🌟Empower Yourself This Retrograde Season: Persephone’s Journey of Renewal 🌟
As we approach the upcoming Mars Retrograde (Dec 6, 2024 – Feb 23, 2025) and Mercury Retrograde (now - December 15, 2024), it’s natural to feel a bit uneasy. The internet and dare I say *over simplified* astrology apps have us in fear mode - we know sh*ts about to get f*kd up but we don’t know how or why. This kind of *getting in your head* snippets of information about Astrology on the internet annoy me. I’m here to provide practical widsom for navigating a Retrograde, as opposed to inducing fear. Hope you’re cool with that.
What if I told you there’s a way to work with these cosmic shifts—rather than fear them?
Let’s take a page from ancient mythology, specifically the story of Persephone, whose journey into the underworld offers profound wisdom on navigating difficult times and using them for growth and empowerment.
A Quick Overview of Persephone’s Myth
In Greek mythology, Persephone, the daughter of Demeter (goddess of the harvest), was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. Taken to his dark realm, Persephone spent part of each year in the depths, away from the light and life of the earth. This descent represents a deep, inward journey—an experience of transformation, self-reflection, and ultimately, renewal.
Every year, when Persephone returns to the earth, the seasons change, and spring blooms once more, symbolizing growth, vitality, and rebirth.
Moral of the story? Sometimes we have to turn inward and turn the outside world off in order to recharge, re-root to come out on the other side.
Mars & Mercury Retrograde: A Time for Inner Transformation of The Body & Mind
Just as Persephone’s descent into the underworld isn’t a punishment but a period of profound transformation, both Mars and Mercury Retrogrades (actually any Retrograde) serve as invitations to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. These retrogrades aren’t about stagnation; they’re about re-evaluation and reworking what’s been left in the dark or unresolved.
Mars Retrograde: Reclaim Your Will/Courage/Strength
Mars, the planet of action and assertion, is known for driving us forward with energy and determination. When it goes retrograde, the usual forceful drive we experience may feel dampened. Projects might stall, tempers may flare, and energy levels may fluctuate. But instead of seeing this as a time of frustration, think of it as Persephone’s time in the underworld—a pause for self-reflection and recalibration. This is an opportunity to revisit past actions, reassess your motivations, and realign with what truly empowers you.
Actionable Advice: Use Mars Rx to:
Reflect on where you've been overextending yourself or overcommitting.
Rework old projects or unfinished goals.
Set boundaries and assert yourself more consciously and effectively.
Engage in gentle movement rather than pushing yourself too hard physically.
Mercury Retrograde: Communicate with Clarity without Yourself & Others
Mercury, the planet of communication and thought, may cause confusion, delays, and misunderstandings during its retrograde periods. Technology may malfunction, travel plans might get disrupted, and important conversations could feel misaligned. But just like Persephone’s journey back to the surface, Mercury Retrograde is a time to go inward and reassess how we communicate with ourselves and others. It’s an opportunity to clear up misunderstandings and revisit unfinished business—whether through revisiting past conversations, reflecting on old decisions, or reviewing our communication habits.
Actionable Advice: Use Mercury Rx to:
Reflect on past miscommunications or conflicts that need resolution.
Revisit old projects or ideas that may need a second look.
Practice mindful communication and listen deeply—things may not be as they seem on the surface.
Reconnect with your intuition and trust your inner voice.
How Persephone’s Wisdom Can Empower You
Persephone’s myth teaches us that darkness isn’t to be feared. It’s a part of the cycle of life and growth. In the same way, retrogrades aren’t moments to dread, but times for introspection, healing, and transformation.
Here’s how to make the most of this Mars & Mercury Retrograde period:
Embrace the Pause: Just like Persephone, take this time to go inward. Reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re headed. Slow down and recharge your energy.
Revisit Old Goals and Projects: Retrogrades are an ideal time to revisit the past, reassess old plans, and see what needs adjustment. Just as Persephone's return is the rebirth of the earth, your work during this retrograde can help renew your goals and actions moving forward.
Focus on Reclamation: Use the energy of Mars Retrograde to reclaim your personal power. Nurture your body without moving too quickly. This retrograde is about reclaiming your energy.
Clear the Path for Clarity: Mercury Retrograde invites you to clear up matters of the mind. Is your desk a chaotic mess of sticky notes? Is your desktop filled with weird screen shots and unlabeled folders? Now is the time to clean and simplify so you can think more clearly.
Self-Care is important: Persephone’s time in the underworld reminds us that self-care and reflection are necessary for growth. Indulge in practices that nourish you, whether that’s journaling, meditating, or simply staring into the abyss.