Astrology defines a planet in retrograde as appearing to move backwards through the zodiac. When a planet turns retrograde they do not actually stop their orbital rotation and begin to travel backwards, it just appears that way from an earthly perspective.
All the planets (except the Sun and Moon) actually go through retrograde cycles. During these times, the planets seem to impact life and mark predestined events with the planet's particular influence while in retrograde.
Mercury Retrograde
Mercury's retro periods have the nasty reputation of causing communication breakdowns, trouble with contracts, and crashing computers. Over the years, horoscope forecasts blame this trickster for everything from traffic jams and missed appointments to flight delays.
Each time a planet goes retro, the sign where in which it is traveling gives a key to the areas of life that will be brought to the forefront. For example, Mercury retrograde in Gemini (communication, writing, and speaking) asks to reflect upon a totally different area of life than Mercury retrograde in Scorpio (sexual intimacy, psychology and occult study). Often Mercury retro may also present unresolved issues from an earlier time if they have not dealt with correctly in the past. This allows one the wonderful opportunity to try again to resolve these challenges.
How Long Does Mercury Remain in Retrograde?
The Mercury retrograde period is typically seen as a 21-day cycle. The cycle begins when the planet seems to slow before appearing to travel backwards in the sky. The cycle ends when the planet returns to the point where it first paused. The effects can be felt a few days before and a few days after this cycle.
Mercury's energy is most powerful and influential when it makes a station, or appears to be motionless in the sky. This is the time when significant events of widespread magnitude are more likely to be initiated.
These stationary periods occur near the beginning of the cycle, when the planet first pauses before going backwards, and midway through the cycle, when the retrograde planet slows to a stop before moving forward again. The pause before moving forward is called direct station. It is this station that is said to the most powerful time during a planets retro cycle and should be used for maximum benefit.
Are There Any Positive Aspects When Mercury Turns Retrograde?
The benefits of Mercury retrograde are often overshadowed by the trickster’s reputation of confusing communication and directing machines to go haywire. If approached from the proper perspective, much can be learned during these times. As Mercury passes through each section of the zodiac, one can expect the influence of that sign to be the dominant aspect during the current period.
The air signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius require work in the areas of communication, relationships and politics. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, the Earth signs, teach lessons regarding money, material things, food and housing. Journeying back to childhood, the fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, reveal how to be more spontaneous, passionate and creative. When Mercury travels through the water signs, Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces, one is asked to study patterns, feelings and emotions in relationships. This is also a time highlighted for the study of psychic arts.
Mercury retrograde encourages everyone to take a break for a few short weeks and to meditate on the highlighted area of life. In return, this planet of reflection offers assistance, illuminating one's path and shedding light on areas where energy may be stuck or where work needs to be more diligent. During this time, individuals are nudged in the direction of their life’s purpose and highest good. This reflective time allows one to gather focus and direction making for a smoother journey in the upcoming months.
Mercury in Retrograde Schedule
Mercury will be retrograde in:
- Capricorn from December 26, 2009 through January 15, 2010
- Taurus from April 18, 2010 through May 12, 2010
- Virgo from August 21, 2010 through September 13, 2010
- Capricorn/Sagittarius from December 10, 2010 through December 30, 2010
- Aries from March 31, 2011 to April 23, 2011
- Virgo/Leo from August 3, 2011 to August 27, 2011
- Sagittarius from November 24, 2011 to December 14, 2011
When is Mercury Scheduled to turn Retrograde?
Mercury turns retrograde approximately every three months. This year, 2009, was unusual as this cycle began four times in the 12 month period. Mercury is not scheduled for another four-cycle year until 2016.
It is much easier to go with the flow of universal energy, than to stay fast on one's path and create resistance. The schedule below can be used to prepare for Mercury retrograde periods and use the influence of these periods for positive reflection.
Sources:
- Pythia Peay, Mercury Retrograde: It’s Myth & Meaning; NY, Penguin Group (2004)
- Mercury Retrograde 2009; http://www.universetoday.com/guide-to-space/mercury/mercury-retrograde-2009
- Mercury Retrograde in Capricorn; http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html
Katrina Rief-Derrico - Katrina has over 19 years experience in the housing industry and is forever the student. Holistic health and wellness is her passion.
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