Retrograde

At work earlier this week, Susan, a colleague of mine, warned me to back up my hard drive because of Mercury retrograde. I nodded obligingly, stating "Yeah, it's been a while since I've backed up! I should do that". I don't really take astrology very seriously, so I still haven't gotten around to backing up.

This morning, Brandon signed on to MSN, and his name alluded to a serious computer hardware failure. Upon further investigation, I learned that his brand new Seagate hard drive had failed. It would boot, albeit with that damned depressing ticking noise. After 4 or 5 minutes, the computer would crash and the drive would konk out.

Coincidence? Maybe. Eerie? YOU BET.

Being the curious type, I investigated and found this: http://medicinegarden.com/astrology/merc_retro_030206.html

Mercury Retrograde occurs about 3 times a year, during the period in which Mercury overtakes the Earth in our eternal race around the sun. If we were giants and could stand atop the earth, peering out across the landscape of our solar system during Mercury Retrograde, it would appear as though Earth were traveling backwards with respect to Mercury. Sure it's an illusion, but illusions are fun, aren't they?

Are we to believe that, while our planet goes about its business, another big rock traveling through space zings past us three times a year, slamming a shockwave of space gasses and dust (and maybe a bit of karma) into our atmosphere, causing massive data loss, lack of self-confidence, failed business practices, and accounts for all of those socks that I've lost in the dryer?

Finally, an explanation that adds up. I leave you with a poem:

MERCURY RETROGRADE
by Linda Anderson

When the telephone rings, but nobody's there,
It's Mercury Retrograde in the air!
When you're stuck at the airport, your flight's been delayed,
You're waiting with Mercury Retrograde!
When you can't communicate, everyone's in a trance,
That's Mercury Retrograde doing its dance!
When you can't get on-line to talk or to trade,
You're dealing with Mercury Retrograde!
When the folks you work with can't get along,
That's Mercury Retrograde singing its song!
When the TV's on and the screen starts to fade,
Just remember it's Mercury Retrograde!

But, when you're late for a meeting, you don't need to fret,
With Mercury Retrograde, no one's there yet!
When the mail doesn't come, there's no bills to be paid,
Shout hooray for Mercury Retrograde!
When the car keys get lost, you can't go anywhere,
Just stay home and read in your plush easy chair.
Eat lots of cookies, and drink lemonade,
And toast your friend Mercury Retrograde!

There's no point in striving to keep up the pace
When Mercury Retrograde gets in the race.
Take time to relax, and your nerves won't be frayed
These three weeks when Mercury goes Retrograde!