Mercury retrograde is when Mercury appears in its orbit to be moving away from you here on Earth, and this happens about 3-4 times a year for about 3 weeks each time. The rest of the time it appears to be coming toward Earth. We're in Mercury retrograde right now until it ends on May 11.
Here is a decent summary I found to help you understand what Nathan Elkana was referring to:
"In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation. By extension, Mercury rules people who work in these areas, especially those who work with their minds or their wits: writers and orators, commentators and critics, gossips and spin doctors, teachers, travellers, tricksters and thieves.
Mercury retrograde gives rise to personal misunderstandings; flawed, disrupted, or delayed communications, negotiations and trade; glitches and breakdowns with phones, computers, cars, buses, and trains. And all of these problems usually arise because some crucial piece of information, or component, has gone astray or awry.
It is not exactly wise to make important decisions while Mercury is retrograde, since it is likely that such decisions will be clouded by misinformation, poor communication and careless thinking. Mercury is all about mental clarity and the power of the mind, so when Mercury is retrograde these intellectual characteristics tend to be less acute than usual, as the critical faculties are dimmed. Make sure you pay attention to the small print!
Go to Top The Key Issue
The key issue here is one of focus. Mercury's retro phase tends to bring unforeseen changes and blockages, but the aggravation and frustration that many of us experience during these periods is often due to our own inability to roll with the punches. "
(from
http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html )
Personally, I don't buy it. All that crap happens all the time, not just when Mercury is retrograde. And since Geoff Grey-Cobb didn't mention it in the NAP book, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.
On a related note, I am working up a Mercury ritual for business, commerce, and prosperity. Mercury seems particularly auspicious for me, because my sign (Gemini) is ruled by Mercury, and on top of that Mercury was in the sign of Gemini on my birthday. If I make good progress with it I'll share it with you. If you want to look up where Mercury was at in your sign and read up what it supposedly indicates, here is one place to check. The Mercury in Gemini description really is a lot like me.
http://www.cafeastrology.com/articles/m ... signs.html