An ‘upaya’ for mercury retrograde
In the spirit of ho-o-pono pono
Definition:
upaya (ooh-pie-yuh) Is a Sanskrit word for planetary ‘remedy’, as is a puja, offering prayers, foods, flowers, wearing certain gemstones or colors in honor of a planet. An upaya is a remedial measure in this context for mercury retrograde. An upaya is a vehicle in which to create a direct relationship with a planet, to align with the specific planetary energy (in now time, in the direction it is moving).
ho-o-pon- pono Hawaiian, to make ‘right’, to make amends, ultimately to be in ‘right relationship’.
Why:
One of the best times to learn about communication is when mercury is retrograde. When a planet is in retrograde motion, the energy of the planet is not moving outward, it is moving centripetally, inward. That is the time to reflect on the specific energy of the planet, the lessons contained there within. Ergo, contrary to popular belief, Mercury is not the scapegoat for everything that goes wrong during this time. In fact, we can make great strides in our inner world as Mercury asks us to reflect and internalize the important lessons. One theme in Ayurvedic medicine and Vedic Astrology is to align ourselves with the ‘energy’, moving in the same direction. Here, on Kauai surfers do the same thing.
Simply by attending you are declaring your willingness to learn, practice and self reflect, thus aligning yourself with beneficial Mercury energies.
The practice:
The practice is learning and practicing Communication skills. To learn and practice, the art of noticing, distinguishing and liberating certain habitual ways of communication. When we come together, our sankalpa (sacred intention) is a commitment to be practice partners, in the way we listen and speak, even for just one class, or the several. A social meditation where the container is the crucible for us to ruminate on our modus communication.
- Listen: Practice listening to what someone says, and interpreting how they might feel. This is where we put ourselves in the other person’s felt experience and do our best to understand how they feel the way they feel. We avoid spending time formulating what we are going to say, we truly take in what they say. Then pause and take a conscious breath after they finish. Let there be space.
- Practice active listening; recapitulate what they told you, and ask if that is correct.
- Say, tell me more, then listen.
In conclusion, Mercury wants clear communication, articulation, and flexible thinking. He governs: education, language, writing, logic, and understanding. He represents modes of communication, which is why people blame all sorts of communication breakdowns on him. The best use of mercury retrograde is to be involved in those activities or activities, which involve using those inner faculties just mentioned. In my humble opinion, I think it is a perfect time to: journal, catch up on your inner work, learn, practice and teach communication skills (like I am doing here), learn a new language, teach something, do your mantra, articulate your messages clearly, enunciate your words, etc. Mercury is not our scapegoat. Mercury retrograde is an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
With warm aloha,
Darci
