What Goes Around Comes Around

Did anyone else notice things being “off” these past couple weeks? If you haven’t heard, Mercury is in retrograde. Now this isn’t just mumbo-jumbo stuff, folks. Ask around, my bet is your circle of people probably noticed it, too.

So what IS Mercury retrograde, really?

Three or four times a year, Mercury passes the earth in its orbit. As it rounds the bend, Mercury slows down and appears to stop (station) and spin backward (retrograde). Of course, it really isn’t moving backward, but much like two trains or cars passing each other, this creates the optical illusion that one (Mercury, in this case) is going backward.

It’s been a wild ride for one of my clients in the purchase of her home. For a few days, it seemed as if everything that could go wrong, did. From wonky repairs to scheduling snafus, we had our share of hoops to jump through. But thanks to constant communication and a clear sense of staying focused on the outcome, today, my client gets to move in to her beautiful new home! Take THAT, Mercury!

Here are a few tips to help manage the remaining few days of Mercury in retrograde (it’s up 8/18, but often astrologers predict “shadow events” that last a few weeks after the retrograde is complete… so stay strong, my friends):

Mercury retrograde do’s and don’ts.

DO…

1. Review all contracts and legal documents before signing. Especially in real estate!

2. Pause and breathe before speaking. (Repeat yourself if necessary!)

3. Read all emails and documents before you send.

4. Insure/track important mail and packages (Mercury rules the postal system).

5. Get your vehicles (or bikes) tuned up, pack an emergency roadside kit.

6. Leave early for any travel and appointments, since Mercury Rx can delay flights.

7. Renew your commitments instead of making new ones.

8. Focus on the prefix re-, which means to go backward (renew, review, revamp, redecorate, et al.)

9. Plan reunions with old friends & loved ones (but prepare for possible mishaps!)

10. Expect to hear from/run into people from your past at the weirdest moments.

11. Get sentimental. Reconnect with your roots, walk down memory lane.

12. Practice forgiveness. Finish processing what’s unresolved so you can let it go.

13. Confirm all dates, plans, meetings, appointments.

14. Think of the retrograde as a quarterly review period, a chance to pause and finish what you’ve started.

15. Back up your digital data (photos, contact lists, files) before the retrograde or ASAP if it’s started.

DON’T…

1. Buy new vehicles, electronic equipment or gadgets (unless they come with a good return/repair policy).

2. Sign contracts without a thorough review (delay until Mercury turns direct if you can).

3. Fly off the handle or jump to conclusions if someone misunderstands you.

4. Run into the arms/bed of an ex without careful screening (Mercury reunions aren’t always meant to last).

5. Shoot the messenger if someone from your past comes around.

6. Put anything sketchy into an email or text (you could hit “Reply All” or send to the wrong person!).

7. Leave late for flights or appointments.

8. Start anything new on top before finishing what’s ahead on the to-do list.

9. Lead people on, give mixed messages, or believe everything you hear (actions speak louder than words).

10. Spread rumors, rant on social media or share unconfirmed information.

The silver lining? Mercury retrograde is a great opportunity to handle unfinished business. Most of us start a million things that we don’t complete, never realizing how much psychic clutter this creates. The retrograde is like a quarterly review, a chance to tie up those loose ends and create a clear vision for the future. Take advantage of it, and you’ll emerge fresh and ready when Mercury goes direct. As the cliche goes, what you resist persists. So the more you can embrace chaos or a lack of control (and isn’t control an illusion, anyhow?), the better you’ll survive this cycle.

Till next time,

Gabrielle Enfield

Broker | OR

She/Her

Real estate can be a wild ride. It's important you find your wingperson.

At Working Magic Group, we understand the important decision of choosing an agent partner for buying or selling in Portland. It's a relationship for the long haul. The team's goal is to apply myriad experiences, both personally and professionally, to help guide client partners through a thoughtful, strategic, seamless and fun journey. Founded by top broker Gabrielle Enfield, Working Magic's goal is to bust down the stereotypes of who Realtors are and how they serve. We are full service brokers, in it for the long haul, and believe in the relationship imperative. We operate from a place of trust with people at the center. Without that, we can’t do our work. Need an understanding of where to start, when it comes to getting ready to sell? We'll put backgrounds in project management to work and let you know what needs to happen, complete with spreadsheets, if you're into it. We've got the magicians on speed dial to show up and get it done so you can hit the easy button. We treat each listing as a brand we're launching and create emotional and sensory experiences that stand out. Custom playlists, anyone? We've been told our open houses are the best in town. Looking to purchase a vacation property and need it to generate rental income? Expect sharp pencils to make sure the numbers make sense. We can even help with the interior design and advise how to set it up to make top dollar. Ready to downsize? We'll be with you on this important chapter and gently guide you to what stays and what goes. First-timer who needs a steady hand to help guide you through the real estate process? Mama Bear's got you covered, and we'll be sure to point out what you need to look for or stay away from. Moving to PDX and need a proxy to get to know Rose City? Gab's a Pac NW native, and even with all its growth and change, this place still gives her butterflies. Plus, her background in video production makes those remote FaceTime home tours a breeze. About Gabrielle Enfield, Founder, Working Magic at Living Room Realty: I grew up in Woodland, Washington, and live in the wooded hills of Bridlemile, where I'm raising my family. #boymom. Today I am the #1 agent at my brokerage - which is Portland's #1 real estate office - and consistently rank in the top 1% of more than 8,400 brokers in the Portland metro. I love what I do and it shows. Before real estate, my career spans two decades of expertise I'm fortunate enough to apply every day. These experiences range from being a TV news anchor (visual storyteller) to helping develop some of the world's beloved brands like Xbox and Dave's Killer Bread (strategy and engagement). I also helped launch Paul Allen's MoPop to a global stage; it combined two of my life loves: music + architecture. I was on the forefront of integrated media, crisis communications, digital productions and managed events and massive teams that delivered headline-making news. I was practically born to sell Real Estate: my Dad is a retired custom home designer and builder, my Uncle is an architect and my Grandpa was a Realtor and developer. I am an active listener, have a keen eye for "good bones", and solving my clients' real estate needs in a creative and often unexpected way brings me joy. In my spare time, I am raising my kiddos to be confident weirdos, championing my spouse Per who is an IP attorney at Nike, hitting the thrift store circuit as often as I can, and volunteering my time as a Broker Advisor at Living Room. In 2023 I launched Hi Buddy Hospitality Group, a burgeoning hostel and restaurant in NE Portland. I also am a member of Project Color Corps Portland Chapter, a national non-profit that collaborates with people to add color to their essential community spaces, creating beauty, belonging, and joy. Please give a call – I'd love to see what it would be like to partner with you. For a look inside my everyday life, be sure to follow along on Instagram. Let's Work Magic together. High fives!        

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• T: 503-388-2788
• gabrielle@livingroomre.com