proud resident of North Portland, where I'm raising my family. I was practically born with a tool belt on: my Dad is a retired custom designer and builder, my uncle is an architect and my Grandpa was a Realtor and developer. I am an active listener, have a keen eye for "good bones",  and solving my client's real estate needs in a creative and often unexpected way brings me joy. Plus, the lasting relationships formed are cherries on the sundae! Please give me a call - I'd love to see what it would be like to partner with you.

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• T: 503-388-2788
• gabrielle@livingroomre.com