On Planetary Alignment & Winter Hiking in Banff
Feeling really overwhelmed the last 2 weeks?
HERE IS WHY: We are approaching Mercury retrograde on 10/31 which will last until 11/20. More on that below, but first a story…
Picture this: You are walking an unknown path through the fog. Nothing is clear. Shit looks scary. You cannot see 10 feet ahead.
What can you do? STAY ON THE PATH! That’s all you should do at that moment. Eventually, the fog will lift and things come into view again. And you’ll realize, there was nothing to be anxious about. Just because you cannot see the light, doesn’t mean you won’t find it ahead.
See what this same scene looked like BEFORE and AFTER the whiteout cleared. This a hike my friend, Jarrod Tocci and I braved in Banff. We made it to the base of the Sentinel Pass, at about 8,500 feet elevation and in 10F weather.
So back to science/myth (you be the judge):
For those not familiar, Mercury Retrograde phenomena is the illusion that our neighboring planets appear to be traveling backward compared to the Earth’s orbit. That doesn’t actually happen, but something during these periods (3-4 times a year) always feels off energetically.
You’ve probably seen the memes! #MercuryRetrograde is associated with periods of confusion, delays, and frustration. Nothing seems to go right! Anxiety is through the roof. You are more agitated, snappy, unhappy, etc. It is recommended that you don’t make any big decisions or travel plans during this entire period, but if you do - use caution.
To add to that, as of October 11, Mercury is in Scorpio. What the hell does that mean, you ask: “While it's in Scorpio, communication will feel like it's being written in some kind of code. During this time we may all feel more paranoid than usual.” (Source: Allure.com)
Now, I do not really care for astrology. I had to look this shit up to even write about it. But what’s been constant for me are the energetic imbalances I feel every time Mercury enters retrograde. So I don’t know if I buy the whole cosmic bullshit, but being aware of these planetary alignments saves me a lot of nerve endings…
So what can we do: This is the time to practice patience with yourself.
Pay attention as the heat of anger rises in your body, and nip it before it explodes.
Add some extra “you-time” to your day - stretch, workout, read, talk to a good friend, spend time with people who fill your cup.
Enjoy your solitude too, especially if you are really feeling off on a particular day.
Watch your cravings - that’s a trap! You are in control.
But most of all, aspire to communicate your needs and listen to the needs of those who matter to you extra careful. These are usually the times when things BLOW UP beyond your control because of these otherworldly interferences.
To stay calm and collected: Meditation helps. Extra sleep helps. Journaling and writing your thoughts to help you process them helps too. Make a list of goals for the week ahead, so you don’t get sidetracked but these interdimensional nuances and end up blowing your roof off.
Here is another shot from the day, at the start of the trailhead, overlooking Lake Moraine.
