To consider the lessons of Mercury Retrograde in general, it's important to remember that this time is all about slowing down, going within ourselves, and resolving the past. Some people will keep to themselves and not make any life-changing decisions during this time, which is good advice. Others tend to get caught up in the energy of the cycle and let it get the best of them.
Be mindful that the past will come back to you in some way during this time. It's not to haunt you or make you feel terrible about where you are in life but is meant to help you reassess and heal so you can move forward. This is a good thing!
If you have unfinished business with an ex, they may re-emerge in your life, even if only to appear as a message in a dream or a memory that comes to mind. There's no need to worry or obsess about it. It may not mean anything other than to remind you of the past and what patterns are still relevant in the present.
You may find yourself reconnecting with old friends or maybe even estranged family members. Mercury Retrograde is an excellent time to reassess these relationships, but be careful in regards to communication. During this time, our ability to verbally express ourselves to one another is murky, and there's a chance we may have misunderstandings with each other. Don't fret! The key here is to go slow and be fully present. The more present you are, the less likely you are to have communication issues.
Let go of judgment.
It allows for excellent advice, but especially true during Mercury Retrograde. If you are open to reconnecting with people, especially a possible romantic partner, it is best not to engage with a sense of judgment. Allow the conversation to stand as it is without seeking further context. This also means to refrain from making any life-changing decisions regarding your love life. Keep your status at the status quo for now and consider all the possibilities.
Be in the moment.
Being mindful and present will help you with any challenges you may face during this time, even on Valentine's Day itself. Enjoy the day as it is and the time before and after. Things may not be at the pace you'd prefer, but use this time to do the soul searching you need to before any life-altering decisions are finalized.
Make a pros and cons list.
When in doubt of any communication's intentions, make a pros and cons list of what is the benefit or drawback of having an old flame back in your life. If in a relationship, you can also ask the question of the benefit or disadvantage of leaving the relationship or starting a new one. Mercury Retrograde helps us gain clarity about what we really want in our life, so it's a prime time to re-evaluate and journal our feelings. You may find the answer surprising once you begin to dig deep.