Aug 30 – Sep 22, 2016 (Fall Equinox)
Click here to learn about Mercury.
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. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.
Mercury turns retrograde 3-4 times a year, more frequently than any other planet. The last Mercury Retrograde was in Taurus this spring. Mind candy from EarthSky:
On Mercury … 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!
Mercury is: communication, the mind, travel, expression, technology. When Mercury is retrograde, these realms are particularly affected.
Expect delays, cancellations or sudden changes to travel/social plans; technological failures, especially concerning cell phones, laptops or automobiles; communication breakdown; disorganization; confusion; impaired decision-making; mysterious disappearances or lost/stolen items; malfunctioning of anything and everything! I do not recommend major purchases or signing important (read: any) contracts/documents. This is not a good time for long-distance travel, life-altering commitments or investments. *No need to suspend what is already in progress. Caution should extend only to new endeavors.*
You’ll notice subtle changes and energetic shifts up to 10 days before, during the “shadow period” (Aug 20-30). This 10-day escalation will help us gauge the weeks to follow.
I wrote about Mercury in Virgo as of July 30. Let’s combine topics and wax poetic on Mercury Retrograde in this mutable earth sign.
I’m writing to you from the northwest corner of Montana on a day when the Moon just happens to be sidling through Virgo, cozying up next to Mercury, Venus and Jupiter, all in Virgo as well. I’m getting a really nice read on Virgo’s influence - it’s busy and bubbling, like the bees who meander in wildflower splashes trickling these ruddy mountainsides. Mercury rules Virgo, so he is “at home” for this retrograde period, as we say in astrology. Mercury Retrograde in Virgo refines within and without by way of objective/productive critical thought. Virgo is a familiar whisper, softly yet distinctly suggesting her master plan to (re)instate regimented order. We must prune, sort and clear, then warmly welcome responsibility.
Retrograde periods return to that which has been ignored, forgotten or discarded, and here we return to basic, even mundane, work. Mercury Rx in Virgo sweeps the landscape and the floor beneath, attentive, perhaps to the point of neuroticism. From the explosive seed of analytical overdrive, criticism and self-consciousness sprout effortlessly. A hyperactive mind can quickly morph into a maelstrom. Mercury Rx in Virgo walks back to the car again and again, just to make sure - to put this back, triple check, cinch the strap tighter, wipe away a particle of dust, brush this, arrange that, set this here.
Meditate on the satisfaction of a job well done: a clean house, perfectly coordinated communication, all things in place, to-do list completed; this is Virgo’s bounty. By no means does Mercury Rx in Virgo condone the behavior of control freaks, but depending on your disposition, this may be the exact site of your wrestling match.
Mercury Rx in Virgo means trance-like surveillance. You’ll feel some long, silvery new antennae extend silently from the base of your stomach, but don’t be alarmed. The purpose of this exceptional perceptivity is not to bog you down with insane hypothetical tangents or petty thoughts.
If you need to, focus on letting go, letting go…let go, let go. Mercury in Virgo is best channelled through selfless service, so spend time giving back to keep life in perspective. You might feel a bit robotic, this is normal. Drone on, little bees, don’t stop.
Celebrate Mercury Retrograde with Virgo Yoga.
To determine your Mercury sign and whether he was direct or retrograde at the time of your birth, click here.
Mantra: change is good