It's not such a mystery once you realize it's that time again. Three times a year we enter a period known as Mercury Retrograde. This occurs when the planet Mercury appears to reverse its course through the cosmos (an illusion created by the earth's orbit). The second of these periods began on June 15 and it's not scheduled to end until Mercury goes direct on July 9.

Messenger of the gods
In Roman mythology, Mercury was the messenger of the gods. He was also quite the trickster, and it didn't take long for thieves to adopt him as their protector. It's no surprise then that when planet Mercury goes Retrograde, it can cause disruption, misunderstanding, poor communication and carelessness. Coupled with mishaps like missed appointments, travel snafus and lost documents, Mercury Retrograde seems like a perilous time indeed.

With a few key tips in mind, however, you can weather this little reversal of fortune (we won't say "without a problem" because it's trickster Mercury's way to trip you up when you least expect it) with a knowing smile.

Expect difficulty
It's common during Mercury Retrograde for something that would normally take five or ten minutes to take an hour because of an oversight or malfunction. Part of getting through this time is accepting that things will be more difficult than usual and will require some extra work. By accepting and preparing for this extra work, you will save yourself a great deal of frustration.

Small things matter
It's a lot easier to overlook small, but important details during this time, so pay close attention to the little things because that's where Mercury loves to trip you up!

Roll with the punches
Though it might feel like you're the universe's punching bag for the month, don't take it personally. If you begin talking to friends about what's been going on with you, you're sure to hear stories from them that bear all the hallmarks of Mercury's interference. We too often take the burden of the world on ourselves, forgetting there is a whole universe working its mojo. Sometimes it's really not about you!

Lay low and turn inward
Unless it's a matter of necessity, avoid programming a new phone or buying a new computer while Mercury is in Retrograde. You may even want to avoid making big decisions, like asking your crush out on a first date or buying a house. What Mercury Retrograde is best for is introspection. Instead of making big decisions, think about them. Allow yourself this time to get past the hurdles. Once Mercury goes direct, you too can move forward with your plans.

Laugh it off
As exasperating as Mercury Retrograde can be, there is an element of humor here. It's sometimes refreshing to find the universe messing with our mail, our minds and our methods. It reminds us of our own fallibility - the missed details, the errors - our own slapstick buffoonery that can make us smile like a child if we let it!