Oy! What a week! I had three interviews scheduled. On Tuesday I had to cancel (being rescheduled and will drop on August 20th), a Skype that canceled on me, and an interview that I wanted to do while I was on the road at the end of the week, that I decided to postpone. All of that is classic Mercury Retrograde. This is from the Farmer’s Almanac.
WHAT IS “MERCURY RETROGRADE”?
We are all influenced by the effect of Mercury in retrograde.
Due to the way our own orbit interacts with those of the other planets, they might sometimes appear to be traveling backward through the night sky with respect to the zodiac. This is, in fact, an illusion, which we call apparent retrograde motion.
Several times a year, it appears as if Mercury is going backwards. These times in particular were traditionally associated with confusions, delay, and frustration.
Perhaps Mercury’s retrograde periods can cause our plans to go awry. However, this is an excellent time to reflect on the past. It’s said that intuition is high during these periods, and coincidences can be extraordinary.
Better still check out the Astro Insight Podcast from Kathy Biehl. She will fill you in on all things Mercury and Mars (and several other planets) currently in retrograde.
That said, I was scrambling to get something out first thing Monday morning. So what you get this week is a Lesson of the Day, about over preparing to teach. I read an article in the Chronicle this week that got me thinking. It’s a great read by James Lang, and a reposting of a really fun interview with Jacob Sweet from the Old Town School of Folk Music.
Jacob and I talk about playing a gig in a chicken coop in Bermuda, drummer Kenny Aronoff, and the difference between conservatory music schools- Jacob went to DePaul University- and the Old Town School.
We really get into it about teaching styles, influences, and the “magic” of taking a class of beginning adult guitar players, and 80 minutes later having them play a song.
Listen here. Back next week with a brand new episode.
Teacher Man
