January 8 - 25, 2016
Click here to learn about Mercury.
Mercury turns retrograde 3-4 times a year, more frequently than any other planet. From EarthSky:
On Mercury, for example, the Sun sometimes moves in retrograde! As the planet speeds through its closest approach with the sun, its orbital speed overtakes its rotational speed. An astronaut on the surface would see the sun partially rise, then dip back below the horizon, then rise again before resuming its east-to-west trek across the sky. Once a year, Mercury gets two sunrises on the same day!
To be very clear, planets in retrograde are not actually spinning backwards – it is entirely an optical illusion as seen from Earth. Backwards motion appears to happen when Earth passes slower moving planets in the outer solar system. Click here to learn more about retrograde. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Mercury is concerned with communication and mental activity. Think travel, transportation, negotiation, bargaining, personal expression, technology, writing. When Mercury is retrograde, these realms are therefore particularly affected. There is no need to suspend work or projects that are already in progress. Mercury Rx only applies to new endeavors.
Significant changes begin cropping up about 10 days before during the “shadow period” (starting today, Saturday, Dec 26). This shadow period is a trial run, an opportunity to gauge what’s ahead. We will now finish that which has been forgotten or ignored. I always do great work during this cycle. Be on the lookout for delays, cancellations, sudden changes to travel or social plans; technological failures, especially with cell phones, laptops or anything connected to the Internet; communication breakdowns; disorganization, confusion and impaired decision-making; objects mysteriously disappeared or lost/stolen; general breaking, quitting, falling apart or malfunctioning for no apparent reason!
I do not recommend making major purchases or signing significant (read: any) contracts/documents during this time. This is not a good time to make life-altering commitments or investments such as houses, cars or vacations. Despite all of this, I see Mercury Rx cycles as lovely reminders of what’s good in life. It may be difficult to express to others how and what you’re feeling, so it helps to have an outlet such as a journal for your thoughts.
We’ve discussed Mercury in Capricorn as of December 9. Let’s combine topics and wax poetic on the nature of Mercury Retrograde in this cardinal earth sign. There will also be four days of Mercury Retrograde in Aquarius directly preceding this cycle.
Mercury in Capricorn broaches issues of masculinity, perhaps directly with male figures. The purpose of this retrograde cycle is resolution to any communication barriers in this realm. For those who embody strong masculine energy, this may be a time of honest self-reflection. And even for those with mostly feminine energy - we all have a responsibility to acknowledge, incorporate and enact the highest expression of the Divine Masculine. Mercury Rx in Capricorn asks whether we’ve harnessed this power for the greatest good.
I’m struggling, especially right now in the middle of this transit, to integrate yin and yang. I am often tempted to channel all masculine energy in my psyche as pure anger, but this is neither fair nor healthy. Part of my own journey is obviously learning enough about the other half of Existence to love and appreciate it in the way that I do the Divine Feminine. In particular this retrograde cycle examines father, male partner or authority figure relationships. Capricorn’s mantra is I use, and with Mercury the Communicator here, we tend towards ultra pragmatic language, no frills, no sentiment. This is where we see an imbalanced portrayal of masculinity as cold, ruthless, concerned only with applicability - what can others do for me? Let’s just say that if there are conversations that need to happen, they may not be very warm and fuzzy. We’ll have no problem getting our point across with a delivery that’s curt and business-like.
In the public sphere I think we’ll see conservative politicians making especially painful gaffes about women’s rights and/or work-related topics as Capricorn also rules careers, reputation, prestige, status and success. Or maybe it will happen right at your own dinner table! Mercury Rx in Capricorn is a mini exhibition of what we’re seeing daily on a global scale with Pluto in Capricorn. I think we can all agree that there is a serious imbalance between feminine and masculine energy on our planet and has been for millennia. Remember that any change happening in your personal life in this respect is a reflection of a current worldwide shift, a return to the worship of Shakti. May you be as calm as you are strong. Peace to you.
To determine your Mercury sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here. It is interesting to note that, if you were indeed born with Mercury Rx, you may not notice the effects above as strongly, if at all.
Mantra: change is good