Not really sure if this qualifies as a Friday Fact but I do know that I have been personally affected by Mercury in retrograde- unbeknownst to me at the time until I had a friend explain all the craziness I experienced last December as a retrograde issue. Never was one to believe much in astrology til then.
Normally, the planet Mercury has three retrograde periods in a year. This year, we are lucky enough (insert sarcasm here) to have four periods of retrograde- two of them are in my birth sign which I believe intensifies the effect. Mercury usually follows an orbital pattern the same as the earth but periodically, it appears to be moving backwards (all planets do this)- this is called retrograde. Mercury is the planet that governs thinking and perception as well as communication. Mercury rules people who work in these kinds of fields- perfect for me (NOT) as a lawyer as well as a writer.
When Mercury is in retrograde miscommunications and misunderstandings occur. There are also issues with electronic devices such as phones and computers. It’s not good to make big decisions when Mercury is retrograde due to these confusions. When Mercury is forward moving, our minds are clearer and more focused.
This time around Mercury is retrograde from August 20 to Sept 12. The last time was in April/May and boy, did some wonky things happen then. I had to call in security to my hearings at the courthouse twice. People were wacky and irate. It seemed no one was listening to anyone else. It was a rough time. I tried to blame it on the moon phase but as soon as I heard about Mercury back in retrograde, I remembered the December chaos and knew that was the problem.
Don’t know about you, but I’m gonna be extra sure I communicate clearly – think before I speak- between now and September 12. AND I plan to stick close to the U.S. Marshal Service when I’m at the courthouse- this time around, they have more cameras on me!
See my May 11 post: https://jillianchantal.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/mercury-in-retrograde/
For more info: http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html#TOP
Mercury in retrograde
Jillian Chantal 
Communicating clearly is always a good thing. Thanks for letting us know this is happening again so we can be extra careful. Love Friday Facts, I never know what I’m going to learn.
By: Darlene on August 20, 2010
at 6:24 am
Hi! Okay, so thanks to you leaving a comment about joining my blog party, I found your blog and your post re Mercury Retrograde today. I wrote about the same thing. It IS a fact and I think it’s important for people to know why things might not go as smoothly as they like the next several weeks, no matter how hard they try!
(Oh, and I did get your comment, btw. sorry my system was giving you grief about leaving one! you are added to the guest list on the sidebar now! THX for wanting to be a part of the party! =)
By: Courtney Mroch on August 20, 2010
at 8:49 am
Thanks for visiting. AND yep- I learned that Mercury in Retrograde is real- I’m doing my level best to keep on a even keel this time around. Can’t wait for the Halloween party- I love Halloween! Will check back to your site often!
By: sfcatty on August 20, 2010
at 9:02 am