.MERCURY AND HIS RETROGRADE

Astrology has many classifications for the nature and descriptions of the seven primary planets.  The descriptions of the nature of the planets are useful in helping one discern how a planet may be operating in an individual natal chart.  In addition to how a planet functions in a natal chart each planet has its own unique influence on the outer activities of the mundane world.

Mercury, while considered a benefic, can also be viewed as one of our more neutral planets due to the fact that Mercury tends to take on the qualities of whatever sign he is in and can easily be overpowered by the planets that are in relationship with him.  Mercury is never more than forty-eight degrees from the Sun and moves at a similar motion to the Sun. Generally Mercury will stay in one sign for approximately thirty days.  There are times when Mercury will stay in a constellation for longer than thirty days and generally his longer stay will be due to his apparent retrograde motion.

The nature of Mercury’s energy is quick, intellectual and nervous or spontaneous.  People with a strong Mercury can be intelligent, witty, nervous, changeable,  as well as detached and objective.  Mercury influences the nervous system, lungs, hands, speech, intelligence and is often strong in the charts of teachers, technicians, sales representatives, writers and jobs related to office work, communications and computers.  On an outer level Mercury relates to computers, telecommunications, short distance travel, schools, media as well as our communication with other people, both personal and professional.

Mercury is not known for strong physical strength or steadiness and endurance.  It is noteworthy that Mercury has rulership of many of the features that life is dependent upon for survival in today’s modern world.  As we race through life it is often apparent that the somewhat delicate nature of Mercury is under assault and many are suffering from the result of the stress. 

Because Mercury moves so quickly the negative events of a poorly placed Mercury transit can be of short duration.  Most often the problems caused by transit Mercury can be handled simply by slowing down long enough to gain a calm perspective to whatever the problem Mercury has thrown in one’s path.  Unless one has a poorly placed Mercury in her natal chart the day to day wanderings of this fast moving planet will be taken care of within a short amount of time especially if a bit of attention is given to one’s physical and mental stress. 

There is one situation in which Mercury can cause a bit more trouble and this is known as “Mercury retrograde.”  This is a three week time period in which Mercury appears to be in retrograde motion and he will spend more time in one or two signs than usual.  During these three weeks which occur approximately every four months we can anticipate a higher amount of Mercury type problems.  Computer and technological delays or glitches are possible.  Missed appointments and delays will be apparent as will the tendency towards clerical errors and accounting mistakes.  It is not the best time for the signing of contracts and if contracts need to be signed close attention needs to be paid to each and every detail.  As Mercury is the ruler of the objective mind and communication it will be a time in which the truth may take a back seat in daily communication.  For those of us who tend to more emotional than objective be advised that emotions will be running higher during this transit.  People who are the proud parents or teachers of teenagers can expect less, not more, mental balance.  It is not a good time to try and settle important issues with our loved ones.  On a general level we will all experience stress and even anxiety due to not only the general influence that Mercury has on our nervous system but also due to the fact that he is assigned rulership of many of the features of modern day society. 

We always have a choice as to how to react to situations that come into our lives and those choices even include how we can respond to a planetary placement.  I was taught that all planets and placements are good for something.  It stands to reason that if Mercury goes retrograde approximately every four months there must be something in the frequency of this movement that is good for us.  What I have learned through years of watching and moving through Mercury retrogrades is that these time periods offer us the opportunity for a cosmic “mini-vacation.”

Mercury can be fast-moving and energetic but at the times of his retrograde motion our available energy seems to be less.  With less energy available it becomes easier to rest and participate in stress reduction activities such as yoga, meditation, reading or slow walks in nature.  Delays are a given during Mercury retrograde times and rather than choose to grow impatient with the delays it is more positive to have a good book or good music available while waiting through the delay.  Mercury retrograde can also be a good time for reflection as well as healing modalities for the nervous.

On a mundane level it is best to be careful about all contracts or other detailed orientated tasks - checking one’s work before signing or releasing it during a Mercury retrograde can improve the chances of trouble free projects.  Unexpected events happen to all of us but if one has a choice it is best to not shop for things like computers or cars during these three weeks.  A little foresight and planning can allow one to take advantage of the Mercury retrograde times by being able to participate in the cosmic mini-vacations. 

FOR THE REST OF 2010 MERCURY WILL BE RETROGRADE DURING THE FOLLOWING:  AUGUST 20 - SEPTEMBER 13 AND DECEMBER 10 - 30th.