With seven planets retrograde right now, including the infamous planet Mercury, it seems everyone has been atwitter about the effects they're feeling right now. 

But first of all, let's unpack what a retrograde is. When a planet goes retrograde, it means that from Earth it appears as if the other planet is moving backward. But in reality, it's not. 

The planets are moving just as they should in their regular orbits around the sun. Because of their seemingly backward momentum, the typical affects of these planets on our daily lives change. It doesn't, however, mean they are responsible for all of your problems. 

The retrogrades really come down to perspective. Sure, it looks like those planets are moving backward from our position on Earth. But from the Sun's perspective (or even an alien watching from above), every planet is moving exactly as it should within our solar system. 

So for one thing, yes, retrogrades can explain why your phone gave itself a factory reboot (ok, maybe this happened to me) after you held one button down a little too long. But it shouldn't be a scapegoat. 

As an empath who's been accused of being "too sensitive" her entire life, I understand that it doesn't take much to feel these planetary shifts because they can bring up a lot of complex feelings. What I've discovered is that you have to find a balance—allow yourself space for your feelings, and allow others the space for their feelings as well. 

Mars Retrograde has knocked some people for an emotional loop, and that planet doesn't go direct until August 27th. But instead of getting annoyed or angry or frustrated with people who are extra affected by this retrograde, change your perspective. Think about how the Sun would see this. 

Yes, it might appear as if a particular person is moving away from you or acting in strange ways you don't understand. But see the situation from beyond yourself. I believe The Universe doesn't make mistakes. This person is following their personal trajectory, just as you are following yours. These planetary shifts are shaking up everything right now, but everybody is on the right track for their personal path. 

Even if it's uncomfortable or awkward, they are on their path around the Sun, just as you are on yours. Their changes and backward movements will undoubtedly impact your life, but it's likely part of a shift that's necessary for your highest good. 

If you're feeling afraid of the changes going on around and within you, you can always have a chat with your spirit guides and angels. Ask them for protection, and ask that whatever happens in your life, that it be for your highest good and happens in a way that you can handle. 

All that being said, some of these retrogrades are coming to an end soon! Here's a handy guide telling when each planet will go direct (AKA look like it's moving the way it should).