Horoscopes and Psychology: The Effects of Mercury Retrograde
In astrology, Mercury Retrograde (Mercury Retrograde) is often portrayed as a challenging time, affecting areas such as communication, transportation, and technology. But this phenomenon is not unique; all planets experience retrograde motion. So why is only Mercury retrograde highlighted and associated with bad luck? Let’s explore the psychological and astronomical principles behind this.
During Mercury retrograde, people tend to blame this astronomical phenomenon for life’s troubles. From a psychological perspective, this may be a cognitive bias in which people tend to look for an external factor to explain their misfortune rather than delving deeper into the real cause. However, Mercury retrograde also provides an opportunity to reflect and reevaluate, prompting us to examine our lives and goals.
Astronomy explained: Why do planets go retrograde?
Retrograde motion is a visual phenomenon in which other planets appear to temporarily change direction in their orbits when we observe them from Earth. This is because the planets rotate around the sun at different speeds, and when the Earth passes a planet in an inner orbit, or is passed by a planet in an outer orbit, it creates the illusion of retrograde motion.
For example, Mercury goes retrograde every 116 days for 20 days, while Mars goes retrograde every 780 days for 72 days. These periods are determined by the planet’s revolution speed and its relative position to the Earth.
Mercury is the planet closest to the sun in the solar system. Its orbit around the sun is about 88 days, while the Earth takes 365 days to orbit the sun. Therefore, as viewed from Earth, Mercury goes through three to four retrograde cycles each year, each lasting about three weeks. When Mercury’s orbital speed exceeds Earth’s orbital speed for a certain period, Mercury appears to move backward in the sky as seen from Earth. This phenomenon usually occurs when Mercury is nearly aligned with the Sun as viewed from Earth.
Reputation of Mercury Retrograde: Why is Mercury Retrograde so “famous”?
Mercury retrograde gets a lot of attention because its cycles are short and frequent. Mercury goes retrograde every 116 days, lasting about 20 to 25 days each time. This means we experience a Mercury retrograde phase almost every three months. Because this frequency is consistent with the rhythm of modern society, Mercury retrograde has become a topic easily hyped by the media.
How to calculate Mercury retrograde time?
The calculation of Mercury’s retrograde time is based on astronomical principles, specifically the motion of Mercury relative to the Earth. Mercury is the planet closest to the sun in the solar system. Its orbit around the sun is about 88 days, while the Earth takes 365 days to orbit the sun. Therefore, as viewed from Earth, Mercury goes through three to four retrograde cycles each year, each lasting about three weeks.
Mercury retrograde, or Mercury retrograde, is a visual phenomenon in which Mercury appears to move backward in the sky when viewed from Earth when its orbital speed exceeds Earth’s orbital speed for a certain period. This phenomenon usually occurs when Mercury is nearly aligned with the Sun as viewed from Earth.
The specific steps to calculate Mercury retrograde time are as follows:
- Determine Mercury’s orbital position: Use astronomy software or an astronomical ephemeris to determine Mercury’s position in its orbit.
- Observe the angular relationship between Mercury and the Sun: When the angle between Mercury and the Sun (that is, the angle between the Sun-Earth-Mercury) reaches a certain value, Mercury begins to retrograde.
- Calculate the start and end times of retrograde: Calculate the specific dates and times when Mercury starts and ends retrograde through astronomical observation data.
- Consider the shadow period before and after retrograde: The shadow period of Mercury retrograde refers to the period when Mercury begins to slow down and accelerates after ending retrograde. This usually lasts about two weeks before and after retrograde.
In modern times, these calculations are usually performed by professional astronomers using sophisticated astronomical instruments and software. For ordinary people, you can obtain the time information of Mercury retrograde by consulting the astronomical almanac or related astronomical websites.
Leaving the Comfort Zone: Mercury Retrograde and Personal Growth
Mercury retrograde is not synonymous with doom, but rather a time that promotes change and personal growth. It reminds us to review our lives regularly, listen to our inner voice, and make necessary adjustments. Whether it’s work, relationships or personal health, they all deserve extra attention during this time.
Take Control of Your Destiny: Beyond Horoscopes
While the advice of horoscope experts can bring comfort to our lives, we should not rely too much on them. Real control lies in our own hands. Through self-reflection and a positive attitude towards life, we can rise above the influence of any external factors, including Mercury retrograde.
Conclusion
Overall, Mercury retrograde is an astronomical phenomenon that provides an opportunity for reflection and growth. By understanding the psychological and astronomical principles behind it, we can make better use of this period, rather than simply viewing it as a source of misfortune. Remember, no matter what the stars say, we have the power to create our own happiness.
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