Did you ever have one of those dreams where you were trying to call someone and the telephone did not work? Well, the current Mercury retrograde energy is creating communication issues along those lines. How ironic that Mercury went retrograde on Valentine’s Day in the emotionally sensitive time of Pisces.

Communications within relationships may seem difficult or strained until the end of the month. You may notice people (including yourself) bickering or arguing more than usual. However, as irritating as Mercury retrograde can seem, it always brings blessings in disguise by allowing us to clear away anything that is out of integrity or steeped in lower energy.

This is also a wonderful time to practice the spiritual art of detachment with love. Many lightworkers experience stress when people around them are not happy, because the mission of lightworkers is to help bring peace. So you may take it personally if your loved one is not happy, and try to fix the situation for them.

Of course we are here to be thoughtful and loving beings. But sometimes, the most loving thing to do is nothing. In the unedited Urtext version of A Course in Miracles, Jesus explains that renowned spiritual healer Edgar Cayce erred by saying yes to everyone’s requests for his help. Jesus said that Cayce should have said No more often, and that Cayce hurt his body through overwork.

Jesus explained that he himself didn’t say yes to everyone, because he chose to treat himself with love. Instead of wearing out his body, Jesus went on frequent fasting and meditation retreats alone in nature.

Jesus said that Cayce was coming from his ego by never declining anyone’s request for help, because the ego believes that it’s special. Saying Yes without boundaries is an ego device built on the false belief that our help is special, so it is owed to the other person even if we are exhausted or busy. In contrast, saying No is treating yourself with love, and ultimately it has loving benefits for those around you.

This fits with Archangel Michael’s message that 2007 is a year for us to practice Lightening Up. Each year, Michael gives us a theme with divine assignments and 2007 is geared toward helping us to learn to detach with love. Joy is your highest level of energy, and when you are happy, you uplift those around you.

When we Lighten Up, we are more motivated to work on our priorities and life purpose, because tension can make us procrastinate out of fear of failure or success. Detach from the outcome of projects you are involved in, and don’t even think about the possibility of failure. (Your angels can help you to keep your thoughts uplifted). Instead just enjoy each present moment of engaging in your priorities and purpose.

Remember to call upon the angels for help with any stressful situation you encounter. The angels want to help you to feel peaceful, regardless of what is going on around you. Here is the angels’ guidance:

Don’t take other people’s angry words or actions personally. Know that they’re reacting to their internal anger, which has nothing to do with you.

Detach from all drama. Don’t get hooked into plots involving guilt, shame, or anger.

Call upon Archangel Gabriel to guide your communication

Call upon Archangel Raguel to maintain or rebuild harmony in relationships

Call upon Archangel Michael to protect you from harsh, competitive, or angry energies.

Take frequent breaks from work, especially if you are involved in stationary work such as sitting in front of a computer

Engage in daily physical exercise to increase feelings of relaxation and well being. Yoga is especially helpful right now.

Avoid mood altering chemicals

To benefit from the clearing energy of Mercury retrograde, use the affirmation: “I am willing to release that part of me that irritates me when I think of you.” The ego doesn’t own its shadows, so it projects them on to other people. This affirmation helps us to recognize and heal our shadow sides.

Bring your sense of humor with you whenever you are with other people. Laughter can rapidly uplift any situation.

And most importantly: cut yourself and others a lot of slack right now. Have compassion for everyone, because we are all feeling extra sensitive right now.