Three times a year for about three weeks, the planet Mercury goes retrograde so it looks like it's moving backwards-but it's just an illusion. This round of retrograding ends on July 2, so what's the deal?

"People who don't believe in astrology at all, the only thing they believe in is Mercury Retrograde. When you say that, people are like...Oh OK!" said Astrologer Eileen McCabe.

She's also the current President of the New York City Chapter of The National Council for Geocosmic Research, a non-profit that specializes in cosmic research and education.

Here's her planetary assessment:

1) Mercury is the planet of communication. Mercury (another name for Hermes the messenger god) linked people together by delivering messages. This period of time involves making connections.

2) But connections aren't happening as smoothly. You might miss a phone call, the bus or train. There are going to be some life glitches.

3) So it's not the time for commitment. Avoid getting married or signing a contract. There's a chance that things will change when Mercury goes direct again.

4) But it's a good time to catch up with the past. It's the time to see relatives or catch up with old friends. You will end up revisiting and reflecting on the past.

5) It all depends on your horoscope. You can't base everything on your Sun Sign (the one everyone knows based on birthdays). It may be going retrograde differently in the other parts of your horoscope.

6) Consult an astrologist to get your full chart.All of the other planets play a part in your life. If your Sun Sign is Sagittarius, it may be different for your Venus Sign--the planet of love. That explains why you get along with one Sagittarius but not another.

Tags: mercury retrograde