Business Astrology 101—Part 1

Know Your Auspicious Times

By Barbara Schermer

Apply these simple principles yourself. Consult your astrologer for more complex strategies.

Principle #1: Mercury Retrograde.

Starting your own business? Astrology can make the critical difference between one that starts off with momentum and one that limps along. There are clearly auspicious astrological times and difficult challenging ones. Knowing when to begin gives you your best chance of success.

For instance, you need to know about Mercury retrograde periods. Three times a year for a period of three weeks the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards against the backdrop of the zodiac. In 2011 these times are: March 30–April 23, August 2–August 26 and November 24–December 13.
Especially notice two of these time periods in 2011. March is spring in the Northern Hemisphere and traditionally the time of new beginnings and fresh starts. If you plan to open your business or launch new initiatives in March, do so before March 30.

Also notice that, in August, Mercury is retrograde most of month. This is problematic. August is vacation month in most of the world. Few want to think about business or are even in the office. Rather, people are thinking of the beach, the cottage and the family vacation. So making sales calls, lining up important meetings, or getting matters settled does not happen easily. It is in September that the psychological change takes place – the season changes, kids go back to school, and the routines of "getting down to business" happen. Do not begin critical business initiatives this August.

Succinctly, Mercury is associated with communications (marketing, branding and PR), negotiations, contracts, trading, commerce, products and sales. When Mercury is retrograde there is a much higher chance of wasted efforts, misinterpretations, and very slow forward progress.

For example, in my hometown of Chicago, I notice "Grand Opening" announcements (signs or print advertising) especially for restaurants. Then I pay attention to how long they last. More restaurants that open Under Mercury retrograde, closed within a year. Those that survived likely had capital reserves that allowed them to hold out.

Mercury Retrograde is the first astrological cycle I teach to my business clients. When they pay attention, most learn to see this pattern operating in their lives within two Mercury retrograde cycles. Here are some common examples — marketing campaigns launched then are a waste of money—embarrassing typos in print materials occur, or meetings with the decision-maker are delayed or canceled, or they just say, “No.” Why doom yourself to more hard work or disappointment than necessary.

For more, see my Mercury Retrograde article. There you will find all of the Mercury retrograde periods through 2015. Mark them on your calendar to keep you aware. This is the first astrological principle you should know for giving you the best chance to launch a successful business.

Also, look here for a truly funny Mercury Retrograde story: Read about my friend Pat’s dinner party in Greece, and its hilarious outcome.

Part 2 of Business Astrology 101 will be posted soon. Or read the complete article now.