Here we are on the cusp of another Mercury retrograde, a semi-regular event which tends to cause widespread panic – even among people who declare they don’t believe in astrology. Trickster Mercury, the planet of communication, siblings, neighbours, the internet, detail, short trips and brain functioning, will go retrograde from October 31 to November 20 – its third retrograde phase of 2019. No doubt you’ve already seen the (kinda funny) memes predicting chaos and destruction, and advising you that the entire Universe will be working against you (sigh).

A couple of years ago, I decided to break up with what I call ‘Mercury retrograde panic syndrome’, and I can report that my life has not been significantly impacted as a result. Given that Mercury goes retrograde three to four times every year, I can’t be bothered investing in the constant stress (ain’t nobody got time for that!). Frankly, I think we all need to chill about MRx. Despite what you might have heard, it truly doesn’t spell the end of social order, and can even be a good thing. Here’s why: